Leslee's Journey

Add a three-year-old to Christmas and suddenly everything is brighter, louder, stickier, funnier, and filled with more magic. I’m exhausted. I’m grateful. I’m happy. And apparently smashing plates on purpose is now a family ritual.

My first outpatient PT session with Dan was a mix of reality checks, wobbly moments, surprising strengths, and a big reminder that healing is rarely a straight line. From speed tests to balance challenges to a very chaotic trip through a Christmas-crowded store, I learned a lot about where I am, what still needs work, and what determination really feels like. Progress may be slow—but it’s happening, and I’m not backing down.

The first week home has been a whirlwind of emotions — two ugly cries, one petite purple walker, countless acts of love, and more laughter than I expected this early in recovery. From grapevine “stage practice” that made me look like a tipsy lounge singer, to neighbors delivering food, to Dave installing a bathtub handle so I can soak the way I love, every day has brought a mix of pain, exhaustion, humility, progress, and deep gratitude. Healing is messy and beautiful all at once, and this week reminded me that recovery isn’t about doing it gracefully — it’s about doing it together.

Recovery—real recovery—doesn’t happen in a straight line, and it certainly doesn’t happen alone. In the weeks since my spinal cord injury, I’ve learned that healing is shaped as much by the people around you and the mindset you carry as it is by medicine and therapy. Whether your setback comes from illness, accident, or life simply blindsiding you on an otherwise normal Tuesday, the road back can feel overwhelming.

Today I’m sharing the three things that made the biggest difference in my own recovery so far: the support system that held me up (sometimes literally), the mindset that kept me grounded when fear tried to take over, and the healthy habits that gave my body a fighting chance. My circumstances may not match yours exactly—but I hope these insights offer perspective, encouragement, and maybe even a small spark of strength for whatever challenge you’re facing.

Discover what early neuro rehabilitation truly involves—PT, OT, safety rules, equipment, daily living skills, and the challenges of limited insurance coverage. A candid, hopeful look at rebuilding mobility and independence.

A week in the ICU changes you. What began as a simple procedure turned into seven days of wires, monitors, painful unknowns, and the kind of gratitude that rewires your heart. In this honest recap, we share what actually happened, the nurses who carried us, the tests that guided our care, and the lessons every family should know walking into an ICU stay. From comfort hacks to emotional survival tips, here’s what helped us make it through—and what we hope helps you, too.