Day 661 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

It was a blistering hot day here today. We expect warm weather here but it was 105° today – even a dry heat is hot!

Grayson was doing his best to keep his cool. One of the challenges for us is to keep Grayson hydrated, especially in this warm weather. He will rarely chug down a significant chunk of water and it takes about 50 small sips to empty a small glass of water. That doesn't cut it when the weather is this dry and hot!

One more thing to remember to monitor!

Pax!

Brant

Day 660 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

After a long and refreshing weekend it was back to work today. It appears that we now have 4 days to get done in what normally takes us 5. On top of that, it was over 100° here today – the boss is really turning up the heat!

Grayson was unfazed by the return-to-work day – he will never have to worry about those responsibilities again. He was content today to do some therapy, accompany his parents on a few errands, watch some TV, eat some wonderfully balanced meals and get ready for bed. His life is much simpler now. Fortunately he is happy and content in the place he finds himself, and he remains as loving as ever.

Pax!

Brant

Day 659 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today we held a farewell dinner for Lauren before she heads across country to start a new life. She is taking a leap of faith in herself to try a life in a part of the country that she has visited twice previously, and that she really feels connected to. There is also a romantic interest there which increases the attractiveness of the area! We are understandably sad that she will be so far away, but we have faith that she will make the right choices to make her new life in Kentucky a success. Here we are today at Gladstones in Malibu enjoying our meal together.

There was a lot of audio and visual noise for Grayson today – not something he always deals well with. However today he was a champ. He stayed at the dinner table with us for several hours without incident and was pleasant and accommodating all afternoon.

We have a few more days with Lauren as she will depart early Friday morning. I am reminded that as parents we are charged with giving our children roots and wings. Wings seem to grow themselves. Let us pray that the roots we gave are solid as Lauren takes this cross-country step.

Pax!

Brant

Day 658 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a relaxed Sunday – especially relaxed as we do not have to go to work tomorrow! We went to church this morning then had a casual and relaxed lunch outdoors at a local restaurant called Recess. After a delightful lunch we headed home. Regina stayed home to work on some projects and Grayson and I ran some errands.

While in the car today Grayson and I sang some songs together. While not as good as he was when he was doing karaoke at CNS last spring, he did a pretty good job of matching pitch and remembering words to old songs. I wish we could keep him singing more!

After arriving home and putting away the groceries, we prepared dinner, watched a movie and enjoyed our time together. Sounds pretty much like a normal family day!

Pax!

Brant

Day 657 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a great day! While all Saturdays are wonderful, today was special because it marks the start of the college football season! Today we got to watch our beloved, albeit bowl sanctioned, Trojans out on the field again after what seems to be a long absence. Today they won even after trying to give it away in the second half.

With the new Pac 12 I'm still trying to learn the names of all of the schools. All in all, the Pac 12 went 8 and 4 overall today – not bad! My view – The states of Washington, Arizona and Northern California won, Southern California and the newbie's split, and the state of Oregon lost. I look forward to several more weeks of exciting football as the year matures!

After the game, Austin, Xixi and several of Grayson's other friends that all worked with him at Bovard Auditorium came by for a visit. It is thrills to me that Grayson's old friends still come by to visit. They touch my heart deeply every time they walk through the doors. Here is a picture of all of us resplendent in Cardinal and Gold.

Fight On!

Brant

Day 656 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today after going out for a sushi dinner, Regina said to Grayson, "You're my bud!" Then she asked him, "Who's your bud?", and Grayson answered, "Austin!"

Even after a serious brain injury, brothers are special. Forever.

Pax!

Brant

Day 655 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I came home late this evening after a meeting at church. Grayson was so affectionate when he saw me. His hugs are the best!

Some things make it worth it all.

Pax!

Brant