A Good Cry!

Mom and I had a good cry this afternoon. Jess was lying on the couch on his side and I was in the kitchen mixing his dinner...always with one eye peering out checking on him. I stopped what I was doing to watch him moving his left arm and hand in very different motions. I decided to let him know I was watching his movements and that it was wonderful to see. So, I leaned down on my knees next to the couch and looked him in the eye and told him how great it was to see him moving his arm so different. I asked him if he thought he could raise his arm around my neck and give me a hug. He raised his eyebrows like he always does when he is pondering a request. It took him a few minutes to wiggle and turn his hand but sure enough he raised his arm and plopped it right around my neck. I started to cry. He knew I was crying and he squeezed a little tighter which made me cry more. After I composed myself and told him I had waited 3 years for a hug, we tried it again and he did it again. To make sure I wasn't dreaming I asked mom to come in to the living room and watch and he did it again and she cried. There is nothing like tears of joy! Every minute of every day we watch for something new and different to surface from Jess and when we see the littlest thing it gives us reason to wake up one more day.

Jess had a good week at school with Brandie. He is taking a debate class and a class called Quest that is like the class he has taken in the past that is very interactive with the students in which they talk about real life situations, goals, problems and life in general. He also works on the computer and has OT and PT. He starts back horseback riding tomorrow after a 3 week break. We could use some volunteer help if anyone has a free hour on Mondays at 11:00 or Thursdays at 11:00. You basically walk around the arena beside the horse holding on to Jess. Tall guys are very valuable!

I sent all of Jess' medical records off to the Cleveland Clinic last week. Here is a statement regarding the procedure that I found written by Dr. Rezai:

According to Rezai, the procedure required much more precision when used for minimally conscious state. "You have to target specific parts of the brain with millimeter precision using various computer-generated brain maps and physiological mapping," he explained.

It sounds pretty technical and a bit scary. Keep some good thoughts and prayers going for the right decision to come through for our Jess.

I also had a conference call with the Elks Rehab in Boise as a result of our visit there. They were very complimentary of our care and our persistence in getting Jess what he needs but unfortunately they didn't give me that magic cure I was hoping for. They did have some good contacts for augmentative communication systems and some camps that might be fun for Jess to attend next summer.

I received an email regarding Paula Lawlor's visit to Washington D.C. Here is an article written about the event: Safety Crusaders Seek Political Action on Roof Crush Injuries. I can't wait to talk to her soon to see just how well she felt it went. Thanks again for everyone's help!

We sure would like to hear from you...I feel like I am always having a one sided conversation. Just click on the link below and leave Jess or us a comment. I like to read them to Jess. Love to all!