A Mountain, a Meeting of the Minds, and an Anniversary

Neil and Sarah, taking a break from the mountain

Thursday was a busy day.  Busy and tiring.  But good, very good.  Scott took the day off work and first thing in the morning we headed for the Poconos for some skiing/snowboarding.  (Except for poor Eric, who couldn't miss school!)  Once again, Neil proved the conquerer and tore up the mountain.  Well, okay, not really "tore up," but showed some great skills.  Although we asked him not to, he took some blue trails (accidentally at first, then on purpose), and did okay.  Fun times for all of us and so good to spend some time with Sarah again.  Because of his fatigue issues, Neil was completely exhausted by the time we left in the afternoon.  

However, our day was not over.  That night was the first meeting of BIANJ's support group for adolescent survivors of TBIs.  We've been waiting for this group to be available for over a year.  This was the first time Neil has had to sit down and talk with kids his own age who have had similar experiences.  While the kids met in one room, their parents met in another.  We enjoyed the chance to commune and commiserate with one another.  Information was shared, friendships were made, and I think we all went away feeling less alone in our struggles.  As much as we got out of the day, I've never seen Neil so tired, and he was pretty worthless at school the next day.  It takes him so long to recover from a tiring day like that.

And now for the anniversary:  

Tomorrow marks two years since our lives changed so dramatically.  It seems like forever ago.  Neil has come so far, but the road ahead is still very long, very tough, and very unclear.  We are trying to plan for the next step without being able to see what's ahead.  We are ever grateful for the love and support that continues to come from family, friends, health professionals, and school personnel.  We will figure this out a little at a time, but oh, the patience that is required can weigh very heavy at times!

Some of the gear from hospital days:
craniectomy helmet, foot drop braces, restraint mitt, various splints, and wheelchair restraint. 

Scott and I still grieve for the son we lost.  Neil mourns the loss of friends, college, and social experiences.  But, for the most part we stay hopeful and carry on.  Neil is still the compassionate, lovable, and fun loving(see below!) individual he always was.  There are so many possibilities for his future, and people willing to help him meet his potential.  What more could we ask for?  God is still blessing us with daily miracles.  We can't look at Neil and not feel that we are all being watched over.

Where Scott Is:

Where we are:

Again, Scott:

And us:

What I'm thankful for:

• A healthy body
• Two strapping sons
• Three snow shovels
• Sunshine after a storm

Like Riding a Bicycle

A few days before Christmas found us uncharacteristically ready for the big day, so Scott suggested a spur-of-the-moment trip to the Poconos to ski/snowboard.  This was a major event as it would be Neil's first time back on the slopes since the accident.  His doctor had told us that after 18 months his brain would be just as physically stable as any one's, and if he wanted to try snowboarding again, he could.  Well, the 18-month mark hit in the middle of summer--not a particularly good time for winter sports, so this was his first opportunity.

I can't tell you how excited Neil was as he anticipated being up in the snow, participating in his favorite sport again.  We arranged for some time with an instructor--just to get him started back in the right direction, and gave him plenty of pep-talks about patience and lowering his expectations.  After all, his balance isn't what it was, and his left side is still showing signs of impairment.  But he insisted he was ready.

So we watched anxiously to see if snowboarding would turn out to be another lost skill--another disappointment for him.  The first ten or fifteen minutes were shaky.  I guess things didn't feel the same and he took a few spills.  But it didn't take long for the old familiar moves to come back and he figured out how to compensate for lost abilities.  He was soon on the lift and going down the easier paths.  I insisted he stay on green circle slopes, but I think his dad accidentally took him down a blue square path on the second day, and apparently, he did okay.  

Probably, the most difficult thing Neil found was that he tires very quickly, so building strength and stamina will be key for future outings.  But oh, what joy that he has this back in his life again!

If any friends want to invite him for a day on the slopes, just letting you know, he'll need a little help tying his boots, but he'll do fine on the mountain...and he'll love you forever!

In My Opinion

Nothing says Christmas quite like a frog in a Santa suit.

This one's for you, Amy!

The Tux

There's something about a man in a tux, isn't there?    

Eric wore the awesome outfit for his performance with the school's symphony orchestra last Wednesday.  He'll be wearing it for his Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band concerts as well.  Guess it will be hanging in the closet now, along with his Marching Band uniform.  Never mind how he plays, I think this is what makes him a real musician at last! :-)

   

Funny how a tuxedo seems to bring out one's inner James Bond...

Live and Let Die--Oh yeah!

What We Like About Kansas City

Cool architecture and fountains

Dogs on laps ...

On leashes ...

And in beds

BBQ at Oklahoma Joe's

Gluten free pizza at Spin 

Hand brewed root beer at McCoy's

And lest you think we only ate out, I submit the following evidence of real home cooking:

Preparing roasted tomatoes

Everyone helped

Brandon's turkey masterpiece

Butternut squash soup (Cute apron Alison!)

Enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving feast!

Finis...For Now

CRP Therapists Jane and Julie

When Neil opened the door to his CRP class on Friday, all the patients and therapists shouted, "Surprise!"  There were balloons and a large poster that included his course completion certificate on it, along with notes and well-wishes from fellow classmates and therapists, both current and past.  Even though he knew it would be his last day, the big to-do wasn't expected.  You see, it is kind of a big deal that Neil is now finished with therapy at Kessler.  He's been there longer than nearly everyone.

Occupational Therapist Doug

    

Neil understands that he may be back for some more therapy in the future, but for now, it's time for a change.  His new schedule opens the door for better opportunities for work study.  So far, he's only had time to volunteer at the YMCA for a short time two days a week.  He's hoping soon to get a paying job.  We're also looking into other helps for him.

You can see from his smile in the pictures above, that Neil was feeling pretty good about the celebration and the tributes.  I was quite moved myself by the things that were said about him.  He is admired for his dedication and persistence, for his wonderful attitude, and for his cheerful and kind nature.  A mom couldn't be prouder.