I knew the exercises would not stay as easy as they were in the first three sessions of PT. I was the only patient there, so everything was low key. This time there were two therapists and four patients, as well as the receptionist. The stories and laughter bounced off the walls. My body was fine, but my face ached from smiling and laughing for a full hour.

My therapist grew up in this area and has the gift of story-telling. He told of waking up in the morning and not being comfortable in bed. He shifted a bit and wondered what he was lying on. Finally he rolled over and reached behind him. It was a dead rat!!! The dog must have brought it in and put it in bed with him as he slept. I already knew he lived on a farm in a remote area, but this was almost beyond belief. The receptionist said if that had happened to her, she would have burned the bed – sheets, mattress, and all.