29-May-1998 Friday
For what seemed like a very long moment, Robert Lord sat in his wheelchair
just outside the front door of Children's Hospital, as family, friends and
reporters gathered anxiously around him.
"Oh no, the media again," he said to his mother, who stood by his side as
he prepared to leave for his Encinitas home.
With the thought that his every move would be chronicled on the nightly
news, he briefly put his hands in front of his face.
But the spinal cord injury patient who turned 10 yesterday realized that
there was no way home except to get up.
He took a deep breath, scrunched his face with determination and lifted
himself to his walker. A few methodical steps, one foot in front of the
other, got him to the car. He eased into the back seat and breathed a hefty
sigh of relief.
And he smiled, resigned to his role as a symbol of hope for thousands who
have followed his recovery after his fall 10 weeks ago from an uprooted
back yard tree.
His parents, Stephen Lord and Michele Tutoli, have arranged for Robert to
continue in several medical programs in hope of maintaining his fast
improvement.
He may be enrolled in several clinical experiments, including one that
involves fetal tissue. And he will continue receiving another month's
supply of an experimental drug that many believe assisted his escape from
paralysis.
Robert returns to classes at St. James Academy in Solana Beach on Monday.
But he must still be a part-time patient, returning to Children's Hospital
several times a week for occupational and physical therapy sessions. His
"halo," a metal brace to keep his neck straight to encourage healing, will
come off in July.
For now, it's time to go home. Get on with his life. Get reacquainted with
his friends, his five brothers and sisters, and try to pick up where he
left off. Enough of hospitals and doctors and reporters.
During a birthday celebration yesterday at the hospital, Robert opened his
gifts -- several computer games, a phone and a radio-controlled car -- even
as he wrestled with an ice cream cake that had a picture of him on it.
Asked what message he would send other kids facing such severe spinal cord
injury to urge them not to give up hope, he smiled.
"I guess just that I'm OK," Robert said.