Day 160 - Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It is Saturday – grocery day! Grayson was eating a bowl of chili when we greeted him this morning. He had completed his shopping and put all of his food away before we arrived. It was such a beautiful day, that we went outside so he could enjoy his meal in the beautiful 80 degree spring weather here in Bakersfield.

The weather called to us! We packed him up, and headed out to the park for some "outdoor" time. While there, Regina spent some time working with him on some handwriting practice. His hand is less shaky, but those pesky hand tremors are still present, albeit reduced. His hard work there was rewarded with a trip to Moo Creamery for an ice cream.

When we arrived back at the unit, his brother Austin and his girlfriend Xixi had arrived with two other friends of Grayson's that had worked with him at USC's Bovard Auditorium – Lisa and Chris. We had a great visit chatting in the BBQ area by the "small pool" at the residence. After a long time, we moved into the rec center for some ping pong, and a game of Monopoly.

One of the highlights for me today was listening to Grayson read a letter aloud from one of the Bovard crew that was unable to be with us today. It was a full page typewritten letter and Grayson read it to us in its entirety. With Regina's coaching, he slowed down enough on many of the sentences for us to understand them. Unfortunately for us, many were too difficult to understand – his capabilities as a captivating and precise reader have been severely affected by this injury. Grayson got the message, however, and that was great. I read the letter later, and I was struck by its thoughtfulness and its sweet kindness. Thank you, Meirav.

All of us went out to break bread together before the "gang" headed back to LA. Well, it wasn't exactly "bread", since we went to eat sushi, but close enough! This sushi place knows us, and rolls out the red carpet whenever we come in. We actually had to explain to the server that they could give Grayson a straw, and that it was OK to fill his glass most of the way now – they remembered him so well from when we first arrived. What a wonderful place to dine – where they know you and treat you like family. Of course the food was wonderful!

After dinner, we bid "adieu" to our friends, and took Grayson back to his apartment to settle in for the night. Today is the end of Grayson's 3^rd month here at the facility in Bakersfield. What a wonderful place filled with caring individuals, experienced with the special needs of those afflicted with brain injury. We are fortunate to be here and hope and pray that we are blessed with additional time here for Grayson to benefit from the therapy that is offered.

Pax!

Brant