Day 380 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson started his day more alert than most. He moved faster and was more responsive than usual all day.

At the clinic he sorted four objects into categories for a while, but his ability to focus took over after a few minutes. Certain levels of physical activity help keep Grayson focused. There are small letters on the walls of the long hallway at the clinic. One of his tasks today was to walk along the walls and find specific letters. He was also tasked to find letters on a keyboard and in a magazine. These exercises are focused on building attention span. In PT today he walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes, climbed a ladder, and helped set up an activity by putting tape on the ground in specific places.

On the way home, Regina and Grayson sang songs and whistled (on pitch!) together. What a nice day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 379 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

After four days away from the clinic, Grayson was back today. He had a full afternoon of therapy. Today, among other things, he helped clean up the lunch area, worked on three syllable words for intelligibility, followed 3 step commands with 50% accuracy, identified coins, caught tennis balls, found objects in a popcorn bucket, walked the hallways forward and backwards while wearing a 30lb backpack and played "basketball".

When we arrived home from the clinic, he got out of the front of the car with his lunch box. I got out of the car, and he opened the back door of the car. I asked him what he was doing. He replied, "Planner." He had left his day planner in the back seat and he remembered it!

Tonight we once again dined on left-over turkey. (I sure am enjoying the easy meal prep!!) After dinner, Grayson wanted to watch Band of Brothers. This was one of his favorite shows before his incident. Tonight, he was clearly uncomfortable while watching some of the scenes. When asked if he wanted to watch more, he said no. I stopped the show and switched to a comedy until bedtime.

It was a good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 378 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Sunday morning – up and off to church for the first service of the new church year – the season of Advent!

After church we made a quick dash home to grab a quick sandwich and pick up Lauren then head up the movie theater where we met up with Austin and Xixi to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I. What fun!

We returned home after the movie and Austin and Xixi joined us for dinner. We still had enough leftovers to have roast turkey, dressing, green beans, gravy and turkey, noodle and vegetable soup. Toss in a little Wii time, and our evening was just as fun as our day!

Grayson had some spontaneous speaking today. Several times he rattled off multi-word sentences without prompting, and if you were listening close enough, you could make out what he was trying to tell you. Pretty good stuff, as we had not seen any improvement in this area recently!

The long weekend is over and what a wonderful one it was!

Pax!

Brant

Day 377 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was another family day!

The first order of business after breakfast was to strain all of the solids out of the stock that had been cooking down for 18 hours. That accomplished, Grayson and I did some precision-strike Christmas shopping, then hit the grocery store for the veggies and noodles required to turn the stock into soup. We also picked out a surprise for Regina – a beautiful poinsettia plant. Advent starts tomorrow!

I turned about ⅔ of the turkey stock into soup and baked fresh bread for dinner. Day three of a house filled with wonderful aromas! I still have about 3 to 4 pounds of turkey left. Tonight I'll freeze some for use later!

At half time of the game-that-shall-not-be-mentioned, Grayson and I went into the exercise room to work out for a bit. He hit the treadmill for about 10 minutes (about all he is capable of handling), while I did some of my exercise routine. We returned at the beginning of the third quarter to our soup and fresh bread.

With the exception of the game, it was a good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 376 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was the day after Thanksgiving – a day where we get sleep in a bit and take a generally more relaxed pace. Our morning was marked by returning the kitchen to its shiny appearance after working it hard yesterday. As soon as that was accomplished, I started into the next tradition – making stock from the leftover turkey carcass. The stock cooked down all afternoon and evening, filling the house with another day of mouth-watering aromas.

Grayson enjoyed some television while we tidied the kitchen. After I cleaned up my mess from preparing the stock, Grayson and I went for a walk. When we returned we did some chores around the house, and ran a few errands.

Grayson and I finished the day watching Iron Man 2 while we had dinner of (you guessed it) leftover turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes au gratin and green beans with water chestnuts and prosciutto. It was just as good today as yesterday!

Pax!

Brant

Day 375 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

The whole family, along with Xixi and Jason, was here to celebrate Thanksgiving today.

Regina and I were reminded that we really have a child living with us again. This afternoon, we noticed a fingerprint in one of the pumpkin pies and that point was brought home. Grayson is a sweet kid and that is great, but he is a kid again.

While today was spent busily tooling around in the kitchen making family favorites and new twists on traditional favorites, I was struck by how different things are from last Thanksgiving (which we celebrated in the lounge of a hospital), and how different again we were from Thanksgiving 2008 when we last prepared a normal holiday meal. Going back is not an option, and I never want to go back to where we were last Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for this year, and I am grateful for the opportunity to spend another holiday with a loving family living in the warm embrace of God's love.

Pax!

Brant

Day 374 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

While we baked pies, chopped vegetables, and prepared the Thanksgiving table tonight Brant, Grayson and I watched the 1970 Christmas classic movie Scrooge. This is a musical rendition of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It is one of our all-time top movies and our favorite among the many adaptations of the classic tale.

Brant and I are both confessed emotional saps but each of us was particularly affected while watching this movie tonight and easily shared a box of Kleenex. Perhaps it is because no matter what character we saw, we could identify with their weakness or long to be more like them.

There is miserly Scrooge who feels bitter and guilty because he let so many precious moments slip by in the busy-ness of life ("You"). The business owner and family man who has the gift of making Christmas Eve in his warehouse the happiest place on earth not only by sharing generously of his money but with laughter and dancing ("December the 25^th"). The family who greets the Christmas holiday with gratitude for the simple elements of their meager holiday feast and the gift of each other ("On This Beautiful Christmas Morning"). The nephew who never stops inviting his miserly uncle to his Christmas gathering in spite of the grouchy rebuffs each year. The townspeople who are overwhelmed by the complete forgiveness of their debts ("Thank You Very Much"). We couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the precocious little boy who sings like an angel and faces the prospect of illness and death with sweet innocence. And, of course, by the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge himself who vows to put his selfish life behind him and live whatever days he has left with love in his heart, kindness on his lips, and generosity from his hands ("I am not the man I was").

We have so much to be thankful for this year. For family and friends who have held us up throughout this challenging year. For our three children who each bring their own gifts and joy to our family. And for our Savior and Lord whose love and grace never fails.

May your Thanksgiving Day tomorrow be marked by recognition of your own blessings. We love you all.

Grace and peace,

Regina

Day 373 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a good day for Grayson, both in terms of fun and good work!

Grayson was picked up a little early because there was a Thanksgiving Feast at the clinic. The staff put on the feast and all of the patients participated. The meal provided the opportunity for some "real life" therapy also! Grayson participated after the meal by moving and putting tables away and packaging the leftovers. There is therapy in everything we do!

Other things he accomplished at the clinic today:

• Successfully answered orientation questions (What is your address, phone, etc.)
• Performed auditory comprehension of 36 to 50 words
• Carried a backpack of 10 lbs down 5 flights of stairs then walked across Ventura Boulevard (with supervision) to Office Depot. (What he did there is a mystery!)
• Enduring one of the sensory testing machines (he doesn't like these very much!)
• Successfully cleaned one of the luncheon pots 

He had activity, exercise, good food, friends, and accomplishment. What more could any of us want!

Pax!

Brant

Day 372 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

After a typical slow start this morning, Grayson was alert all day, and particularly alert this evening. At dinner Regina and I put together our Thanksgiving menu and shopping list. After dinner, the three of us went to the grocery for a two hour shopping trip. Grayson and I went one way, and Regina went the other. Grayson pushed my cart all over the (recently remodeled) store as we struggled to find our items in locations that didn't exist two months ago! This was almost like a real-world therapy session. Regina and I each walked out with a full basket. It reminds me of having two teenage boys in the house again!

When we arrived back at home, Grayson was very helpful in carrying groceries up the stairs to the kitchen. Since it was after 10:00 by this time, Regina had Grayson go through his evening routine. During that routine, he was able to successfully accomplish several multi-step tasks – not something that we are generally accustomed to!

It was a good day for Grayson.

Pax!

Brant

Day 371 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was mostly a family day. Regina, Grayson and I went to the 11:00 service as usual today and Lauren was in the bell choir. They played a delightful arrangement of Crown Him with Many Crowns and we were pleased to be able to hear it. Last spring we were generally in Bakersfield when she played!

Austin and Xixi joined Lauren, Regina Grayson and I for lunch – a relaxed and unhurried meal together. I had to run back to church this afternoon to sing at the installation service of our new associate pastor. There were lots of good things to celebrate – a wonderful new associate, a great quartet to sing with and a festive occasion!

When I returned home, we started the season of Christmas movies. Tonight's selections were Elf and Santa Claus 2. Both of these delightful movies are right up Grayson's alley. He laughed, giggled and wiggled all night long. What fun!

Pax!

Brant

Day 370 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It was a stay-indoors rainy day today. Regina and I hung some window treatments and Grayson spent time reading and a little time doing some chores. Later in the day we watched the disappointing performance of the Trojans in Corvallis. My parents, and a few cousins, are likely happy, but I need a feel good movie tonight!

Pax!

Brant

Day 369 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Lauren, Austin and Xixi stayed with Grayson this evening as Regina and I went out to celebrate our 27^th anniversary. What a blessing to have adult children that offer us the gift of freedom for an evening!

And what a blessing to have such a wonderful spouse to go out and celebrate with!

Pax!

Brant

Day 368 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Here is a tiny sampling of the kind of activities Grayson is walked through regularly to encourage the development of skills of daily living. Repetition, repetition, repetition is the key with as little cueing as possible. (The amount of cueing is a wildly moving target.) Remember these are all hard for Grayson to focus on and complete.

Re-learn how to tie shoes

Practice putting clothing on/off (proper sequencing is harder than you might imagine – one leg in, second leg in, pull up all the way around, adjust waist band, button, zip – reverse)

Make bed

Set table

Pour cereal, milk, juice

Prepare simple means, including stove top and microwave use

Load/unload dishwasher

Way finding around various venues

Hand washing, shower, and restroom sequencing

Shave or brush teeth for longer than five seconds

Simple typing and navigating on computer

Wash, dry, sort, fold, and put away laundry

Clean bathroom sink daily

Sweep kitchen floor

Sort mail by recipient name

Way finding and make selections at grocery store

Practice evacuation from home and clinic

Tap in time with metronome

Pop plastic package bubbles

Practice focusing on a task with and without distractions (very hard for Grayson)

Dig pennies and beads out of Playdough-type putty

Open jars, yogurt containers, turn on/off shower faucets

Bean bag toss from different angles into bucket

Bend down and pick up anything tossed at trash or laundry bucket which missed

Re-learn how to write/print letters and numbers (nearly impossible so far)

Did you ever wonder what your own day would look like if you broke it up and defined every activity every few minutes? We take for granted how much we have learned since our birth and how we build upon each experience. It becomes so obvious when memory of what was just experienced is NOT retained. Sure makes it hard to learn or re-learn. Be thankful for your mother's earliest lessons in your life.

Grace and peace,

Regina

Day 367 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

I thought you might find it interesting to hear some of the things we and the therapists have Grayson do to improve his skills. Remember his attention/focus only lasts a few minutes so there is a lot of variety.

Today I'll start with a sample of things he has done in the last week or so targeting his physical improvement. This includes stamina, balance, coordination, as well as strength.

Walk carrying 10 pound dumbbells

Walk around the neighborhood for an hour

200 -300 steps on a NuStep machine

Treadmill from five to 20 minutes

Hop forward and sideways

Quad leg raises

Punch ball

Jump on a mini trampoline

Bouncing and passing a basketball, beach ball

Squats with 11 pound medicine ball

Kick a soccer ball

Balloon badminton

Sit-ups with medicine ball (six and 10 pounds)

Pushing a shopping cart with 200 pounds of weight in it

Breathing exercises

Carry trash and recycle down two flights of stairs

Carry grocery bags up two flights of stairs

Load and unload washer/dryer

Several games of Wii Fit – Ski Slalom, Ski Jump, Sword Play, and Penguin style fishing

More tomorrow. Grace and peace,

Regina

Day 366 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

One year ago, this very hour, Grayson experienced a series of events which led to a cardiac arrest. He had little or no oxygen for nearly 12 minutes resulting in significant residual brain injury.

The story could have ended there.

During the turbulent hours that followed Brant and I continued to give thanks to God for the 24 years we were able to share life with Grayson and kept our hearts open, yet steeled, to what lay ahead. In the midst of the pain and uncertainty, I prayed that, if Grayson were to survive, he would be able to have a quality of life that at least allowed him to be happy. I released all other expectations.

How precisely those prayers were answered. Grayson may forget how to brush his teeth, how to tie his shoes, how to clean himself, stand up or initiate a sentence but you should hear him laugh. It takes over his whole body complete with squirming and snickering. It reminds me of his belly laughs when he was an infant.

Life will be different for Grayson and his family from now on. He will live with significant challenges the rest of his days. The financial and practical aspects of maximizing his neurological and physical progress are always present. But, as God promised, there will be joy.

To all of you, our family and friends, we express our deepest appreciation for your continued spiritual and practical support. We thank God for your presence in our life and share with you (even over cyberspace) the continued joy that is Grayson.

God's grace and peace to each of you,
Regina

Day 365 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

This morning Grayson woke up a little more "with it". He cooperated well and was able to execute his morning routine with a little less cueing. It still takes a long time to go through the morning routine compared to what it would take you or me. The temptation can be just to push him through the tasks simply to expedite the completion. Since the goal is not to complete the tasks but to have him move closer to being able to complete them more independently, we take our time. It is a good (and constant) exercise in patience.

Grayson walked the sidewalks of Encino for 40 minutes today. This was really pretty good for his usual endurance level. He seemed more energetic and responsive this afternoon.

On our way home, we stopped to fill the van with gasoline and I spied the recently renovated local IHOP. It brought back so many memories of taking the three kids there when they were smaller for a special dinner. Tonight I took my man/child.

I let him peruse the menu and then asked him what he wanted to drink. He ordered chocolate milk with whipped cream and drank it down with a straw like a happy little boy. He tried to slow down at my urging but was enjoying it so much that he barely stopped until there was that wonderful, musical slurping sound.

We should all slow down and enjoy these simple, sweet delights that we discovered as children.

I ordered breakfast – with buttermilk pancakes.

Grace and peace,

Regina

Day 364 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had another slow start today. On his "slow start" days he just has difficulty putting things together – walking down the stairs, using the restroom, putting on a bathrobe – all tasks that he can easily do later in the day that he cannot complete in the morning.

Grayson and I went for a walk today. We go about 30 minutes – half up the hill, half down. Usually I have great difficulty getting him to move with any speed. Today he did pretty well going uphill, and he was right with me going down. That is a first!

We played Wii after we returned from our walk. We tried almost every game in there, and it was tough to keep him engaged. Finally Regina stumbled across something that he would work for more than just a few minutes.

Pax!

Brant

Day 363 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Saturday! Sleep-in day – especially after last night!

We let Grayson sleep until almost 10:00. I don't think he has slept that late since the day of his incident!

We had a leisurely breakfast then got ready to go out on this beautiful Southern California day – crystal clear and warm (mid 70s). We went to the farmers market for fruits and veggies and then went out to lunch. We ran a few more errands prior to the game and then we settled in to watch our Trojans take on the Wildcats. The spirits were with us today and the Trojans took the victory. By the time the game was over, Grayson was ready for bed!

It was a lower energy day, but a nice one with Grayson on a post-card spectacular day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 362 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was a little more "with it" when he got up today than he has been all this week. Austin and Xixi picked him up from home and drove him to the clinic. There they worked with him and are learning more each time they observe. When they arrived back home after the clinic this evening, we all started working on dinner prep.

Tonight several of Grayson's friends from USC's Bovard Auditorium came by for dinner and movie night. We had Tri-tip, acorn squash, green beans and fresh bread for our group of nine. After dinner Austin and Xixi showed the movie, How to Train your Dragon – a thoroughly delightful movie. After the movie the group scattered all over the house – some played Backgammon, some played Wii and some started assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Grayson stayed up until 11:30 before asking to go to bed. What a totally fun night!!

It is a wonderful gift to us that these young adults came over to give joy to Grayson. It warms our hearts to see that Grayson is not forgotten by his friends.

Pax!

Brant

Day 361 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson woke up extremely hard again today. Fortunately for us, in spite of his difficulty waking up and making connections, he is sweet and loving. He gives lots of hugs and snuggles!

When he arrived home from the clinic this evening he was a bit on edge. He seemed a little stressed by unspecified things and that stayed with him the entire night. Interestingly enough, the "edge" actually allowed him to perform better in some of his activities of daily living (ADLs). He was able to remember and focus on some tasks that generally evade him. Something was different and not quite right, yet some things were easier – how about that!

Another pretty good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 360 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was very low energy this morning, and it was difficult to get him ready for the clinic. Regina worked her magic and he was ready for pick up when the transportation arrived!

When I arrived home from Seal Beach this evening, after picking Lauren up from hand bell rehearsal at church, Grayson was there to greet us (with some prompting from Regina, I expect!) Dinner was ready to serve, and Grayson had done his part by setting the table under the watchful supervision of Regina. What a delightful greeting after a long day!

Grayson was alert and active this evening, way more so than this morning. After dinner (which was late for Grayson due to my late arrival) Regina got him ready for bed. We said goodnight and let him read his Garfield comic book. (Not to go down a bunny trail, but the book was given to him by my mother prior to her passing away in 1994). We could hear him chuckling and laughing before we got downstairs to do the dinner dishes. It warms my heart and makes me smile to hear him so happy that he laughs out loud!

Pax!

Brant

Day 359 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had an early morning this morning – 2 hours earlier than normal because of a cardiologist appointment and associated tests this morning. He did well considering!

Grayson's aunt Rita took him from the UCLA Medical Center to his therapy at CNS – with the treat of lunch on the way. After therapy, Xixi picked Grayson up, brought him home and stayed with him until we returned. Thanks to these two angels who took care of Grayson's needs, while we were able to attend to some urgent family business.

Grayson was particularly alert and active this evening. For those of you who have seen Grayson recently, the phrase "alert and active" is a bit subtle. Perhaps I should say that he was more alert and active than he is normally!

Pax!

Brant

Day 358 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had a good day today!

Grayson woke up a bit more alert than normal, and went through his morning routine more easily than usual. He had a neurologist appointment this morning so the day was different than his routine!

This must be "medical week" because Grayson has a series of cardio tests at UCLA tomorrow. We are now actively trying to establish or reestablish a medical team that can follow and participate in Grayson's care as he continues his journey since his return from Bakersfield.

All in all, Grayson did quite well today. This evening he played with the Wii with far less supervision than normal.

In other news Austin, Grayson's longest roommate to date (they shared a room from late 1989 until Grayson moved to USC in 2004), turned 23 today. Austin celebrated his natal day with a late rugby practice. We are exceedingly proud of Austin as we are of all of our kids. Happy Birthday, Austin!

Pax!

Brant

Day 357 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Perhaps it was the additional hour of sleep (daylight savings ending), but Grayson was unusually alert this morning. He got up and was actually a bit helpful in his morning routine where he normally requires lots of assistance. He actually responded to me in a three word sentence before breakfast!

We went to church this morning and Grayson sang two hymns and spoke the Lord's Prayer out loud – unusual because he has been quite non-verbal in church for the past few months. After church we caught up with Austin and Xixi for lunch. What a delight having them so close by so that we might enjoy their company! After lunch we came home and had a quiet afternoon.

This evening Grayson helped me prepare dinner. We cut rosemary off of the hill and peeled garlic – the two primary ingredients for the rub I put on my pork roast. (Peeling garlic is particularly good for Grayson's fine motor skills.) We popped the roast in the oven and then went for a 30 minute walk to get Grayson's heart pumping. Needless to say, the house smelled wonderful when we returned!

It was a good day for Grayson!

Pax!

Brant

Day 356 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was cooperative and easygoing all day as we enjoyed our Saturday. One of the things we did today was our grocery shopping for the week. Grayson selected the yogurt flavors, soups and fruit that he wanted, and he helped to unload the grocery cart on to the checkers conveyer belt without being asked to help.
When we returned home, he helped unload the groceries from the shopping bags, sorted them into categories on the kitchen counter, and then helped put them all away.

He played several games of Wii with Regina, and then watched Honey, I blew up the kids and he laughed and laughed. After that movie ended Regina got to turn the USC/Arizona State game on.

Regina was given 50 yard line tickets to the USC game today, and we gave them to Austin as an early birthday present. (Not THAT early – his birthday is Monday!) Austin, Xixi and I thoroughly enjoyed the tickets (great seats), and the game (an exciting cliff-hanger). It was a squeaker, but the Trojans won.

Pax!

Brant

Day 355 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had a good day today. He also had company! Austin and Xixi went to the clinic with Grayson to better understand the activities and therapies that he experiences so that they might be more effective helping with his care. What a gift!

After the three of them returned from the clinic, Austin and Xixi gave me a debriefing on the activities today before heading home. Regina and I took Grayson with us and joined Rita and Richard for dinner at our favorite sushi joint. It was a delightful evening and Grayson thoroughly enjoyed one of his favorite foods.

When we returned home, Grayson and I played Wii until it was time for him to go to bed. Yes it was a good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 354 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today when Grayson woke up, he was stuck. He just couldn't seem to do anything. He couldn't stand up from the bed, he couldn't put on his pants or put on a shirt or socks or shoes. He put his head on the table at breakfast and didn't eat breakfast for the longest time. It was a miracle that Regina was able to get him ready for transportation to the clinic.

This afternoon when he arrived home from the clinic he was alert and active. Regina gave him a multi-step activity to accomplish – go upstairs, put your socks in the laundry bucket, put on your sandals and come back downstairs. He did it!! He was engaged and active all night. Wow what a difference from this morning!

Oh, and this is so typical of brain injury.

Pax!

Brant

Day 353 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had a good day today. When he arrived home from the clinic he had a snack of cut fruit, then we did some chores. After the chores we started to get ready for the quarterly Court of Honor of our Troop 125. Grayson had been invited as a special guest.

The Court of Honor was fun. Many of the adults and leaders knew Grayson from his years in the troop as a youth and as an adult, as he was still involved up until his incident last year. Grayson was a bit on edge due to the level of energy in the room, but he did well. He thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and the desert, and he was quite patient until the end. We managed to hang on and stay through the retirement of the colors.

When we arrived back home, Grayson was pretty well done. He took his meds, played Wii for a few minutes then it was time to get ready for bed. After the routine of getting ready for bed, he lay down with a book and never got up. He was snuggled in his covers and going to sleep when Regina checked in on him.

It was a full day and a good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 352 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had a tough morning – he couldn't seem to get his brain awake for the longest time. When he is like this it is so frustrating because he just can't seem to do what is needed – sitting up in bed, standing up, going to the rest room, walking downstairs for breakfast. It took him close to an hour before he was ready for breakfast this morning. It was a tough start.

Once he finally was firing on all of his (few remaining) cylinders, he was fine. He was off to the clinic by 11:30 and arrived there with lunch in hand a few minutes past 12:00. Here is what the therapists wrote in Grayson's planner today:

Speach Therapy – Sorting four categories; three syllable words for intelligibility; answering orientation questions; following three step verbal directions.

Physical Therapy – Work on tying shoelaces; play basketball; kicked soccer ball.

Occupational therapy – Functional problem solving by putting shapes in slots; Sensory integration.

When Grayson arrived home, he was much more engaged and active than he was this morning. We played some Wii, did some chores and made dinner.

It was a pretty good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 351 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Monday – back to the weekly routine!

Morning routines – including breakfast, making lunch, showering and personal hygiene, morning meds, blood pressure, dressing, making the bed – all accomplished before the departure for the clinic. When Grayson returned home, he was in good spirits and doing OK. We finished the day with reading, chores, dinner and a little Wii before the bedtime routines.

Nothing spectacular today – just the new routine at the Reed Haus!

Pax!

Brant