The Other Family Member

Can you guess which one in this picture isn't happy

Everyone in the house does their part to deal with the stink bug issue

Admiring the view...I mean me...I'm admiring the view

The definition of envy:  Not only does she want to be outside, she wants a bite of Neil's sandwich

I think someone needs to exercise a little more

This Makes Me Happy

Documentary Evidence

Click the link and see...

F. ARTS

Nick, Eric, and Trenton

I know--it sounds terrible, doesn't it?  This is the way the school district's Festival of the Arts shows up on Eric's band's schedule of events for the year.  It makes us chuckle.

The event comprises a series of evenings where the students demonstrate their talents in art, vocal music, band, and orchestra.  This year Eric was involved in both the band and orchestra concerts.  What makes them so much fun, is the bands from each school from grade 6 on up (no more 5th grade music program due to budget cuts) are seated on the gym floor at the high school.  Well, actually they don't all fit.  There are some seating changes half way through to accommodate them all.  Then they take turns performing for one another.  I love to see the progression from the first year learning an instrument, to the stunning final numbers by the high school wind ensemble and the symphony orchestra.  It's a sweet reminder that our kids grow, change, and mature.  Well, hopefully mature ;-)

This is the wind ensemble sitting back to back with the symphonic band, watching the 8th grade band.  Eric is the trombone on the back row on the right.

My Best Birthday Present

Neil Stone Updates

Went rock climbing with a support group in Pennsylvania.  A very tough workout for Neil's disabled hand, but the satisfaction of reaching the top was worth it!

I think it's been a while since we talked about Neil's current doings:

He's in his last year at the high school and CAN'T WAIT to be done in June.  He's taking Lit, Algebra, and Intro to Business,  not for credit (he's considered a post-graduate), but to help him learn how to learn in a classroom setting again.  Because of his disabilities, he needs certain accommodations and we're focusing on helping him know which to ask for and how to use them.  These skills will be essential for college when the time is right.

On Wednesdays, he has a two hour session with his home study instructor.  She is teaching him how to study from a college text book.  The book they chose is Macro Economics.  He loves the subject matter, but the study techniques are slow going.  It's the same old pesky problems:  short-term memory, poor visual processing, difficulty organizing thoughts, fatigue, and short attention span, to name a few.

Neil is also taking a work study class that has connected him up with two volunteer opportunities.  He's been helping out at the YMCA since fall, and a couple of months ago he started working at an assisted living center.  The latter experience has been life changing for him.  He assists the recreation specialist in the Alzheimer's unit.  Neil has always enjoyed people of all ages, so this has been a great fit for him.  He loves the patients and they adore him.  The staff thinks he's wonderful, and praise him often making him feel pretty good about the whole situation.  His two afternoons a week there are the highlight of his week.  We're hoping to help him find a career path that will include some of the kinds of things he's experiencing there, because it has been so satisfying for him.

And after school is over?  What happens then?

Kessler's psychologist has suggested he come back for some more cognitive therapy.  Neil's not thrilled with that idea, as he assumed he was done forever (even though we told him he would probably be back.)  He could also use a little more occupational therapy for his hand.  Although we got some good results from the constraint therapy (sorry I never posted the "after" video footage),  it wasn't enough to be truly useful for him, so we got lazy when the exercises stopped and he lost a little ground there.  Before you criticize me for not pushing him, or Neil for giving up, let me tell you, it was hard work!  He was so ready for that 10 weeks to be over!

College in the fall?

Not sure.  Maybe one class as a trial.  

Work?

That would be nice.  We're working with DVR services to see what the best fit will be for now.

Wish I could tell you more.  Just know, there are many people we are working with to give Neil the best possible future.  I think we're headed in the right direction.  Your prayers are still needed and appreciated.  Thanks for checking in ♥

 

All Tuckered Out

Healing the brain is hard work.  Reconnecting synapses, making new pathways--or whatever is happening within Neil's skull--takes enormous amounts of energy.  Along with relearning, there is constant "new" learning as well.  And physical fitness continues to be important, so he is also working out and building muscle.  Early hours for school, a schedule that includes four classes, the accompanying homework, two hours a week of tutoring, volunteering at two locations, doctor's appointments, etc., all make for busy days for anyone, let alone someone who is trying to rehabilitate his former abilities.  What this boils down to, is one very tired young man.  By 5, 6, 7 o'clock there is not much in the tank for coherent conversations.  If Neil's not in bed by 8:00 he pays the price the next day with an inability to stay focused and alert.  A nap at mid-day sounds like a good idea, but the meds he takes for concentration and attention won't let him sleep.

The thing that Neil misses most in his post-accident existence is a social life.  Though he has a few friends that he messages or texts, he has very little opportunity to get together with anyone.  Old friends have moved on.  His church young adult group meets at night.  And of course, that's when most parties and social gatherings take place.  What's a lonely, sleepy boy supposed to do?  I'm not sure.  We're still working on that.  I'm pretty sure this neuro-fatigue won't last forever.  Just another lesson in patience, I guess.  

     

The good old days

Like a Good Neighbor

Jane is there.  She has been there since we moved in 10 1/2 years ago, loaning us the proverbial cup of sugar, sharing advice on dentists and plumbers, tending the cat while we're on a trip, and on and on.  We are so lucky to have her next door.  (Especially when it snows ten inches overnight, on top of the five from the day before.)  Thank you Mrs. I!

And though she's not exactly my neighbor, I just wanted to give a special shout-out to an angel who was at the right place at the right time to rescue Neil from a tough spot yesterday.  Thank you, Sue!