Dani’s Story: Thank you, Dr. “T”

It was difficult for all three of us, but especially hard for Mom and me. Among other things, Mom’s blood pressure skyrocketed due to toxemia. I entered the room, bruised and weak.

The hospital forgot to call our pediatrician. After a split-second on my mom’s stomach I was handed over to nurses and an unknown pediatrician we refer to as Doctor Gloom. Our pediatrician, Dr. T, was nowhere to be seen. While nurses attended to Mom and me, Doctor Gloom advised my dad to call family and cleric before I drew my last breath.

Instead, Dad phoned Dr. T’s office  and pleaded with the exchange voice on the other end of the  line. Within two minutes Dr. T entered the room and took charge. He was at the hospital doing rounds all the while, and wasn’t one bit happy with the lack of notification. He assured Dad that he would do his best, but the outcome was up to me.

Mom was hospitalized for seven days, and I was discharged one week later.

Following Dr. T’s orders, a radio became a permanent fixture in my room. I was to be exposed to language,  music, and conversation 24-7. When my parents weren’t reading to me or talking to me, the radio was on.

Dr. T diagnosed me with cerebral palsy at 18 months.  Special education services began immediately. At 28 months, I was introduced to AFOs, walkers, and my first hot pink wheel chair.

And thanks to Dr. T’s advice, I was talking with close to impeccable grammar in complete sentences.

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