Learning to Walk

We take our ability to walk for granted because most of us start walking when we are very young.  For Taisei, he never got a chance to walk on his own because he was injured when he was only 10 months old.  But with his tenaciousness and hard work, Taisei is slowly learning to walk.  At his physical therapy, he is strapped into this high tech machine called Lokomat where he is able to walk on his own aided by robotic apparatus attached to his legs.  Advancement in robotic technology in recent years has given people with disabilities a chance to experience walking.  What we love the most about this exercise is that we are able to see a big smile on Taisei's face as he casually strolls along the treadmill.  Walking probably gives him a sense of freedom and control which he loves.  We have no doubt that Taisei will be able to walk on his own someday...just like Forrest Gump.  We will be yelling "Go Taisei! Go!" when that day comes.

Thank You！

We just wanted to thank everybody for supporting Taisei!  Our hearts are filled with your kind words and we are sincerely grateful for your donations.  We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends around the world.  We started Taisei's blog to record his journey and hopefully provide encouragements to other parents who face similar challenges in life.  What we've learned is that children possess amazing potentials and their unwavering will to live life to its fullest gives us hope every day.  Thank you for reading Taisei's blog and being part of his journey.  All aboard!

  

Fun Day

Although Taisei has his challenges, we try to raise Taisei as a normal boy.  We think its important for him to enjoy all that life has to offer.  We had a really fun time at Mission Bay in San Diego where we had some fun under the sun.  Here is Taisei with his cousins!

Day at the Park

Taisei loves walking in his gait trainer (walker) especially when we take him to his favorite park.   He loves the freedom of being able to move on his own!

Right after his injury he had no control of his body. His neck, trunk , arms, hands, and feet were all "floppy" and weak. The left side of his body was very cold from poor blood circulation.  He even needed a neck cuff to hold his head up at that time.  I still remember one of his physical therapists telling us that he may never be able to hold his head up like a normal child agin. But look at him now!!  He is so much stronger!! 

These pictures were taken a while ago so he is even stronger now.  I am very proud of him for how far he has come.  He is a little red engine that could!  Bythe way,  his little sister (Hana) is trying to help too.  Good job Hana. :)