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Thursday, January 30, 2014

New study published about home births!

Exciting news for home birth advocates like myself. The Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health has just published the largest ever study on US planned home births (almost 17,000 women and their babies). The findings provide some nice concrete statistical data to back up advantages of home births that we in the home birth community have known about for a while now. Hopefully the study will help to inform and inspire more health care providers towards making improvements for the needs and safety of expectant mothers and their babies.

From the study, advantages of home births included:
  • lower rates of c-sections
  • lower rates of birth assisted by forceps or vacuum
  • lower rates of episiotomies
  • less need for oxytocin to speed labor
  • less use of epidural analgesia
  • higher rates of VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean) than hospital births 
  • very small percentage of newborns with low Apgar scores (measure of newborn health in first five minutes following birth)
The full study should be available to read online soon. For now, you can read key findings from the study at the Midwives Alliance North America's website.
 

Friday, January 24, 2014

Love Mueller Orthopedic and Medical Massage? Why Not Write A Review!

Attention loyal Kingfield and Blooma clients! We are currently looking for folks to write about their experiences with Mueller Orthopedic and Medical Massage on Yelp and Angie's List. As an incentive, reviewers will receive either 15 minutes added on to their next massage, or a $20 bodywork gift certificate to give to a friend. As always, we greatly appreciate your continued support and business!

To write a Yelp review, click here
To write an Angie's List review, click here

It would seem that reviewing on Yelp is slightly less involved than on Angie's List, though supposedly Angie's List reviews imply more credibility. Either way, whichever review service you choose to use is golden by us!

Monday, January 20, 2014

Package Deals

Scheduling in Bulk

Save on your bodywork sessions when you schedule in bulk, priced as follows for 60-minute sessions: $150 for 2, $225 for 3, $280 for 4, $350 for 5, and $420 for 6. Though packages are non-refundable, they can be shared with a partner or other worthy substitute. Additionally, deals can be adjusted as needed for 90-minute sessions.

Complementary Doula Services

Until June 30, 2014 expectant parents can receive complementary doula services with the purchase of four or more 60-minute bodywork sessions.

Friday, January 17, 2014

What Is A Doula?

A doula is a non-medical, trained support person who assists laboring women through the birthing process. The doula provides emotional and physical support to the expectant mother, and can also serve as an assistant in creating and advocating for wishes specified in a birth plan. Doulas use massage, aromatherapy, and positioning suggestions to facilitate the birthing process. A doula who can provide craniosacral therapy is highly beneficial in promoting a healthy pregnancy and birth, as craniosacral therapy helps to alleviate aches and pains, nausea and morning sickness, fatigue, emotional difficulties, and other pregnancy-related complications.

As a recently certified doula, Julie recommends prospective mama clients to schedule services at 32 weeks, 36 weeks, 40 weeks, during labor, and postpartum. Please call, text, or email with any further questions, or to request services.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Valentine's Day Gift Baskets and Certificates

Well friends, it is already mid-January, can you believe it? Retail outlets are becoming more pink and reddish by the day, so Valentine’s Day must be right around the corner. If you are looking for a unique gift for your loved ones this year, why not order a Valentine's Day Gift Basket from Mueller Orthopedic and Medical Massage? Each gift basket will include a bottle of Weleda Rose Oil, Mueller Signature Bath Soak, a 60 or 90-minute bodywork gift certificate, and your choice of any of the following wines, teas, sweets, and savory snacks:

Cremant D'Alsace Chardonnay ($25.99)
Rosemary Crackers ($2.49)
Dessert Macaroons ($4.99)
Mushroom Pate ($3.99)
Columbia Crest Cabernet 2011 ($11.99)
Parmesan Crisps ($3.99)
Olive Tapenade ($2.99)
Double Chocolate Black Angus Cookies ($4.99)
Mrs. Kelly's Earl Grey Tea ($10)
Stonewall Scone Mix ($3.69)
Meyer's Lemon Cookies ($3.99)
Devonshire Clotted Cream ($6.99)

And as always, bodywork gift certificates can be ordered on their own, and also make a great gift!

Call, text, or email Julie with questions and to order.
612-205-4453
muellerbodywork@gmail.com

Monday, January 13, 2014

Massage For Couples

Looking for a new date night activity? We now offer a private 90-minute session for couples (both prenatal and non-prenatal) that can be scheduled at any time, based on Julie’s Minneapolis Community Education ‘Massage For Couples’ class taught at Washburn. The session will teach couples therapy sequences for (prone) back and (supine) anterior neck and shoulders. Session will also cover the five basic massage strokes that can be combined to create new variations, safe body ergonomics, lubricants and essential oils, and acupressure points that can promote relaxation and address a variety of ailments. Couples will also receive a written guide with YouTube links, illustrating stroke sequences and acupressure points. For prenatal clients, we teach massage and acupressure points for side-lying positions, in addition to seated on a birthing ball, leaning over a counter, or in birthing/labor tub for before and after labor and delivery.

Interested? You can schedule online through Schedulicity, or text Julie (612-205-4453). For those interested in learning in a group setting, the Community Ed. class at Washburn runs March 10th-17th (learn more and register here).

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Kingfield Complimentary & Alternative Health Care Client Bill of Rights

 
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Complementary & Alternative Health Care Client Bill of Rights

Practitioner Name:  Julie Mueller

Business Name: Mueller Orthopedic and Medical Massage LLC
Blooma Wellness and Bodywork

Business Address: 3921 Garfield Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Telephone number: 612-205-4453



 As of July 1, 2001, Minnesota’s Freedom of Access to Complementary Care Law (Statute Chapter 146A) requires that you receive and acknowledge that you have received by your signature on the back of this page, the following information prior to your treatment.

Julie Mueller, hereafter, “the Practitioner” has the received following education, training & credentials:

BA, NCTMB, MetroIBA, ACE certified, references on request

Prenatal/postpartum Massage: 25 hours,  Upledger Craniosacral Therapy 1/2/SER1, Reflexology: 25 hours, Centerpoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School  684 hour certification in Therapeutic Massage, 8/07, Certified Pilates instructor: Choreogram Dance Studio, 1975, BA in Liberal Studies, College of St. Benedict, St Joseph, MN

THE STATE OF MINNESOTA HAS NOT ADOPTED ANY EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING STANDARDS FOR UNLICENSED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS. THIS STATEMENT OF CREDENTIALS IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.  Under Minnesota law, an unlicensed complementary and alternative health care practitioner may not provide a medical diagnosis or recommend discontinuance of medically prescribed treatments. If a client desires a diagnosis from a licensed physician, chiropractor, or acupuncture practitioner, or services from a physician, chiropractor, nurse, osteopath, physical therapist, dietitian, nutritionist, acupuncture practitioner, athletic trainer, or any other type of health care provider, the client may seek such services at any time.

Complaints: If the Client has a complaint or concern about the care or services they have received, the Client may also contact the Office of Unlicensed Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practice located in Minnesota Department of Health:



Mailing address: P.O. Box 64882,   St. Paul, MN    55164-0882Phone: 651-201-3728    Fax: 651-201-3839Website: "http://www.health.state.mn.us"

Fees, Payment, Insurance:  $80/85 one hour,  110/120 for 90 minutes,

24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments



Change of Price: Clients have the right to reasonable notice of changes to the prices, services, or policies.

Theory of Treatment: The state requires a “Plain language” summary of the “theoretical approach used to provide service to clients”. The Practitioner uses Swedish massage, rehabilitative/trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and range-of-motion mobilization techniques to help clients reduce pain and improve range of motion and mobility.

Right to Current Information: Clients have the right to complete and current information concerning the practitioner's assessment and recommended service that is to be provided, including the expected duration of the service to be provided.

Right to Confidentiality: Client records are confidential and will not be released, unless authorized by the client in writing or as otherwise provided for by law.

Right to Self Access: Clients have the right to access to their own records maintained by the Practitioner’s office, in accordance with state statute sections   "https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes?id=144.291" 144.291 to 144.298;

Personal Interaction: Clients have the right to expect courteous treatment, free from verbal, physical, or sexual abuse.

Other Treatment Available: Other massage therapy services are available to the Client in this same community.  These can be located by asking the Practitioner, the provider who referred you to this practitioner or the following practitioner database: www.amtamassage.org

Right of Agency: The Client has the right to choose freely among available practitioners and to change practitioners after services have begun, within the limits of health insurance, medical assistance, or other health programs.

Records Transfer: The Client have the right to coordinated transfer of your records when there will be a change in the provider of services.

Right of Refusal: The Client may refuse services or treatment, unless otherwise provided by law.

Right of Nonretribution: The Client has the right to assert the any and all of above-mentioned rights without retaliation from the Practitioner.


Friday, June 7, 2013

Vision Statement

Mueller Orthopedic and Medical Massage provides injury rehabilitation and prevention for all ages, genders and budgets. Located in the Kingfield neighborhood of South Minneapolis, my clients are actively involved in their lifestyle choices. I have over 40 years of experience in the wellness field. As a therapeutic bodywork provider, I offer a wide range of modalities from injury rehabilitation and prevention services,  prenatal, postpartum, and in hospital massage sessions, craniosacral therapy, palliative care, structural integration through Pilates reformer and mat work, and personal training . My service is exceptional because it is thorough and effective in addressing specific issues which in turn influence the integrity of all the body's systems. I recruit the body's innate wisdom to return damaged tissues to  their intrinsic state of balance. My primary goal for each treatment session is to facilitate structural change which in turn relieves of eliminates painful symptoms. I achieve this goal by integrating a broad spectrum of modalities as appropriate to the medical concerns of my clients.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Package rates

Much of wellness is about having realistic expectations of ourselves. In the next few weeks there will be a heartfelt effort from many of us to be healthier: start an exercise program or make different food choices. It is important to stay with reasonable expectations and plan for the times that we fall short of our own personal goals. For some of us bodywork and massage can be a carrot at the end of a series of workouts. Perhaps weekly, but more often monthly sessions work best for us. I have clients who pay for a year of massage sessions after they receive their tax return. Buying a package of 12 or 6 sessions maximizes your investment and provides an incentive for the challenges that appear unexpectedly in our lives. Currently, I offer 2 or 3 sixty minute sessions at $75/session and 4 or more at $70/session at my Kingfield location.  These packages can be shared or gifted as desired. Text 612 205-4453 to purchase your package.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Expecting Athletes

Pregnancy Massage is highly beneficial. In pre-birth stages it supports changing body posture and regulates the baby's positioning. Relaxation chemicals flow between mother and child and ease the mother's discomfort. Regular massage can  shorten labor. Moreover, massage reduces pain and anxiety, particularly in cases of late births. After the baby is born, massage brings mom's strained body structure and physiology back into alignment, soothes muscles sore from breast feeding, and regulates postpartum hormones.


But how does massage benefit expecting mothers who are also athletes? What are the specifications for active women regarding pregnancy massage?


Body nuances for expecting athletes include tighter muscles, leading to increased resistance during labor. Depending on your body, tighter muscles might mean difficulty relaxing, lengthening of labor and increase in pain or discomfort before, during and after birth .


Pregnancy massage is especially important for expecting athletes because it stretches muscle fibers and allows for greater flexibility during labor. Massage helps alleviate pain and improves circulation making it easier for mom to breathe. Increase in circulation helps mom and baby move smoothly through, pain mitigates and labor is shortened. After birth, massage improves both quantity and quality of sleep helping mom and baby maintain relaxation through out their active days. Over all, massage helps mom maintain a pain free physically active life before and after labor.


To schedule your prenatal massage session click here

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Wellness Wisdom

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:
  • Decreased anxiety
  • Enhanced sleep quality.
  • Greater energy
  • Improved concentration
  • Increased circulation
  • Reduced fatigue.

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:

  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
  • Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
  • Ease medication dependence.
  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
  • Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
  • Increase joint flexibility.
  • Lessen depression and anxiety.
  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
  • Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
  • Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
  • Reduce spasms and cramping.
  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
  • Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
  • Relieve migraine pain.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Self Care: hot bath with epsom salt


Magnesium sulfate is a natural mineral found in water. When the Epsom salt dissolves in warm water the magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin and rejuvenates body levels of magnesium. This mineral helps your body to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. It can also relieve the pain of inflammation which makes it effective in treating sore muscles, bronchial asthma, and migraines. 
The effective ingredient in Epsom salt is the magnesium. Magnesium is an important mineral because it regulates the activity of 325 enzymes in the body, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent artery hardening. The benefits of magnesium are numerous: body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, and helping muscles and nerves to function properly.  It has also been known to reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. During your bath your blood pressure decreases creating a relaxed feeling, which in turn will allow you a better night’s rest. 
Epsom salt can be easily purchased at any drugstore or supermarket. Epsom salt can be used not only for your health but for beauty purposes as well. Adding a teaspoon of Epsom salt to your favorite body or facial cleanser can create an effective exfoliate to wash away dead skin. If you don’t have time for a full bath try a relaxing foot soak. Epsom salt has been known to relieve the pain of sprains and bruises, athlete’s foot and gout. 

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Elevated levels of stress hormones

Research indicates that massage can be of value in helping reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Massage causes the body to release many therapeutic mood and health enhancing chemicals, it increases dopamine and serotonin and reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It increases the relaxation alpha brain waves and also increases pain relieving levels of endorphins. Massage lowers noradrenaline and lowers the stress hormone ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone). Massage boosts the immune system, stabilises blood sugar levels, improves lung function and peak air flow, it generally reduces the number of visits to the doctor while increasing work productivity.

 Our skin is full of many millions of nerve receptors that are linked to our nervous system. When the skin is massaged it causes stimulation and release of chemicals in the brain like serotonin that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. 


It's known that the skin and nervous system are intimately connected. A single part of the developing foetus known as the neuroectoderm gives rise to both. 

Call 612 205-4453 for appointment.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

What is Orthopedic Massage?

Orthopedic massage is a type of massage therapy which is focused on treating painful conditions which affect the soft tissues of the body. The massage therapist may integrate a range of techniques to treat these conditions, ideally adapting his or her style for each client, as every person's body is slightly different. Orthopedic massage may be recommended by a physician who wants a patient to pursue multiple treatment modalities, and people can also see an orthopedic massage therapist independently. Training in orthopedic massage is offered by several massage schools. A therapist who performs orthopedic massage focuses on problems with the client's musculoskeletal system. He or she may release tight muscles, help to stretch shortened muscles and tendons, and decompress joints. The goal is to normalize the soft tissues of the body, both to treat specific conditions and to keep clients generally healthy and fit. Because orthopedicmassage is designed to treat medical conditions, it requires extensive training, as an unskilled therapist could harm a client by accident. The first step in an orthopedic massage session is assessment, in which the therapist will talk to the client about the problem and examine the area of interest. If the massage therapist partners with a physician, he or she will also look over notes from the physician. Then, the therapist establishes a treatment plan which considers the physiological effects of various massagetechniques. Orthopedic massage is very flexible, since it integrates a wide range of bodyworkstyles with the end goal of improving the client's condition. Finally, the therapist works with the client on the table. By using various soft tissue manipulation techniques, the massage therapist can alleviate an assortment of painful conditions caused by soft tissue strain. Depending on the client's issue, the massage therapist may recommend multiple sessions to treat the problem, to ensure that it is eliminated and to build up strength and resistance in the affected area so that the condition does not recur. Because many serious medical conditions can present with things like painful muscles and tendons, an orthopedic massage therapist needs extensive training to learn to differentiate between orthopedic problems like a strained shoulder and medical problems like strokes and heart attacks which can spark muscle pain at their onset. Some conditions can also be exacerbated by massage therapy; some experts argue that some cancers, for example, can be encouraged to spread with massage, or a therapist could unwittingly cause lymphedema in a patient with improperly applied massage techniques. If you are considering orthopedic massage, you may want to talk to a doctor first to make sure that it is the best treatment for you.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Benefits of Medical Massage Therapy

Releases tight and sore muscles which can cause ischemia (a lack of blood supply to soft tissues, which causes hypersensitivity to the touch and allows for further injury to the tissues)

Helps relieve nerve compression or entrapment. (Pressure on a nerve by soft tissue, cartilage or bone, which can contribute to muscle atrophy, referred pain, paresthesia, and conditions such as pseudo sciatica, piriformis syndrome, pseudo angina, and others.)
Deactivates Myofascial Trigger Points (Trigger Points: Areas of high neurological activity, which refer pain to other parts of the body. Research has shown, trigger points may be responsible for as much as 74% of everyday pain.)
Decreases Pain And Inflammation:  
Massage can restore suppleness and strength to your muscles, improving their overall function. It's the ideal treatment for releasing tension or muscles in spasm and helps to release toxins such as lactic acid (produced by muscle tissue during exercise).
Alleviates Stress and Improves Circulation:
Proper circulation is vital to continued health. Your blood and lymph carry nourishment to the trillions of cells throughout your body and then carry away the waste to be eliminated from the cells. Massage encourages a better exchange of nutrients at the cellular level and more thorough detoxification. Remember, the future "you" is determined by how well your army of cells regenerate themselves, so this is indeed a critical part of remaining healthy.  Massage has been practiced for thousands of years and is one of the earliest health treatments known to man.  That is why it remains one of the best ways of dealing with everyday stress. 
Aids in Digestion:
Massage can improve digestive motility.
Increases Flexibility And Range Of Motion:
By reducing hypertonicity and hypotonicity the muscles allow for normal ranges of motion to be restored. This also reduces the forces being applied to the joint capsule and diminishes the potential for joint and disk degeneration.
Calms The Nervous System: 
The first sense to develop is your sense of touch. It's not surprising when you consider that each square inch of your skin contains roughly 50 nerve endings. With as many as five million total touch receptors in your skin relaying messages on to your brain, your body's initial response to massage is to relax and de-stimulate. Even a simple touch has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the heart rate. Touch can also signal the brain to produce endorphins, your body's natural pain suppressors. The nervous system is your communication network, sending messages constantly that determine proper functioning throughout your body. Stress can affect the ability of the nervous system to do its job. The many nerve endings found in the skin and muscles are soothed by massage, and this contributes to keeping your internal lines of communication open and operational.
Improves Posture And Coordination
Medical Massage is cost effective.  
By assisting the client towards a quicker recovery from acute headaches, neck and back pain, skeletal muscular strains, sprains, etc. he or she is able to return to a normal productive life.  
Medical Massage also helps to prevent future chronic pain conditions by effectively dealing with the cause of the problem and eliminating it. It is shown in scientific literature that over 80% of the pain is coming from soft tissue injuries, and over 74% is directly attributed to Trigger Points.  Overall Medical Massage achieves results and substantial cost savings to the client, employer and to society.  As the general public becomes more familiar with the role of the Medical Massage Therapist they will be better able to handle their everyday soft-tissue pains.
As powerful as Medical Massage Therapy can be, in certain cases it may be contraindicated. Please consult with your physician or health care provider to determine the appropriate treatment protocol.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Washburn Community Education: Massage for Couples

"Massage for Couples" begins tonight. We will meet for 2 two hour sessions.  This is a relaxing experience and attracts people who genuinely want to support their partner's relaxation and receive the same kind of support. It is a chance to know each other in a unique way. This class provides an opportunity to learn to get out of your own way so that you can open to a new or deeper relationship with your partner. The sequence we cover on our first evening together follows:
full back sequence
effleurage top  from 2 different positions
circle stroke full back
petrissage  pelvis to C7
kneading C1-C7
compression/pull back upper traps
hand over hand upper traps
petrissage to top of pelvis
hand over hand from spine to right lateral rib cage
repeat hand over hand on left
cat kneading/myofascial release
next week: sub scap & rhomboid work
neck and shoulders
feet and hands

Sunday, January 22, 2012

arboretum

Nature heals. Not across the board, but for those who seek and notice it, it works. After reading an article on outdoor treatment rooms I have been imagining such a room for my services. Due the the fact I live in Minnesota it would have a limited use unless I were willing to somehow construct it with sliding windows and a sliding roof. Open to the sky in the summer during cooperative weather, private with strategically placed foliage it could be an amazing experience, until the mosquitoes arrived.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Make Lemonade


The Lemonade Diet book states that lemons and limes are the richest source of minerals and vitamins of any food known to man. They are also available year round, in all parts of the world. maple syrup  is also very high in minerals and sugar, which helps to sustain the body through the cleansing process. cayenne pepper  helps to stimulate the body’s cleansing process, and also breaks up the mucus that is clogging the body.
The Master Cleanser book highlights the disastrous effects of eating meat on the body; eating flesh robs the body of the vital organic sodium compound (not to be confused with sea salt or table salt, organic sodium is ONLY available from food), which helps to buffer acids and poison. Once the body becomes deficient in organic sodium and other minerals, the body loses its natural PH balance and become weak.  At this point the body becomes susceptible to all kinds of diseases and infections. This is the primary cause of stomach ulcers, and almost all other diseases. The acid in the stomach needs organic minerals to create the mucous, which protects the precious stomach wall lining.

The Purpose of the Master Cleanse:

  • To dissolve and remove toxins and mucous from the body.
  • To clean the kidneys and digestive system.
  • To cleanse the glands and cells of the body.
  • To remove waste and hardened matter in the joints and muscles.
  • To relieve pressure  and irritation in the nerves, arteries and blood vessels.
  • To create a healthy blood stream.
  • To return youthfulness to everybody, even the elderly.

When to use the Master Cleanse:

  • When sickness has developed.
  • When the digestive system needs a clean.
  • When a person has become overweight.
  • When the body needs to be rebuilt and better assimilation of nutrients and food is needed.
How often should one do the Master Cleanse?
The Master Cleanse can be performed three or four times a year to keep the body in a normal healthy condition.  But the diet may be undertaken more frequently for serious problems.
How long does one do the cleanse for?
The diet should be followed for a minimum of 10 days or more. Up to 40 days and beyond, may be safely followed for extreme cases.

How to prepare the Master Cleanse

Ingredients
-Two tablespoons of fresh organic lemon or lime juice, (approximately half a lemon). Do not use bottled or canned lemon juice.
-Two tablespoons of genuine maple syrup .  Not Maple flavored sugar syrup.
-1/10  teaspoon of cayenne pepper  or to taste
-8 ounces of water (250ml), at room temperature
Combine all the above ingredients in a jar and shake together.  Drink the mixture.


It is recommended to drink 6 to 12 glasses of the Cayenne maple syrup  and lemon mixture per day.  

How much should I drink?

No other food or juice should be taken during the time of the Lemonade diet.
The lemonade mixture contains all the vitamins, minerals, nutrients and energy your body requires.  Do not take vitamin pills. Overweight people can use less maple syrup , and for people who are underweight they can use more.  Never vary the amount of lemon juice per glass.

Handprints for your heart

Hands are so useful, especially the opposable thumbs. He missed the ability to manipulate objects using his hands. It was a peculiar feeling to give a command, reach out to grab a book or a stuffed doll and miss the mark. He waited for attention, voicelessly, in his wheelchair. It wasn't electric since he lacked the coordination to operate any sort of control. He relied on the assistance of others to take him where they thought he wanted to go. Or, more correctly where they wanted him to be. Sometimes he felt like a sack of potatoes as he was wheeled around the school or in and out of medical appointments. He could see shapes but not enough to recognize the individual until they spoke. Luckily many people spoke to him directly, using his name so that he had an opportunity to a make a connection. If he was interested, and liked the person addressing him and the situation of contact, he made eye contact, and opened his soul. But more often than not, it was his biological mother or medical staff with needles and cold hands. They sounded nice but came with pain inducing tools. Then he shut down, looked away, or closed his eyes and feigned sleep. He could hear them, “Oh, I think he's asleep. Isn't he so cute when he's asleep.” He didn't care about being considered cute but he did want someone to read him books and sing to him. And he especially like to sing along as best he could. He couldn't form words so he tried to match the pitches he heard, sometimes with success.