On occasion I have mentioned Gerti, Julianna’s physical therapist. What you may not understand unless you have been involved in a relationship like this is how deeply these people become connected to your family, how much they can coach, support, encourage, and otherwise enrich life for the people they serve. That is Gerti for us.
Gerti joined us when Julianna was not quite 8 weeks old. She was the original therapist, and the only one who has been with us through the whole journey. Gerti brought us Kim, our fabulous OT. Gerti visits us in the hospital. When I was pregnant, she put up with Alex hanging around while she treated Julianna so that I could lie down for a few minutes. When she visited Germany, she brought us chocolate. She taught us how to work with Julianna, yet she always encouraged us to be parents first. She knows Julianna almost as well as we do, rejoicing at her successes, wrapping us up in love during the tough times. And today, as life hurtles toward Transition and preschool and the end of home therapy visits, I want to pay tribute to this beautiful woman who has become such a big part of our lives.
At the top of my list of things to be thankful for this year…thank you, Gerti, for everything.
Kathleen M. Basi 
Gerti looks wonderful! And I just LOVE the expression on Julianna’s face in some of these pictures. That little girl is so animated!
This made me cry… beautiful. Gerti sounds like a wonderful woman, and your daughter is precious.
Dear Kate:
Your entry made me speechless. I feel honored by the way you describe my impact on your family. Working with your family has been a real blessing. I enjoy all the love and attention you give to your kids. You open Juliana’s world by integrating her right away as a little baby into your communities (having PT sessions at church was a first for me) and allowing the people around you to experience what a great and fun kid Juliana is. I think you and your family has everything in place for a bright future. I wish you all the best!
Gerti
It is so amazing how God touches us through the unexpected people he places in our path… What a nice tribute to her.
We recently began working with Gerti. She has been a Godsend. I wondered how many other people felt the same way that we do about it. I couldn’t have expressed our feelings for her any better than you have. She is AMAZING! P.S. Your daughter is beautiful!
Thank you! I don’t see Gerti too often anymore. I miss her!