Julia's Unique Therapies

by Jim and Jerri Unruh

Life with Julia has already consisted of many types of therapies; Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, music therapy, Water Therapy, Therapy dog, vitamin therapy, Vision therapy, oxygen therapy, etc. etc. etc. Working with her, learning how to do therapies with her, what she really needs and benefits from, how much is too much or not enough, researching, studying, looking ahead at what may come have been nothing but a blessing to us. It is just a part of who she is and we don't look back. “Hands to the plow”  But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 ASV

Life with Julia has also caused us to invent three new therapies. We hold no patent though because we are quite sure many of you have the same therapies operating in your homes.

First we have “Hug Therapy” This is when you spend as much time hugging Julia as you possibly can! Having a seizure and neurological disorder has made it so that close physical contact is not always her favorite thing. But, after two years of holding close and hugging she now tolerates much more, even allowing us to rock and hum to her. “Hug Therapy” works two ways, first the receiver learns to like it and second, the giver gets to enjoy the close, sweet time.

The next therapy is “Grace Therapy”. Julia shows grace to us by putting up with our fumblings and mistakes that we may make in caring for her. But, mostly grace is for the parents and caregivers. This is the therapy we are receiving from the Lord as we give of ourselves to love and serve Julia. Some days are tiring, difficult, sad, and hard work. Sometimes outsiders do not understand. Sometimes insiders do not understand! Many days we may hurt for Julia. The grace of God is what sees us through and he is showing us how sufficient His grace is to sustain us, to help us serve, and to help others understand as we do how much He loves Julia. (and them!)That being said the last therapy is “Joy Therapy” We like to think it a mutual therapy, although we cannot know for sure. We hope that Julia senses the love and care she receives and that that gives her joy. Thankfully true joy is not shown by the smile on our face or our day to day feelings.  Joy is much deeper, much more than that.  It is knowing that underneath you are the everlasting arms! Knowing that our salvation is by grace, not works, THANK YOU Jesus. Knowing that we have reason to hope in an eternal future free of this body of sin and death, where Julia will be whole!

Life with Julia is the therapy God is using to develop real joy in me.  I need this therapy everyday....may I suggest you try it?