It was a tough week for us last week. We live on such an emotional roller coaster...wasting energy wishing, hoping, wondering and questioning. It is what it is and the moment is all that really matters. When we first came home from Boise Jess' left side was so stiff we could hardly bend his leg or his arm and his right side was just the opposite. They call it toning or spasticity and it is caused by adrenalin rushing to the muscles without Jess' control. With the help of the therapists, we were able to get him to relax for a couple of months. But, as we know, nothing ever remains the same. It has come back only reversed, just not as severe. His right arm remains straight and hard to bend, his left arm stays bent and hard to straighten and the same with his legs. His head is turning hard to the left and we are constantly trying to encourage him to keep it in the middle. We all think it is the channel that has come alive on the left and now we can't wait for the right side to catch up. We are trying to focus on the fact that "change is good" and I personally think it is just working it's way out. The sooner the better! We did have good responses with the therapists during the week, he rode Charlie Brown with better trunk control and he attended school for 45 minutes. We took him for a ride today around by all of his familiar places. We couldn't really tell if he recognized those places.
We have finally found a used van in Nebraska that we can put a wheelchair lift in so Chris will fly there soon to pick it up. It will make it so much easier to transport Jess. Our insurances are questioning our need for the tub lift and standing machine....interesting! And, after we fill out the 7 page document, we may get the new wheelchair sometime in our lifetime. I think they should focus more on the giving than the receiving...don't you agree? Again, I encourage you all to review your policies. It is an incredible journey to explore the world of what you thought you had and how difficult it is to get. But we are thankful for what they have paid.
Tomorrow is another day, change is good and I bid you all a good night.
P.S. Our guestbook is receiving some very strange messages. Joey has tried to stop them but maybe if I ask them kindly to stop visiting our guestbook they might comply. Please...Thank you!
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Saturday, February 19, 2005
2/19/05 at 8:30 p.m
First of all, we want to thank everyone involved in the raffle and race for Jess last weekend. A special thanks to Sun Valley Ski Club, Bob & Lynne Nicholson, Ned Wheeler and Paul, Linda & Kelsey for selling so many tickets. I cannot believe almost ,000 was raised for Jess' benefit. This community we live in is truly the best with so many generous loving people living here. We just keep hoping Jess will recover quickly so we can pass on the love to others in need of help, too. We can't thank you enough.
Congratulations to Kelsey's dad Kevin for winning the trip to Mexico! What a wonderful surprise to hear he had won the raffle!
Jess is very tired. We returned home from Salt Lake yesterday after a 3 day trip to visit the Primary Children's Hospital again. We had several appointments and very full days. The first appointment was with a neuro opthamalogist who determined that, yes, Jess can see and that his eyes are ok. He suggested we have a test that would show whether there were blockages in the optical nerve to the brain. The test is like an EKG but extracts the measurements out to show how quickly light is transfered through the optical nerve. Jess' was a bit slower than what ours would be but not enough for concern. We then visited with a nutritionalist who measured, weighed and tried to take a fat measurement on Jess. He weighed 146 pounds which was exactly what he weighed 6 weeks ago. She said he has very little fat which is good because when someone is not using there body alot calories can turn to fat. She was amazed at his muscle tone and said his diet and blood test was perfect. Next we had another swallow evaluation. He did pass this one but it was suggested we cautiously start giving him water and nectar juices. The speech therapist is using an electric stimulator on his throat now to help stimulate his swallow. We continued on to spend 3 hours with an educator, the PT, OT and speech therapist discussing new equipment. Jess needs a better wheelchair, a standing machine, assistive technology with computer programs to help with his eye gaze and possibly switches to help with communication. They were surprised at how quickly Jess responded when I asked him to wiggle his toes and move his legs. More good news! They all agreed he was "in there" and that again it will just take time. The doctor mentioned that none of the parents she works with have ever initiated all of the suggestions she makes as quickly as we have. She felt school, the horse therapies and all of our therapists coming to the home were making a great difference in Jess' progress. She did reiterate how important it is for Jess to be able to be a teenager and spend time with his friends. She is a bit concerned about the strength in the one-sided neck turning that seems to be out of Jess' control. We all feel it is a channel that has opened up only on one side and is making it difficult for Jess to control his neck movement. We just hope that the other side wakes up soon to balance his neck control. We just have to keep holding on and stay positive that he will recover. Eight months seems like such a very long time but yet...there are not enough hours in a day! Good night...
Congratulations to Kelsey's dad Kevin for winning the trip to Mexico! What a wonderful surprise to hear he had won the raffle!
Jess is very tired. We returned home from Salt Lake yesterday after a 3 day trip to visit the Primary Children's Hospital again. We had several appointments and very full days. The first appointment was with a neuro opthamalogist who determined that, yes, Jess can see and that his eyes are ok. He suggested we have a test that would show whether there were blockages in the optical nerve to the brain. The test is like an EKG but extracts the measurements out to show how quickly light is transfered through the optical nerve. Jess' was a bit slower than what ours would be but not enough for concern. We then visited with a nutritionalist who measured, weighed and tried to take a fat measurement on Jess. He weighed 146 pounds which was exactly what he weighed 6 weeks ago. She said he has very little fat which is good because when someone is not using there body alot calories can turn to fat. She was amazed at his muscle tone and said his diet and blood test was perfect. Next we had another swallow evaluation. He did pass this one but it was suggested we cautiously start giving him water and nectar juices. The speech therapist is using an electric stimulator on his throat now to help stimulate his swallow. We continued on to spend 3 hours with an educator, the PT, OT and speech therapist discussing new equipment. Jess needs a better wheelchair, a standing machine, assistive technology with computer programs to help with his eye gaze and possibly switches to help with communication. They were surprised at how quickly Jess responded when I asked him to wiggle his toes and move his legs. More good news! They all agreed he was "in there" and that again it will just take time. The doctor mentioned that none of the parents she works with have ever initiated all of the suggestions she makes as quickly as we have. She felt school, the horse therapies and all of our therapists coming to the home were making a great difference in Jess' progress. She did reiterate how important it is for Jess to be able to be a teenager and spend time with his friends. She is a bit concerned about the strength in the one-sided neck turning that seems to be out of Jess' control. We all feel it is a channel that has opened up only on one side and is making it difficult for Jess to control his neck movement. We just hope that the other side wakes up soon to balance his neck control. We just have to keep holding on and stay positive that he will recover. Eight months seems like such a very long time but yet...there are not enough hours in a day! Good night...
Friday, February 11, 2005
2/11/05 at 8:00 p.m.
"Love others fully and with all your heart, and do not fear, do not hold back. The more you give, the more will return to you."
-Dr. Brian L. Weiss-
We had a very emotional night last night. The basketball team asked us to bring Jess to their last home game which was "Senior Night". We were having a hard time making the decision so we asked Jess if he wanted to go to give us a thumb's up. His thumb went straight up...so we had our answer. They called the senior boys' and their parents out to the middle of the gym floor. They announced Jess as the co-captain of the team and we wheeled him out next to his teammates in front of a huge crowd. He was honored with a standing ovation. The coach gave him a plague with his name and #40 on it. There were many tears shed. We want to thank the team for including Jess in their special night. I know he would thank you if he could. Jess seemed to want to get right out of his chair and join his teammates when they started the game. He was moving his legs and opening his hand as though he thought they might throw him the ball on the sideline. Many of his other friends came by to say hi and I am sure many just didn't know how. It isn't easy seeing someone that was so active and full of life in a wheel chair. But, I know he knew those of you who came and let him know you care. We felt a lot of love and support in that gym. It wasn't easy for us but then again...it wasn't about us. A special thanks goes out to our friends that showed up to give us moral support. We needed it! There are many wonderful people in this world! We seem to be blessed with a multitude. We left the game after halftime but we heard it went into double overtime and they lost by just a few points. Congratulations for a good fight to the finish!
This whole week has been emotional for the Matey's. Chris has worked for Sun Valley Company for 20 years and the S.V. Ski Club decided to donate part of the proceeds of a race being held on the mountain and at the nordic center to Jess. A very generous couple (who we have never met) Bob & Lynne Nicholson donated a trip to Cabo in Mexico in conjunction with the race. There are raffle tickets being sold all over town. The proceeds are going to the Jess Matey Community Trust Fund. We are so humble and grateful...all we can say is thank you so very very much. We can't wait until it is our turn to give back to all of those that have given to us so freely. We send our love to you all.
P.S. We had six of Jess' friends visit him today. It meant a lot to see them show up and you just never know who will witness and be part of a wonderful miracle. Thank you...
-Dr. Brian L. Weiss-
We had a very emotional night last night. The basketball team asked us to bring Jess to their last home game which was "Senior Night". We were having a hard time making the decision so we asked Jess if he wanted to go to give us a thumb's up. His thumb went straight up...so we had our answer. They called the senior boys' and their parents out to the middle of the gym floor. They announced Jess as the co-captain of the team and we wheeled him out next to his teammates in front of a huge crowd. He was honored with a standing ovation. The coach gave him a plague with his name and #40 on it. There were many tears shed. We want to thank the team for including Jess in their special night. I know he would thank you if he could. Jess seemed to want to get right out of his chair and join his teammates when they started the game. He was moving his legs and opening his hand as though he thought they might throw him the ball on the sideline. Many of his other friends came by to say hi and I am sure many just didn't know how. It isn't easy seeing someone that was so active and full of life in a wheel chair. But, I know he knew those of you who came and let him know you care. We felt a lot of love and support in that gym. It wasn't easy for us but then again...it wasn't about us. A special thanks goes out to our friends that showed up to give us moral support. We needed it! There are many wonderful people in this world! We seem to be blessed with a multitude. We left the game after halftime but we heard it went into double overtime and they lost by just a few points. Congratulations for a good fight to the finish!
This whole week has been emotional for the Matey's. Chris has worked for Sun Valley Company for 20 years and the S.V. Ski Club decided to donate part of the proceeds of a race being held on the mountain and at the nordic center to Jess. A very generous couple (who we have never met) Bob & Lynne Nicholson donated a trip to Cabo in Mexico in conjunction with the race. There are raffle tickets being sold all over town. The proceeds are going to the Jess Matey Community Trust Fund. We are so humble and grateful...all we can say is thank you so very very much. We can't wait until it is our turn to give back to all of those that have given to us so freely. We send our love to you all.
P.S. We had six of Jess' friends visit him today. It meant a lot to see them show up and you just never know who will witness and be part of a wonderful miracle. Thank you...
Monday, February 7, 2005
2/7/05 at 9:30 p.m.
"It's easy to get lost in endless speculation. So today, release the need to know why things happen as they do. Instead, ask for the insight to recognize what you're meant to learn."
- Carolyn Myss
I needed to hear that message, maybe it will help you too. Jess rode Charlie Brown again today. Everyone kept telling me he looked different and more alert than last week. He has been moving a lot more. Before he got on Charlie, they brought in another horse for Jess to touch, to feel his soft hair, to touch his nose and feel him breathe. The horse seemed to know and licked Jess' hand. Animals are so wise. They too have to communicate silently with their eyes and with their presence. As we watched him in amazement go around the arena on Charlie, Jess seemed to hold himself upright and then relax his legs and arms as though he wanted to be there. Maybe he felt he finally had some control...some control of something in his life. When he finished they said he was doing well enough that they had a slot for another day...two days a week! Wow.
We took Jess to the bowling alley this weekend. He watched his good friend Curtis and his mom and dad bowl. Jess spent many good times in the bowling alley. We couldn't really tell if he knew where he was or not. We just keep trying.
And, Jess is going back to school for just a few minutes one day a week. He really can't participate...but maybe the smell, the voices of his friends and teachers, the familiar environment, the memories will help him put the pieces back together. Everyone has been so helpful, so understanding and so willing to make it work...now it is again just up to Jess.
- Carolyn Myss
I needed to hear that message, maybe it will help you too. Jess rode Charlie Brown again today. Everyone kept telling me he looked different and more alert than last week. He has been moving a lot more. Before he got on Charlie, they brought in another horse for Jess to touch, to feel his soft hair, to touch his nose and feel him breathe. The horse seemed to know and licked Jess' hand. Animals are so wise. They too have to communicate silently with their eyes and with their presence. As we watched him in amazement go around the arena on Charlie, Jess seemed to hold himself upright and then relax his legs and arms as though he wanted to be there. Maybe he felt he finally had some control...some control of something in his life. When he finished they said he was doing well enough that they had a slot for another day...two days a week! Wow.
We took Jess to the bowling alley this weekend. He watched his good friend Curtis and his mom and dad bowl. Jess spent many good times in the bowling alley. We couldn't really tell if he knew where he was or not. We just keep trying.
And, Jess is going back to school for just a few minutes one day a week. He really can't participate...but maybe the smell, the voices of his friends and teachers, the familiar environment, the memories will help him put the pieces back together. Everyone has been so helpful, so understanding and so willing to make it work...now it is again just up to Jess.
Wednesday, February 2, 2005
2/2/05 at 11:45 a.m.
It has been a stimulating week for Jess and for us. Monday, Jess rode Charlie Brown again and it was a wonderful site to see. His sister Jamie and her little girl Jahara, his grandmother, Chris and I and our friend Marlene all witnessed Jess riding on this beautiful horse with a wonderful support team of eight caring people. He rode for over 30 minutes and every time they stopped to ask him if he wanted to go around again they got the two blinks they asked for which meant yes. They felt he was much stronger and it was easier for Lisa to hold him from behind on the back of the horse.
That night we had received a call from one of Jess' long time friends asking if he and two other friends could come to visit last night. Billy, Morgan and Dillon came over and hung out with Jess for about three hours. It was amazing because Jess never closed his eyes. He watched a movie with them and we know he was listening to their voices and wanted to join in their conversations. We want the guys to know it meant a lot to have them interact with Jess. Their role with him could make a huge difference in his recovery. And, yes, Chris and I left for 1 hour and 23 minutes. We walked up to a close by restaurant, had dinner, stopped by the grocery store and brought ice cream bars home for the gang. We were not sure the guys would be comfortable alone with Jess for the first time so 3 of our wonderful friends (Jay, Joan & Marlene) also came over. My parents were also there so I think we covered all of our bases! I guess it is all about baby steps. It was nice to breath the fresh air and have dinner with my husband. Thank you to all....we are so blessed.
Next message I will have more information on Jess going back to school
That night we had received a call from one of Jess' long time friends asking if he and two other friends could come to visit last night. Billy, Morgan and Dillon came over and hung out with Jess for about three hours. It was amazing because Jess never closed his eyes. He watched a movie with them and we know he was listening to their voices and wanted to join in their conversations. We want the guys to know it meant a lot to have them interact with Jess. Their role with him could make a huge difference in his recovery. And, yes, Chris and I left for 1 hour and 23 minutes. We walked up to a close by restaurant, had dinner, stopped by the grocery store and brought ice cream bars home for the gang. We were not sure the guys would be comfortable alone with Jess for the first time so 3 of our wonderful friends (Jay, Joan & Marlene) also came over. My parents were also there so I think we covered all of our bases! I guess it is all about baby steps. It was nice to breath the fresh air and have dinner with my husband. Thank you to all....we are so blessed.
Next message I will have more information on Jess going back to school
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