Day 1035 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

This morning we looked for new surfaces to decorate around in the updated master bedroom and bath. Grayson, in spite of his cold, was with us all day as we made decisions on items. He was a champ, but he was battling his cold all day.

We made it home in time for the game, though it was painful to watch. When all was said and done, the Cardinal beat the Trojans for the 4^th time in a row. It was hard to believe with all of the weapons that USC has to work with. At this point we can hope for a rematch in the Pac 12 Title game, but there is a long season remaining.

There is always next week!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1034 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I’m home for the weekend! I do have to admit that it’s beautiful in Seattle this time of year. Too bad that it isn’t like this year round!

Notes from Grayson’s caregiver – He was better today, except his nose was running like a faucet. I interpret that to mean that he was more cooperative than he was yesterday (anything may have been an improvement) but the cold has taken hold. I will attest that tonight he was really taxed by the cold. It will be a miracle if we don’t all come down with it!

Time to celebrate the weekend!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1033 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Today was a challenge for Grayson's caregiver Danielle. Not only was Grayson nonverbal much of the day but he was somewhat uncooperative. When she tried to have him remove the hidden coins from a ball of putty, he threw it to the ground. When she asked him to return his book to the shelf he swung his arm at her. When she told him it was time to use the restroom, he hit the wall.

She went on to say, however, that when he did use the restroom, he finished the entire sequence (used the restroom, buttoned up, washed and dried hands, flushed, turn off the light) all without prompting.

While I realize it was a challenging day for her, I celebrated the news. If Grayson remains completely complacent and compliant, he may never regain any ability to make choices or initiate basic skills. While striking out is an unacceptable behavior, expressing frustration and making decisions shows promise. Completing the restroom sequence independently without cueing is progress.

It certainly isn't linear progress but it is progress none-the-less. Tomorrow I will spend time coaching her how to make the most of the challenging days.

Peace to you this night,

Regina

Day 1031 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

What a difference a day makes.

Grayson was not as fidgety today and was practically in slow motion most of the day. After the caregiver left this afternoon, Grayson actually fell asleep in a chair and slept for nearly 45 minutes. I think what was most different, however, was my attitude. I was able to frame my response to his challenges with more patience and acceptance.

On this eleventh anniversary of the horror of the 911 attacks it is painfully evident the difference a day can make. Lives and a nation changed forever. Pain and loss that will never subside. Fear that will live just below the surface.

May God bless all of us with the peace that passes all understanding.

Regina

Day 1030 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Grayson was very fidgety today. He clenched down on his toothbrush repeatedly this morning and this evening. He bared his teeth when he didn't want to do the activity the caregiver initiated and he remained mostly nonverbal all day.

In spite of hourly restroom breaks Grayson was incontinent about every 45 minutes this evening. This kind of day is a challenge for Grayson and for me and can really stretch my patience.

Please pray that I find balance and patience as I begin another week with Brant out of town.

Peace,

Regina

Day 1029 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Regina and I took Grayson with us as we tried to finalize the things that would make up our new bathroom. The next step is to figure out where everything will go! Grayson was a champ wandering around the home warehouse store looking at all sorts of things. He hung in there and was little bother so Regina and I were able to narrow down the field!

I’m off to Seattle in the morning for a week that starts with rain and a low of 48° and ends with sun and a high of 81°. Gotta love the Northwest!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1028 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Saturday! I love Saturdays in the late summer and fall because USC Football is underway! Today we watched our Trojans play the Orange of Syracuse. (Seriously? The Orange? I suppose that you are going to tell me that next week we are going to play another color – like the Cardinal!) We had a few scary moments during the game but managed to pull out a 13 point win. Perhaps the most unusual part of this game was the 90 minute weather delay as the teams trotted on the field after half time. Tornados and thundershowers are perhaps not the ideal conditions for players or fans in the stadium!

After the game Grayson and I went on a walk – our usual 1-mile round trip to the golf course and back. I was pleased with Grayson’s speed and strength on this walk!

Today was a great day!

Pax!

Brant