Day 126 - Oct 4, 2008

Kevin was in fine form all day today - which we love. It's always a great day when you are laughing throughout most of it.

Breezy spent some time this morning with Kevin teaching him how to write his name. I had planned to learn to write with my left hand along with Kevin, but this is something that Breeze can do while she is with him as she is left-handed. He actually is doing pretty well for having to start all over again. She is a very patient teacher and probably gets more excited than he does, lol.

Which brings us to some great news! Kevin can read!! Today we were listening to my IPOD while on our walk and Kev grabbed it out of my hand and scrolled through and picked an Atreyu song. Atreyu is a heavy metal band and I must have downloaded it for Kevin a while ago and forgot. I was shocked. I thought it might just been a fluke so tonight I had him scroll through and find some different bands. He got each one right. I am so dang happy! I was so afraid about this because I can't see how anybody can get by without the ability to read. I mean, you can't find your seat on a plane or read road signs or order from a menu or anything (and I'm sure these aren't the most important things, but they are all I could think of right now, lol).

Kevin also sneezed for the first time today. He was actually scared - he didn't understand what had happened. We had to chuckle at the look on his face and it was a good thing we did, because it made him realize that it was an ok thing to do.

It's so weird being where he is, kwim? I mean, here he is reading - but he doesn't know what a sneeze is. He can do so many 'adult' things, yet not understand other things that you learn as a toddler. It's hard sometimes because we just assume he is normal and just can't talk or move his right side. And each time he shows us something he doesn't understand, surprisingly, it comes as a shock. We then have to sit back and put our own heads into the right place. We have to remember that a month ago he did nothing but look at the ceiling.

Here's another instance that happened just today. We went to the store here in the hospital to buy an electric razor. We shopped all over every aisle and Kevin knew exactly what he was doing - he even went nuts in the candy aisle like normal. He wanted all these candy bars that I knew he couldn't handle yet, but I talked him down to M&Ms, figuring I could melt them slightly in the microwave. So he also picked out some pudding packs and we got to the front of the store where he put everything up on the counter from his lap. He did so well - he always did like to shop, lol. But then came paying for it. Kevin had no idea what that meant. He just sat there with a confused look on his face when I told him to use my debit card or he could use the cash in his wallet. He just had no concept whatsoever. Yes - it's not a big deal. And it will all probably come back in time - but here I am thinking this is a near normal trip to the store. The only difference is that Kev is strapped in a wheelchair and can't speak. But it's not - and that's what I need to keep reminding myself, I guess.

BUT - I am still fine with all of this. I really am. I am just so happy that he is where he is that it just makes me smile. I can't wait to see where we are in another month.

And speaking of another month - Maritza called and said they may be coming later this month. It will sure be nice to see a friendly face on a daily basis! I know I am struggling with loneliness here and I can tell you it's also hard on Breezy. She had all kind of new friends in TX, but there is no one her age here.

Oh well...we're tough - we'll make it!