I started the fitting with a very thin sheath, a minimal fabric barrier between his skin and the foam lining. It was loose, and I almost forgot what to do next. It was like I panicked and forgot all my training. When I snapped out of it, I went over to our supply shelf and picked out a couple of socks of various thicknesses. Using socks is a basic part of maintaining the fit of a prosthetic socket. I think that I put so much pressure on myself to make everything perfect, that I momentarily forgot the basics. When I fit the thinner of the two socks, I found that the socket fit well. What a relief!Now it was time for Brahms to stand. I rolled up his suspension sleeve and his mom stood over him for support. I don’t know if he didn’t know what to do next, or if he just didn’t like everyone staring at him, but he didn’t move an inch. Then, one of the physical therapist had the idea to get out the soccer ball. And in an instant, Brahms took his first steps ever. He held on to mom’s hand, but when the ball got just a little too far for him to reach, he let go and took two steps all on his own and grabbed the ball. It was absolutely amazing to watch, and the smile on his mom’s face was worth every second of the angst I put myself through. She told me earlier that she just wanted her son to grow up and have a “normal” life, but she didn’t think it would be possible after his amputation. Today, we showed her that he will be able to do whatever he wants, he just has to want it enough. Sunday, that soccer ball would have been out of reach. Monday, we watched in awe as Brahms took his first steps of many, to reach his goal.
