Day 501 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

March roared in like a lion here in California and kept on roaring with rain and cold until this week. The lion now has hot breath – it hit 90 today here and it is hard to believe that the heater was on this morning!

Grayson finished his three days of therapy for the week at the clinic today. When he arrived home, he and I went out and ran some errands. When we returned home he helped me cook dinner – grilled salmon steaks with garlic-lemon-oregano butter accompanied with sautéed Brussels sprouts and stuffed mushrooms. Not bad for Thursday! While Grayson always loved Brussels sprouts, Lauren and Austin would rather leave them at the store. Good for them that they were not here!

I do remember when Grayson was a Cub Scout and his den leader (Julie Webber) asked the boys what vegetable they wanted for their meal on an upcoming campout. Grayson's hand shot up and he said, "Brussels sprouts!" The rest of the den of 10-year olds gagged. They settled on corn. We always knew Grayson was special!

Pax!

Brant

Day 500 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Time keeps marching on. 500 days now since our new life started.

Grayson was quiet but alert today. At one point today he wouldn't use words and just pointed at things (non-verbal but still problem solving). When he went to bed tonight, he said, "I love you too, Dad".

We made final arrangements for Grayson's new caregiver today and she will start next week. We are entering into a new phase once again!

Pax!

Brant

Day 499 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today we found a caregiver that we are excited about! She has the right kind of attitude and disposition that gives us confidence that she is a good fit for our family. She will begin training later this week and start working with Grayson soon. The next phase of moving beyond insurance supported care to home care is now underway.

Grayson was in a fuzzy place all day. He was alert but sort of unfocused all day. He required extra cues to do the simplest of things yet he was more verbal than normal. In brain injury this sort of goofy juxtaposition is quite normal. In living with brain injury the definition of "normal" is very different!

Pax!

Brant

Day 498 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

We are still in the process of interviewing caregivers for Grayson. We met another one today and will meet with another tomorrow. With luck we will be able to make a decision soon.

Grayson was a bit slow this morning, but better this evening. After work Grayson and I went for a brisk walk. With Grayson that means I walk briskly forward, then turn around and walk back to him to encourage him to walk faster. Generally I walk about a third more than he does on our walks. I can't complain however as I need the exercise also!

Pax!

Brant

Day 497 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today we hopped out of bed and got to church at the crack of 11:00. I actually got up at 7:30 and we barely made it. It takes a great deal of time to get Grayson through his morning routine. Today he helped a bit, adding to the time. If I had powered him through it, I could have shaved 30 minutes or so off of the total time, but he would have been an observer and not a participant.

Today was Youth Sunday – an annual service at our church put on entirely by the youth. Everything but the consecration of the gifts was done by the youth of our congregation – quite a cool thing. It makes me glad to see that their experience is preparing them for leadership in faith outside of our walls, and into the next generation of adults.

Grayson and I worked around the house this afternoon and then we prepared dinner. When the girls arrived home after an afternoon at work, we had dinner on the table. Grayson was a good helper!

Pax!

Brant

Day 496 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today we started interviewing potential caregivers for Grayson. Grayson's therapy days are being reduced from 5 a week to 3 and we will need someone to provide a therapeutic environment at home so that we can continue to work. Eventually Grayson's clinic therapy will be terminated and his only therapy will be delivered at home. Up until that time we are still enjoying the last of the insurance-paid benefit for Grayson.

This evening after researching and "repairing" the Blu-Ray player (actually a software issue) we were able to watch a movie for the first time in weeks! We chose to watch the 45^th anniversary edition of The Sound of Music. It has been years since I have seen that movie and what a classic. I had forgotten the beauty of the setting and how exquisitely it was captured on film. Regina, Grayson and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Pax!

Brant

Day 495 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was mostly filled with the funeral of the mother of a dear friend. Grayson looked his handsome best (I wish I had taken a picture!) and was attentive for the entire service. He also was well behaved and patient at the gathering after the service. The service was a fitting tribute and celebration of the life that this wonderful woman lived. She will continue on through her 4 children and 11 grandchildren.

This evening we had a quick dinner then saw the movie Paul. It was a very juvenile movie but Grayson was squirming and laughing the entire time. It certainly made him happy!

Pax!

Brant

Day 494 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Regina is home! It is great to have her back after her week in Kentucky.

Today was a pretty quiet day. Grayson had a good day at the clinic today. After he returned home we had an early dinner, then Grayson and I ran some errands before getting ready for bed.

Not a lot of excitement, but a good day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 493 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I'm writing the blog a few minutes earlier than normal so I can run to the airport to pick-up Regina and Lauren. They have been in Kentucky for the last week to witness the foaling of the latest batch of horses on a ranch outside of Lexington. So while the boys (plus Xixi) had a ski trip, the girls had a horse trip!

Grayson was alert but quiet all day today. We just finished collecting and taking the trash out to the street. So we are now ready for bed – after we bring the girls home from their travels!

Off to the airport!

Pax!

Brant

Day 492 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson was back in the clinic. He shared some pictures of his weekend of skiing with the staff and he talked about them during occupational therapy. When we came home tonight we put things away from the trip and finished up the laundry. Grayson was a big help carrying things and taking trash out.

Tomorrow night Regina and Lauren return from their trip to Kentucky. It will be great to have everyone home again!

Pax!

Brant

Day 491 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a lazy-recover-from-Mammoth-vacation-day!

Grayson and I both slept in after the marathon day yesterday. About the only thing of note that we accomplished today was a dental visit for me and a grocery shopping run for tonight's dinner. All of the rest of the day sounds like unpacking and putting things away and working to reduce the laundry mountain we managed to create over the past week.

Not much excitement in that, but you can't have the ski weekends without some of these!

Pax!

Brant

Day 490 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

We are home safe and sound after a long but very fun and exciting day. It was half-past midnight when we pulled into the driveway. The normally 5 to 6 hour trip home from Mammoth was made longer by the weather-induced slow speeds and a few accidents along the way. I do not believe that I have ever before driven for 6+ hours with the windshield wipers running the entire time. I now can say that I have! Initially the wipers were brushing snow off of the windshield, then rain as we dropped below 7000 feet. I'm glad I had them repaired prior to our trip!

Today Grayson had an outstanding day at Mammoth thanks again to the wonderful folks at Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra. Today with what otherwise could have been a great disappointment, a miracle day was achieved. Both of Grayson's scheduled volunteer instructors were faced with personal difficulties (automotive for one, family for the other) that made them unavailable. One of the two non-volunteer instructors was called in to work with Grayson and we liked him immediately. Instead of 2 on 1, today Grayson was 1 on 1 with 3 observers (Austin, Xixi and me). The first thing I noticed about this new instructor was how he spoke with Grayson, and how he set expectations. "Grayson, grab your skis and let's go!" Someone had always carried Grayson's skis before. Not anymore!

After just two runs on the beginner runs that Grayson has been doing since he first arrived at DSES, the instructor, Zachary, said that Grayson was overdue for some additional challenges. (For those of you familiar with Mammoth Mountain, Grayson has been working in Sesame Street.) So we piled into the Gondola and headed up to McCoy Station, the mid-mountain chalet. From there, Zachary led Grayson down an intermediate run (Mambo) and back to the main Lodge (via St Moritz) for another go. (From the pictures, I expect that you will note that there was a bit of snow falling!)

Grayson did incredibly well! When he got going too fast he turned to lose speed. He followed directions, and even started to "take a lesson" as Zachary was giving him some drills to work on balance and riding the "edge" during turns. It was amazing to watch. For the last run of the day, Zachary took Grayson back to the beginner run (Sesame Street) and told him, "Grayson, just have some fun. You go where you want, and I'll follow you. The only thing I ask is if I say to stop, you stop! OK?" Grayson was a bit hesitant at first, but he said yes and started down the hill. He did exceptionally well, steering to avoid people and turning to keep his speed under control, all while making choices where HE wanted to go. It was a WOW day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 489 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It snowed 18 to 24 inches overnight here in Mammoth. It's hard to believe that spring starts next week!

Grayson was much higher energy today. Perhaps a good night's sleep helped! He started off with gusto, but then I think that the cold and the wind started to get to him. We took him in for a break halfway through his session to warm him up and give him some water and a snack and it helped for a short time. But after a few more runs he was done. He still enjoys it and is excited to go out tomorrow. Here is a picture of Grayson and one of his instructors on the slopes today. This particular instructor is particularly fond of Grayson, and has been with him each of his outings. She worked her schedule specifically to work with Grayson.

We are supposed to get another foot or so of snow overnight before we beat feet out of here (sadly) when the big storm comes in tomorrow. Here is a picture of the "mountain" as we left the Main Lodge this afternoon. What mountain?

Pax!

Brant

Day 488 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Xixi watched Grayson while Austin and I got up early and had about 90 minutes on the mountain this morning. Conditions were perfect – cold and gray but dry. The snow was awesome and untouched! We had a ball before heading back to spell Xixi and get Grayson ready for his day. Grayson was low energy today, probably because he was tired from the trip.

We arrived at Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra and Grayson was assisted for his afternoon of skiing. One of his previous teachers was back with us so it was a bit of a reunion. Grayson headed to the lifts and started his day. Here is a video of one of his runs today. (I apologize for the large size and the MP4 format. Not everyone will be able to view it.) In spite of his low energy, he did well on the slopes and kept going until the end of his day!

Tomorrow will bring more snow and cool temperatures. Looking forward to a new ski day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 487 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

We left the house at 6:30 this morning to journey to Mammoth and we arrived at the Main Lodge at noon. The trip was mostly uneventful, other than that overturned big rig on the 210 that closed the freeway!

Grayson was alert and observant most of the way only taking a few cat naps on the trip. Considering he had little sleep the night before, I was surprised! He was very talkative all day, was very calm at the restaurant where we had dinner, and was helpful at the market. What a good day for Grayson!

Tomorrow he will ski with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra again. We rented his skis and put his boots in his cubby today so he is ready to go tomorrow afternoon!

Pax!

Brant

Day 486 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

We will be on the road at the crack of dawn and I am still madly packing. I'll give a full report tomorrow!

Pax!

Brant

Day 485 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson and I spent the evening gathering gear for our ski trip Thursday. We did a pretty good job and it's a good thing because we will need to get to bed extra early tomorrow night.

Grayson was helpful this evening – grabbing things for me, helping pull items together, clearing the table and the like. He was alert and a good helper all evening and he did not ask to turn on the TV at all tonight!

Grayson is excited about the trip to Mammoth and so am I. We should get some snow over the weekend as a storm is predicted!

Pax!

Brant

Day 484 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Happy Pi day! I asked Grayson what the value of Pi was and he answered "3.1417". He just couldn't make the connection between 3.14 and today's date. Oh well. Fortunately, he was mostly "a little more" today – a little more verbal, a little more focused, a little more controlled, and a little more engaged. All good!

For a week I have been asking him where we are going this weekend, and he remembers every time. He is excited to go back to Mammoth for another weekend of skiing!

Pax!

Brant

Day 483 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

This Sunday I was up at the crack of Daylight Savings to be the cantor at church for the Great Litany, opening the service on first Sunday in Lent. In addition, Lauren was playing in the bell choir. She and the choir performed a spiritual that was quite tricky and sounded awesome. It was sure fun to sing and observe this morning!

After lunch, Regina and I took Grayson along for a shopping trip. We acquired our things and returned home for a relaxed evening before the start of a busy week.

Grayson was a bit slow all day today. He woke up that way and he just never got too far away from his slowness. Let's hope that tomorrow will provide a more effective starter for his engine!

Pax!

Brant

Day 482 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It's Saturday! We had a bit of sleep-in time before a day of activity. I went to church late this morning to rehearse the Great Litany for the 8:30 service tomorrow morning. I met up with Regina and Grayson, Lauren and Zack for lunch. Regina and Lauren went off together to take care of some business while Grayson and I went home to do some chores.

Grayson was a little helpful this afternoon, but he had been a bit "slow" all day. Today he was just not firing on all cylinders. While pleasant enough, he was just not all that with-it.

Austin and Xixi came over for dinner tonight as did Lauren and Zack, so we had quite a full house this evening – just the way we like it!

Pax!

Brant

Day 481 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Regina and I met with the Director of Rehabilitation and Grayson's Case Manager at the Centre for Neuro Skills for our monthly patient conference. During the conference we heard reports from each of the therapists that work with Grayson. Today's meeting had some special additional significance as we are putting together the plan for a transition to home care – a plan that is being executed almost immediately.

While Grayson continues his very slow improvement, the level of therapy investment is no longer considered "medically necessary" as the rate of improvement has significantly slowed. As a result Grayson will be reduced to 3 days of therapies per week on a path to transition to complete home care over time. The practical difference here is that therapy is covered by insurance and home care is not. Very early on after Grayson's injury we were informed that this day would come, and it is now upon us. We will be interviewing agency care givers next week, and we expect to hire on site care here at home two days a week before month end.

I have said it before, but change like this is very stressful. Change also helps us grow. Our faith in God gives us the strength to cope with the stress of change. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11).    

Have faith and hang on for the ride!

Pax!

Brant

Day 480 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Tomorrow Brant and I meet with our case manager at the Centre for Neuro Skills to discuss Grayson's progress. Equally important we will be discussing plans for transitioning away from the familiar five days a week therapy sessions. Keep us in your prayers as we face yet another major shift in our daily routine. There are significant decisions to be made in balancing jobs, hiring outside assistance, and participating in community day care programs.

Life is good. Challenges are bearable no matter how difficult. Answers will be found – even if we don't like them right away.

These things we know to be true.

Grace and peace,

Regina

Day 479 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Grayson has been a little bit more verbal these last two days. The notes from his therapists indicate a little bit of aggression when he is pushed to keep working on something. The two seem to go together. Wonder what is firing in his brain?

This morning we went for a ½ hour walk before he left for the clinic.

Tonight we finished by doing what we do about 4-5 times a week – wash, dry, and put clean sheets and blankets on his bed. The good news in that is there is value in repetition.

Grace and peace – and good night,

Regina

Day 478 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Regina was feeling poorly again today so took the day off and stayed down – except for getting Grayson ready and taking him to and from the clinic. She is a champ!

Grayson had an uneventful day today. He was quiet when he came home and was content to watch TV while Regina rested. Tonight was not a very active night for Grayson as I arrived home late and he went to bed shortly after dinner.

Sheer excitement from the Reed Haus!

Pax!

Brant

Day 477 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Regina was feeling a bit better this morning so she headed to work. It appears that her office solved the "feeling better" part as she came home feeling worse than before. This bug just does not want to pass. Tomorrow is another day!

Grayson was very aware and active today. He helped me with chores around the house this evening, assisted me in the dinner prep, and even put some things away in his room with only small cues (Grayson, where do your shoes go?). He also helped me make his bed before climbing in it for the night.

Let's pray that Regina feels better tomorrow!

Pax!

Brant

Day 476 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

With Regina still under the weather and in bed for another day, Grayson had to keep me out of trouble again today. We got up and went to church this morning and enjoyed seeing our old friends. After church we had lunch and did some shopping. Grayson was good company on our travels today.

This evening we had a house full over for dinner – all the kids plus their significant others. I grilled some steaks and paired them with broccoli and baked potato for a relatively quick and easy meal for a group of young adults. We had fun and it was good!

Pax!

Brant

Day 475 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson and I were on our own for the day. Regina is under the weather and we decided that we should let her sleep. I felt a little guilty taking time this morning catching up on some bill-paying and other responsibilities while Grayson read a book in my office here at home. It is best to actively involve him in something, but I was so behind!

"We" finished paying the bills and filing papers and shredding trash with personal information. I had Grayson vacuum up the small amount paper bits on the floor from changing the shredder bag. Then I showered Grayson and we took off to run some errands. We were gone a few hours and he was most pleasant company. We wandered around stores looking for some things then went to the grocery to look for inspiration for dinner. We found inspiration in some baby back ribs, one of Grayson's favorite foods. I wish I had taken a picture of Grayson after eating his fill of ribs tonight. He looked like he stuck his face in a bowl of BBQ sauce! He was sure excited to have ribs again.

Pax!

Brant

Day 474 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a good day for Grayson. He was active and alert and he had some productive therapies at the clinic. He was also a bit on edge, so it was easy to agitate him today.

He was more verbal again today, but "more" is still way below what we would like. However, "more" is still way better than "less"!

The week is over – have a great weekend!

Pax!

Brant

Day 473 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It was a long day followed by a long, but productive, night of meetings at church, so I will be brief!

Grayson is heading into the weekend with a head of steam. He has been more alert and more verbal for a couple of days now. The only downside to this is that he gets agitated more easily and has difficulty laying down and going to sleep at night. All in all, I'll take alert!

Pax!

Brant

Day 472 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson woke up slow and sluggish this morning, but by this evening he was alert and chipper – and a little bit more verbal. He had a good day at the clinic, and one of the few days per week where he gets a ride home. Regina got an opportunity to spend a few more hours in the office instead of on the freeway this afternoon!

When I arrived home from work I grabbed Grayson and we took Lauren to church for bell rehearsal before running to the market for a few items. We swung back to church to pick Lauren up before heading home. I assembled a fast dinner and everyone was eating by 8:30 PM. We watched a bit of American Idol before heading Grayson off to the shower then to bed.

A rather uneventful night in our journey!

Pax!

Brant

Day 471 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was quite alert all day today. Starting from the moment he woke up, he was bright eyed and a bit more verbal than he has been in the past few months. At one point this evening he was with me prior to a meeting at our Boy Scout Council Headquarters. He spent the longest time looking at pictures on the wall of Scouts at places that he was familiar with from his years in Scouting, now almost a decade ago – Camp Chawanakee, Camp Makualla, Camp Whisett and the National Jamboree. He identified many places verbally for me as I asked him what the pictures were – Gettysburg, Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty, Jamboree patch trading, the climbing wall at Camp Chawanakee – he really has quite a memory of these places!

Grayson was particularly wound up this evening before bed, and it took quite a while for him to wind down and go to sleep. Several times the alarm went off as he exited the room. There seems to be a correlation between the alertness and the inability to fall asleep quickly. We'll take alertness!

Pax!

Brant