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