Shelia has been on a long journey to this moment. She had been hospitalized after becomming very ill and had to be placed on life support. After recovering, she joined our community and indicates she was not optimistic about her future. With tears in her eyes, Shelia states, “When I first came here, I couldn’t stand up by myself. I couldn’t walk. I was scared because I didn’t know where I was. I was ready to die.”
After months of therapy services including participating in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology, Shelia’s physical abilities and mental attitude have improved significantly. Shelia is now walking independently, she has quit smoking after smoking for 45 years, and is feeling confident and proud of her progress. “I am looking forward to my life now. I can walk, go to the bathroom by myself, shower myself, bowl on the Wii,” she asserts. “I am most proud of my new found self-esteem, will-power, and discipline that I didn’t have before.”
As Shelia prepares to return home, she reflects, “I want to thank the therapists and nurses who kept me going strong. Y’all have done nothing but great things for me. Because of y’all, I can do things I never thought I’d do again.”
Shelia has been a blessing to our family here at SHC Monteagle and we are so proud of her hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.