We saw something so great tonight! I went and bought Kevin a couple of games and one of them is Connect Four. Well, Kevin is able to pick up the checker and although he doesn't comprehend having to put the checker in the top for it to fall down the column, he does understand in which spot it should go. He will hold the checker over an empty spot, thinking that it will just fit in the hole! It was so exciting! This is purposeful movement for sure and it shows some brain power and it also shows he definitely can see out of his left eye at least. I mean, yes he has always acted like he could see, but we didn't know if it was blurry or anything and this goes to show that it can't be. To be able to distinguish filled and empty slots is amazing! And to be able to put your hand that is holding a checker up to the empty spot in a row and hold the checker in place for a few seconds is amazing! Heck, sometimes he even dropped a checker and he would know right where it landed on the bed - even if it rolled from where it fell. He was always able to just grab it and try again. It was so awesome to see!
I bought these games out desperation. To be honest, for the last couple of days I have felt that Kevin is just bored and frustrated and depressed. He has been more inactive and quiet than normal and he is always pushing us away. I think that these are signs of depression and frustration. I can't imagine sitting in a hospital room for nearly 3 months and not being depressed. And bored for sure! So I bought a few games to give them a whirl. I am going to go back to the store tomorrow and see if they still make the game of Perfection. I think that's what it is called - where there are different shapes and you have to put them into the correct holes? If anyone has any suggestions of games or different items that can be used for brain stimulation - shoot them at me! I am always open to suggestions!
And tomorrow we will find out if we can put him in the chair. The doctors are going to discuss it while on rounds in the morning and make a decision. I so hope so! I see him getting physically and mentally stronger every day and we need to keep going forward before he starts sliding backward due to inactivity.
And believe it or not - I went to the movies tonight! There was a 10:30 showing of Mamma Mia so about 8 of us went after visiting hours. I liked it. But I could definitely tell Breezy hated it, lol. It was nice to do something 'normal' though! Maybe I will go again next week...
First 2 from the Nov kit!
11 years ago
24 comments:
Yes, Perfection is the game you are thinking of. When I was in OT, they used a lot of the wooden board and pegs games. One was a tic-tac-toe type game, another had you jumping and clearing pegs from a triangle-shaped board. Mastermind in another one to try, or maybe even just Checkers. The strategies might elude him at first, but the challenge might be could for him. I'm sure you could tell when to push him and when to let it go.
Glad to hear you got out to see a movie. Did you have the same problem as I did while watching Mamma Mia? I had to repeatedly remind myself NOT to sing out loud!!
-ida
Yay Kevin!!!! Wow what great news Leslie. I wish I could think of some games, but I haven't been in the game department in years.
I hope he has another great day.
Love
Susan
Les, Glad to hear such great news! I hadn't read for a couple of days and was hoping to read good news, Thank God! I would suggest buying puzzles too but ones that have pegs on the pieces so he can practice his fine motor skills at the same time. Also buy ones that are color/shape schemed. That will get his brain going because he'll have to think of matching either the colors or shapes together. If I think of something else, I'll let you know. Tell Breezy hello for me and I'll be thinking of and praying for you all daily.
Love you all,
Diana
WOW Leslie, that is AWESOME!! GREAT JOB KEVIN!! You keep fighting and getting better kiddo!! Thank you Leslie, thank you for giving us such great news!! I have tears running down my face in happiness. It is so good to hear such great news!!!
Thank you for giving me such a great start to what is going to be another great day for everyone out here and you and Kev and Breezy!!!!!
Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin!
Safe thoughts for Alan!
Big hugs and all my love for all of you!!!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi
Wow, Leslie, that's terrific! Perfection is the game; I think we had it once here, may even still have it somewhere. That would be a good one. It has to be so exciting and encouraging for you and Breezy each time Kevin does something new. And, I have a feeling that now that he's started showing improvement, those days will become more and more frequent. Every day is like a new adventure and learning experience for Kevin, and also one for you and Breezy as you watch his progress. How exciting!
Leslie, maybe you could try on the bubble you hit bubble with a dice in it and move the peg around the board gregory plays it all the time. It is great to hear such good news keep up your spirits. your all in are thoughts and prayers.
Love Dawn and family
Leslie, am so happy to hear this!! I'd send you the Survivor game but trust me on this one, you DON'T want to play it!!! Also, Zach suggested Green Day for music. Seems they liked that band alot. Always in our thoughts, Sharon, Zach and Haleigh
hey leslie...my name is megan koser and i went to high school with kevin. we were in the same grade. I've been reading ur blog everyday....as far as ur ? on the twilight series, I've read all four of them. They books are AWESOME and you would really love them, but as far as kevin i dont think he would like it. Its too much of a girly book. Its kinda of a gushy romance...sort of. Kevin probably wouldnt remember me from high school, but i just want you guys to know that im thinking of you all and kevin is in my thoughts!!
It is great to hear of his progress. He has really come a long way. It is good to hear that he will be getting up soon and the games are a great hand/eye coordination. The brain needs stimulation it really helps with the new pathways. Keep up the good work. It was also great to hear that you got out to the movies always remember laughter is one of the best medicines that does not come in a bottle! We will continue to keep you in our prayers.
~Angel Hugs from a Soldiers Angel family in Florida~
Leslie,
You have such Great instincts so keep trusting yourself. Your idea of getting games was WONDERFUL!! Maybe you could email or call someone from the hospital in Tampa and ask for things you can start doing with Kevin while in Texas. It couldn't hurt to get a jump start on his brain therapy and he is showing signs of wanting and needing to.
Be Proud of yourself and let yourself go have a nice time out once a week you NEED and DESERVE it!
Theresa
Les, You just amaze me thinking of the things to do for Kevin. You go Girl. I sure hope that Kevin can get up in a chair. Maybe he will be able to play the games even better if he can sit for awhile. I am glad you got to go to the movies. Take care honey. Love ya, Pam
Here's one good and simple: maybe try Rock Paper Sissors. weird sounding i know but you have to make a decision on what to use aganist your opponent.
might sound weird
I'm with you Breezy on the Mamma Mia movie! My friends went bezerk over it and I was thinking that getting sticks poked in my eyes would have been more fun than that! Hee hee.
This is an AWESOME post!!! Great work Kev!! I cannot even begin to imagine how he feels having been in the same bed, same room for such a long time. Seems this mental stimulation is certainly some of the best, effective medicine!! Having spent such a great day seeing Kevin interact and do so well, you must have both gone to sleep last night with big huge smiles on your faces, your hearts not so heavy. And that is the best, effective medicine for you Leslie & Breezy!!
God bless you Kevin, Leslie & Breezy - we're all out here praying for you and praying with you. And sooooo many prayers are going out to Alan & his buddies as well, each and every day. Hugs to you all!
- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI
You could try some other things as well...like: playdough, sensory balls, touch feel books or textures, even things like simple toys. Maybe a small keyboard or something that makes noise/lights. If i was stuck there i would play with anything that would pass time. lol. Good luck. Im so excited to hear about the game you played.
Sending warm thoughts from Bamberg.
Hi Leslie and Brianna ~ Being in Colorado with a dial up modem and old computer drove me nuts! Half the time I would get bumped off trying to write you. But I was able to read the news each day!
Great News about the game! I would also suggest MEMORY. Remember that one? It had pictures on all the cards and you had to match the cards. I know it is simplistic, but would be color, coordination and memory stimulation.
Please give Brianna and Kevin my best, and hugs all around.
Prayers continue, hugs and love. Always.
Hi Leslie,
My name is Mike LoPresti, I skated and hung out with Kev all througout high school. I've been keeping up with the blogs on Kev's progress, and in one of the recent ones you asked about some of his favorite music. I am pretty sure that he likes The Bled, and you could also try some Senses Fail namely the "Let it Enfold You" CD. I'm really glad to hear that he is doing better, and I am keeping you guys in my thoughts always.
Mike
How about those magnetic alphabet and number boards? Kevin might just surprise you and spell out some words!
Leslie,
I found this article while trying to find things for you to stimulate Kevin. It was published April 11, 2007. It's most interesting because the military is trying out new things on Tramatic Brain injury on soldiers coming back from the war. This is being done..in the new facility in Johnstown, Pa.
http://www.military-medical-technology.com/article.cfm?DocID=1994
I am sure you will want to read it. I don't know what the results have been in the past year but it's worth asking someone about it.
The only other thing I could find was an article that said color is very important in the beginning of rehab. Even if the person doesn't understand it's important to say..put the red checker in the slot. It also said talking to the person about the most important things to them and showing them pictures of it...like showing Kev an enlarged photo of someone on a skate board in the parade. If the mind is going to be triggered, it will be done with the things familiar to the person and his favorite colors etc. Hope this helps a little.
Hi Leslie & Brianna,
what about the old Simon game , it plays a pattern of light and sound and you have to push the buttons and try to repeat it , it would be good for color and sound, I think they even make a small one that would be convenient for his room. So glad to hear of the excellent progress YEAH Kevin KEEP on going. so happy you and Breezy got out to see a movie and have a little fun!!!! Take care & BLESS YOU for being such a wonderful MOM!!!!
Kim
I just found this. You might want to keep this article in case you need it in the future.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_573245.html
More great news, yay!! The games sound like they should really help. Praise God for more improvement. You must be elated!
Great news les!... and SO glad you got out and went to the movies!
I am so happy to check your blog and see the great progress Kevin is making. Why don't you try some of these games...Thin Ice...it will help Kevin pick out blocks to knock out and give him a different sense of motor skills, or maybe something like Topple or don't spill the beans. I like the suggestions of the Simon game and the magnetic letters and numbers also! Keep the faith! kevin has shown remarkable strength and progress! I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Hi Leslie,
It's really awesome to log onto your blog and see that Kevin is making great progress! He definitely is a fighter! I have some suggestions for you...how about buying some yarn and crafting beads and have Kevin try and string them. You can buy different sizes, colors, shapes to help stimulate him. Maybe even something like legos or lincoln logs that he can build with to help him with his motor skills. And I have always loved lite brite..the colors and the light may be a good stimulas for Kevin and the pegs will help him with his motor skills. There's always pick up sticks also. I really like the idea of the magnetic letters and numbers...maybe Kevin will be able to communicate his thoughts to you more using them. I wish you and Breezy and Kevin all the best and you are always in my thoughts and prayers!
Shari Allison Goodyear
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