Thursday, June 3, 2010

Day 734 - Jun 2, 2010

I hate to skip again, but I have been sitting here with my computer on my lap for over an hour now and I just can't think of anything to say. We didn't do anything at all today - Kevin barely got out of bed - and that pretty much leaves me with nothing exciting to talk about.

Tomorrow I should have some information as the speech pathologist is coming. I am excited too because she is bringing some cognitive tests with her and I can't wait to see what she says!

2 comments:

karen said...

Kevin and Leslie,

Have just spent the week finally reading your story from the beginning.

Kevin, I have known a few brain-injured people in my life, some from birth, and some who, like yourself, were injured later. What a survivor you are, and how incredibly tough. I read about Florida, and Texas, and going home for your Purple Heart ceremony. I read about your doggedness with your therapies when you were feeling okay, and the times when you set limits when you were not. I read about that skate park in your home town! I read about how many times you have made your mom and sister and all of those who love you smile and laugh at your antics, your humour and your accomplishments. I am in awe, and I am humbled.

Breezy, what an amazing sister and daughter you have been (and continue to be, of that I'm sure). You dropped everything and put your own life on hold to be with your brother, and to support your mother. That shows a strength in character and spirit that is out of this world. Your baby is so lucky to be coming into this world to be yours, what an amazing time! You deserve it.

Leslie, not only am I in awe of the choices you have made, and they way you have constantly straightened your tired and aching backbone, but also in your recording your journey for your son, and leaving it open to the world. Your writing is beautiful, your diligence is humbling. This may not have been the life you chose for yourself, but it is the one you have been given. And you have risen to the occasion.

I hope that this month of birthdays is a good one for all of you. Thank you for sharing. (I am now in October of 2009 ... housecleaning and sleep will have to wait a couple of more days.)

karen in vancouver, canada

Cathy M said...

Your comments were very interesting. I am wondering if Kevin answers "yes" because he just wants to give you (or the speech pathologist) an answer. He can say either yes or no and when he does not know the answer, he just agrees hoping it is the correct choice. Not encouraging, but at least you have more insight into the probable fact (is that an oxymoron?) that Kevin guesses when he does not understand. Perhaps you can ask him things differently to help him learn, like try a different inflection in your voice when you ask questions or maybe more multiple choice questions?

I am pleased, however, that Kevin could draw the clock. That is great news. In a book entitled Making Rounds with Oscar, a doctor asks a patient with dementia if she can draw 2:45. Instead of putting the large hand on 2 and the small hand on 9, she put the large hand on 2 and the small hand between 4 and 5. I thought that was interesting.

Yesterday was just another starting point towards Kevin's improvement. I am proud of both of you.