“People are so willing to help you. I think that’s typical of Scottsville,” said Fern Brownsfield.
Twenty-one friends have volunteered to help Fern’s daughter, Lisa, with her physical therapy.
Lisa,17, was born with a brain defect that makes her actions and speech awkward and difficult.
For the past five months, Fern, 42, has supervised a therapy program for Lisa that involves breathing, climbing, running, and patterning (coordination exercise in which Fern and friends move Lisa’s arms, legs, and head.)
“This program may not have been as easy in the city, where you might not know your next-door neighbor,” Fern said.
Lisa’s coordination is considerably better now, Fern said.
The sofa and TV have been pulled away from the living room wall in order to make a course around which Lisa can crawl. This exercise helps Lisa with her coordination.
Fern recently decided to take a lower paying job that will allow her more time with Lisa. Unfortunately, the job (driving a type of forklift) is much more physical.
But Fern believes the sacrifice is worth it. “I’ve never driven a tow motor before,” she said. “But I can do it, I think—I hope.”
“I feel the Lord’s been good to me,” she said. “He’s always given me the opportunity to take care of the children. I’ve been very fortunate.”
