Day 1020 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson had a good day again today. Along with the improved cognitive activity when he is in an up-cycle are several other “things” that we have come to expect. He has trouble siting down. He has even more trouble with incontinence. He has trouble falling asleep and staying in his bed. We have experienced all of the above in the past few days, and we will hopefully see more in the near future. During the “up-cycles” we notice more understandable speaking, speaking in sentences, more focus on activity, improved THP scores, and generally more alertness.

I’ll take alert and up-cycle over dull and down-cycle anytime!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1019 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I am fairly certain that we have now come out of the down cycle as today was another good day for Grayson. When I came home from work, Grayson started speaking to me without prompting. That was the first time that I can remember where he just spoke without responding or repeating something said by another. Unfortunately when he spoke I was unable to understand anything he said, but he spoke nonetheless!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1018 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was responding in full sentences today! This may mean the end of the down cycle, but it is too early to be certain. We’ll see how it goes for the next few days.

With Danielle he was responding in complete sentences without prompting. She asked him what his favorite movie was and he responded, “My favorite movie is Star Wars.” Most unusual and a sign for improved weeks ahead! He was also walking much faster today which would also indicate an upward swing is in store.

Today was a good day for Grayson!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1017 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson had a special treat! Lenny, one of his best friends from Boy Scouts came by to visit accompanied by his girlfriend. They spent an hour or so visiting this afternoon. His caregiver Danielle noticed that he was much more verbal after they visited!

It is so wonderful to know that Grayson has not been forgotten by his friends. We are realistic – they will move on with their lives and slowly fade away while Grayson does not have the capacity to cultivate new friendships. But here we are almost three years after his incident and still he has old friends come by to visit. Those are special occasions indeed!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1016 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today Grayson was much clearer in his 1 or 2 word answers than he has been for the past few days. He also did well in his THPs (therapeutic home program – a set of questions requiring some thought).He took 2 nice long walks with his caregiver Danielle and had what I thought was a pretty good day.

Good days are something we look forward to aren’t they!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1015 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Grayson was a bit more verbal today than he has been the past few weeks. Not a lot more verbal, but just a little bit. Tonight when I tucked him in bed and I told him that I loved him, he said, “I love you too Dad.” He hasn’t done that for a few weeks, so I interpret that as a very small sign that things may be a little bit on the upswing from where we have been these past few weeks.

After a morning of church and some errands this afternoon, we settled in to grill the remainder of the salmon from yesterday and watch a movie. A day of rest before a busy week!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1014 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a beautiful day! Not only was the weather sunny, but it was not too hot – mid 80s for us.

We spent the afternoon at Rita and Richard’s helping them celebrate their newly remodeled backyard and pool area. I brought a salmon that I purchased yesterday at my favorite fish market at the Pike Place Market in Seattle yesterday. All in all there were 11 family members there today – quite a fun afternoon and evening!

Grayson had a fun day. He spent a lot of time in the pool and really seemed to enjoy himself.

It was a great Saturday!

Pax!

Brant