Day 172 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

When Grayson arrived home tonight, he was prompted to get to his chores quickly as there was a special event this evening. After being cued to look at his picture task list, he took out the trash and mopped the bathroom and hall floor. After finishing the chores he cleaned up and helped prepare dinner.

Dinner prep was a little challenging tonight, as Grayson poured a whole bag of Tater Tots on the baking sheet. He likes Tater Tots, but perhaps that was a bit much for one person. After getting angry then striking out at his favorite residential assistant (RA) for trying to help by putting the extra back in the bag, she convinced him that it was OK and that it was way too much for one person. He then helped her put the excess away. While the RA skillfully defused the situation, it just points out one of the issues with brain injury – the inability to adequately communicate, and socially inappropriate behavior when frustrated.

With the dinner prep issues behind them, Grayson laid out fish sticks on the baking pan and made the vegetables by himself for a quick meal. He ate and cleaned up, then it was off to the special event for the night – a live comedy improv performance.

Grayson had a blast at the show. They asked for themes from the audience, and Grayson shouted out one that they performed. During the intermission Grayson ordered and paid for a milk shake – practicing a real-world skill. They returned to the residence at 9:30, and Grayson tossed in a load of laundry (after being cued) then got ready for bed. I caught him just before he crawled in and spoke with him for a few minutes. When I asked him what he had done tonight, he said, "Improv!" When I asked him if it was funny or serious, he said "funny." How about that – he remembered!

Pax!

Brant