Day 776 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was our first full day in Mammoth. I skied for a few hours this morning while Regina got Grayson up and ready for his day. This afternoon Grayson took his first lesson of the new season at Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra. He was excited to go skiing again!

Grayson did well at his lesson today. His balance was good and he was almost immediately taken up the lift. He was successful following directions and skiing around "obstacles" (such as beginner skiers). His instructors had him playing a game to try and get him to complete his turns and it worked well with him. It was a successful day!

Austin and Xixi arrived on the Horizon Air flight just after Grayson's lesson ended. We unpacked and decided that tonight was an "eat out" night! We had a wonderful dinner the off to the market to lay in supplies for the week. As always, Grayson was my cart pusher!

We came back to the condo and settled in for the evening. Most of us were very tired from all of the various activities we have been involved in. An early night sounds like a good idea even if it is New Year's Eve!

Pax!

Brant

Day 775 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

We left town at 3:30 today and arrived in Mammoth at 8:30 PM. We ran some errands, had a delightful dinner, did some grocery shopping, unloaded the van into the condo we have rented for the week, did some unpacking and – wow it was midnight! The day was uneventful (a good thing on a travel day!) and we are all safely snuggled in our beds – at least everyone but me.

Grayson was very alert all day. Regina and I think that there may be another one of those little growth spurts going on, but we are not sure yet. We will continue to watch and wait and see.

Unlike last year when Mammoth had record snow, this year there has been almost none. The ground in town is bare but they have made a lot of snow on the mountain. I'll have a better feel in the morning when I give it a whirl!

Tomorrow Austin and Xixi arrive and then we'll have a full house for New Years Eve.

Pax!

Brant

Day 774 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

We are madly packing for Mammoth VII – the 7^th annual Reed family ski vacation to Mammoth Mountain. Tomorrow is a travel day. More news soon!

Pax!

Brant

Day 773 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was back on a normal schedule today. Anishka took care of him while I madly tried to catch up on a myriad of personal business items. 2011 is almost over!

Grayson was a bit off his game again today. He was a bit slow all day and he repeated some words over and over. This was a bit disconcerting to us. He was better after he had been up a while so we pushed it to the back of our minds, but we'll keep an eye on this.

Pax!

Brant

Day 772 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

This morning I had to jolt Grayson out of a deep sleep to get him to a doctors appointment. In high school that meant that we were in the car in 20 minutes or less. Now it is more like 1½ to 2 hours to get Grayson out the door – and it requires continuous energy on my part (or the part of the person getting him ready) to make it happen. We were in and out in 30 minutes, then met up with Regina for lunch and picked up one of our cars that was in for service. For Grayson this morning must have felt like a blur – sleep, breakfast, shower, clothes, car, doctor, car, Mom, lunch, car – it makes me tired when I think about it given his limited capacity. Fortunately Grayson is always a good egg and will go along with anything!

This evening we met up with Regina again at the Apple store to set up her new iPhone (my Christmas present to her.) After the set-up (not as painless as one would have expected given the Apple hype, but we did manage to get through it) we had sushi for dinner at a restaurant next door. We returned home to watch the end of the Kennedy Center Honors, then off to bed with Grayson.

Grayson was a bit off of his game all day. Perhaps it was the rapid decompression between sleep and having a dermatologist poking at him, but he was a bit off all day. Tomorrow Anishka will be back and "normalcy" will resume – for two days anyway!

Pax!

Brant

Day 771 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was Boxing Day! We celebrated by sleeping in late, reliving a little bit of Christmas, enjoying coffee, watching some Christmas movies, and generally keeping a low profile all day.

Grayson and I took a walk today. For the most part Grayson was pretty alert. Because of sleeping in, he was only up about 12 hours today. Frankly I wish that I had only been up 12 hours today!

Pax!

Brant

Day 770 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

God bless us, every one.

Regina

Day 769 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It's Christmas Eve!

Today was filled with the joy of preparation for tomorrow's big celebration. The house looks beautiful, the gifts are all wrapped, the table is set and all is in order for the big day. I'm writing the blog a bit earlier than usual as we are heading to church at 10:00 PM for the late Vigil service. Regina is serving as the assisting minister hence the early arrival time for the 11:00 PM service. We should be home around 1:00 AM to prepare the stockings for tomorrow. With no little kids at home any longer we should be able to sleep in a bit!

Grayson was a champ today. He traveled with me this afternoon as we ran errands. When we returned home Regina asked him if he delivered any presents and he said that he had. "Who did you deliver presents to?" she asked him. "Howie and Julie" was the reply. How cool is that – that is short-term memory. He can't always do it but he did today! At one other point he saw something from Mammoth Mountain and he told Regina, "I'm going to Mammoth!" Yes he is – very soon! All of this tells me that Grayson is having a good day and there continues to be slow improvement.

From the entire Reed family, we wish you the most beautiful of Christmas Days tomorrow and may the blessing of Christ's birth continue to burn brightly in your heart for the coming year.

Pax!

Brant

Day 768 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was the first day of our Christmas Holiday! It was a full day and a fun day!

Grayson and I did the grocery shopping for Christmas dinner (and a few other meals along the way!) The store was as crowded as I have ever seen it. Grayson was, as always, my cart pusher – following me around the store as I filled the basket. With all of the extra people and obstacles today was a challenge but he was up to it! He was able to steer around obstructions as gracefully as he is able to ski around them on the slopes. He just knew that he had to follow me and he did. If someone got in his way, he patiently waited until the path was clear and moved on. I was very proud of him.

Today we finished decorating the Christmas tree. Every ornament that we hang has a story. As we get older the tree needs to get larger to accommodate all of these legends! This year due to the travel shortened season, we got a 6 foot tree, roughly 2 feet smaller than usual, so several of our ornaments never made it onto the tree. Nonetheless it is a beautiful cornerstone to our festivities and it smells great!

Grayson was also full of song today and it was great to hear him sing on pitch some old favorite Christmas carols with us as we decorated the tree.

During our tree trimming, Lauren called. We had a long and emotional chat. Our gift of a shortbread pan arrived tonight and she was overcome with the emotion of Christmases at home and memories of baking. It was wonderful to hear from her and at the end of the call she had a chat with Grayson.

For the closeness of family, no matter where they may be, we are so blessed.

Pax!

Brant

Day 767 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I made it! After a 10 hour day, the 2011 work year for my team is now over. While there are some areas working the holiday week in order to make year-end delivery commitments, my team is done for the year. I finished the last of my year-end tasks at 5:15 this afternoon and am now ready for a long winter's nap! Oh wait – is it time to start Christmas shopping yet? Fortunately this year most of my shopping was done online!

Grayson was a bit off of his game today. Those darned cycles! I bet that Christmas will get him going again!

Pax!

Brant

Day 766 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

One more day until the holiday break! (For me anyway.) I'm working like mad to wrap up all of the year end details and after another 12 hour day I think that the end is in sight!

I took a break this evening to join Regina and Grayson for dinner. After dinner I decided to run by the store to buy the beast to roast for Christmas dinner (in our case a standing rib roast), and I took Grayson with me. When we pulled into the parking lot of the grocery, I asked him where we were. He answered, "The market." I asked him why we came here and he answered, "To buy a fat pig!" That made my day!

Blessings to all of you as you prepare your "fat pig" for Christmas!

Pax!

Brant

Day 765 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a wildly crazy day at work for both Regina and I – year end rapidly approaching and few days left to get the work done! For me only two days remain in the work year – Regina has an additional 4.

Thanks goodness for Anishka! She now has Grayson on her own all day. Tonight it was a dinner, a little TV and off to bed sort of night.

Grayson was, as always, in good spirits. We giggled and played during our interactions this evening. Just like a parent of a young child, I feel guilty when work takes me away from him. Fortunately we now have good daytime care!

Blessings on the remainder of this Advent season!

Pax!

Brant

Day 764 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was the start of the last work week of the year for me (unfortunately not for Regina.) As of tonight I only have three remaining work days to get all of my work done for 2012 – now that is a scary thought!

Advent at the Reed Haus, after a delayed start due to our visit to see Regina's dad, is now in full swing. More decorations are up every day, packages are being wrapped, the Christmas menu and schedule for the day has been worked out, and the shopping is miraculously complete (thanks primarily to online shopping and a spouse that always has it under control!) I still need to go to the store to get a beast to roast, but I can't remember a time when things seemed so calm. Perhaps we are older and wiser, perhaps we are better planners, or perhaps we just lowered our expectations! The fact is I am so excited for Christmas, to hear the first carols at church, and to hear again of the miracle of our Savior's birth.

Grayson was a bit of a conundrum today. He was quite slow this morning but this evening he was able to answer some difficult questions with accuracy. He wouldn't sit still for lunch or dinner, but he went to bed tonight and stayed there without getting up. It is like he is having a good and a bad day at the same time. I have no idea what to expect tomorrow!

Pax!

Brant

Day 763 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a full day. We were off to a wonderful service at church this morning. I'm always thrilled to see the sanctuary so full! There was special hand bell music from the school and the sermon was actually presented by the younger kids of the church. They did a great job and had most of us in tears this morning.

We returned home after lunch and got right to the Christmas decorating. By the time we went to bed the house had gone a transformation. Advent is well underway and Christmas is just around the corner!

Grayson was a bit off of his game all day. Perhaps the hustle and bustle of the holidays has gotten to him, or maybe just the disruption in the routine. In any event he has been a bit more difficult to participate with.

This too shall pass!

Pax!

Brant

Day 762 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today we spent the day getting the house ready for Christmas. We installed a light fixture and brought all of the boxes of decorations up from the garage. Tomorrow we dress the house for Christmas!

Grayson was pretty alert today. We ran several errands together today and Grayson is always willing to ride somewhere with me. In the days before his injury he would fall asleep almost as soon as the engine started. Now when he is in the car he is awake and observes the world outside the entire time – even on long drives.

Tomorrow is the 4^th Sunday of Advent. Only one more week until the Feast of the Nativity!

Pax!

Brant

Day 761 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I arrived to meet up with Regina and Grayson for dinner about 7:00 this evening. They had spent the time after Anishka left doing some Christmas shopping and were ready to eat – so was I!

We had a nice dinner at our favorite local Italian haunt then returned home to watch White Christmas. There are a few ritual Christmas movies that we watch every year in the Reed Haus – this is one (the other essentials are Scrooge and It's a Wonderful Life.)

I'm not sure what Anishka and Regina did with Grayson today, but he went to bed like a sack of potatoes – sound asleep in minutes. How cool is that!!

Pax!

Brant

Day 760 – Grayson’s Journey

My dear family and friends,

Grayson is definitely on a more alert upswing the last couple of days. Most people wouldn't notice but there are small signs throughout the day. At one point he spontaneously started singing a song with me. Usually I have to encourage him by requesting him to join me or by stopping a line which encourages him to complete it. Last night he remembered that Brant was meeting us to select a Christmas tree. Tonight he was able to tell me what he wanted for dinner and 15 minutes later remembered what it was.

When he is in this more active phase he laughs more. He finds something to laugh and giggle about in what he reads, what he watches, and of course in our silly banter with him. It's quite contagious.

As Brant has mentioned before, when Grayson comes out of a low period it also brings an increase in his jumping up during activities. It happened several times during lunch, twice while he was quietly reading, and tonight, right in the middle of "Holiday Inn" movie. When I asked where he was going he said, "To bed". Twice since he has gone to bed his door alarm has gone off.

There is some energy running through him that he's not sure what to do with.

May there be a blessed energy running through each of us.

Peace to you this night,

Regina

Day 759 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Busy days at work for both Regina and I. Thank God for Anishka!

The big news this evening is that we finally got our Christmas tree! Because of our trip to Hawaii we were over two weeks later than normal for our sweet-smelling Advent accessory. Grayson enjoyed our tree-shopping experience this evening and was equally excited to have a Christmas tree in our home.

Now that the tree is here, decoration begins in earnest tomorrow!

Pax!

Brant

Day 758 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today things were back to normal. Regina and I were back to work and Anishka was here to work with Grayson. The last few weeks before Christmas and the year end are suddenly looming both at work and at home!

Grayson had a full course of activity today. Anishka had him out on two brisk walks (the temperature here in Glendale was in the low 50s). She also played some games with him and generally kept him on the go all day. Grayson was pretty alert today. The unfortunate downside is his inability on alert days to go to bed. He has bounced up out of bed several times already this evening.

"Alert" is good.

Pax!

Brant

Day 757 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

We are back in sunny Southern California (where it was raining today and the high temperature was 49) from lovely Hawaii (where the temperature is always 80). A long night flight, a fast drive home at 6:00 AM then a few hours sleep in our own beds. I apologize that I forgot to post the blog I wrote on the plane until late in the day. Sleep deprivation caught up with me!

Grayson was pretty alert today considering what we did to him. He never slept a wink on the plane or the drive home (we did – on the plane that is!) We put him in bed as soon as we got the car unloaded (about 7:00 AM) then got him up at noon. He was charming all night and all day. He traveled a lot easier than I thought he would on a long flight.

Tomorrow we are back to normal – as normal as things can be with Christmas just around the corner!

Pax!

Brant

Day 756 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Aloha from somewhere over the Pacific Ocean! There is no internet access on this flight so this blog posting will have to wait until I am home before it can be uploaded.

Today we spent most of the day packing up and making sure that the condo was spic and span before checking out. We had a delightful and spacious unit overlooking the Kona Coast, and right at the foot of the street that leads to Regina's father's house. Great location two ways! We bid our temporary home farewell and headed to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening with Papa Tutu. There we chatted, watched the sunset and prepared dinner. It was a bittersweet celebration – it is always hard to go so far away from parents.

Perhaps it was all of the unusual activity this morning, but Grayson was very slow all day. It was not until we were ready to board our flight that Grayson showed some real alertness.

We'll be home in the morning after a short night on the plane.

Pax!

Brant

Day 755 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was day 6 without shoes. These luau feet have quickly become accustomed to the warm island life! Unfortunately our week on Hawaii is rapidly coming to an end.

Today we spent the day with Regina's father completing most of the chores we started during the week. After we finished up for the day we watched the sunset from his lanai. The sunset was one of the best of the week as there have been lots of clouds on the horizon all week. After dark we made dinner at his house and enjoyed time together.

Grayson continued to be aware and alert today. This has been a good week for Grayson – certainly one of on that is out of the norm. Routine went out the window this week!

Tomorrow we pack up and prepare to head home. One last day!

Aloha!

Brant

Day 754 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson and I spent time together today while Regina worked with her father organizing his records. Grayson and I stayed at the condo and spent some time by the pool and the ocean. We ate lunch on our balcony overlooking the crashing waves – and they were especially loud today because of particularly high surf.

Grayson was especially aware today. He was quick to follow instruction and aware of things around him. As always we are blessed by his good nature and cooperative attitude. He is a joy to be around.

Grayson and I picked up Regina and her Dad late this afternoon and took them to dinner. We dined waterfront at sunset and had another wonderful dinner here in lovely Kona as our trip starts to wind down.

Aloha!

Brant

Day 753 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Day 4 on Hawaii! Notice I said ON Hawaii, not just IN Hawaii. Hawaii, the Big Island, is where we are. Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian Islands and is larger than all of the other islands combined. However it not the most populous – that honor goes to Oahu, home to Honolulu and Pearl Harbor among many other things. We enjoy our time here on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Today we spent most of our day with Regina's father, who we all call Papa Tutu. I finished working on his computer and Regina worked with him to organize his computer data and his business files. We all broke for an early and leisurely dinner and watched the sun go down over the King Kamehameha Hotel (a.k.a. the King Kam).

Grayson was very in tune with activity today. He did little things that let us know that he was alert and engaged. At one point I said that he should get out on the passenger side of the car, he pulled up the center divider and slid over to get out. At another point Regina said something about her getting her bag and Grayson grabbed it from the back seat and handed it to her. It was a good day for Grayson.

Aloha!

Brant

Day 752 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Day 3 in Hawaii. I haven't had shoes on since Sunday! It is 80 here – as always, but we have not had swimming attire on yet. There is still time!

Today we spent the day with Regina's father. I spent some quality time with his computer and I think that I banished some demons and managed to improve its performance. Regina spent time with her dad discussing plans for the future and finished the afternoon going through a large box of memorabilia.

During one particularly long computer operation, Grayson and I went for a walk. The terrain here is even more hilly (life on a volcano) than home and Grayson had a pretty good workout comparatively. While we were out we picked some plumeria blossoms for Regina and Grayson presented them on our return.

This evening we came back to our condo where we watched the sunset, cooked a tri-tip and enjoyed an evening together.

Aloha!

Brant

Day 751 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today we went out to lunch in Downtown Kona. We had a lovely meal across from the seawall on Alii Drive then we did a little shopping. We visited Regina's father this afternoon then we all had dinner with some old business associates of his from Glendale. Here is a picture of the four of us just before his friends arrived.

Grayson was with us and observing the familiar but new sights all day. Familiar because we have been coming here to visit his grandparents every couple of years for his entire life – the last being less than three months before his incident. It is a whole new world now.

Aloha!

Brant

Day 750 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Late last night we arrived here in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Between the arrival, fetching the luggage, getting the rental car, shopping for breakfast groceries, getting the condo keys from the agency and moving into our temporary "home" for a week, it's hard to believe that I forgot to post a blog for yesterday! We arrived safe and sound and awoke to a beautiful Kona morning.

Grayson tolerated the 5 ½ hour flight pretty well. The flight attendants were most helpful and kind – actually all of the American Airlines personnel are to be commended for their kindness towards us and especially Grayson.

Today we spent the better portion of the day with Regina's father. We visited, talked about issues, visited some more and generally spent the day precisely as we intended to on this trip.

More news tomorrow from Kona.

Aloha!

Brant

Day 749 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Oops!

Pax!

Brant

Day 748 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was a bit off of his game today. He woke up a little confused and he was never really able to focus during the day. Some of this might be the disruption to his normal routine, but it is hard to tell.

The routine was interrupted with the preparation for a trip to visit Regina's father. There was a lot of hustle and bustle around the house that was out of the norm. I suspect that this contributed to Grayson's inability to focus. When it was time for bed he pounced in and never budged.

We'll see just how well he adjusts to the next few days!

Pax!

Brant

Day 747 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was in good hands with Anishka today. She made sure that he ate, showered got ready, walked laughed and worked. After she departed late this afternoon, Grayson and I ran some errands then met up with Regina for dinner. Sushi remains one of Grayson's favorite foods and we had our share this evening!

When we returned home we watched UCLA get demolished by Oregon. During the game they spoke of the back-up quarterback having a broken femur. I asked Grayson what a femur was and without hesitation he pointed to his thigh. Wow. It is easy to think of and treat Grayson as a child but he knows and remembers a lot from his past.

Pax!

Brant

Day 746 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Things are back to normal this evening. Last evening I was rushing to get the blog posted before all of my computers and the network ran out of battery power. I succeeded, but the power didn't come back on line until 8:30 this morning – 8 ½ hours without electricity. We had quite a blow here locally. When we got up this morning the spark arrester from our chimney was resting on the sidewalk. Obviously it blew off during the night. I would hate to have had that 20 pound object the size of a small trash can land on my head! The rest of the damage was manageable – large potted plants tipped over, debris all over the yard, the streets and throughout the city. My roofer will be over tomorrow to see if we broke any roof tiles during the flight of the spark arrester. Hurricane-force winds are not what we are accustomed to here in LA!

Grayson was again well tended by Anishka. She took him on walks and kept him interested and occupied all day. What a blessing!

The winds are calm tonight – a peaceful night is in store!

Pax!

Brant

Day 745 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Well, it is one minute past midnight and a windy night has brought the power down here at the Reed Haus. I'll make it brief before all of the UPSs fail and the network switches, routers and the computers run out of power!

Grayson had a great day. Anishka was here again today and kept Grayson busy and full of activity – a great thing for him. We arrived home and had a wonderful time together at home this evening and Grayson was quite engaging – more so than he has been for the past few days. A great first week of Advent!

Pax!

Brant

Day 744 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had a good day with his caregiver today. Regina got to have another full day in the office – two in a row! Having someone dependable with Grayson on a regular basis is a blessing.

He went to bed and to sleep quickly this evening – one of the signs of an exhausting day OR a down cycle. He appears to be in a down cycle, but he also had a big day. In any event we were glad that he conked out quickly so we could get to bed ourselves!

Pax!

Brant

Day 743 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Today was another milestone day (for me, at least). After six months of working from home in early morning and scattered hour segments, going into the office in the evenings and weekends, and taking care of Grayson full-time, I am back in the office. The delightful Anishka took full charge of Grayson's daytime care today allowing me to pack up several large boxes of files and return to working a more normal schedule at my job.

Grayson seems to respond quite well to his new caregiver. She is sensitive, quite coachable and willing to learn. Brant and I are both encouraged that this may be a really good relationship for all of us.

Acknowledging all of the positives surrounding this new chapter, I must admit that an old, yet familiar pang gripped me as I drove to my office this morning. It felt similar to the first day of school – excited about new prospects, yet apprehensive that it is someone else who will be encouraging him through the daily growth steps. Knowing in my heart it is necessary for me to share his care with someone, yet feeling a little guilty that I was not there maximizing each hour with him.

Finding balance in our new life with Grayson is certainly the short and long term goal and this is a good move toward that. This will allow me not only to focus more productively on work but also to schedule medical and dental appointments for myself. When I return home in the late afternoon I will actually BE with Grayson and Brant, instead constantly checking emails, voicemails, and catching up on work-related tasks.

When I came in the door tonight, Grayson greeted me with a warm hug and rewarded my unfounded worries with some fairly clear speech. What a treat! In addition to that Brant had a terrific pork chop dinner ready (and another hug).

It's all good.

With gratitude,

Regina

Day 742 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

The first Sunday of Advent! Today I was off to church early because I was participating in both services. Regina got Grayson came to the second service and after a few "church chores" we took off for lunch. This afternoon was a quite one as both Regina and I were trying to catch up on some work.

Grayson was a bit slow to respond today, but he was also a bit more aware of things going on in him and around him – a good sign. We'll continue to watch and see if a new pattern is starting to emerge.

The 4-day weekend is drawing to a close. It was great!

Pax!

Brant

Day 741 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Sigh. The football season is over. At least the Trojans went out with a bang and delivered a one-sided victory over their cross-town rivals from just down the I-10. The Trojans couldn't seem to make a mistake and the Bruins just couldn't pull it together. I wish them luck in the Pac 12 Championship against the Ducks next week – Go Pac 12 South!

Grayson was a bit slow today. We went for a walk before the game and he was just having trouble moving faster than a stroll. He continues to have his happy disposition and affectionate ways but is having some difficulty executing tasks that last week were easy for him. I am now convinced that he is at the beginning of another down cycle since this has been going on a few days.

This too shall pass.

Pax!

Brant

Day 740 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I'm not one for Black Friday shopping – I don't need the hassle or the crowds. Generally the day after Thanksgiving is occupied with making stock from the gallant bird that graced our table the day before. It provides lots of delicious soup and, most importantly, the frozen stock provides the special flavor for the dressing that I make the next Thanksgiving! Unfortunately today was occupied with internet service issues and turkey stock has been deferred until tomorrow. By game time all should be well in hand!

"Game time" refers to the cross-town rivalry of Southern California – the USC-UCLA game. This year the game pits the Pac 12 South champ against the Pac 12 South champ that is post-season eligible. The game is always a hoot and the teams look great in their home jerseys – a great tradition reborn a few years back. We look forward to cheering on the Trojans and hope that we prove an admirable tune-up for the Pac 12 championship game that the Bruins will play next week.

Grayson was a bit slow today. That may be due to the late night on Thanksgiving, the excess of food, or one of his cycles – we'll know after another day or so.

Off to bed – a big day tomorrow. Fight On Trojans!

Pax!

Brant

Day 739 – Grayson’s Journey

Thanks be to God.

Amen.

Regina

Day 738 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

The pies (pumpkin and blackberry) are baked, the pumpkin bread is cooling, and the celery, onion, parsley, sage and garlic for the stuffing are all cleaned and cut for the morning ritual of preparing the bird. Thanksgiving is here!

Grayson was a bit slow today but he still had some encouraging signs. While getting ready for bed I asked him to remove his socks. He did then went over and put them in the laundry basket without being asked. Very cool! Anishka worked with him again today and he seems to respond well to her low key style and friendly smile. This is the end of her first (holiday-shortened) week and I think that she is a good fit with Grayson!

May the blessings of Thanksgiving fill your household with joy!

Pax!

Brant

Day 737 – Grayson’s Journey

My dear family and friends,

Anishka returned for a second day to work with Grayson today. The good news is that she came back. The even better news is that when it came time for her to leave this afternoon, Grayson stood up and hugged her goodbye.

My gratitude overflows.

Peace,

Regina

Day 736 – Grayson's Journey

Dear family and friends,

What an answer to prayer today has been.

Grayson's new caregiver started today and what a sweet individual she is. She has a ready smile, is patient, encouraging and intelligent. I know it has only been one day but I am very encouraged that she will be good for Grayson.

If I may be so bold as to ask, please keep those targeted prayers coming that she finds this opportunity a good match for her as well.

With a new sense of peace and hopefulness, I bid you good night.

Regina

Day 735 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Regina and I were discussing our anniversary (yesterday) and she reminded me of our friends – including one of the groomsmen – that were so upset that we scheduled our wedding on the day of the USC/UCLA game in 1983! The game was on live in the bar area of our reception – a separate room so as not to distract from the 17 piece swing band playing hits from the 1940s!

Grayson was pretty sharp today. We got up and ready for church this morning, then returned for an afternoon and evening indoors out of the rain and cold that has settled over Southern California. "Cold" is relative, but when it barely gets into the 60s here, we think that it is cold!

We had a wonderful weekend and we are looking forward to a long Thanksgiving weekend in just a few days!

Pax!

Brant

Day 734 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

The Trojans beat the Ducks tonight! Thank you USC for the 28^th anniversary gift, even if it is at the expense of many of my Oregon relatives. Since it is our anniversary, we are signing off for the rest of the evening.

Pax!

Brant

Day 733 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

The big news today is that we hired a caregiver that will start next week! That is good news for us but will also require an investment in training time. Sometimes you can be so busy that help can actually be a burden in the short run. We are aware that it is the only way to get out from under, but there is that near term dread! Fortunately she is calm, has a big smile and is a mother. All of these are characteristics that will help her be a good fit with Grayson.

Grayson was alert again today. He has had a long stretch of good days – I love it when we have streaks like this!

Tonight Rita and Richard joined us at a local restaurant for dinner. It was an early celebration of our 28^th anniversary tomorrow. I can't imagine being with anyone other than Regina on this wonderful journey we know as life. It is a roller coaster ride but it is sure comforting to know that Regina is the person sitting next to you through it all. I am humbled and blessed.

Pax!

Brant

Day 732 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson remained relatively sharp again today. He has no idea of the milestone that we passed yesterday. Today was just another day for Grayson – another happy day at the Reed Haus because Grayson is always good natured and happy.

We are fortunate indeed. God bless you all for remaining with us on this journey.

Pax!

Brant

Day 731 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends ("my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown…" Philippians 4:1)

Two years ago today, Grayson experienced cardiac arrest, was with little or no oxygen for nearly 12 minutes resulting in a severe anoxic brain injury.

These two years have been difficult to say the least. Our world was completely turned upside down and will never be the same again.

For Grayson, it means struggling to be understood for the remainder of his life, dependent on the love, patience and support of his family or caregivers. It means having long term memories of what his life was like before, friends, interests, and independence yet unable to remember how to tie his shoes, write his name, what he just ate or how old he is. It means the young man who was curious about everything, now is content to read the same magazine or comic book for hours. It means having to be stretched every day to relearn the basics of daily living.

It put an incredible stress on Lauren and Austin, who found the older brother they grew up with now taking the role of helpless sibling. Their relationship with him forever altered; having to find their way through unfamiliar dynamics both with their brother and their parents. I acknowledge how hard this has been on them just as they were starting to launch their own independent lives and regret the obvious stress Brant and I must spill onto them at times. Our hope is that they know how deeply we love each of them and appreciate their efforts to find new ways to love Grayson and be patient with us.

The personal stress comes in many forms, including financial concerns for Grayson's future, curtailing our volunteer work, with little privacy or free time away from home. Overnight I went from taking pride in being a reliable, dedicated employee to indulging my employer's grace in allowing me to work from home and at odd hours. We are reshaping dreams of what our life was to be like when our family grew up and are trying to salvage our goal of the travel we put off for 26 years.

This journey, however, is filled with many blessings and joys. Grayson is a loving individual who responds to encouragement and cheerleading. He is trusting and fills our days with giggling and laughter. Who could ask for more than that?

Our circumstances have allowed us to become aware of just how loving and supportive our family, friends, and church community are. We continue to experience their love in countless ways and we thank God for each of them.

Not insignificant is the fact that sharing all of this together has allowed Brant and me to grow even closer. As we look to celebrate our 28^th anniversary this weekend, I cannot imagine taking this journey with anyone else and I am thankful to have such a good partner.

Thank you all for taking this journey with us.

As our friend, Mike Sutherland posted to his Facebook page this week, "We have all been given so much in life. So in life how do we respond? Let our response be as extravagant as God's grace."

Regina

Day 730 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was pretty sharp again today. The normal response to this was in full force and effect tonight – he kept getting out of bed until almost 1:00 AM. That perimeter alarm just kept beeping. I guess he is having a major "awake" period inside that head of his!

Two years ago tonight marks the last evening that we spent with the "old" Grayson. I was packing for a trip to Philadelphia in the morning and he was doing stuff in his room. We all had a nice dinner together. Nothing unusual – just family doing what family does when normal life is happening. In the morning I would head to the airport after a few early morning teleconferences, and Grayson would walk down to catch the bus to work – leaving about an hour after I did.

It was a normal Sunday night and we went to bed in preparation for our big week.

Pax!

Brant

Day 729 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had me in stitches today. First off, he was as sharp as a tack. Yesterday was an aberration rather than part of a cycle and he woke up bright eyed and alert today. What cracked me up was at dinner and we were joking about a theoretical dog and I said that he was named Fido. I asked Grayson how to spell Fido and he said, "P-h-y-d-e-a-u-x"! He said it so fast that neither Regina nor I could understand, so I asked him to repeat it. He did so more slowly and we were able to understand him. We lost it. "Phydeaux" was the dog in a story that our Boy Scout Camp Ranger Terry Hall used to tell about a Cajun family. He used to have us all in tears laughing at his stories around the campfire. This one was always one of our favorites, and Grayson clearly remembered.

What a joy tonight, and what a joy it was to relive a few of those awesome camp memories from our Scout days. For all of you that are involved in the Scouting movement, the effort you make leaves a lasting impression – even on those affected by severe brain injury. God bless you all!

Pax!

Brant

Day 728 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It was like someone switched off the "alert" switch today – Grayson was really low energy today. We got up this morning and had difficulty making it to church on time because he was dragging so slowly this morning. We did make it and it was an awesome service.

This afternoon Grayson and I ran some errands. One of the things we both had to acquire was new jeans. Now that the weather is finally turning away from shorts-appropriate, both of us have lost so much weight that new jeans were in order. We both scored new pants today, but were amazed at the crowds in the stores – it is not even Thanksgiving yet, but the stores were packed! (Hooray for the economy!)

True to form – a dull day and he went to sleep immediately tonight.

Pax!

Brant

Day 727 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a wild day for Pac-12 Football! The Trojans pounded the Huskies, the Carindal got blown out by the Ducks, the Bruins got thumped by the Utes and the Sun Devils fell to the Cougers. Bowl-banned USC is back on top of the South and Oregon now has the inside track to host the first ever Pac-12 title game. Wow!

We of course cheered on our Trojans this afternoon. Between games late this afternoon, the three of us went for a walk. Regina even got Grayson running for a bit – a very rare sight! We had a nice time in the cool evening just before sunset. We returned to watch the Stanford/Oregon game and eat the beef stew Regina and I had prepared during the USC game. Nothing like a bowl of how stew on a damp and cold night!

Grayson, not a particular sports fan, tolerated the mass quantity of football today primarily by reading one of his Garfield comic books. He was a good sport, and he always enjoys it when USC wins. The exercise is always good for him and he was quite alert today. Unfortunately he was still getting out of bed after midnight – not so fun for Regina and I. Alertness seems to bring on the difficulty in going to sleep. The only sure-fire cure I have found is to have him ski for 5 hours. Last winter he would lie down after a day on the slopes and never even move. The good news is that Mammoth is already open. Soon we'll be there again!

Pax!

Brant

Day 726 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

11/11/11 – Today was a special day to honor our veterans. While working this morning, there were squadrons of WW II era fighter planes flying over the skies of Los Angeles going from event to event. There is just something so awesome about the sound of piston-driven airplane engines as they drone overhead. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all of the veterans of our military. It is great that we set aside one day a year to remember.

Today was also the day when the final Harry Potter movie was released to the home market. We had dinner and then watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 from the comfort of our couch. Movies on demand – how cool is that!

Grayson was still pretty sharp today. We are looking forward to our "sleep in" day tomorrow then the USC – Washington game. Should be a good Saturday!

Pax!

Brant

Day 725 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was still in a pretty good place today. He was alert and aware of his surroundings. He was able to do some multi-step activities without help today. This is a good thing!

We had the second of several interviews this afternoon in an attempt to hire a caregiver for Grayson. Let's hope that the correct choice is placed before us. The candidate today was very good!

Pax!

Brant

Day 724 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was still pretty sharp today, but it appears that this cycle may have peaked yesterday. While he was with me at the grocery store this evening he had some difficulty. His task when the two of us go to the store is to follow me and push the cart. Today he couldn't seem to keep two hands on the cart and he kept trying to drive it with one hand. Steering is a real problem when only using one hand. Several times I had to remind him to use both hands – then further remind him to space his hands far apart as placing both hands on the cart next to each other does not help the steering problem! Several times I asked him to come along, and he left the cart and came up to me. He just had difficulty with some concepts that were no problem yesterday.

He also had difficulty sitting down to eat today. Food is usually a great motivator for Grayson, but today he just couldn't focus.

We'll see what opportunities and challenges tomorrow brings!

Pax!

Brant

Day 723 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was as sharp as a tack today – at least as sharp as Grayson can be. He was alert, was way more verbal than normal (not saying much here), attentive, and he was paying attention and following. It was fun to see him so interactive this evening.

This has been a rather rapid and radical swing this week. These upswings are always fun and they generally follow rather dull periods.

He even went to bed quickly and quietly and stayed down tonight. How cool is that!

Pax!

Brant

Day 722 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Wow – Grayson woke up way more alert than he has been the past week. He walked with much more speed and confidence, was very attentive and alert to even the most subtle humor, was bright-eyed and smiling all day – not the same Grayson that we have seen for a week or so. We are now out of the down cycle and in to an up one!

What a difference a day makes!

Pax!

Brant

Day 721 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was much more on his game today than in the past few days. He initiated activity, followed instructions well (except when the TV was on) and was a little more verbal than he has been over the past week or so.

After church today, Grayson Regina and I went to lunch then ran several errands. Grayson was right there with me all day.

Perhaps this down cycle is ending!

Pax!

Brant

Day 720 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson was still a bit off his game, but I saw glimpses of his coming out of it. He was still very non-verbal today. However he did react and respond better than he has in the past few days. I did notice that he was quite jumpy all day. At one point he startled himself and jumped when his knee hit the electric lock button in the car and they unlocked. I have absolutely no explanation for the jumpiness.

While I prepared dinner we watched a low scoring game between a couple of SEC teams tonight. No one even scored a touchdown! The team with the ugly yellow helmets eventually won in overtime. Grayson had his comic book to keep his interest!

Pax!

Brant

Day 719 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was off his game again today. He was even less verbal than normal. He had difficulty saying, "Good night Dad." as he does every night when I put him to bed. It was difficult for him to accomplish most tasks, and certainly a task that had multiple steps. We are in a down cycle and I expect that it will be a few more days before we pull out of this one.

There was one bright spot for us today. Grayson was laughing and squirming so much this evening that we thought that there must be an endorphin pipe in the house that sprung a leak. We laughed out loud at his giggling and squirming and laughter this evening while reading a comic book. He got to a place that anything caused him to start laughing. It reminded us of how we are blessed that Grayson still has his good humor.

Perhaps it was caused by the USC romp over Colorado tonight, but I doubt it!

Pax!

Brant

Day 718 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was pretty out of it today. He was extremely non-verbal and had difficulty with completing even the simplest of tasks. I put him to bed at 10:00 tonight – a bit earlier than normal because he said he was ready. I thought he was sound asleep but at 11:45 he wandered out of his dark room carrying a pair of pants, a pillow, a stuffed animal and a book. I straightened up his bed and put him back down and told him that I loved him. Let's see if it lasts!

A very confused day today.

Pax!

Brant

Day 717 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was particularly alert today – a sudden shift from the past few days. He was attentive and able to focus and he was, as always, in good humor. As is typical when he becomes more alert, bedtime, or more specifically staying in bed, becomes more of a problem. Tonight was no different as he was popping up and out of his room until after midnight. Fortunately the perimeter alarm hasn't gone off in a while so I think he is down for the night!

Pax!

Brant

Day 716 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Regina had Grayson walking a lot today, anything to get his blood pumping a bit harder. He walked around the parking lot at Costco, inside the store, around the neighborhood – just about anywhere they could. He appeared alert today but was very quiet.

Most likely as a result of his exercise today, he went to bed and never budged this evening!

Pax!

Brant

Day 715 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Happy Halloween, or All-Hallows'-Eve as this day is known in Christendom – the night before All Saints' Day. We had the usual number of Trick-or-Treat visitors at our house tonight – zero! There are simply too many stairs to the houses in our neighborhood to be visited by kids. The first year we lived in this house, we took Grayson around Trick-or-Treating. He made it to three houses before he was exhausted and done for the night. Here is a picture of Grayson from one of those early Halloweens.

Today Grayson was low energy and rather unfocused. He had difficulty staying in his seat during dinner. When we put him to bed he couldn't seem to stay there and kept walking out of his room. I'm not sure that he is down for the night yet! Tonight is one of those nights!

Pax!

Brant

Day 714 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was Reformation Sunday and so we were up and out of the house early for church to celebrate this Festival Day. We heard wonderful messages at church today – the children's sermon, the Homily and the stewardship talk – all awesome messages and great reminders of why we so enjoy being a part of the church family at Salem Lutheran.

Grayson was a happy camper today – warm sunshine, warm friends at church, interesting shopping at the home improvement store after lunch, and the warm love of family for dinner.

This evening we had a wonderful pre-All-Hallows'-Eve dinner at Rita and Richard's. Grayson was there and thoroughly enjoyed himself. He indulged in Rita's chili then overindulged in her Halloween candy – he is just like a child again!

In some ways, don't you wish that we could all be so carefree and childlike like Grayson?

Pax!

Brant

Day 713 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Sleep-in Saturday! Today we decided to enjoy our awesome Southern California Saturday by getting out of the house for several hours today. It may have been 43° last night, but it was 83° today! Yep. I love living in Southern California.

Tonight we watched our brave Trojans play the Trees in the Pac 12 battle of the private schools. It was a wild contest and it came down to triple overtime before Stanford finally came out on top. The underdog Trojans made a game out of what was supposed to be a romp by Stanford. I am proud of their effort in spite of my desire for a different outcome. The Trojans made us all proud.

Grayson has been alert all day. Wearing his USC T-Shirt he was with us as we watched the game on TV this evening. He sat and patiently watched the game, but Grayson has never been a big sports fan. In spite of this he always wants his old school to win. I hope all of the cheers and noise we made this evening didn't disturb him too much!

Pax!

Brant

Day 712 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson was up and out of the house early. I had to go in for a routine medical test that required someone to drive me home, so we were all up and out – much earlier than Grayson is used to getting up. He did well in spite of the lack of sleep. After my test we all went out to lunch – a real treat for me since I hadn't eaten since Wednesday!

Grayson did fairly well today – not particularly verbal and a lot of head scratching, but still pretty alert. I was surprised that he watched a movie with us until 11:30 and was still alert after his early morning. He just went to bed and I hope his long day has him so tired that he is down for the night. I'm certainly ready to call it a day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 711 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was alert again today but we started to notice the early signs of a downward cycle. He had trouble staying seated at dinner and has a little trouble staying in bed tonight. The head scratching was starting to get a bit more vigorous and he was very non verbal. We're probably due for a few days of down as he has been quite alert for several days in a row.

These up and down cycles start to sound a little like a weather report – "Grayson will be alert with a chance of scattered unexplained movement." We will enjoy the ride!

Pax!

Brant

Day 710 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was quite alert today. He was active and bright-eyed from the moment we got him up. In spite of this he was very non-verbal all day.

I'll take bright-eyed any day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 709 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was in fine spirits today. Regina worked his fanny off on a walk today. (I was inspired to hop on the treadmill after work myself!) Grayson was alert and active all evening, and he went to bed tonight without a problem.

Why is he alert and focused some days and not on others? Only God knows.

Pax!

Brant

Day 708 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a back-to-work day after a weekend of escape!

Grayson was very calm and pleasant today, but he had some trouble putting things together. For most of the day he was able to function normally. At one point this evening I asked Grayson who we visited yesterday. He answered "Floriene!" Brain injury or not, there are just some things that you better remember!

Pax!

Brant

Day 707 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a special day. We started the day out watching about a bazillion people walk by our bay front room on a diabetes walk (as a diabetic I was thrilled to see so many turn out for a walk!) Then we watched dragon boat races on Mission Bay while drinking coffee on our patio. We had a lovely lunch al fresco before checking out and heading to the reason that brought us to San Diego this particular weekend – my God mother's 90^th birthday celebration.

Floriene was one of my parents' closest friends – and certainly their longest running friendship before they passed. Floriene's kids, Mike and Kristi, were regulars at our house during school breaks (I am told because I was an infant!), and as I grew up I used to spend school breaks at Floriene's home. Until Floriene moved to San Diego, the Reeds (that would be Chet, Ellen and Brant) gathered at her home for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. As California transplants (Floriene was from Nebraska and my parents were from Oregon) there was no other local family, so we made our own extended family to spend the holidays with. I have many, many happy memories from those holidays. Other than my parents, Floriene was probably the most powerful influence on my early life.

Today we surprised Floriene by showing up at her party, as no RSVP was requested. I think that we shocked both Floriene and Kristi out of their socks when we showed up! We had a great time catching up and both Regina and I were amazed that Floriene has not aged a bit. She is just as sharp as she was 40 years ago. I can only hope that I age as gracefully. Here is a picture of the three of us with Floriene and Kristi this afternoon.

Happy birthday, Floriene. You are a great lady. I am privileged to know you and be a part of your extended family.

Pax!

Brant

Day 706 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I'm posting the blog a bit late – about 12 hours late actually – because we are on a small get-away this weekend. We are staying by the water in Mission Bay and thoroughly enjoying our short time away. Last night we watched our beloved Trojans wallop the Irish. We cheered them on in the hotel bar along with quite a few others – what a sweet victory! We had a cozy dinner after the game outside by the fire pit at the restaurant – delightful!

Grayson was good natured all day. Routine is important to him, but today there was little routine. He followed along wide-eyed wherever we went and was a champ as always.

Pax!

Brant

Day 705 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Watching a movie this evening I was reminded how fun it is to watch Grayson laugh. He just wiggles and giggles and squirms so much that the happiness seems to just take over his entire body and leak out anywhere it can. This is pure joy and how wonderful it is to behold. It makes us smile and laugh when he gets on a roll.

How incredibly fortunate we are to be able to witness this joy from someone who has lost so much. He is just happy to be alive and loved. We could probably all take a lesson from Grayson.

Pax!

Brant

Day 704 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a good day! Grayson was way more plugged in than yesterday. He was alert and active most of the day. As always, Regina had him speaking as much as possible. She is trying to keep him as verbal as she can, although this appears to be an uphill battle.

All in all it was a good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 703 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was quite a bit better today. He was more alert and more active than yesterday. From the moment he woke up he was more responsive and verbal.

When we put Grayson to bed tonight, he only exited his room 4 times before settling down into an evening of rest. This part, while getting old fast, is part of the new routine. We pray for strength each night to give us the patience we need to cope with this new routine.

Pax!

Brant

Day 702 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson has been a bit off his mark all day. To make matters worse he has not been able to go to sleep tonight. Here at 1:30 AM he just set off the perimeter alarm – again. It's going to be a short sleep night tonight.

Pax!

Brant

Day 701 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson has been much more alert and focused today. His speech, while still a shambles, was much better today than the past few. He was more alert and he was much more engaged. The end of a down cycle and the start of an up cycle perhaps!

Along with the more active and engaged brain goes the usual – we can't get him to bed at night. Here it is 12:20 AM and he is still walking out of his room and setting off the perimeter alarm. This gets old after 2 or 3 times – tonight we are approaching 5.

Lord, continue to give us the patience we need to help Grayson to maximize his capabilities.

Pax!

Brant

Day 700 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Another 100 days have passed since Grayson's incident. At day 700 we are well beyond the point of major recovery. As you no doubt have witnessed in our blog, there is a new normal in Grayson's life – and in ours. This new routine for all of us has become – routine. The routine is not always easy, and we are looking to find professional help to step in and help fill the weekly routine with more therapeutic care than we are able to give. But yet we have some days filled with laughter and joy and we are blessed to still have our health so that we are able to care for our special son.

Today was a typical Sunday – church in the morning, activities of life in the afternoon and evening. Another week begins!

Pax!

Brant

Day 699 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Mid October – leaves just starting to turn – 85 degree weather – yes I know why we live in Southern California!

We had dear friends over for dinner tonight – the first time we have hosted anyone other than family since Grayson's incident almost 2 years ago. What fun to lose ourselves in friends, conversation and food!

Through it all Grayson was listening and laughing with us. Grayson is happy to be an active observer now in life. He would crumple in a pile of laughter with our stories. On request he even took one of our guests to show off his room. He participates to the limit of his capability – what more can we ask?

Life is good!

Pax!

Brant

Day 698 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Another warm day again today, although it only got up to the high 80s – a cold snap is obviously on the way!

Grayson has had a series of "slow" days now. He has had enough slow days that we expect that he will be becoming more alert in the next day or so and have a series of better days. Such is the way of our funky cycle. As I have said before, at least he is loving and sweet so even though he is cognitively challenged, he still gives you a big hug.

Counting our blessings!

Pax!

Brant

Day 697 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It was over 100 today – what is up with this? The forecast says it is going to chill down to the mid 80s next week. Now that's more like it! Fortunately the Trojans won up in Northern California tonight.

Grayson was really off his game today. Perhaps it's the heat, perhaps he is tired (he was awake when Regina went in to check on him at 7:30 this morning), perhaps this is just another of his cycles. Nonetheless he had difficulty all day.

Perhaps tomorrow will be an easier day for all.

Pax!

Brant

Day 696 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It was 97 here today. We turned off the furnace and turned the AC back on. What a change from last week!

Grayson was off his mark today. Things just did not come easy for him. His attitude and disposition were sweet as always but he just couldn't seem to accomplish some very basic tasks. As always when he is off his mark, he went to bed and fell right asleep. He must need the rest tonight.

Let's see if tomorrow is a better day.

Pax!

Brant

Day 695 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It is warming up again in Southern California! Just when we think that winter and those cold 45 degree nights are here, the weather warms up again. It was in the 80s here today and it will be in the mid 90s for the next few days. Time to turn the furnace back off!

Grayson was a champ today and a bit more alert than normal. "Alert" almost always goes along with an active mind that has a difficult time switching off at bedtime, and tonight was no exception. He kept walking out of his room long after I put him to bed. I am hoping that the perimeter alarm stays silent so that Regina and I can get some sleep. It has been 10 minutes – let's hope this time he is down for real!

Pax!

Brant

Day 694 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson's routine was disrupted today. The carpets at the house were cleaned today and so Regina whisked him out for the afternoon so he would be out of the way and not tempted to walk on the wet carpets. They meandered through several stores and eventually returned with plants from a nursery, food from the grocery and tales of a great afternoon together.

The evening's movements were rather restricted, but after dinner Grayson went up to our room and watched some TV while lying on the bed.

Grayson was a happy camper through all of the disruption!

Pax!

Brant

Day 693 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was a champ today. I managed to get him up and out to church on time this morning (Regina was the assisting minister so was out of the house at the crack of dawn). The service was particularly good and Grayson was engaged – he even laughed during a funny story in the pastor's homily.

This afternoon we did a few chores around the house. Grayson and I made a light grocery run late in the day. As always he was my "cart driver" and I always love watching him solve the problem of keeping the cart in the aisle and not scraping along the product shelves. This is therapy in the community! He is pretty good but you do need to keep sharp eye out when going down the candy aisle – many things seem to wind up in Grayson's hands as he cruises these aisles!

I think that he has finally drifted off to sleep – the perimeter alarm has been going off for two hours. Let's pray that he has – I'm off to bed now also!

Pax!

Brant

Day 692 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Saturday – always a great day! Today, since USC had a bye week, we spent most of the day working around the house. Grayson spent a fair share of his day going up and down the stairs also!

This evening we had a treat – Austin and Xixi joined us for dinner. Because of our various commitments, we hadn't spent time with them in a while. We had a great time visiting, sharing news and planning upcoming winter events (like skiing!). Grayson listened to the conversation and was engaged and laughed with us – until the food arrived. Then he was much more interested in eating than conversation!

It was a fabulous day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 691 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was far more "with it" today than yesterday! He was calm and able to follow instructions. He was able to answer questions and communicate his desires, although most of these now revolve around food, TV and reading time! All in all this was a far better day than yesterday.

This evening we all went out to our favorite sushi place for dinner. Sitting at the sushi bar and eating some of the most beautiful food in the world is a great way to start the weekend!

Pax!

Brant

Day 690 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was a bit fuzzy all day. He had difficulty concentrating on anything. He couldn't stay seated watching TV or eating any of his meals. When he would leap up he couldn't respond where he was going or what he needed to do. He would look around a bit dazed then could be coaxed into sitting down to finish his food or whatever he was doing. According to Regina, it was a very difficult day.

As Dr Parker would say, the Neurological Highway is not an easy road to understand, and there certainly is no map. Sometimes we just hang on for the ride and look for all of the good things we can find.

Pax!

Brant

Day 689 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a rare cool and rainy day in Southern California. Grayson was content to stay indoors and read his comic books and watch TV when Regina wasn't working on his home therapies.

Regina has been really trying to get Grayson to speak more. Today she got him to start speaking a little louder than normal. She is trying to get him to be able to shout again for his own safety. Most of the time he you really have to strain to hear him. Today he called me from upstairs and I heard him! While not a shout, it was definitely a much louder voice and a step in the right direction.

A joyful noise!

Pax!

Brant

Day 688 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It was a good, albeit long, day. Grayson went to bed and never budged. I'm about to follow – I'm too pooped to write tonight!

Pax!

Brant

Day 687 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

A new week, a new month and the last quarter of the work year started today. Oh my goodness – do all of those objectives and goals need to be accomplished so quickly? 2011 is rapidly disappearing!

Grayson was great today. After work we went for a walk (3500 steps, but who is counting!) before putting dinner on the grill. The outing and exercise always does Grayson good. Tonight we had a relaxed night and watched Grayson's favorite pre-injury TV show, House, before heading off to bed.

Downtime is good!

Pax!

Brant

Day 686 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a good day – church, out to lunch, an afternoon of errands – all good!

Grayson was in a good place today. He was pretty alert and pleasant as always. After a good service at church we went to lunch at a local favorite – Recess Eatery. It was a relaxing and enjoyable time on a very pleasant Sunday in Southern California!

The rest of the afternoon Grayson and I spent running errands – the sort of stuff that life is made of – gasoline, groceries and the like. It is great to have Grayson out, and he does well in the community. As always, he remains my cart driver at the grocery store. It is good therapy for him as he follows me and has to steer the cart through he gauntlet of other shoppers and obstacles. It requires that he remain alert to changing conditions and not to get too lost in the moment. And if he does, most people realize that he requires some special understanding and they give him a big smile if he needs some time to get the cart unstuck. Today I was struck by how many people gave him space with a smile as he made his rounds in the store.

Grayson teaches everyone around him every day that patience, understanding and most of all a big smile are the keys to success and moving forward.

Pax!

Brant

Day 685 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Everyone (almost) is now in bed after our day at the Coliseum. Today USC hosted Arizona and Grayson, Regina and I attended the game! We had a ball and to top things off USC had the good sense to win. Grayson was surprisingly comfortable with the noise and was well behaved and calm for most of the game.

On our way home after the game we went to dinner at one of our favorite and somewhat eclectic haunts in South Pasadena – the Firefly Bistro. We had an enjoyable and relaxing time dining outside in the pleasant evening air. Grayson started to get a bit antsy by the end of our long evening, but all in all he did quite well today with all of the excitement of the game and all of the sitting at dinner.

Today was a day of great fun!

Pax!

Brant

Day 684 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was a bit better again today. While still not at the top of his game, he was a lot more alert and active than he was earlier in the week.

After work today Grayson and I ran some errands then picked up dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant. We brought our feast home and watched a movie. By the time dinner was finished and the movie was over Grayson was tired and ready for bed – so ready in fact that he stayed down without getting out of bed once.

It was a wonderful end to our week and we have a big day ahead tomorrow!

Pax!

Brant

Day 683 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a far better day. Grayson woke up significantly more alert than the past few days. While not his best, he was still so much better than he has been it was a relief. These cycles are real!

Today after hearing a music phrase he would sing the next bit with relatively good accuracy. He was more talkative, and he was more active. And as always when he is in the more alert and active parts of his cycles, 90 minutes after going to bed he was still setting off the perimeter alarm in the room by walking out – usually with some stuffed animal from his bed or his pillow. Finally he has been quiet for about 30 minutes!

So we are now in the "up" part of the cycle and have some more interesting things to look forward to over the next week or so!

Pax!

Brant

Day 682 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Today was the kind of day that makes my heart heavy.

Grayson was far off his high today. He had a really hard time with just about everything.

The head scratching that Brant referred to yesterday continued from morning to late tonight. He could not remember what day of the week it was even for 30 seconds. He could not write a legible "X" on his calendar to mark off yesterday's date.

He also had more difficulty speaking today. He could not construct a complete sentence when asked and barely uttered "yeah" to yes or no questions.

I thought maybe getting him to breathe deeply and walk quickly might help so we walked a great deal this afternoon. We walked up and down the street, across parking lots, carrying groceries up the stairs, etc. He had a really hard time getting out of slow gear and more difficulty than usual cooperating with tasks.

Grayson stood up during meals, walked around the house with a book in his hand, and had a hard time making even an A or B choice. Days like this also bring an increase in incontinence.

There were two things of particular interest I noticed today. The first was that while he was brushing his teeth this morning he did not stop after 10 seconds and hand the toothbrush to me as usual. He kept brushing for nearly a full minute before he stopped. With encouragement he continued for another 30 seconds before stopping a second time. That's an improvement.

The second observation was that this evening his hands, which are usually cold, were very warm. This was so unusual that I checked his temperature to make sure he wasn't running a fever.

My heart was heavy because improvements are so slow, so small, so unpredictable and undependable. And life is so fast.

Grayson snuggled into bed tonight. We exchanged "I love you"s and I closed his door hoping for a better day tomorrow.

With God's help.

Regina

Day 681 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

There must be a cycle going on. Actually, there is always a cycle – it is just a question of where we are in it. Today Grayson was way off target all day. He had difficulty accomplishing the simplest of tasks. It was very difficult for him to focus and he was very non-verbal all day. I look forward to the upswing in the cycle in a few days.

We all have good days and bad days. With the proper attitude and desire most of us are able to pull ourselves together enough to function in society on our bad days. This is because we have the mental capability to do so. Our brains have sufficient reserves to carry us along even when we are just not quite right with the world. Grayson no longer has the mental reserves to carry him along when he is having a bad day. We noticed this even when he was still at the clinic in Bakersfield before he came home over a year ago. One thing holds true good day or bad – Grayson is happy. Even if he can't button his pants, he smiles and gives you a big hug.

Good days and bad days. Next time you have a bad day, try to be happy like Grayson and maybe things won't seem so bad.

Pax!

Brant

Day 680 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson was a bit off his mark. It was one of those "head scratching" days.

Now if you haven't seen Grayson in the past 18 months, that last statement might not make much sense. On a good day if Grayson really has to focus and think about something he will scratch his head. The more he has to think, the more the scratching – up to and including both arms all over and around his head. On a challenging day, the head scratching will manifest itself with much less challenging problems, such as asking him to stand up or to say a word. Today was one of those challenging days. He even had a hard time staying seated while he was eating. As he stood up from dinner for the third time I asked him where he was going. He looked at me and said, "I don't know."

As always Grayson was in good spirits. For that we count our blessings every day.

Pax!

Brant

Day 679 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson's "alertness" level was about normal for him – he was better than some days, but not as good as his best. All in all, he had a pretty good day.

We started the day by going to church, and it was great to see everyone after being away for several weeks. (I was in the hospital last Sunday and on a plane the Sunday before that!) After much conversation after service, Regina, Grayson and I went to lunch then dropped Regina off at her office to do a little work. Grayson and I shopped at Home Depot for an hour until Regina had collected all of her work and was ready to return home.

Grayson and I then went to the grocery store where we laid in supplies for the week. We returned home, prepared dinner then watched a Sunday night movie. Tomorrow morning we will be back at it!

Pax!

Brant

Day 678 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was not as bright-eyed today as he has been for the past several days.

We let him sleep in a bit this morning while we had our coffee and read the paper. When we did get him up later this morning, Grayson and I spent most of the remainder of the day together. We did chores, ran errands and other things together this afternoon. This evening we settled in to watch the game while I cooked dinner. Unfortunately the game was a huge disappointment. Fortunately he went right to sleep afterward and did not get out of bed once.

Even when Grayson is a bit behind the alertness curve, he is still a sweet and loving guy. He always wants to let you know that he appreciates you by snuggling up close or giving a hug. When all is said and done, isn't this what it is all about – letting those that love and care for you know that they are appreciated? We are lucky indeed!

Pax!

Brant

Day 677 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was pretty alert today. He has been bright-eyed for the past few days now.

This evening we went to dinner with Rita and Richard at our favorite Chinese restaurant in Montrose. We had a delightful time and Grayson was very calm and well behaved for an extended period of time while we ate, talked and enjoyed the warm summer-like evening and sunset. We dined outside, something that will end shortly as the seasons will be changing soon. (In Southern California, summer weather continues for another month.)

It was a wonderful end to a week that had a very scary beginning!

Pax!

Brant

Day 676 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today we were somewhat back to normal at the Reed Haus. Grayson was relatively alert today and that is good! After work today we went on our walk up the canyon and back for the first time in a while. The cardiac kids in this family need the movement!

I did notice that Grayson did a much better job keeping up with me on our walk today. He'll normally take a few steps, like 2 or 3, with me at my pace then fall back in to his normal saunter. Today he walked a lot of the way with his hand on my shoulder to keep pace with me. Other times he stayed pretty close while I was walking at a pretty good clip. The exercise is good for Grayson. It doesn't do me any harm either!

Pax!

Brant

Day 675 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today I started getting back in the swing of things by catching up on a lot of personal business that I had fallen behind on, making medical follow-up appointments and starting to read the email barrage that I am now days behind on. Tomorrow I'll go back to real work and start to work down the backlog there!

Tonight Regina and I had the opportunity to assist the new Cub Scout Pack at our church with their recruiting night. What a joy to see those eager 1^st through 5^th grade boys embrace the program, and the nervous and very tentative parents try to figure out how they could possibly participate. The evening was a success and I am so glad to see Scouting back at our church after an 8 year absence.

Grayson was a champ today. During the Cub Scout meeting he was alert and following all of the conversations and presentations. He was patient, but more importantly he was interested in what was going on. He spent much of his youth in that room in den and pack meetings so the material and location was familiar to him. When Regina organized some games to keep the younger participants under control, he was observing with great interest. Just for fun, here is a picture of Grayson as a Bear Cub Scout in 1994. (Yes it was shared previously, but it is great fun to see it again!)

It is good for Grayson to be in the community and see life. It is equally good for the community to see him as he is the object of continued prayers for healing.

Pax!

Brant

Day 674 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

What a difference a day makes. Not only is Brant home (yippee) but Grayson was much more alert today.

After two days of virtually sitting around the emergency room and Brant's hospital room I really focused on getting Grayson some extra physical exercise today. We went for a long walk up our street/hill and back and I was impressed that his pace was faster than usual. Even got him to jog for a short time. Then I had him help me take out trash and recycle, strip the linens of his bed, help with his laundry, remake his bed, wipe the kitchen counters and make countless trips up and down our stairs putting things away.
 
Simultaneously, I kept up a constant banter with him – asking him questions, seeking his opinion, asking him to name things, and having him make choices. His speech is still very hard to understand so I frequently have him repeat what he says asking him for "big lips" so that he emphasizes his consonants. It helps tremendously.

Yesterday he was not speaking much, resorting to pointing (to his mouth, the television, etc.) when he wanted something. As I have mentioned before I don't let him get away with that. At one point last night after we returned from the hospital, I was trying to get him to tell me what he wanted rather than merely pointing. The conversation went something like this.

"Grayson, you need to speak words to me. If you don't use your voice you will lose it. I want you to be able to speak with all of us. Don't you?"

He said, "Yes".

"Tell me what you want. 'I want…'" (I often start the sentence for him and he finishes it.)

"I want to do stuff".

Wow! He wasn't parroting back to me what I had just said; he was digesting what I said and made his own statement. That simple little sentence was loaded. Because he has a hard time communicating doesn't mean he doesn't have something to say. Because he has a hard time concentrating doesn't mean he isn't thinking.

I am humbled by the responsibility to help him recover some of his ability to process and communicate.

The peace of the Lord be with you.

Regina

Day 673 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

You never know what life will bring.

I'm home again tonight after two days of some intense medical attention. While a bit frustrated that we were not able to get completely to the bottom of it, we were able to rule out a cardiac problem. That is great news! So I'm home and a bit tired – the hospital is not a place for rest! I'm going to take it easy for a few days then I'll be back at it.

Grayson has been a champ these past few days. He was bored to tears sitting with Regina and I in the hospital, but he hung in there. He has been a bit off his mark the past few days, but routine is important, and the past few days have been far from it.

I am grateful that I still have not had a heart attack. I am joyful that I have such a loving and supportive family. I am thankful for knowledgeable and caring physicians, technicians and nurses who are there for all of us. I am humbled by all of the messages of support and prayer. I am blessed each day that I am able to draw breath and play in this beautiful place with all of you.

Pax!

Brant

Day 672 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

On Friday I wrote about things being beyond our control. Today was another perfect example.

While we were getting ready for church this morning, Brant started having chest pains. While not quite as intense as three months ago it was significant enough for another ambulance ride. Thankfully no evidence of heart attack but no clear explanation either. Tomorrow will bring an angiogram and hopefully some answers.

There were several things that amazed both of us. The attending physician today was the same one that was on duty on June 3^rd when Brant had his initial symptoms and had his stent put in. The cardiologist on duty today was the same one that cared for Brant in June and so ably handled his testing and procedures. He was also the cardiologist that handled Grayson's cardiac care when he had his cardiac arrest two years ago. The ER nurse assigned to Brant today was the same one that cared for Brant in June and Grayson two years ago. She is one of the sweetest, most caring individuals you could ever hope to meet. Of all the many nurses and doctors who work in this hospital, what are the chances of having the same ones?

While it certainly is not our goal to have the local emergency room medical personnel recognize us and greet us by first names, it is comforting to have such wonderful people in our community whose goal it is to care for us and ease our way.

As Christians, isn't this what we should all be doing?

In peace and with hope,

Regina

Day 671 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

As Regina mentioned yesterday, DFW had "issues" last night and I was forced to spend a (very short) night in a hotel near the airport. I got a flight out this morning and Regina and Grayson were there to meet me at the airport when I arrived early this afternoon.

Grayson and I spent the afternoon together unpacking my stuff, doing a few chores around the house and getting some groceries. We were all done and in our places for the kick-off of the USC game – today they handled Syracuse quite nicely.

Grayson was generally alert and, as is the new normal, pretty non-verbal. Today however he did something that both Regina and I found unusual. Regina was telling me something and walked out of the room still talking. She said a word that I couldn't understand. I asked Grayson what she said, and he spoke the word – very clearly. He heard and understood and was able to repeat it back.

Amid all of the chaos of life some things shine through!

Pax!

Brant

Day 670 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Grayson was stuck in low gear all day today. He had a hard time speaking, walked slowly and struggled with the simplest tasks.

Brant's plane from Huntsville to Dallas was diverted to Shreveport for hours waiting to refuel and for storms to pass. By the time he got to Dallas his connecting flight to Burbank had already departed and he will spend an additional night away from home.

My internet connection is down tonight so I am not able to post this until it is functional again.

Some days things are just beyond our control. All we can do is control the way we respond to them.

Peace,

Regina

Day 669 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Grayson was awake when I went into his room this morning and he got up without me ringing his alarm. His alertness level was fairly sharp for most of the day though his answers were back to one word.

While we were walking today he was able to keep up a pretty good pace compared to his usual saunter. This doesn't happen often.

The day held an especially sweet surprise this afternoon when we ran into Dr. Parker - a friend, mentor, and former teacher of Grayson's. They have not seen each other for nearly two years and the short reunion was a warm symbol of how close a bond they share. Dr. Parker's personal journey with neurological challenges gives additional gravitas to his frequent supportive comments and prayers. He is an important part of Grayson's extended family and we still see his fingerprints on Grayson's interests.

When quizzed, Grayson was able to remember for a couple of hours who we had seen this afternoon. It is encouraging that he is stretching those memory pathways ever so slightly. (Thanks Dr. Parker for all of the extra time you spent with Grayson over the last 13 years.)

Brant and I are not able to adequately tell each of you, dear friends, just how much it means to us to have your ongoing prayers and support. We love you all and thank God for each of you individually.

Peace to you this night.

Regina

Day 668 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Grayson was right back to being alert and more focused today.

Right from the moment I triggered his wakeup alarm and got him up I noticed he was "with it". As you may recall, I ring the alarm clock continuously until he gets himself to his feet. It only took about 25 seconds today. Much quicker than usual.

He was able to make breakfast selections and finished his liquids today with a minimum of coaxing.

Yesterday, I mentioned that he bites hard on his toothbrush while we are brushing his teeth. Today, I expressed my frustration by putting the toothbrush down, walking out of the bathroom and closing the door. I stood outside the door and in a few seconds Grayson opened the door and said "sorry". I was shocked by his response. Shocked that he could sort through the situation's dynamic but even more so by his initiating a verbal apology. The whole exchange served to remind me that in spite of his inability to control his actions or express himself verbally, he still has emotions that need to be respected and not taken for granted.

This evening we watched a television show that had the characters gathered together mourning the death of a respected co-worker. One of the characters started humming and then singing "Amazing Grace". I started to sing along and Grayson voluntarily started singing with me - on pitch - clear through the end of the first verse.

At his usual bedtime, Grayson stood up and started walking down the hall to his room. I asked where he was going and he responded "to bed". He went straight to sleep and hasn't gotten up once.

Truly a day that was amazing AND filled with grace.

Regina

Day 667 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

After several days of encouraging alertness and verbalization, Grayson spent the whole day in an unfocused fog.

He was unable to speak more than an occasional one word answer and was incapable of making even a simple "A" or "B" type choice. His hands were shaky and he was wiggly all day. He couldn't stay seated even to watch TV for more than a few minutes but kept leaping to his feet and wandering.

He was less steady and straight walking down stairs and needed more cues than usual to complete various daily sequences.

During meals he had a hard time focusing, picking up food with two hands at the same time, reaching for the food on my plate instead of his own.

Background noises affected him more today than on other days and made it difficult for him to function with any distraction in the room.

When I was helping him brush his teeth this evening, he kept biting down hard on the toothbrush.

When I put him back to bed for the third time tonight, he was standing in his doorway holding two stuffed animals, his pillow and a book.

We've had other days similar to today and there doesn't seem to be a way to determine why or when they come. But they do come. I get frustrated but I'm not as frightened or as discouraged by these days as I used to be. I am learning that Grayson's progress curves don't look like the steady upward curve you might expect (or wish). The pattern is slower and more erratic, uneven, and mostly unpredictable.

The keys are to keep trying, be sensitive and flexible, listen to what he can't express, and just keep on loving him.

With God's help,

Regina