The Importance of Tradition in 2020

With our current COVID-19 physical distancing protocols, it can feel like the year has passed with none of it’s usual markers for the passage of time. Traditions have been interrupted and holidays have been muted.  At Progressive Rehabilitation Associates, there has been a long standing tradition to celebrate fall with costumes and potlucks.  As the end of October drew near, it was announced; there would be some modifications, but our annual celebration could happen! 
 
October 30th arrived, and the staff arrived at work bearing armloads of food and identities obscured by fun disguises.  We could see the creativity as one of our staff members created a costume as if 2020 was a person, and another dressed up as a 2020-buster, spreading puppies and rainbows.  We couldn’t help but smile as you saw an alien retrieving a human out of the corner of your eye.  

This really reminded us of the special way Progressive Rehabilitation Associates works in the field of traumatic brain injury and persistent and chronic pain.  Every client we connect with is an individual, with their own needs, traditions, culture, passions, and desires.  We don’t treat shoulders or brains or knees, we treat people. We recognize the people who come here have been through tremendous challenges.  We meet each person listening as closely as we can to their story, and through this careful listening, helping them find ways to rebuild the most important parts of their life.  
 
This year, finding creative ways to help people connect with each other safely and engage safely in their traditions has been part of our treatment.  And, like all good therapists, we start with ourselves, finding our own way through the pandemic, back to the social traditions that bring us joy and meaning.