This week, we saw a shift in energy and mood, and it was a refreshing change. The pain and discomfort, as always, remained present, but there were moments of pure joy and connection that stood out—moments where the focus shifted away from pain and onto play.

One of the most remarkable parts of this week was how much our son thrived while playing games like Guess Who and That Sounds Game. For a change, his focus wasn’t on the pain he was experiencing, but on the fun and challenge of the games. It was a breakthrough moment—one where he seemed to truly come alive, full of energy, participation, and leadership. He not only played these games with enthusiasm but also took a leading role, which is something that doesn’t always come easily when pain or frustration is in the picture.

The therapists were just as excited as we were, watching him engage with such energy. They noted how actively involved he was, taking charge in the games, laughing, and focusing completely on the fun. It was as if the games themselves were a kind of therapy—helping him connect, not just to the world around him, but to the parts of himself that can sometimes feel hidden under the weight of pain.

Even more remarkable was the fact that during these activities, he hardly mentioned anything about his pain. It wasn’t that it disappeared, but for the first time in a while, it didn’t dominate his thoughts. There was no need for extra breaks, no feeling overwhelmed by discomfort—just a child fully immersed in the present moment. He was engaged, enjoying himself, and showing us all that even amidst the ongoing challenges, there are pockets of joy and strength.

This shift in focus was a welcomed relief. Pain has been a constant companion, but it wasn’t the center of his world during those games. The therapists saw a side of him that was energetic, active, and in command of his experience. It’s moments like these that give us hope and remind us that even in the hardest times, there are still moments of light to hold onto.

The week was also filled with other activities that helped balance fun with necessary therapeutic work. He spent time with therapists playing Coup, which seemed to spark his competitive spirit and offer opportunities for both focus and laughter. A treadmill session was planned, but it was swapped for a round of ladder ball, a game he really enjoys, and it turned out to be just the right fit for the day. He was full of enthusiasm for the game and even said it was “a lot of fun.”

There was also a special moment with one of his therapists, where they had an absolute blast engaging in light-hearted lightsaber fights with pool noodles. While it was playful, it was also a chance to talk about moderation in movement. It's important not to overdo it and wipe him out, which can easily happen when the excitement takes over. This reminder helped us balance fun and self-care in a way that worked for him.

Even with all these activities, Sam was able to remain engaged and energetic, taking part in everything from a family Zoom meeting, to Jenga, to Guess Who—staying active and participating the whole time. In the process, he demonstrated a wonderful level of resilience, showing that even when things feel overwhelming, there are still moments where he can shine, engage, and lead in his own way.

As the week came to an end, we were left reflecting on how crucial it is to allow space for fun, for connection, and for simply being present in the moment. When given the opportunity, he can shine in ways that remind us all of his incredible resilience. Yes, there are still challenges ahead, but the small victories—like a game of Guess Who—show us that there is more to this journey than just the pain.

Final Thoughts

Healing and growth aren’t just about managing pain; they’re about finding the joy that can exist alongside it. It’s about discovering those moments where we can be fully present and engaged, even when life feels heavy. If you’re facing something similar, take heart in the moments where you see progress—not just in the absence of pain, but in the fullness of life. And remember, sometimes the greatest healing happens not through medicine, but through laughter and connection.