Sometimes it’s about the journey, the reaching of goals, the living dreams and the forging of lifelong bonds.
The path, however filled with struggle it might be, is often celebrated – together – patient and therapist.
Any physical therapist – truly committed to “Making Better Lives’’ – will always lead with: “It (the career path they selected) is about relationships. Always.’’
Just ask Tyler Reid, PT, DPT.
It is a crisp, albeit sun-soaked December day and Reid, one of life’s truly good souls, has paused from his busy day at Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Muscatine, Iowa-based Cedarwood clinic.
Ever-dedicated to his craft and those he serves, Reid is in search of just the right words when talking about a patient close to his heart.
“We often say what we do is about relationships, but it’s truly why we do what we do,’’ Reid said. “The goal is to improve the lives of those who trust us to help them get better. We see them amid their struggles and we – together – go to great lengths to find solutions to their problems. We are all goal-oriented and we want success, but we love the fact we get to know people and many times their family. The rewards are many with what we do.’’
Sometimes it means becoming a member of a patient’s family.
“We call Tyler our “adopted’’ son, and that’s not just to boost him and make him feel better, it’s the truth; it’s how we feel,’’ said Scott Sample, whose amazing wife, Christina, has been a patient of Reid’s since 2021. “It’s sincere. He means that much to us. He is amazing at what he does, so skilled, but he has – since we have known him – gone above and beyond to help my wife get better. We appreciate him on many fronts.’’
Christina Sample’s road – suffering from a brain tumor – has not been easy. First there was a lengthy battle to restore strength and stability on her right side, the effects of the tumor and surgery. Today, as the fight to get better continues, Reid and the Samples are working diligently toward functionality – walking, getting in and out of the car, stairs, etc.
“The right leg is making it hard on her,’’ Scott Sample said of his wife. “But she is determined.’’
For months, Reid and the Samples worked twice weekly at the Cedarwood Clinic. Wednesday was an all-business appointment, but Fridays – after a few visits – took on a whole new look.
“Casual Friday’’ became “Cool Friday,’’ with a Hawaiian twist.
It must be noted, Christina Sample is one of the premier ukulele performers in the midwest, oftentimes delighting audiences through her church and other outlets. So impressed was Reid that he – at the Sample’s urging – turned Friday appointments into Hawaiian-themed visits, honoring Christina Sample’s ukulele skill and for a blast of good-natured fun.
“They bought me two (Hawaiian shirts) and one I really love to wear,’’ Reid said. “It’s my go-to. On those days, Christina still worked hard at getting better, but we did it – all three of us – dressed in Hawaiian shirts. We have had a lot of fun. What was also cool is everyone in our clinic appreciated what we were doing. It’s what makes this place (Cedarwood) special.’’
Forever grateful for his relationship with the Samples, Reid marvels at Christiana Sample’s determination and spirit and Scott Sample’s gracious heart and dedication to his wife.
“First, Scott is always there for her and I have great respect for that,’’ Reid said. “And she has always worked hard at getting better. She has been focused and determined. She always has time to make me feel better and no matter what happens, we will continue – together – to map a plan for success.’’
These days, Reid says he is doing at-home visits with Christina Sample.
“It’s easier for her, but it is a testament to her working hard to get better,’’ Reid says. “It just says a great deal about the type of person she is. I enjoy both of them, they are great people. I don’t mind being called their “adoptive’’ son. I’m honored. We will continue to do all we can to help Christina.’’
For most, the thought of driving 45 minutes each way, every day, would bring frustration.
Not Reid. He thrives at the drive to work and the drive from work.
“I live in Davenport (Iowa) and commute,’’ Reid said. “I live with my (twin) brother Tucker, who is also a therapist with Rock Valley. We are twins, but I would like it mentioned I graduated a year ahead of him from college. The drive to work, and then back, motivates me and allows me to gather my thoughts. I work in a really special place with really special people, all dedicated to “Making Better Lives.’’ Each person I work with cares about me and our patients. It truly is a family. I look forward to coming to work.’’
And forming amazing relationships that will last a lifetime.
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller