The Spica Chair/Desk

Victory! Introducing David's latest invention . . . The Spica Chair/Desk! "Thank you, Daddy!" Joy squeals. Because of the fact that Joy's position is so reclined, it has been difficult for her to sit up enough to comfortably eat, color, do crafts, etc. (basically all of the things that give her some independence and occupy her time). One of Joy's favorite phrases is "Joy by yourself." Just so you know . . . she can do it by herself! So, the wheels have been spinning in our minds for the past week . . . how can we remedy this situation? Well, we believe that our ever faithful God gave my handyman husband the idea and the tools to get the job done! With a little creativity and ingenuity, this is what emerged:

The chair is narrow, short, and padded to fit the cast and accomodate the bar. To make sure she doesn't fall out, we secure her with a strong, velcro, wrap around belt from Home Depot. The desk then slides in and out. Joy can now sit upright and "do it by herself". The smile on her face simply makes our hearts sing! A common phrase for the past week has been, "Sit up more, please." Poor baby just wants to be able to feed herself and focus on her arts and crafts which, by the way, include much gluing! Gluing, a favorite pastime, has been difficult and a bit messy to say the least. So, Joy, glue to your heart's content! (With a little help from big sis, Mia!)

 

 

It may seem like a small thing, but it is actually huge. Living with a spica cast is all about finding the small (or big) things that make the practical things doable. Joy can now feed herself, create her works of art, color, do playdoh and more all with the help of this invention.

 

We have turned a corner! Of course there are limitations when a body is immobile. However, we are finding new ways of doing things. It is actually starting to feel "normal". Joy seems to have fully accepted her situation, and her joyful spirit is shining through!

 

 

 

 

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!" Psalm 126:3