February 2005
Despite a little congestion as the weekend came around, Chad still got the opportunity to enjoy some backyard sunshine on Saturday, then settled down in front of the TV for Super Sunday. His therapy sessions went well this week as both therapists noted that, from a cognitive standpoint, he has shown much improvement over last month. His vocalization are getting more under control because he often stops when he is asked to relax and breath. All in all, a good thing. His OT noted that he continues to remain very tight as it takes her 30 minutes just to get his arms loose enough to work with.
Feb 7 - Feb 13
The new digs continue to offer the comforts we all hoped for. The oversize, locker-room style shower accomodates the donated shower bed nicely and makes it somewhat easier for more-frequent bathing. Chad's week was filled with periods of laughter as everyone tries to find new sounds that cause him to laugh (react & respond). The loud, and sometimes very loud, moaning continues during both night and day. There are times that we can determine that discomfort, mostly muscular, is the cuase of the noise and there are still times when the moaning is juts more random and without obvious cause.
Feb 14 - Feb 21
Chad seems more focused every day this week. He continues to work with his therapists several times a week. They are very optimistic as are his friends who stop by and say he seems more alert. He is laughing a lot more these days, especially to certain sounds (the rattle of chains from his lift as well as the microwave oven). The new digs continue to be a godsend as Chad enjoys relaxing hot showers. We are hoping that his custom-fitted wheelchair will arrive next week. It will be nice to get him outside again when the rains finally stop and the transportation becomes more secure. The forms are built for the entrance/exit ramp from Chad's room. Again waiting for the rain to stop so the concrete can be poured. The used bed that was purchased for Chad was damaged in shipping in January. If anyone has any leads on another bed, please contact us. We are back to square one and are in desperate need of an adequate bed that is long enough to accomodate Chads heigbt. Also, if anyone has any leads on a standing frame or tilt table, we would love to hear about that too. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chad's cousin Trevor who has endured multiple operations in the past month and continues to struggle to recover from surgery from a brain tumor. He has had numerous setbacks in his road to recovery and remains paralyzed on the right side of his body. We love you Trevor and we know the road is long but you can do it. An interesting article on the awareness levels of brain damaged individuals was published last week in several newspapers. Here is the NY Times article for sharing.