Day 6
Therapy in Santiago

Here starts our second week here. We did some exploring over the weekend and went to the heart of Santiago...the Mercado Central, which is their central marketplace for fresh fish, poultry and bakery. It was very busy down there, and we tried to fit in with the chileans. We had the chance to sit down and have a great lunch of Chilean Seafood. Not sure what it is about us, but all people do is stare at us. Gee, could it be our height, because we tower over most of the population or maybe Austin's chair/stroller, they have never seen anything like it. Not to sure what it is, but I would really like to learn spanish, just to ask them what they find so fascinating about the three of us. We went through the Meropolitan Cathedral, and what a beautiful church it is. We thanked God for all the progress Austin is making and has made over he past two years since finding Cuevas Medek Therapy. Then came Monday, back to therapy. First session was another good one. Ramon is working with Austin now so that Austin initiates the steps more on his own than with the help of Ramon, so he used a "soft touch" rather than a stronger hold and remarkably, Austin did very well.

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Day 5
Therapy in Santiago

Finally, Austin is remembering Ramon and the great therapy that he instills in his brain. It took Austin till about Wednesday, late, to get back into the therapy mode with Ramon. Ramon said that is very common with these children. Austin's sitting is NOT a setback, it is an evolution according to Ramon. He is more aware of his possibilities now. That is AWESOME news. We love that the possibilites are endless with Austin. Austin had a excellente day with therapy. What a great way to end the week.

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Day 4
Therapy in Santiago

Well from Wednesday night to Thursday morning, there were 4 earthquakes here in Santiago. We actually only felt one of them at about 8 am in the morning. We were sitting on the couch and we turned to the door of the apartment because it sounded as if someone was trying to get in, then the building shook a little and then he felt like we were swaying back and forth, kinda like in a boat. Probably only lasted about 1 1/2 minutes, if that long. It is really hard to keep time when something like that happens, especially being our first real experience with one. So, off we went to therapy then. It was a normal day like usual. Guess around here that is part of everyday life. Thursday was Austin's first full day of therapy that he was feeling secure, trusting in Ramon and allowing him to pass the message of the exercise. Ramon made a discovery today. To give Austin's body a better sense of security, Ramon would put his forehead pressed up against Austin's back when Austin had the desire to sit, by doing so, Ramon said that this "recharges the energy between him and Austin". It worked, Austin would then go from a half sitting position to standing nice and tall. Ramon never gives up, and 9 out 10 times gets Austin to respond in a positive way to his exercises. Ramon's brain is in constant creative mode, and that is what makes him a one of a kind therapist.

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Day 3
Therapy in Santiago

Well, as I sit here writing about Austin's day, I just found out that there was a 5.7 eartquake in Valprasio, Chile, which is 80 or 90 miles away from us. Luckily we felt nothing. We were in the therapy office with Austin. Thank goodness. If I would have felt that, I think I would have been in panic mode. So, on to Austin and the reason we are here. Austin was determined this morning to play the sitting game with Ramon during therapy, luckily a quarter of the way through he had a change of heart. Ramon was able to connect with Austin and his mind and has now figured out a key to working with Austin. He figured out how to handle Austin's insecurities and how fast he can change movements with Austin to make him feel comfortable and enjoy being in an upright position. I knew Ramon was Austin's miracle. Austin just needs to figure that out! The afternoon was a great session and I was actually able to video tape some of it and I will post tomorrow. Buenas Noches!