Day 558 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was a bit more alert today. Today was a busy day around the house and he watched with keen interest.

Construction continued in Lauren's room and he liked to poke his head in there to see what was happening at various points throughout the day. One summer in college he worked with these guys on a construction job, so they knew him from before his injury. They greet him warmly and show him what they are doing. Grayson observes for a while then goes back to his books or whatever he is doing at the time.

This evening Grayson and I went to the fish store and the grocery to shop for our holiday weekend. The weather is expected to be in the high 70s tomorrow so the "observed" summer of Memorial Day to Labor Day will be kicked off in Southern California style – poolside at Rita and Richard's with a BBQ!

Pax!

Brant

Day 557 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

I must admit Grayson did not get much attention today.  It was the kind of day that made it hard to give him the full attention he deserves.

Here are a few of the distractions. I was trying to give as much attention to my job as possible during business hours.  Early this morning I met with my brother, also our contractor, about needed home repairs as well as the condition of my sweet sister-in-law who is battling colon cancer.  Later in the afternoon I moved all of Lauren’s things out of her bedroom so we could remove carpet, scrape the acoustic (cottage cheese) ceiling, re-plaster and paint.  (Oh, and she is out of town for a couple of weeks, hence is not available to assist.) I had dental and other appointments and was chasing down electric circuit problems that suddenly appeared.

Grayson is content to watch all the activity around him and is easily occupied with either books or television. I confess I used these to keep him safe and happy.  We realize life is a balancing act and by definition that means that the balancing is not static but sways back and forth with constant correcting effort. Today the balance swayed away from Grayson.

When we were able to give Grayson our full attention this evening, we were both struck by just how endorphins affect him.  We were laughing and being silly about something during dinner and his giggles completely took over his body.  His face stretched into an uncontrollable grin, he ducked his head, doubled over and expelled an audible breath of laughing that was absolutely contagious.  What a joy that, among his many compromised functions, his funny bone is still so much intact.

Make a joyful noise,

Regina

Day 556 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Grayson was fairly non-verbal again today and as a result I found myself expending a lot of energy drawing him out.

Later this afternoon I concentrated on getting his body in motion rather than his voice. We walked up hill and down, we marched together, we "ran" a race, and we danced. We danced the jitterbug and we danced the twist. At one point, I was exercising by myself to music and he was watching me. He stood up, put his arms around me to give me a hug and started to dance a slow dance.
Sometimes it's just easier to do than to speak. It all says "I love you".

May your day be filled with such joy.

Peace,

Regina

Day 555 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

When I finished work today, Grayson was glad to see me. He helped me get the BBQ set up so we could grill one of his favorites – heart-healthy chicken!

While we were getting things ready, I started singing (like THAT is a surprise). Tonight a song from Sound of Music popped into my head and I blurted it out – "Maria". As I sang it, I would stop in the middle of each phrase and Grayson would finish the phrase for me – on pitch! It was so fun. I didn't know that he even knew the words to the song – whirling dervish and all! Grayson always loved musical theater, and it brought perhaps the greatest joy and memories to his life, thanks to the loving community at Flintridge Prep.

Even with all of his challenges, Grayson is still a joy to be around.

Pax!

Brant

Day 554 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was quiet but alert and "with it" today. He helped me do chores this evening, including taking out trash, using the shredder to destroy sensitive papers, carrying groceries up to the kitchen from the car and helping to put them away.

I was struck tonight by Grayson's good nature and affection. Being around him every day you come to take some things for granted. One of the things that keeps this journey much less of a burden is the fact that we are on it with a person who is pleasant, always has a smile and a hug for us, and who wants to help. We are blessed by his good humor and sunny disposition every day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 553 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

This evening I walked into the family room where Grayson sat sprawled in a chair with his size 13 shoes extending far into the open space. When I approached his chair from the side to walk around him, he pulled his feet in.

This may not seem to be a big deal but it was to me. Grayson is very compromised when it comes to awareness of his body in relationship to others. He appears not to understand that his physical presence has consequences or at least he is not be able to do anything about it. For example, he will stand in a doorway and not move until I explain that he is blocking the path and I cannot get past him.

Tonight he not only recognized that his legs and feet were in the way but immediately and proactively initiated an action to correct it. I didn't even have to stand there and hint.

Another encouraging inch.

God's peace to each of you as we begin another beautiful week.

Regina

Day 552 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It's Saturday! Today was a sleep in and recover day from a very busy week. Grayson got up and had a big breakfast this morning. This afternoon while Regina was visiting her sister-in-law at the hospital, Grayson followed me around the house doing chores. Mostly he watched or sat down and read his book.

Grayson was a bit quiet today, but he enjoyed following me around and watching or helping if he was able. At one point today I picked up a case of 35 water bottles (500 ml). He observed me doing this and bent down to pick up the other. I made the decision that his balance was not good enough for him to carry over 35 pounds of water up two flights of stairs. I thanked him for helping but asked him to put the water back down. He pitched right in without being asked!

Pax!

Brant