Dear family and friends
Today was a good day.
Today was the first "regular" day here in the acute rehab program. It was a regular Saturday, which means Grayson gets occupational, and physical therapy twice today, but not speech therapy. Due to the Christmas holiday, he will also get therapy on Sunday this week – something not usually done.
Grayson likes the newness of the various therapy disciplines. Today he tried his hand at stacking cones, throwing and catching a ball, kicking a ball, batting and catching a balloon, some exercises (he didn't tolerate that too well) and a lot (for him) of walking. He walked two thirds of the perimeter of our floor with assistance, in two installments. He walks relatively well. His biggest problem is that he is putting his feet one in front of another, instead of keeping them about shoulder length apart. He will learn this in time - he loves being up!
He still sleeps too much during the day and not enough at night. His lack of restful sleep at night makes the therapy less effective than it could be. Fortunately, he had two opportunities to do therapy today, and the second one was right after a 4 hour nap.
He is still very restless at night, and his continually increasing strength and control, make him more dangerous than ever to himself. When Regina and I take a night off, we sleep in dread of the phone call saying that something happened. We have been fortunate so far that the staff on duty when we are away have mostly been competent. This is a new facility for us, and we are still becoming acquainted with the staff, so we remain nervous.
I promise not to bore you with too many pictures, but here are a few from today. This first is one of Grayson stacking cones, the second he is catching a ball, and the third is him walking the hallway with his pit crew – one holding him on each side, and one following with a wheelchair. All of this continues to give me cautious optimism that we will have a better outcome than I feared just a few weeks ago.
Blessings to all of you on this second day of Christmas. I hope that your celebration was everything you had hoped it would be, and that the true spirit of Christmas is still living in your hearts.
Pax!
Brant and Regina
Brant and Regina, it is wonderful to see God giving you the strength and grace for this time. Your response is an inspiration to us all. I have no doubt that He will continue to lead you and bless you. Your Brother in Christ, Paul Moore
ReplyDeleteNote from Jackie Ramm
ReplyDeleteGrayson's shy smile looks familiar, just as I remember him in 2nd grade. At parent conferences we discussed that Grayson was a miracle baby, now he is a miracle man. I think of you and Grayson daily and wait for each new up-date. The pictures give me sense of the reality and make me part of your journey.
God continues to bless you.
It has been many years since being in contact, a mutual friend e-mailed me about what has happened. I can see he appears to be much better and pray for all of you.
ReplyDeleteHi Brant and Regina:
ReplyDeleteYou can't possibly "bore" us with too many pictures! It is so wonderful to see Grayson grow anew, each sure step at a time.
That "staking cones" photo looks like he isn't only stacking the cones, but is balancing the cones on the edge of that container. Good work Grayson.
In Him,
Doug
I'm so thankful for all the people who have spent years in school, preparing to help someone like Grayson come back from what looked like impossible odds. Each one carries a great responsibility, as you know so well, and being diligent and well prepared for the job is essential.
ReplyDeleteLove you so much,
Robin G.
I am so thankful that Grayson has started making progress. The photos of Grayson give me hope that his journey, while difficult, may lead to a meaningful recovery. I pray daily that you continue to be strong and marvel in God's work through Grayson. The example of living faith and your trust in God is an inspiration to anyone that hears Grayson's story.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Balck
What an awesome, loving, faithful and miracle-working God we serve! Grayson's gradual recovery is a testament to His wonder-working power! I am so happy to hear that our prayers are being answered on your behalf!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Suzanne Winn Babbitt
-Bore- us with pictures? Trust me, they're not boring! It's so great to have an idea of what his progress looks like now. Tonight is the annual holiday reunion in Pasadena for Flintridge Prep, and I spent the last couple of those with Grayson. I am remembering last year's especially fondly. I had such a fun night because of Grayson, and I am so grateful that we got to spend that night out together. He'll be there in my heart again tonight.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Christine Moore