Day 463 – Grayson’s Journey

Since the clinic was closed for the President's Day holiday, Grayson and I spent a delightful day together.

Among the many games, errands, and chores we did together, two things stand out. First, at three separate times today he answered my question with a three word answer. Perhaps he is beginning to realize that when he answers me with a one word answer I usually ask him to restate it using a complete sentence. Perhaps it is merely a function of a more "with it" type day for him. Most probably it is a result of the combination of both.

The second little treasure involved music. I asked him if he would like to play the electric keyboard with me. When he said he would, I played Row, Row, Row Your Boat through two times. Then I played the first five notes twice in a row. I asked him to play the first five notes. He played them perfectly.

Little victories, great big strides. Even bigger smiles.

Grace and peace be with you,

Regina

Day 462 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson was alert as yesterday, but also like yesterday he was very non-verbal. A new pattern to watch!

We got up and went to church this morning, then went to lunch in La Canada. We were stunned by the snow level on the local mountains! It is rare that we see snow down at such a low elevation here in the LA area. Of course, most of it was gone by mid afternoon, but it was fun to see.

I have an early flight in the morning, so I'll sign off now.

Pax!

Brant

Day 461 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

To was a great stay-at-home day. We relaxed this morning, took a walk between rainstorms with Grayson, caught up on chores and had a light dinner while watching one of Grayson's favorite shows, House.

Grayson was very alert today, but he was also very non-verbal. That combination is not typical – alertness usually is accompanied by an increase in verbal expression. Nonetheless he was quite aware of his surroundings, was quite alert and he was engaged in a number of our activities today.

In spite of the rain, it was a nice quiet day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 460 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I returned this evening from a week in sunny Seattle. Actually, Seattle WAS sunny this morning, unusual as that is. I flew back to LA and it was pouring rain. Go figure!

Grayson was happy to see me. Regina reported that he was as alert as he has been in several days when he got up this morning. When I joined them at our favorite Thai restaurant this evening on my way home from the airport he was still quite alert. He was observant, looking around the restaurant, taking in everything. He was even a bit more verbal tonight – always a nice thing.

It is great to be home again!

Pax!

Brant

Day 459 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Grayson was awake and alert when I went into his room this morning. This was a most welcome change since he has been in somewhat of a fog for the last eight days.

By this afternoon he was more animated and responded to my teasing with a big grin and humorous responses. He answered several series of questions and was able to formulate answers of two to three words rather than his usual one. After dinner we danced and exercised to music.

After so many days of seeing Grayson seem to slide backwards, this slight improvement was just what I needed to refocus my own attitude. The uneven and uncertain path of progress can be rough if you look too far into the future.

In God's time – not ours.

Grace and peace to you all, my friends.

Regina

Day 458 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

This morning started out very slow again.

Grayson had difficulty remembering how to pull his chair out in order to sit for breakfast. Later he was stuck and not able to initiate putting his sweat pants on. These situations illustrate how imperative it is to be sensitive and either increase or decrease cueing and assistance without encouraging him to become more dependant. Without a doubt it is easier and faster to do things for him. Just as certain, that approach would insure that he not exercise and strengthen those brain paths.

Our life experience tells us that once you know how to do something, you should know tomorrow as well – and the day after that should be even easier. Not so with brain injury. Repetition may indeed be building toward progress but the building surely is built on shifting ground.

Later tonight I read several chapters of H. G. Wells The Time Traveler to Grayson. At the end of each chapter, I quizzed him on details to work on his memory and comprehension. Like a young child, he leaned close and looked at the pictures as I read. He was able to answer all my questions accurately, though getting more than a single word answer took some effort.

Day by day, page by page . . .

Grace and peace,

Regina

Day 457 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

This evening Grayson helped me prepare dinner and clear the table. He wiped down the counters and emptied his lunch box. He also helped me carry several loads of trash and recycle down two flights of stairs. He was able to turn his sweatshirt right-side out and put it on without any assistance (only minor cues) twice today.

He decided on which wall in his room he wants to hang his pirate flag. I also hung a new calendar on his wall (with pictures of the cast of "House") so that we can cross off the date each morning. This gives him a handy reference to find the correct month, day, and year. Without such a tool he has no way to recall this information.

While Grayson was still fairly non-verbal, I was able to coax a few more words and sentences out of him tonight. It is particularly nice when I can get him to use his voice rather than pointing.

It is just starting to rain gently and Grayson is peacefully tucked into bed for the night. He read in bed for about an hour (the same book he reads every night) and was ready for lights out.

Grace and peace,

Regina