Day 387 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

As we have shared several times, Grayson, on a regular basis, will not be able to act out the accurate steps of simple tasks. He needs cues to either get unstuck or remind him of the next step. Then suddenly, without supervision, he will completely follow through and complete several steps without any cueing or supervision. I take this as an exciting and encouraging sign of progress. While not dependable, it shows that pathways are slowly re-establishing with the consistent repetition that is provided in therapy and at home. Day by day and step by step.

This really is a journey. The last several days Grayson has shown many moments that reveal there is much more going on in his mind than he is able to express or act upon. It is a humbling and important reminder that we cannot take for granted that we understand completely what he is experiencing. We learn from him as he re-learns from us. We try to give him choices throughout the day rather than making all of the choices for him. Early on, you may recall, if we offered Grayson a choice of A or B, he would nearly always choose B. More an echo of the last option heard rather than a true expression of preference. Lately he has been communicating some of his preferences and sticking to them. Another encouraging sign of improvement.

A slow, sometimes unsteady, patient, and exciting journey.

Thanks be to God for the opportunity.

Grace and peace,

Regina

Day 386 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,


The therapy center Grayson attends Monday through Friday is located on the fifth floor of a medical building. Today, among the varied exercises the therapists ran him through all afternoon, was carrying a bucket loaded to 15 pounds. No big deal you might think but he had to carry it down all five flights of stairs AND back up again.

On the way home Grayson and I stopped by Costco, parked a long way from the entrance, loaded our cart with the usual king sized packages, hiked back to the car, unloaded the cart, drove home and carried everything up our flight of stairs. By the time we were finished Grayson was tired and hungry. After dinner and dishes, we put in a load of laundry and put clean sheets on his bed. I think we managed to tire him out this evening. He went right to sleep.

With Brant in Arizona I think I tired myself out, too. I miss my partner.

Give yourself a hug from me.

Peace,

Regina

Day 385 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had another good day today. It has been several days in a row that we have noticed some slightly different and more alert behavior. It appears that there is a little something awakening. Because we are with him so much, we notice the very subtitle changes. We will continue to monitor and watch for changes.

This evening I made a large pot of beef stew that we can graze on for several days. While it was in the oven, we watched Santa Clause 2 for the second time this Advent. Grayson laughed and giggled his way through the movie. It is so fun to watch him laugh!

Pax!

Brant

Day 384 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was a bit more with it all day today. He displayed more self awareness and awareness of others than usual. He was my helper at the grocery store this afternoon and he pushed the cart the entire time. When we arrived back home, he helped me carry the groceries up stairs and put them away.

We watched the big game (as far as LA was concerned!) this evening. The Trojans are once again the champs of Los Angeles after beating their cross-town rival Bruins today. As always it was a great game, and anything could have happened so that the outcome was in doubt until the final few minutes. It is cool that the Pac 10 has 2 BCS-bound teams this year, and that the Ducks will be playing for the crystal football. Go Pac 10! Actually, tonight was the last Pac 10 game ever – Go Pac 12!

Pax!

Brant

Day 383 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Today Grayson, Brant and I stood with two attorneys before a judge - one attorney representing Grayson and another representing the two of us. We listened as the judge agreed that Grayson was not able to make medical or financial decisions for himself. She approved the petition that Brant and I serve as Grayson's conservators and have authority to act on his behalf in any financial or legal capacity.

It was difficult to hear the words spoken that "based on the extent of neurological damage suffered during Grayson's arrest, his future prognosis affords little hope for recovery sufficient for Grayson to function independently". It was sobering to hear that he would need our approval to marry but curious that his attorney felt Grayson had sufficient capacity to vote in elections.

Nothing is really any different than it was yesterday but it was a harsh reality moment to have so many of our adult son's rights legally removed and relinquished to us. How could anyone understand what it truly means when you agree to become a parent? We certainly could never have imagined this chapter.

When the judge dismissed us, Grayson said, "thank you" to her. She smiled and said, "You are most welcome".

In my heart I am also grateful that we still have Grayson here with us, that we are still able to care for him, and that he seems happy. I am grateful that he still shows small improvements that steadily mark progress. Remember that grass also grows so slowly that its progress may seem imperceptible on a daily basis yet look at it at the end of two weeks. It's undeniable.

Grayson needs us and trusts us to care for him. We don't take that responsibility lightly. We accept the responsibility and ask God's help to guide us.

Grace and peace,

Regina

Day 382 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

This evening while I was at a meeting at church, Regina took Grayson out to dinner. While there, a few remarkable things happened. Midway through dinner Grayson took off his sweatshirt. Now that may not seem remarkable to you, but it was to Regina. He responded to a stimulus (too hot) and took independent action on it (took off his sweatshirt). We have become accustomed to him sitting until being told what to do.

Also while at dinner, Grayson looked perplexed or concerned. Regina asked him if anything was the matter or bothering him. He furrowed his brow. She asked what he was feeling. He took a long time to reply. Slowly he pointed his finger at himself. Regina said, "You?" Grayson then pointed at the sky and said, "Am happy!" (Regina cried.)

How can I add to that!

Pax!

Brant

Day 381 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was a bit slow all day today. He stood up several times with no particular place to go at each meal and several other times today. He had moments of focus and clarity, but they were pretty rare while we were with him today.

This afternoon we had a patient conference with the staff at CNS. The impression that I took away is that Grayson continues to improve physically and although within "normal" range, he is still far from the robust youth he was a year ago. The major problem with Grayson's physical abilities is the lack of cognitive ability to control his actions. He remains a risk to himself and requires supervision at all times to maintain safety.

Grayson's inability to maintain focus and attention on a task continue to inhibit the administration of certain standard tests. The staff really has to work to keep Grayson engaged, and they are always finding new ways to motivate and encourage him beyond the usual 2½ minute attention barrier!

Grayson's speech has continued to be a challenge. This is one area where things seem to be getting worse rather than better. We continue to work at turning this around.

Fortunately, Grayson's pleasant demeanor remains a major positive as he works to recover.

Pax!

Brant