04 April 2010
Day 140 – Grayson’s Journey
Dear family and friends
As many of you know, I remained in Glendale this weekend to help with the music program in church. Regina and Lauren went to visit Grayson and have Easter with him in his new home. Today the day started with church services celebrating the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord, more popularly known as Easter. Our Bakersfield church home was filled, and Regina said that it was great to see so many people in the sanctuary this morning.
Following the service, Grayson, Lauren and Regina went out to lunch, then to a bookstore. At the bookstore, Grayson bought The Hobbit as an audio book. He doesn't seem to have the patience to read, but he wants desperately to enjoy literature again. Perhaps this will help.
After the book spree, the three returned to the residence for an Easter dinner with all of the patients and staff. Grayson filled his plate as he is accustomed to doing, but as this was already his third meal of the day, he only ate about half of it.
Grayson seemed to be "stuck" and unable to move at times. When Regina arrived to take him to church, he sat in the chair and smiled at her, but didn't get up. When he was asked if he wanted to go to church, he said, "Yes", but didn't get up. Finally with additional prodding from the staff he stood, then walked out and got into the car. Similarly he got "stuck" in the pew during the service. Normally he stands right up at the appropriate parts in the service. Today, he just couldn't find it in him to stand. His speech is still difficult to understand. I think that he is still adjusting to the med change.
One bit of encouraging news. Regina and Lauren covered Grayson's eyes, and had him touch a cup containing hot coffee, and a cup containing a cold drink. When he touched the cups that he could not see, he correctly identified "hot" or "cold" each time. This is great news, as we thought his ability to distinguish temperature was gone forever.
Tonight after Regina and Lauren left to travel home, Grayson went to the movies to see Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. He was very well behaved, and his RA reported that he thoroughly enjoyed the movie.
A blessed Easter to all – He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Pax!
Brant
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Easter has eve greater meaning for us this year because of Grayson's rebirth. He has always been a special gift to the Salem congregation...never more than now as he shows us the Easter story so old but new! Blessings and love to the Reed family this easter! STeve and Mary
ReplyDeleteHi Brant and Regina:
ReplyDeleteIt was great hearing of Grayson's Easter with his mom and sister. I would have loved to hear the music at your church, as well.
We had a great family gathering up here in Oregon, and we praise God for His wonderful love and grace. He is indeed risen.
In Him,
Doug
Grayson's "stuck"-ness is all too familiar, I myself get very close to that level of "stuck" too, sometimes, when my own "neurologicals" get truculent. It's the downside of "change"--it goes both ways. Oh well... As one of Robert Heinlein's characters said, the way you ride the tiger is to hang on to its ears and try not to get thrown off.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm glad he's enjoying literature, even via audio. Another good way to work that short-term memory! Even in the downturned moments, there's still good news!