Day 105 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Regina, Lauren and I had a great visit with Grayson today. We went to church in the morning then had lunch together this afternoon. We again enjoyed sushi, as it is a favorite with him, and we have a very understanding staff that works with us at the restaurant.

Grayson's impulsivity with regard to eating has appeared to be improved. He was also a lot more "with it" this week compared to the last week as he was significantly more attentive, and displayed a lot more self control. His speech also showed improvement after a few weeks of being mostly non-verbal.

After lunch, we returned to his residence for a visit. We spent a few hours reading with him, throwing a ball around, and playing cards before heading home.

Grayson had a real treat this evening. He went to a live production of "Camelot". For those who know Grayson, he loves musical theater, and this was quite special. In fact, based on Grayson's input at a recent "town hall" meeting at the residence, this activity was added just for him. I think that we were just as thrilled as Grayson was that he had the opportunity to participate in this outing!

This was a great day that the Lord made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it!

Pax!

Brant

Day 104 – Grayson’s Condition

Today I attended my 40^th high school reunion. For one reason or another I have missed each of the previous reunions – life just seemed to get in the way throughout the years. When I weighed the decision whether or not I should attend, I felt once again that I would have to pass up the opportunity. We so treasure our weekends with Grayson.

First, I let go of my guilt. After all, Brant and Lauren were going to be with Grayson and he would know he is loved by his family. Second, I realized that, with the weekend's storms, there was a good chance that the grapevine might be impassible and we don't have chains for the second car. Good excuses, right?

Lastly, I just let go and let God. I admit I was looking forward to seeing these classmates after 40 years but I was unprepared for how much it affected me. I walked into a room of 59-year old women and immediately felt surrounded by love. Word of Grayson's situation had already spread among them (thanks to Facebook), the years disappeared and we shared that unique wrinkle in time that you only experience a few times in life. The outpouring of love and prayers made me feel part of something larger than high school, larger than the common experience of parenthood. By no means was I the only one in the room whose life has taken a huge left turn. The room was filled with the challenges of parents, children, health, employment and faith. For one afternoon we felt we were all in this together. For one afternoon these were not just classmates from 40 years ago but we were sisters in life loving each other and praying for each other.

Tonight I drove up to rendezvous with Brant and Lauren and tomorrow morning we take Grayson to church with us. But he won't just be with us. We will have the whole communion of saints with us. I know that is how we have been able to walk so securely on this journey so far.

Thank you for walking it with us.

Regina

Day 103 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Regina and I spoke with Grayson today. It was a nice conversation, as it is always good to hear his voice. While we had a nice chat, he still seems to be confused about the things he has done. He was difficult to understand over the phone, but there seems to be a slight improvement over the last week.

Grayson did his daily chores. Today he vacuumed and dusted his bedroom, and prepared his shopping list for the grocery store tomorrow morning. Dinner prep was easy tonight, as he reheated leftovers from yesterday.

Relearning the activities of daily living, working with checklists, being reminded to plan for the next week – these are the things that I really appreciate about this program!

We are sure looking forward to seeing him this weekend.

Pax!

Brant

Day 102 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Rehab therapy – it is the gift provided by our medical plan. It requires hard work, dedication and commitment to receive the full benefit. One of the things I have been concerned with is Grayson's buy-in to do the hard work of therapy. To someone with limited short-term memory, how do you explain the reasons in a way that it is motivating?

This week, when Grayson decided not to do something he was asked to do by the speech therapist, Grayson said, "What incentive is there for me to do this?" Not missing a beat, the therapist asked him what would motivate him, candy, a break, a nap. Grayson responded, "Candy". She said ok, and said if he did his work for the rest of the hour, he would get a piece of candy. That was all it took. Grayson worked hard for the remainder of the period, and for a reward, received his piece of candy.

While we may need to have him brush his teeth a little more frequently, I think that they hit on something this week! Hopefully we can progress from this simple, immediate and tasty reward to other reward systems.  Hmmm, what motivates you?

Pax!

Brant

Day 101 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson had a good day. After arriving home from the clinic, he jumped on his chores. Today these chores included checking the mail and vacuuming the living room. He was quite cooperative with the staff tonight.

I had a conversation with Grayson on the phone this evening. Grayson said to me that he "wanted to come back to Earth". When I asked him what he meant, he stated that the "atmospheric pressure here is too great." This was another reminder that we still have a long way to go.

Dinner tonight was easy. Grayson had some outing money left over, so he ordered "Wednesday Dinner in". Tonight he had garlic & chicken fettuccini from California Pizza Kitchen and thoroughly enjoyed it. After dinner, since there were no dishes, he read his National Geographic's until bedtime.

Simple days, new realities and much to be thankful for.

Pax!

Brant

Day 100 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Day 100. Wow. We have come a long way. We have a long way to go.

Good evening, all. Grayson had a good day today. He did his chores, which included laundry today, and he went down to check the mail. He also had a nice walk today.

Tonight was the first Arts and Crafts night at the rec center. Grayson participated, and tonight he made a smiling scorpion. It is back in his apartment and I will get the opportunity to see it on Sunday. It is bittersweet to be looking forward to seeing the artwork made by your child, then to remember that he is 24 years old. It seems only yesterday that we did this in 1994 with Grayson. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to do this with him again.

Pax!

Brant

Day 99 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Grayson was very cooperative and helpful today. He participated in music therapy tonight, and was quite active the entire time.

Monday chores included sweeping and mopping the kitchen floor. He accomplished these tasks and some laundry tonight. The lad was very cooperative!

Grayson called me again today. We had a nice chat, though tonight it was very difficult to understand him. Most everything he told me I had to have him repeat at least three times. Not sure what is going on here, but I suspect we will find out soon!

I'll check in with him again tomorrow and we will see what surprises are in store!

Pax!

Brant