February 17th, 2006

Where did this week go? All I know is on Monday I loaded and unloaded Jess six times in and out of the van and Amanda did the same twice. Every day after that was about the same and it was a bit chilly with the temperature in the lower teens. Jess is going up to the rehab department of our hospital which is about 15 miles from our house 3 times a week. He has OT, PT and Speech with all new therapists. The speech therapist worked with Jess when we first came home and has not seen him for more than 6 months. She noticed a lot of changes...quicker responses, accuracy in the yes/no eye blinks, responding to commands, stronger tongue and much more alert. It was so good to hear such positive comments. The other therapists have not worked with someone like Jess but are very willing to learn the techniques outlined from the Centre of Neuro Skills in CA. He is also back in school three afternoons a week thankfully with Amanda by his side. He has OT, PT and speech twice a week at school. He is also attending his favorite class Psyche of Success where the kids interact with him and Ms. Patzer fills them full of wonderful knowledge. He rides Camo twice a week and the first day they were all amazed how well he handled being back on the horse. We are hoping to get rid of the rigid neck brace and try just using his soft collar, but it may be a few weeks before we give that a try. Jess also had acupuncture with our special acupuncurist "Joan" and we have yet to reschedule cranial sacral with Beth and Gordon.

Chris is taking Wednesdays off work so he can take Jess to his activities. They are going to get him in the pool next week. We are lucky to have Daniel entertain and escort him on Thursdays. I take the other days and try to find time to work and catch up on the home front. We are so grateful to all of the wonderful people that spend time with Jess. It is a big team effort. By the way...we do really miss Tami and John coming to our house for therapy. They became part of the family but the new rules don't allow us to have in home therapies anymore.

I also had many meetings in the last two weeks and all of them were very positive. Representatives from Idaho Medicaid came to visit with me twice and were very helpful in trying to find ways for me to access programs for Jess since we are in such a rural area. I have learned perseverance, patience and being an advocate for my son pays off...I just won't take no for an answer.

It's good to be home but there are a few things I miss in California. One is, of course, the weather, another is the support of other families that know what we are going through, the other is the convenience of just going to one clinic and knowing that they know a great deal about brain injuries and I also found my life was a bit simpler with just Jess to focus on. It was great not getting or paying any bills and only cleaning up for myself! But it sure was lonely not having family and friends close. So, as I have said all along...everything is temporary and things always change. That' a good thing....Jess is changing and things will continue to get better! Have a great weekend!