Day 350 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was an early morning for me as I was part of a wonderful vocal quartet for both services this Reformation Sunday. We were joined by a pair of trumpets and our organist to lead the congregation in song this morning. The regular choir is starting rehearsals this Thursday, as a new interim choir director has just been hired.

After church we had lunch with Austin and Xixi. After lunch, Xixi went to tutor a Flintridge Sacred Heart student in physics, and Austin and I ran by Sports Chalet to check out the rapidly growing collection of ski and snowboard stuff. When we returned home, Regina and Grayson had decorated the house for Halloween, and Grayson was in a costume! Austin helped us with a little heavy lifting (putting the back seat back into the van) and Grayson suddenly walked over and picked up a case of water bottles that Regina had just unloaded from the van and carried them upstairs. I thanked Grayson, and then said, "A Scout is…" and he responded, "Helpful!" Grayson is still a very helpful and courteous young man, and is he continues to live the 12 points of the Scout Law as he is able.

Because of the 80° heat over the past week, the pumpkins that Austin and Xixi had carved last weekend turned to mush. While Austin waited for Xixi to finish tutoring, he prepared another pumpkin so that they could carve it later this evening at home.

After Austin and Xixi left, Grayson and I played with the Wii for a while. It is difficult for Grayson to focus very long on the games, but he loves to watch people play almost as much as TV.

Tonight we had wonderful dinner at Rita (Regina's sister) and Richard's. While there, it was fun to see the neighborhood kids come to the door for candy. In the 23 years we've been in our home we have never seen a Trick-or-Treat visitor. There are simply too many stairs at all of the houses in this neighborhood.

A long but very fun day today!

Pax!

Brant

Day 349 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Saturday! After overnight showers, today was a beautiful day! Grayson and I ran errands for several hours today. Among the errands, Grayson got a haircut, we shopped briefly at the La Canada Farmers Market, picked up meds at the pharmacy and went to the grocery store to pick up food for the game.

Austin and Xixi came by to watch the game with us, and Lauren and her boyfriend had dinner with us in during the third quarter. Perhaps the dinner distraction is why the Trojans started to break down around then! They held their own until well into the 3^rd quarter when the USC scoring engine just stopped. The Ducks did a great job tonight, and I'm glad to see a Pac-10 team ranked #1. (Perhaps someone will finally realize that there are football teams outside the SEC!) I'm sorry that with the new conference alignment that we will only play the Ducks, Beavers, Cougars and Huskies every other year from now on.

Grayson enjoys it when people are over. He watches and listens more intently and laughs more frequently when people are around. Tonight was no exception. While he sat in front of the TV, he was mostly sideways in his seat so he could watch all of us in the kitchen!

The game was a great opportunity for family to gather. Too bad about the score, but Grayson had a great time anyway!

Pax!

Brant

Day 348 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

As soon as Grayson returned from the clinic today, we put on long pants and headed down to USC. Tonight Austin was playing in a rugby match and we wanted to see it. This one was a special match that Austin could not lose. It was the current team vs. the alumni – and Austin qualified to play on either side! He played most of the game as the captain of the current team, as the current captain was sidelined due to injury. However in the final quarter, there was an injury to the alumni squad, and they were a bit short on bench strength. As a result, Austin removed his jersey, put on an alumni jersey, and went out there and played for the alumni! All in all it was great fun, as most of the alumni were recent and knew Austin well. The bottom line – the alumni crushed the current team. All of the best players from the past few years were there and they were unstoppable!

Rugby, if you have never seen it, is part soccer, part American Football, part keep away, and just plain crazy! Just so you sound informed the next time someone asks you about Rugby, a contest that we might call a "game", is called a match. The playing field is called a "pitch". The shoes that the players wear are celled "boots". What we might call a "touchdown" (and the players must down the ball in the end zone to score) is called a "try".

If you know Grayson, sports have never been his thing. He did well to sit still through the first half then the two of us took a short walk over to the bookstore to poke around a bit while Regina and Xixi continued to cheer on the teams. Since this is Homecoming Weekend, the store had more merchandise than I have ever seen in it! We purchased a trinket then headed back to watch the end of the match. I hope that our football team will score like our alumni tomorrow. Unfortunately hope is not a very good strategy. Given that the Ducks brought their weather along with them, it is a bad omen!

Tonight was a fun evening for all – Fight On!

Pax!

Brant

Day 347 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Routine – it is one of those things that people like more or less of in their lives. Some feel confined by it, others find it comforting. Some amount of routine is essential and I for one am grateful that most people put daily showering in their routine! For those like Grayson who are recovering from brain injury, routine is one of the few things that can substitute for a lack of short term memory. Cueing Grayson through a routine helps him successfully complete a task. As the routine becomes more ingrained, fewer cues are needed.

If it was time for you to go to bed, you would just do it, including changing into bedclothes, washing your face, brushing your teeth and anything else that you might need. That is your routine. For Grayson, that is way too complicated. You need to break the task (going to bed) down into bite sized chunks then cue him through the chunks. Changing into bedclothes really consists of removing your clothing, putting them away or into the laundry basket, then selecting bedclothes, then putting them on. That is still too complicated for Grayson. Removing your clothing consists of: sit down, untie your shoes, remove your shoes, remove your socks, unsnap your pants, unzip your pants, remove your pants then remove your shirt. That is the level of routine that we work with – activities of daily living broken down into steps that he can be cued to remember. Around here, the following type of phrase is often heard: "Grayson what is the first thing that you need to do to take off your pants?" Grayson will likely respond with, "Unzip?"

Using routine to work around short term memory issues – another technique for dealing with brain injury!

Pax!

Brant

Day 346 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a pretty typical day. Grayson was as slow as molasses and difficult to engage when he got up in the morning, and he returned home this afternoon engaged and active. Just not a morning person – never was!

We were informed that the conservatorship hearing will be postponed for some period of time to allow the court to ask additional questions. As a result, Friday will be a opportunity to set up some new physician relationships. Always plenty to do!

Pax!

Brant

Day 345 - Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was the CNS Halloween Pot Luck! Grayson did the shopping yesterday for his meal contribution and today was the big event. The patients arrived in costume, including Grayson who dressed as Indiana Jones! Here he is dressed up earlier this year as he was today.

He worked hard today – including PT time on a trampoline and time on the stair stepper. He slept all the way home from the clinic but he woke upon arriving home, and was alert for the evening. He was with us this evening as we went out to dinner and the grocery store, and he was my shopping cart buddy as we gathered our treasures at the market!

By the time we returned home and unloaded the groceries, he was ready for bed. Another good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 344 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today, in addition to his regular therapies, Grayson went to the grocery store to purchase items that he can bring to the Halloween Pot Luck at the clinic tomorrow. He was assigned the salad, so he and his occupational therapist went to the store to acquire the salad fixings!

Today Grayson, and the two of us, met with his court appointed attorney. Friday is the court hearing to determine if Regina and I should be appointed as Grayson's conservators. The court has appointed Grayson counsel so that he may be fairly represented. I have been quite impressed with this process and the caring of the individuals involved. I am hoping that things will go smoothly on Friday.

In general, Grayson was slow this morning, but was quite active and alert this evening. A good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 343 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was another quiet day for Grayson, but not because there wasn't any activity! After church this morning, we met up with Austin and Xixi (pronounced She-she since so many have asked!) for lunch at a little local bistro. After a delightful lunch, Austin and Xixi headed out to acquire pumpkins for All Souls Day, or something like that. They brought them over for an afternoon of carving. We made pumpkin bread to get in the mood and used the fresh seeds to make a delightful snack. Here are the results!

By the time we were ready for dinner we ordered pizza and watched the Iron Man 2 movie – what a fun night!

As I said, Grayson was not very engaged today, but he enjoyed the company, the activity and the laughter. Who wouldn't?

Pax!

Brant

Day 342 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a great day! Today we celebrated the award of the Eagle Scout rank to a Scout from one of our church families. There was a wonderful Court of Honor in our sanctuary and a reception in our church hall. It was a joy to attend! The Reed family contingent of Regina, Grayson and Brant were all there in uniform to celebrate the accomplishments of this fine young man. Grayson even had the opportunity to stand during the recognition of all Eagle Scouts.

While Grayson was a bit off of his game today, it did not deter our celebration. Congratulations Owen – it was your day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 341 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had a different day today. The patients at CNS went on a field trip to a corn field maze. I'm not aware of the particular details but he had a good time. When later asked what he did today, he said, "Corn". Regina asked him to put his answer in a sentence, and he said, "I saw corn." Progress!

Because of the impact of the presidential motorcade on the freeways around our house, Regina and Grayson decided to take a detour on the way home and went out to our favorite sushi place. They had a delightful dinner together and enjoyed some of Grayson's favorite food.

I arrived home from 10 days on the road this evening and found Grayson waiting up to greet me. He gave me a big hug before heading off to bed. According to Regina, he had another "with it" day – a little more verbal and signs of initiative.

Another good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 340 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

While yesterday was a low-key and disengaged day for Grayson, today he was quite "with it". Regina picked him up from the clinic and they decided to do dinner instead of fighting the traffic home. In the middle of dinner Grayson stood up and Regina asked him where he was going, and he said, "the rest room." There were two key things there – he initiated going to the rest room (generally if we don't remind him often he doesn't go) and he communicated his intention. Initiation and communication – two key things!

This evening after arriving home from after dinner, he was heading up the stairs carrying his lunchbox, a sweatshirt and a drink. Regina offered to carry the drink and Grayson responded, "Now I can hold the railing." Regina was floored, as this was six words in a row, they were understandable and they were not just parroted back.

Today was a very good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 339 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a low key day for Grayson. He had a difficult time engaging and was pretty much just along for the ride today. It is hard to describe why other than to say, "brain injury".

The roller coaster continues!

Pax!

Brant

Day 338 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson woke up this morning and was bright, alert and more conversational than usual. He also had a good day at the clinic in therapy.

Regina has put him to bed later than his "normal" bed time to see if that would be a better fit for him. For the past two days he has stayed down when put to bed. That is good news indeed. Perhaps we are on to something!

Pax!

Brant

Day 337 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Yesterday was an up day, today was a subdued day.

Grayson is adjusting to his new therapy routine, but it is not a simple process. His ability to focus for more than just a few minutes is a constant issue when it comes to therapy. Today he was able to continue on the treadmill for 15 minutes which is an extended period of time for Grayson. We will continue to watch and observe to see that we are getting value for the cost of this care. Since this is day 2 of day therapy, we will give it some time.

Pax!

Brant

Day 336 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a full day. Grayson and Regina were at church by 9:45 to attend the special congregational meeting to vote on the call of a new associate pastor. I am happy to report that she was called, and we now have two pastors for the first time since 2005!

After church, Grayson and Regina went to lunch then grocery shopping. Tonight Regina, Grayson, Austin, Xixi, Lauren and her boyfriend went out to dinner. They were just sitting down to dinner as I returned to my hotel room after finishing a leisurely dinner with business associates in Orlando! Ah, the curvature of the Earth!

Grayson was particularly aware today – the exact opposite of yesterday. He was more active, more participative and more vocal. In fact, he initiated conversation a few times – that is extraordinary! Several folks commented on it, so it wasn't just us. Good news – I wish it was more consistent.

On a personal note, today marks my 33^rd anniversary of joining Hughes Aircraft, now part of the Boeing Company. It is hard to believe that so much time has passed, and that I am now housed in Seal Beach, a former Rockwell facility. Change is the only constant in nature!

Pax!

Brant

Day 335 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

One of the problems with writing this blog when I'm three time zones away is that my bedtime sometimes interferes with the reporting of the news! Here is some activity that didn't make it into yesterdays posting:

Xixi and Austin came over on Friday after the inauguration of USC's new president. Xixi spent some time reading with Grayson. She would read a paragraph then have Grayson read one in an attempt to keep him engaged. By all counts she was successful. It's good to have a chemical engineer as your reading buddy!

Lauren, Regina, Xixi, Austin and Grayson then went out to see a movie. Grayson sat between Regina and Austin and Grayson was so happy to be sitting next to his brother. He was well behaved all through the movie.

Today was a low key day for Grayson. He was low energy all day and it was difficult to motivate him to do anything – so typical of brain injury! He and Regina watched the game, and the Trojans won, squeaking by Cal 48-14. How 'bout those Ducks, Doug – a bye week and it looks like they will move into #1! Now we just need to find them some decent uniforms…

Pax!

Brant

Day 334 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson started day therapy at CNS in Encino. Grayson did well with the new therapists. Because his attention span is less than 10 minutes on any particular task, it sure makes for sloooow progress. All of the therapists remarked that it is a good thing he has such a loving personality.

Regina met with a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a speech therapist. She also spent several hours with a case manager discussing medical and financial resources, cost of in-home assistance, nutritional supplements to aid in brain healing, legal resources, training available for in-home aides and how to make sure that the needs of the care givers are met.

It was a full, but good, day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 333 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was good and a busy day. Regina and Grayson played Wii, took a long walk, did chores, washed laundry, brought in the trash cans – lots of things that are good and necessary in our lives. In addition, Regina spent several hours working while Grayson was occupied with reading and other activity.

Tomorrow Grayson starts day therapy. I hope this will be as beneficial as the therapy in Bakersfield – we should know more tomorrow!

Pax!

Brant

Day 332 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Woo hoo – the insurance authorization for day therapy has finally come through! Thanks to all who helped break the log jam.

Grayson will start therapy again on Friday – great news!

Pax!

Brant

Day 331 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I have said to Regina, "Since Grayson has returned home, this blog sounds more like OUR journey than Grayson's!" It certainly is all interconnected now that he is back in our home.

Grayson had a good day. He was a bit more aware than his usual, and he was very cooperative and helpful today. This evening when I was unloading the dishwasher, without being asked Grayson went to the flatware basket and started putting the pieces away. There is a pattern in the flatware drawer, salad forks, dinner forks, soup spoons, etc. and he is able to follow that pattern and successfully accomplish a task. I was thrilled, and this is huge – no cueing or asking – he just did it!

It is amazing how wonderful such little things can be, isn't it?

Pax!

Brant

Day 330 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was different today. He awoke a bit easier, was more alert all day, and explored his world a bit more than usual. I've learned not to get my hopes up as tomorrow he may be back to "normal", but nonetheless it was fun to see today.

Here is a "baseline normal" for Grayson. If you push Grayson to work hard mentally, he tires very easily – perhaps 2 to 3 minutes. The first sign of tiring is Grayson scratching his head. If the stimulus continues (he is encouraged to do more) then he starts to put his head on the table or anything that will support it. If you are not tuned in and continue to try, Grayson will stand up and leave the room.

Grayson had the patience to do a 50 piece jigsaw puzzle today, with only minor encouragement from Regina. He also played Wii way more than usual, though getting him to finish a game of anything is difficult. All in all, today was a great day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 329 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today I was invited to attend the Court of Honor for the Verdugo Hills Council National Scout Jamboree Troop. For those not as immersed in Scouting as we are, a Court of Honor is an event to recognize and a celebrate accomplishments. Our council, like every other council in the Boy Scouts of America, organizes one or more troops to represent them at the National Scout Jamboree. Because of their size, some councils send as many as 20 troops – ours sends one. Each troop that a council sends is made up of 36 boys and 4 adults. There were close to 1000 troops at this year's Centennial National Scout Jamboree. Jamborees are typically held every four years – the last one was in 2005 and the next one will be held in 2013. The 2010 Jamboree was planned to be "off schedule" in order to be held during the centennial year of Scouting in America.

In the case of our National Scout Jamboree troop, this was their final event. The boy leadership was recognized for their good works, the adults that worked hard to make the trip a success were thanked and acknowledged, and the Scoutmaster was praised and thanked in the most special way – heartfelt thanks from teenage boys. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Sitting in the audience brought back a flood of memories for me, and memories that I know Grayson still has. For fun, here is a picture of our 2001 National Scout Jamboree Troop in front of their Gateway (Grayson is standing next to me in the back row – Austin is to the far left in the front row), a picture of Grayson and three fellow Scouts after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in 2001, and a picture of Austin and three fellow Eagle Scouts doing the same thing at the 2005 Jamboree (Austin is in the back on the right). Moments forever burned in our memories that even a catastrophic brain injury like Grayson's can't erase.

This evening Austin and Xixi came by for dinner on their way home from the (disappointing) USC game and weekender in the San Francisco Bay Area. We had a wonderful visit replete with good food, Wii and conversation. Grayson was particularly excited and animated this evening. What a delight that they choose to spend time with us when they can.

Pax!

Brant

Day 328 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Saturday! Grayson and I slept in a little bit. It was a great day with a more relaxed pace.

After a leisurely breakfast we went to the local farmers market to stock up on fruits and vegetables for the week. Grayson was in a bit of a low-energy fog today. He came along for the adventure but he wasn't exactly "with" us. We brought food home and had lunch and then played a little Wii. He was not too interested today. He would start to play and then give up, more inclined and happy to watch play rather than do it himself.

After Wii, Grayson and I went for a half-hour walk before the game. Not much change from the morning – along for the walk, but not very engaged.

Saturday is also college football day! I always look forward to the unpredictable nature of college football, and the anticipation of a great game for the only one of my alma maters that still plays football. (My high school gave it up a few years back, and Loyola University gave it up in the 60s, several years before I attended and they merged with Marymount College.) As I stated yesterday I thought that divine intervention would be required, but USC mostly held their own against the Trees. Unfortunately, the last team with the ball won, and Stanford won as time expired. It was a disappointing loss but the outcome was a whole lot better than last year. And for all of my cousins that attended the Oregon schools, great job Beavers! The Ducks had a bye week, sort of. Heck, even we beat the Cougars!

Pax!

Brant

Day 327 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Three weeks ago Regina and I had our last night alone together. Things have certainly changed since then!
Tonight we went out to dinner at a little local restaurant that we have frequented for many years, Café Sole. No wine tonight, but we did have a lovely dinner. Regina had Sea Bass Picatta, I had Linguini with Jumbo Scallops and Pine Nuts and Grayson had Pappardelle with Sausage and Artichokes. A most satisfying meal by all counts and Grayson was well behaved throughout. The only incident to speak of was when the meal was over and I was waiting for the bill. Grayson decided to stand up suddenly. As he sometimes does, he got off balance and almost fell into the table behind us. Fortunately he regained his balance as I caught his hand and an embarrassing incident was avoided. On our way out I apologized and explained that Grayson had suffered a brain injury and they were most sympathetic.

Regina observed a positive incident of note today. After putting toothpaste on his brush, Grayson started brushing his teeth with his right hand. While brushing, he took the toothpaste tube in his left hand and closed the flip lid, put the tube in the drawer and closed it. Reflex perhaps? It was a measure of control and simultaneous action we were thrilled to see. Grayson has difficulty maintaining focus on one item at a time, so this was a good thing.

Tomorrow is Saturday, and in the evening we get to watch the battle of the only private schools in the Pac 10 or 12 – the University of Southern California and the Leland Stanford Junior University. The Trojans may need divine intervention to beat the Trees this year.

Pax!

Brant

Day 326 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today we are nearing the end of three weeks home. We were told that the approval process for the day therapy would take about five days. After three weeks, we are a bit discouraged. The approval will probably not last beyond year end, and we have lost three weeks of therapy already. Additionally, Regina is stealing minutes away to try and keep current with her job, but that is not easy. Grayson can be left to his own devices with a book or TV for a while, but that doesn't challenge him to relearn life skills. The trick is to keep him working with you as much as possible so he is engaged. The challenge is that to allow him to help turns a 5 minute job into a 20 minute job. Deadlines are no longer relevant.

Regina and Grayson ran some errands this afternoon. They returned from their chores and Grayson and I made dinner – well we assembled one of my favorite dutch oven meals and put it in the oven to cook for 90 minutes. That gave all of us some time to play with the new Wii for an hour this evening!

Grayson wants to play, but he has difficulty with attention span and fine motor control. We are working to try and keep it simple and fun to keep him in the game and stretching his capabilities.

Pax!

Brant

Day 325 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today started out slow for Grayson and ended well. Grayson was his usual morning zombie but he awoke later to be a relatively engaged dude!

The cool weather is sure a pain – I am so going to miss summer. Having to help him remove a lot of clothes and size 13 shoes to go to the bathroom in a hurry is really tough. Shorts and flip-flops will be sorely missed!

Wednesday is trash night and Grayson gathered all of the trash and recycle with me and took it out to the street. We also did several therapeutic home program (THP) modules and set the table for dinner.

After dinner and meds, we tried our new Wii for the very first time! Grayson tried his hand at flying an airplane and bowling. Perhaps this was a good thing because Grayson went to bed and only got up twice – a new two week record!

Pax!

Brant

Day 324 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson was awakened with his usual morning music and was guided downstairs to breakfast in his usual fog. Grayson requires a lot of supervision, especially on the stairs, in the morning. Man that kid wakes up hard!

Regina got him up and out in about three hours. They spent most of the day running errands, but running errands with Regina isn't your typical errand-running. She parks as far away from the store as possible. She races Grayson to the store. If it is uphill that's even better! All the time they are out she is talking to him and challenging him to move faster, identify what he sees, to use his words and to use full sentences. Errands are the new therapeutic home program – Reed style!

Pax!

Brant

Day 323 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a busy one for Grayson. Regina worked with him doing many things but the most fun was music therapy! Grayson was enjoying playing various percussion instruments along with recorded music – great practice with rhythm, expression and controlled movement.

While Regina was at her office, Grayson helped me prepare dinner – a beef stew. We chopped veggies, peeled garlic, blanched and peeled tomatoes, snapped green beans and generally had a good time making a mess of the kitchen, before cleaning it all up again! On an uncharacteristically cool (high of 68°) and extremely rare rainy day in LA (normal rainy season is November to April), a pot of hot beef stew out of the oven was heavenly!

After dinner Grayson and I had a quick walk up the street and back before dessert and meds. He sat down to watch an episode of House, then was off to bed.

Pax!

Brant

Day 322 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was World Wide Communion Sunday at Salem. The church rocked with fun music from around the globe this morning. I was honored to be part of the vocal quartet that, along with our organist, percussionist and conductor, presented the music. Unfortunately that meant that I was up and out of the house before Grayson was up, leaving Regina with the duty. Regina was her usual amazing self and she and Grayson arrived at church well before the second service.

We were again touched by all of the love we felt at church today. Since we have not been at the early service since Grayson has been home, it was the first time I have seen many of these folks for a while.

Regina went to her office this afternoon and Grayson and I ran some errands and did some chores around the house before heading to the grocery store. The store had a small town feel today, because as we were in the produce department we kept running into friends that we hadn't seen in ages. One of those that we ran into was the person that took Grayson on his very first ski trip back in 1998! It was great to catch up and great for them to see Grayson.

We returned home to unload the groceries and put on a quick dinner. Grayson was quite animated and active this evening after a very low energy day. Perhaps it was because Austin and Xixi were coming for a visit? Their visit was charming, and as always I was grateful for their company. Grayson was quite focused on the conversation and was laughing out loud at some of the antics we described. He had a ball tonight! Regina arrived home after Grayson was in bed but just in time to say "Hi" and "Bye" to Austin and Xixi.

Grayson has been a little better staying in bed tonight, but he is not going to sleep. It is 11:45 now and he is still awake. So far he has only tried to exit the room twice since I put him down at 8:30. I hope something is awakening in him, but this late-night activity is a challenge!

Pax!

Brant

Day 321 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Saturday – almost always a good day!

We got up a bit slowly this morning. After breakfast and the morning routine, Grayson and I went to the La Canada Farmers Market to acquire fresh goodies for the weekend – guacamole fixings for the game, fruits, vegetables and salad fixings for the week, and a quiche for lunch.

Grayson had visitors this afternoon – Erica and Siobhan, schoolmates from Flintridge Prep. I am so proud of how these "kids" have turned into such responsible and caring adults!

After Erica and Siobhan departed, Grayson and I went for a walk. As we were walking up the canyon, a car pulled over and Pastor Jon from Redeemer Lutheran in Bakersfield hopped out! He was heading home from the UCLA game and spotted us – talk about a small world! Redeemer Lutheran is the church that welcomed us so warmly during our stay in Bakersfield. An even less likely coincidence, Pastor Jon is the brother of our own Pastor Kurt at Salem Lutheran! It was great to see Pastor Jon again and we had a nice, albeit short, chat as he was heading back to Bakersfield.

The rest of the evening was spent watching an exciting football game. Unfortunately for me and my family, Washington wound up on top at the final second. I guess I'm going to have to wear a purple shirt again for my Seattle friends!

Pax!

Brant

Day 320 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson became particularly alert this afternoon around 2:00. Regina described him as "charming"! She relayed to me that he spent an unusual amount of time exploring the items in his room – books, CDs pictures, etc. This is something he had not done in the past two weeks. As I spoke of earlier, his room is much less cluttered and full of things than the room he left last November. It is not Spartan, but there are fewer things in it – and those things mostly have some meaning.

Grayson played some elementary computer games on Regina's computer today – matching pictures. No keyboard work, but he drove the mouse successfully.

One set of the items in the "old" room that we wished to preserve, but could no longer afford the wall space, was the posters from all of the Flintridge Prep musicals that the boys participated in – eight in total from 1999 to 2006. Regina and Grayson had the posters reduced and put them in smaller frames today. We now have a small set of the posters for the "new" room!

Verbally, Grayson generally responds with one or two word answers if asked a question. Rarely does he speak first, nor does he ever use more than two words. At one point today Grayson found and put on his "Indiana Jones" hat. He looked at himself in the mirror and announced, "I look good!" Yes you do, Grayson!

Pax!

Brant