Day 100 - Sept 8, 2008

Oh what a wonderful day!

Today...on day 100...Kevin had his first drink of Pepsi! We tried an ice cube first, but he spit it right out. We then tried water and he didn't really care for it, but as soon as we brought the cola out - he drank 8 sips or more. We used a spoon and he loved it!

He also sat in a chair for about an hour today.

And he moved his RIGHT leg up and down on his own during therapy! I just couldn't believe it when I saw it. He literally moved it on his own! He is also starting to relax his right arm more and more as well.

He is also trying desperately to talk and he is actually "talking", we just don't understand the words yet! He seems to have latched on to the "TH" sound and uses it frequently. He talked to a bunch of my family on the phone and he held it again and was making sounds each time someone stopped speaking. I think he really understands some of what is being said and tries to make appropriate responses.

He also cried today because Breezy was crying. She was crying out of happiness at everything he was doing. He just didn't understand that. He kept looking at her and crying and he was so visibly upset. It was hard to see - but it's still another sign of improvement and I am looking at it just like that. We now have to be extra careful not to show too much emotion - something very difficult for 2 women, lol.

Then he allowed me to brush his teeth and the roof of his mouth (which had 1/4 inch of dried phlegm stuck to it)! This is something he never allows anyone to do. I told him that a dentist was coming in the morning and they were going to put him to sleep to peel it off the roof of his mouth and clean his teeth unless he allowed me to get it out and he unbelievably let me do it. Actually - he helped. He was taking his finger and inserting it into his mouth and trying to scrape it off. I tell ya - what a wonderful day.

And the very best part of today? He has been hugging all day and when I tried to teach him to blow a kiss - he put his arm around my neck and pulled my mouth down to his and kissed me right on the lips! I didn't understand what he was trying to do for a moment. I thought he just wanted a hug at first and it finally dawned on me what he wanted. I was so scared to actually touch my lips to his due to contact and the passing of germs, but I couldn't not do it. I must say - my heart just melted right then and there.

It really was a most exciting day!

So I want to just answer some of the questions. First, I want to say to Jodi and the rest of Andrew's family - maybe Andrew is with Kevin today on his very special day. Maybe that is why Kevin is doing so well? I don't know, but there's a reason things happen as they do, I firmly believe that. I so wish Andrew could still be with you though. And James with his family as well. And I remember how horrible it was to let Kevin's birthday come and go - I can only imagine what y'all are going through. My thoughts are, and always will be, with you! I love you guys!

To Jenny in Melbourne - I have to admit that I did wonder who was reading from Australia. I have many friends around the globe, but I don't think I know anyone from there, lol. It's just amazing how far and wide our little story has gone.

As to our address - we can't get mail at the Fisher House so please send all mail to the Clarion. Breezy is staying at the hotel for a while and I am staying here. You are right Holee, it isn't the nicest hotel I have ever been in, not by a long shot (although the pool is wonderful). I am actually surprised that Breezy is still there, lol. I guess any place is better than one little bedroom with your mom sleeping with you (grin).

Now I am going to curl up with John Grisham tonight. He's another favorite author of mine - at least his law stories are.

Here's hoping tomorrow shows even more improvement (or at least a continuation of what he did today - I am still so excited!!)