Week 8 - One Chapter Ends, A New Chapter Begins
When we arrived at Re+Active PT, the staff greeted us with excitement and open arms. Sam brought a container filled with pens, bookmarks, styluses, keychains, and wine stoppers he had made. He gathered several members of the team and invited each of them to pick something as a thank-you gift. Their smiles and appreciation made Sam so proud. Being back at Re+Active was bittersweet — full of gratitude for how far we’ve come, and excitement for what lies ahead.
Our first appointment was with occupational therapy. We spent time catching up, sharing updates about how things had been going since our last visit. When asked what he wanted to do for his final session, Sam chose a card game called Rainbow Pirates — one they had enjoyed together before. While playing, Sam also proudly shared more about his growing business. He explained how making pens started as a form of art therapy to help him through difficult times, and how it had evolved into a real passion.
Sam created his own company called Sammy’s Pens, made a Facebook page, and even designed a business card with a QR code linking to it. The therapist was genuinely excited for him and said they planned to share Sam’s card with the owner of Re+Active. Seeing how far Sam had come — from using pen making as a personal outlet to now proudly running a small business — was a powerful reminder of everything Re+Active helped him achieve.
After a short break, we returned for our second and final appointment of the day: physical therapy. We caught up briefly, then the therapist introduced a new game Sam had seen on their Instagram page called Hand Speed Challenge. Sam lit up with excitement and immediately jumped into playing, laughing and smiling throughout. After several rounds, they switched things up with a scavenger hunt game using cards that prompted players to find objects like “something silky” or “something green.”
Because it was late in the day and most appointments were over, a few other team members joined the fun. At one point, six people were running around playing alongside Sam. The laughter and positive energy filled the room. Later, after some well-earned rest, we wrapped up the session with a few more rounds of the scavenger hunt, just enjoying the moment and everything it represented — strength, growth, and happiness.
As the day came to a close, we gathered to express our deep appreciation to the Re+Active team. Words could barely capture how thankful we are for everything they have done for Sam. To celebrate his accomplishments, the staff presented Sam with a graduation certificate for completing his program. They also took a group photo with just Sam and the Re+Active team — a beautiful moment to honor how far he has come.
This may mark the end of Sam’s initial program, but it’s far from the end of our connection with Re+Active. We are excited to stay part of the Re+Active family, continuing therapy sessions as we are able, and visiting often. Their kindness, expertise, and support have changed our lives — and we know this is only the beginning of many more great things to come.
If you or someone you love could benefit from the type of care and community Re+Active offers, we can’t recommend them enough. Be sure to visit their website, join their mailing list, and explore everything they offer. They regularly share valuable tips, resources, and updates. They also offer an online membership, giving you access to classes, support groups, and special events. Re+Active truly makes a difference — and we are so thankful to be part of their family.
