![]() Three weeks ago, my father had a lacunar stroke, a type that affected the entire left side of his body. Overnight, he lost the ability to walk, control his left arm and leg, and perform the basic tasks of daily living we often take for granted. His independence, something so deeply tied to his identity, was stripped away in an instant. But in some ways, we’ve been lucky. While his mobility has been severely impacted, his cognitive function and speech are still mostly intact. Currently, he’s undergoing intensive rehabilitation at Kaiser in Vallejo, CA. I’ve spent a lot of time at that facility, and let me tell you—it’s unlike any medical environment I’ve experienced. They run this place like clockwork, with a diligent schedule almost like a summer camp including every activity imaginable, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more. There’s a kind of upbeat, “we’ve got this” attitude that infects everyone in the place. The goal is singular and clear: get patients home. That mission helps to drive patients to return to their lives with as much normalcy as possible. For my dad, getting home means regaining his independence, a concept that goes far beyond just walking again. It’s about having the freedom to root for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday from his favorite chair. It’s about watching the birds that visit his backyard feeder. It’s the quiet moments, the little things, that make up the fabric of his life. All of this is what makes the grueling work of rehab worthwhile for him. Every step he re-learns, every moment he spends trying to move his left side again, is one tiny victory toward that bigger goal—freedom.
It’s been eye-opening to see how much the role of his mindset has played in his recovery. It reminds us all that rehabilitation isn’t just about getting out of pain or restoring mobility; it’s about restoring someone’s life, identity, and sense of self. Seeing my dad struggle through each therapy session while keeping his spirits up has been inspiring. I realized something during this journey—a person’s motivation to regain their independence is a lot like what I talk about with my clients at Milestones Movement Therapy: finding your “why.” In my dad’s case, his “why” is crystal clear. His purpose is to reclaim his independence. To return to a life he loves, a family he loves, and keep enjoying the things that make life meaningful for him. Watching him go through this has given me fresh insight into the power of having a strong “why” when tackling physical limitations, pain, or movement issues. With many of my clients, the challenges may not always seems as severe as stroke rehab, but the core idea remains the same. Whether you’re recovering from injury or chronic pain, it’s easy to lose sight of the progress when you hit a roadblock or when the pain starts to subside. The initial urgency fades, and with it, the motivation to keep working on what was helping. But when you connect to something bigger—a deeper purpose like my dad’s—it can reignite that drive. So I challenge you to think about your own why. Why do you want to move better, feel less pain, or regain control over your body? Is it to return to the activities you love, to play with your kids, or simply to live without the fear of pain limiting your freedom? Find that reason, hold onto it, and let it fuel your journey. At Milestones, we’re here to help you connect with that purpose. We’re here to support you through the challenging steps of movement change. It’s hard work, but with a clear why, that work becomes meaningful. And that, more than anything, is what keeps us moving forward. Here’s to independence, progress, and purpose. Miles
6 Comments
Amy Seropian
10/8/2024 07:32:39 pm
We are so sorry to hear about your dad Miles. We remember your dad and your mom from Fairfield. Please send your family best wishes and we hope for a full recovery for your dad.
Reply
Jean Kridl
10/8/2024 08:10:12 pm
What a moving, thoughtful description of your dad’s journey. Great to have a son like you (and Evan) in your Dad and Mom’s corner. Go team Gorder!
Reply
Carolyn chamberlain
10/9/2024 07:31:57 am
Thanks for this and best wishes for full recovery for your father.
Reply
Diana
10/9/2024 03:34:54 pm
Very sorry to hear. Sending your family healing vibes and well wishes for a speedy recovery.
Reply
joanne
10/9/2024 07:35:04 pm
Such a touching synopsis Miles and a great perspective. Thanks for sharing and for keeping us on the journey. Sending good wishes to dad and your family!
Reply
10/11/2024 12:53:49 pm
Your dad is a remarkable human and feel quite confident he will back home enjoying all of the things he loves. He is motivated and has an amazing team supporting him. I am quite sure he is proud of you Miles...I know I am.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMiles G. CMT, CPT, FMS Miles is a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Functional Movement Trainer (CPT) and owner of Milestones Movement Therapy in Davis CA. Miles and his team specialize in taking clients from pain to peak performance.
Archives
October 2024
Categories |