Day 1111 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I returned home from Seattle this evening. Regina and Grayson picked me up from the airport, then we picked Lauren up from work and all went out to dinner. What a fun family evening!

Grayson was very bright eyed from the moment he woke up, according to Regina. He was very happy to see me and he hugged me almost too much! (There really never is too much, is there!)

We are looking forward to a weekend of Christmas decorating (weather permitting) and a family weekend.

Pax!

Brant

Day 1110 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

This week has had its challenges with Brant out of town, the return of Grayson's nosebleeds, and still breaking in the new caregiver.

After work this evening Grayson and I went out to grab a quick dinner at Chipotle and pick up a couple of things at the grocery store. As usual I talked to him the whole way and tried to get him to remember where we were going. He was able to tell me that Chipotle served Mexican food but when I asked him to name something they served he answered "pasta".

We parked right outside the door to the restaurant. As I was helping Grayson out of the car I asked him where we were going. I expected him to look around for a clue to the answer. He looked directly at me and with a big smile said, "To a happy place". I laughed so hard – I've never heard him use that expression before.

Not the answer I was expecting but certainly the laugh I needed. I am grateful for the little things.

Peace,

Regina

Day 1106 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Finishing a busy holiday weekend by packing for a week in Seattle! By all accounts this appears to be the last business travel of the year.

Grayson was active and alert today. The two of us went for a walk today and I was impressed by his speed. Since his caregivers take him on walks twice a day, the two of us don’t go together as often as we did in the past. His pace as I recall it was mostly a stroll. Today he was doing a good job of keeping up with my “quick-time” pace. This pace and fitness bodes well for his upcoming ski season!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1105 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

While it was a day later than planned, the annual tradition of turkey stock is now on the stove. The USC-Notre Dame game provided lots of opportunity for me to break up the bones of our Thanksgiving meal and it will cook down for several hours to become the stock for turkey soup and next years’ secret ingredient for the stuffing. While the taste of defeat is bad, at least the house smells good!

Grayson romped all over town with us today as we finalized our bathroom surfaces. It has been a wonderful weekend of cooking, entertaining and family. What could be better? (Perhaps a USC big win? Not this year!)

Pax!

Brant

Day 1104 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving – we certainly did!

Here is a picture of our table prior to the feast, and another of Regina, Lauren and I welcoming our special 25-pound guest to the dinner table!

We had a glorious day! Rita, Richard and all of the kids and several special friends were here. All in all there were 10 for dinner. We even had the first fire in the fireplace for the season!

On a dietary note, I realized today that we consumed 2¼ pounds of butter and ¾ gallon of heavy whipping cream. I do believe that I have had my ration of butterfat for the foreseeable future! Unfortunately what is consumed in Glendale, stays in Glendale…

These are special holidays. We have lost loved ones this year, and Thanksgiving reminds me that family celebrations are so precious. The memories that I hold from Thanksgivings of my childhood remain with me today (thanks Floriene!) I can only hope that these celebrations are as important to my children as they are to me.

We at the Reed Haus have much to be thankful for, but most of all it is the friends and family that hold us close and keep us warm in their love every day on our journey through life. Know that we love and cherish all of you!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1102 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Was the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house,

Was cooking and cleaning, table setting and excitement!

The shopping is done – three trips to the store,

The turkey is in the fridge awaiting the cooks in the morn.

The pumpkin pies are cooling – Grayson is in bed,

Regina and Brant are exhausted and spent.

Tomorrow we will arise fresh and ready

To make a feast of all feasts

For our loved ones aplenty.

And as I go off to bed, I know you are thinking

That this all doesn’t rhyme – and I’m too tired to worry about it!

Pax!

Brant

Day 1101 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

I’m afraid that I missed posting day 1100 – a milestone day in two respects. One was that another 100 days had passed since Grayson’s injury. The other was the 29^th anniversary of our marriage. Of the smartest things I have done in my life, that day 29 years ago tops the list. I’m also the luckiest guy alive that Regina said, “I do” that day. Here is a picture of the young couple on their way from the church to the reception – enjoy!

Grayson has been quite alert these past few days as we have been rushing around getting the house ready for Thanksgiving. While we are now back in our bedroom, the bathroom (the major cause of the construction) is still a month away from completion. We hope to finish that before Christmas. But at least we have a living room and a dining room back in action for the Thanksgiving Roast Beast!

While there is still a lot to do before Thursday, we can see the path. We are excited to entertain in our home again, and all of our children will be here. Is there anything better than that?

Pax!

Brant