Saturday evening, my husband, Adam, had just buckled Lauren into the car to meet her brother at a birthday party, as I prepared to leave for the UW-Madison Occupational Therapy graduation banquet. Spur-of-the-moment, I asked Lauren if she’d want to come with me, to thank the OTs for helping Gio’s Garden and to tell them what OT means to our family.
She thought about it long and hard … and then screamed “YES! I want to meet all the OTs, and thank them!”
I reminded her she was choosing a graduation banquet over a birthday party, but she was adamant and determined to meet them.
I told her she could come up with me to accept the $400 donation the students were making to Gio’s Garden, and she spent the entire car ride telling me all the things she likes about the OTs who have worked with her, how they have helped her reach her goals, how much she likes the types of therapy they do together, and a million other things. She was so excited!
When we arrived at the banquet, Lauren announced she wanted to speak to the crowd, and the OTs didn’t bat an eye. When it was time, we went up to the microphone together, and she did most of the talking. Afterward, the OTs gave her a rose, making her feel like such a special little lady.
To me, this was OTs doing what OTs do best: quickly assessing a situation, identifying the most supportive and beneficial way of meeting a patient’s needs, and creatively working with the patient so all aspects of the person are supported.
–Sandy Tierney
Gio’s Garden Board President
