Just Plain Dirty

We received a call from Custom Mobility today. They are the medical equipment people. They advised that United denied our claim for a gait trainer for the second time. Custom even called United to explain why my gait trainer is necessary and they would not change their decision. Once informed, my father immediately had a stress attack and checked himself into the hospital despite them. Just kidding. He's fine people!

The technical and boring part is that after the second denial, Custom goes to what is known as "last resort" funding, through the state, with the denial letter from United. How about appealing again, you ask? Well, from their experience, a third appeal to United would involve an outside director, chosen by United, reviewing our file and who will most likely concur with rejecting our claim. Basically, it's no use.

Meanwhile, I will continue to wait and waste more time NOT learning to walk. My parents will continue to physically lift me, stand me, hold my legs apart to stance, and encourage my legs to lift and step, alternating, all while trying to keep me from falling and continue my forward movement. When their age advances, so will their arthritis. Thanks United.

In other dirt news, I commando crawled on the grass today, ultimately reaching the dirt in our backyard. I dug my fingers into it, grabbed a handful, then ate it. The flavor and texture did not satisfy me, as I began to cry. I consequently needed a washing, which made me smile and cry some more. I like the water and slashing part, not so much the wiping.

At speech, I continue to impress Ms. Amy. She shows me flashcards every week. While showing me a "clock" card today, I immediately located the clock in the room, pointed and started to say "cla". I had never seen this card before and it was a surprise learning that I knew about the clock in the room. Sometimes she doesn't say what is on the card and I already know what it is. I know the baby, dog, apple, cat, telephone and toothbrush. Whenever possible, I even mimic the sound it makes. When I say super, you say smart. Super!