We saw Jason on Wednesday afternoon and when we walked in we were excited to see him playing a card game with Carolin and her parents. They were playing a simple game of poker but what a great eye hand coordination as well as brain skill for him! He also had had not only had a full day of various hard working therapies, but had just come back from horseback riding, which he continues to really like. For some unknown reason people with traumatic brain injuries are able to realign their bodies better and quicker through riding. At the stables they do use an older mare with a wide back so it's easier for patients. They go around an indoor rink and there are a number of therapists on each side of him so he is safe and secure.
Before the accident Jason would sometimes call me on his way to or from work and when I answered the phone I would hear, "Hi Momma!". I don't think it will ever sound as good as it does now when I walk in his room. He is starting to get back more and more of an inflection in his voice rather than the monotone he had been speaking with, and this visit we really noticed his sense of humor creeping back in which I know all of his friends will be happy to hear!
Jason has lost quite a bit of weight and his appetite hasn't been great so he isn't putting much back on. Now that they started him on solids I did bring him one of his favorite meals - twice baked potatoes with ham and lots of cheddar cheese in them. I've felt so helpless to do anything for him so it sure felt good when he finished all the potatoes on his plate! Then today Carolin said he had his first full regular meal and she brought him Chipolte. :D
Many TBI patients go thru various stages one of which is an "anger" stage where they lash out at people around them and can be very hurtful. David and I kept saying we just couldn't see Jason being that way, (to which we were told even the best people can go thru it), and sure enough we were told on Wednesday that he has passed that point! What a relief! We were also told that Jason is one of the most cooperative and polite patients they have had on the floor and he apparently has been very loving to his caretakers. I know anyone who knows him wouldn't be surprised to hear any of this!
The problem with Jason's right eye has been hard to decipher due to his inability to reliably tell anyone what problems he may be having but it appears that the suspected right side vision field is improving based on observations. We continue to pray this is the case and he will be able to see as well as he did before the accident.
Another stage we were told and read about was once he worked to get to this point he would start wanting to leave the hospital. He indeed has started asking Carolin when he can go home with her.
Right now he is still needing the care of the hospital but one day - maybe soon! - he will indeed get to go home with his wife. We all want that as badly as he does!
Today is the two week mark until the, "Livin On A Prayer", fund raising event. I know people tend to put off responding to things but it would be so amazing to get to the goal attendance this weekend and be able to plan even more for that night! All proceeds go directly to Jason and it'll be an awesome evening full of fun, celebration, entertainment, and great food and drinks! Please come, (donations always welcome if you can't attend), and help us make this a success!
Just a few highlights:
-Dancing to the sounds of Excessive Beats (www.excessivebeats.com)
-Delicious cocktail food during the evening by The Prime Choice Caterers
(www.theprimechoicecaterers.com)
- On stage entertainment at various times during the evening
- Card Tables
- Raffles through out the evening( where you can put your tickets towards the prizes you want)
- Cash Bar
- Silent Auction
Example of some items: 3 night stay at Wyndham Resort of your choice
4 night stay at Wyndham Resort of your choice
Redskin Tickets & Parking Pass
Sports Memorabilia
Retired Walt Disney Collectibles
Jewelry
Art Work
Signed Broadway Items
Food and Wine Pairing for Two and a tour of Linganore Winery
Vera Bradley Purses and Wallets
Gift Certificate for Professional Photo Session
Gift Certificate for 30 Cupcakes from local Cake Artist from TLC
And much more!!!
I am a Creative Memories Consultant, Shelley Freeze. Amy, Jason's Mom has been to some of my events. I would like to donate some things to the Auction. I couldn't find anything on the blog or I couldn't figure out how I need to do this. Please give me the information and I will get the items to you!! My email address is shelleysscrapshack@gmail.com Thanks so much!!
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