Every so often, there’s a moment in my career that reminds me why I chose to be a pediatric physiotherapist. Today was one of those moments.

I’ve been working with an 11-month-old boy who has left-side hemiparesis. When we started, his left arm was mostly inactive—he struggled to engage it, let alone use it functionally. His parents were worried, unsure of how much progress he could make. But we took it one step at a time, session by session, focusing on encouraging movement, improving strength, and most importantly, building his confidence to use the affected side.

Fast forward just five sessions, and today, for the first time, he moved his left arm voluntarily! It wasn’t perfect, and there’s still a long journey ahead, but that one small movement meant the world. For his parents, it was hope. For me, it was a reminder of the impact we can have when we truly believe in a child’s potential.

Pediatric therapy is a field that requires patience. Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Some days feel like a struggle, both for the child and the therapist. But then, you witness a breakthrough—big or small—and everything makes sense. These tiny milestones are what build toward complete function, step by step, movement by movement.

This journey isn’t just about physical rehabilitation; it’s about giving a child the opportunity to explore their world without limitations. It’s about reassuring parents that their child can grow stronger. It’s about believing in the incredible adaptability of the human body and mind.

Today, I feel grateful. Grateful for the trust parents place in me. Grateful for the resilience these little fighters show every day. Grateful that I get to do work that is so much more than a job—it’s a purpose.

There’s still a long way to go for this little one, but I know we’re moving in the right direction. And that, to me, is everything.