Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio

On October first, after three weeks of paralysis, Peg is in bed rehearsing her new joke for Dr. Bevis when her leg itches. Without thinking, she scratches it. Shocked, Peg yells to nearby nurses, wiggling her fingers in joy. Over the next few days, Peg rapidly improves. Soon, she can use both hands and arms, then is able to sit up—first for 2 minutes then eventually for half an hour. Movement returns to her legs, and while her arms remain extremely weak, she learns to feed herself again. Soon, Peg can hold a book to read, which provides her with new entertainment and an outlet to lose herself in. She begins reading aloud to Tommy, who is still in the iron lung. The doctors and nurses dote on Peg as their star patient. A week after Peg first moves her hand, Dr. Bevis wants to see if she can stand by herself, but as soon as the nurses let go, she topples. Nevertheless, Peg continues her treatments, and each small achievement is celebrated. She also wonders why she is recovering when other patients, like Tommy, might spend the rest of their lives in the iron lung.