Understanding Is Large Even For The Very Young

 

 "Emily's hospital" that is how her older sister,then 17 month old Ellie knew of Children's Hospital.

Every time a spot came on television about the hospital or someone would ask her that was what her response would be...

During Emily first few months of life, after she was discharged from Abbotsford Regional Hospital, where she was a transfer from BC Children's at 4 days old and thereafter when she was given a discharge from Abbotsford Regional at 12 days old, we would make trips four/five times a week back to Children's; a 70 km one way trip or 85 minutes in good traffic.
Living in what is know as the "Fraser Valley" and only one "real" highway, Highway One, we opted for the earliest appointments, which meant we had to leave before, sometimes 6 am.
Emily's appointment eventually slowed down, when, after they had more clarity as to her medical conditions.  This was at about 12 to 18 months of age.
Or, just a little over one year ago.
However in saying so, we couldn't have done without the intervention of the Fraser Valley Development Center, as they have hooked her up with so many additional services; Sunny Hill's vision clinic never mind all the therapy Emily has had from the center.   She began her therapeutic journey at 4/5 months of age and it continues today.

This, was June 2012, when Emily received her first walker.
With Emily's never ceasing enthusiasm, it took her a while to get the hang of things, with her legs getting stronger by the day and however long it would take her to master the small walker, a good 4 months of push, straining and getting her feet to do the same. she too had to focus on the task at hand by wearing her prescription glasses, but because of her eye condition due to her hydrocephalus, wearing her glasses she found more of a bother as they just helped her eyes from going cross.
In saying so, Ellie now just over 4 years has a greater knowledge of someone her age with a sister with multiple challanges