Forrest had a morning of progress that surprised all of us. He is still not awake in the sense that most of us would think which doesn't surprise the doctors But when I walked in this morning his eyes were wide open and he immediately looked at me and then tracked me around the room, I expressed my amazement. Rae said he has been doing that all morning. He also has been moving his arms and legs more Some of it seems to have purpose, other movements appear to be just stretching or extending a leg or arm with no purpose that we can determine. The most amazing thing today is he is continually squeezing a soft rubber ball in each hand. He really appears to enjoy it and can sometimes reach a short distance for it but will not drop it if we ask him. If he drops it and it is within reach he will pick it up and start kneading it again. That is purposeful beyond doubt. He will look at you now and immediately looks at people entering his room, but it is hard to tell if he hears you yet. He is much lighter on the meds than he was and the change in 24 hours has been amazing. He sat up today in his special chair out of his bed and it is always stressful for him. He seemed to settle down and relax for a time and then he had a massive storm that lasted for an hour and finally was controlled with medication.
Overall the Doctors and the staff seem enthusastic about the eye tracking and the playing with balls which they say is ahead of schedule. But he is not responding to commands yet consistantly, maybe it's because we don't have his teacher's here asking. Thanks again for the cards, letters, blog responses, prayers and thoughts, please keep Forrest in your heart he clearly is trying to get back to us all as rapidly as he can.
Thanks also for those of you who have already donated to the UVA Health Foundation for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Forrest's name. We have included a picture of just one of the many daily rounds that discuss Forrest's case in detail and the group was clearly touched when they heard that people were already giving. It will let them help the next young boy who may not have Forrest's support network. They also have been wonderful about letting two pesky veterinarian parents participate and ask questions in rounds.
Quote of the day " If nothing is going right....Go left" Forrest Allen
Kent, Rae, Austin, Forrest, and Aunt Trish
Wow. Good news!
ReplyDeleteKaren Stinnett
I just learned through Graeme about the accident - I can't tell you how relieved I was when I opened the blog and learned that Forrest's state is improving. My prayers are with you in these trying times. Sabrina
ReplyDeleteGood Morning. I was up later than normal with the snow storm unloading on us here in Bluemont and have to say I was so hoping before I went to sleep to have an update on Forrest. So selfish, I know, but I, like others, seem to have Forrest and each of you in my constant thoughts and prayers throughout the day. As usual, I wake and my immediate thoughts turn to Forrest as do my prayers. This morning was no different and HooRay!!! I'm so thrilled for the progress Forrest made yesterday. I thank God for Forrest and his continued healing. I pray that each of you was able to rest last night and that you remain in good health and good spirits. Please let Forrest know that Owen and I (and our family & friends) remain steadfast in our prayers and thoughts for him no matter the amount of time he takes to get back to us. We stand in the gap for him again petitioning God for his complete recovery. Love and blessings to each of you. Thank you again for allowing us on this journey with you.
ReplyDeleteDonna, Owen and family
Forrest's new activities are so encouraging. We could not wait to get up this morning to check the blog, and were greatly rewarded with this news. Keep up the good work, Forrest, and come back to all of us who love you.
ReplyDeleteStay strong, gail
It is so wonderful to check the blog in the morning and see such progress. Go, Forrest, GO! Our family and our church "prayer warriors" continue to pray for the whole family. Bringing you strength and healing every day.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Viki, Rick, Mandie & Ryan
Dear Forrest,
ReplyDeleteThe sun is slow to come up here today, the air still thick with clouds that brought all the snow last night...but here in my kitchen, I find myself suddenly wide awake and shining with the news of your day yesterday.
I remember the first time I met you, when Mita was showing me around. We were in your mom's office at BrightWood, and you came in, looked me right in the eye and shook my hand, with a firm and confident grip and a flash of that smile... you were still a pretty little twerp then, and I remember telling your mom how impressed I was that you were so at ease talking to adults you didn't know, and what a great, firm handshake you had- she thanked me and said, "You have to keep your eye on that one..."; well, now your voice has changed and you tower over me, but you are still the same sweet kid~ and all eyes are on you as you find your way back to us. You are clearly doing your part, in true Forrest fashion, and here at home and elsewhere, we do what we are able-we wait, we hope, and we pray.
Love you, bud- hurry back.
Rebekah
It looks like you have a fantastic "group" taking care of you!!! No wonder you are ahead of schedule! We are all continuing to pray for you and your family and know that you will continue to improve each day. Keep up the good progress! With love, Mark, Betsy & Lauren Davis
ReplyDeleteThis is so amazing! These are the moments that recharge all of us to keep on praying for Forrest and for each of you. Each milestone that he reaches on his road to recovery is a knot on the rope to the top. Can't wait until he reaches the summit. I am sure that you can breathe a little bit easier as each day passes and you see him struggling to return. You know his will is strong and that is so important.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you all in our thoughts and in our prayers! Stay strong, he is on his way back!
Gaby
Glad to hear of the progress you're making! Keep going Forrest!
ReplyDeleteDan Miller
Wonderful! And thanks for including the photo of the staff. I'll pray for blessings for them as well.
ReplyDeleteI was overwhelmed the night we lit the candles, thinking about the shared moment that so many of us, from all over the world, were having together as we thought and prayed for the four of you.
ReplyDeleteI realized just now, that the same thing is happening each morning. So many prayers and thoughts go out over that first cup of coffee as many of us start our day by reading the blog, catching up on Forrest's progress, and anxiously hearing how Kent, Rae, and Austin are doing.
I am not surprised by your positive spirit but I am in awe of it!
Lots of hugs,
Jessiann
Forrest, I continue to think of you every day. I want to thank your family for the posts and keeping everyone up to speed about your progress! It is comforting to know and see the pictures - they are doing a wonderful job and it seems you have a great support team all over the world! Stay strong and keep fighting!! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers until I know you are back in that classroom! Ms. Lopez
ReplyDeleteForrest, The Winants family is praying and thinking of you constantly. We are looking forward to the day when you get out and well enough to keep an eye on Peter!
ReplyDeleteKeep fighting Forrest!
Love, The Winants Family
I read this last night before bed and I think it helped me sleep better to hear of these positive steps you have taken. Hurrah for you Forrest. And hoping that each day will bring more of those small, steady steps. Prayers are being answered for sure...but we're not stopping yet. What a team of caregivers also...family and doctors. In awe of you all...! Grandmom Allen and Aunt Bev and I stay in touch all the time and celebrate each tiny progress. Love you.
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic news, man this kid just powers through things!! Keep up the pace Forrest. We'll check in later to see if you're rollerblading the halls.....
ReplyDeleteAll the best!!
The Cantu family
I'm glad to hear everyone enjoys reading the posts when you get up or go to bed, I personally love reading your comments when I'm by his bed like now. So thank you!
ReplyDeleteFrom Corina:
Forrest,
So sorry this has taken so long, but as Nick said, it’s hard to comment/blog at boarding school with restrictions etc... It is also really hard to reflect back on all of our great times together and think of an extra good one. This is a story I remember in particular that at the time didn’t really have that big of an impression on me but now I think it’s a story that says a lot about you and your personality. I actually just told it to some friends the other night and it really made me smile as I hope it will the rest of your family and friends who are all waiting for you.
When you were at Mercersburg in 9th grade Sarah and I came to visit you for a weekend close to your birthday. When we arrived, you immediately wanted to show us your room but there was one problem— only female family members were allowed on dorm at that particular time. And so, we all mischievously decided to tell the teacher on duty that we were brothers and sisters (typical and ridiculous us). We had absolutely no idea that our wild story would work, but it did. We laughed at our absurd scheme and proceeded down the hall and into your room. We were all hanging out and you were showing us all of the cool features in your room and as we were doing so, several friends of yours passed by and inquired after why some girls were in your room. You, Sarah and I all gave each other a devilish grin and kept up our crazy act. Everyone amazingly believed us. Our stories and wonderful connection had everyone fooled. It was amazing that we could convince your friends that we were brother and sister. Our great stories and the dynamics between the 3 of us proved to be strong enough to convince everyone we were siblings. It wasn’t until Sarah and I were off campus that you told everyone the truth. Amazingly, it took some convincing on your part to get them to believe the truth.
I don’t think ‘best friends’ is a good way to describe us. You’re more of a big brother to me, Forrest. You even call my mom, ‘mum’ in a great phony British accent. You are also a regular in the Benitz household. In fact, at times my mother has confused you with our dog Borris and that’s saying a lot—only Nico gets that privilege and he’s my brother… In all seriousness though, you are an amazing guy and someone I can always count on. After knowing you for so long, I can confidently say that a good majority of your friends feel the same way. So please, get better soon. We all miss you and look forward to the day you wake up. Knowing you, you’ll wake up with your typical, big cheesy grin and joke about how awesome of a sleep-in the whole mess was. You are probably one of the most stubborn guys I know— you’re a fighter to say the least... and that’s why I know you’ll make it through this.
I love ya, bud. Come back to us soon!
Corina
Good to hear from the progress!
ReplyDeleteWe are are following the blog daily.
Best wishes for a soon and complete recovery!
And best wishes for the Allen family in these complicated days!
From Aunt Gayle:
ReplyDeleteForrest,
Hey Shorty---Aunt Gayle here. Usually, when I call you that, I’m giving you a hug because I haven’t seen you in a while. So consider yourself hugged.
Cailin and Eric have been wondering what they can do to help. When you’re 10 (almost 11) it’s hard to imagine that you can make a difference. We sent some “artwork” and some photos but we still wanted to do more. So, we decided to tell you a couple of jokes. We like the corny—I mean classic—jokes, and we hope you do too.
This is from Cailin: How do we know that hawks are religious? Because they’re birds of prey!
Here’s one from Eric: Two muffins are sitting in an oven. The 1st muffin says, “Man, it’s hot in here.” Then the 2nd muffin says, “WOW, A TALKING MUFFIN!” (Insert laughter here.)
Do you remember when you were 8 years old and Uncle John took you, Austin, and 2 other boys on the endurance course at Quantico Marine Base? You were all wearing camouflage pants, USMC t-shirts, and bush hats. You even had cammie paint on your faces. We have a great picture of you with this huge rope in your hands, and a determined look on your face because you’re about to climb a boulder. Uncle John is standing right behind you holding onto the rope, too. Well--It’s more than just a photo, Forrest. We ALL have your back. And that’s a powerful force. Stay strong. . . Love, Aunt Gayle
We rejoice with you over Forrest great progress!! Brian said yesterday that he had a feeling Forrest would wake up for the blizzard. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers constantly, keep hanging in there.
ReplyDeleteLove,
The selfes
So glad to hear you're making progress. We're with you all the way, buddy.
ReplyDeleteEric H
OK - if all these people can get their comments up, I am determined to do so as well... Such good news, Forrest, I am compelled to abandon personal notes for a moment and say "Way to go!" right here in cyberspace...
ReplyDeleteContinued good wishes and thoughts to all of you - family, docs, nurses, staff, all the caregivers doing their best - and especially you, Forrest, fighting so very hard to get back to everyone.
If anything is obvious from all the comments, photos, shared memories on this blog it is that not only are you surrounded by an overwhelming number of people who love you, but also that you are as tenacious as can be - surely we will see that mischevious twinkle in your eye and infectious smile just as soon as you are able.
Baby steps, patience, and just plain time will get you down the path of recovery - take it easy on yourself - sometimes we have to relax and go slow even though we want so much to hurry up - everyone will be here and wait as long as it takes for your body to become whole again. We are all cheering for you at every step of the way and we so look forward to the end of that path.
Wishes for strength, courage, and comfort to you Forrest - The Shermans
I am shedding tears of happiness as I read this blog and share with the rest of the Looney bunch. Great news! Keep it up Forrest! We are all cheering for you and praying for you and your family. We all look forward to your return! xoxo The Looneys
ReplyDeleteForrest,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading several more blogs today, I felt I needed to make another comment. Through these blogs, I feel like I have gotten to know you better and have learned what a special person you are. I was especially touched by the story of you at the airport helping and then sitting with the woman in the wheelchair........ and the story of you at Mercersburg, welcoming a new student that was being forgotten by others. These stories speak volumes of your character and your compassion for others. I don’t think there is any trait that is more important than respecting others and caring about them. You have a wonderful life ahead of you and I know your compassion for others will “take you far” in this world! I think sometimes we get so tied up with our own lives and our own problems, we forget to step back and take a good long look at what else is going on and the needs of others. You seem to have that God given ability to step back and look and then DO something about it! Don’t ever lose this special gift....you are blessed. So continue to heal and know that we are praying for your recovery ....... the world awaits!
Hi Forrest,
ReplyDeleteSo GREAT to hear about your progress yesterday. I wouldn't be surprised if you hear everything they're saying to you--who ever said teenagers respond when they hear us? Hang tough and keep on amazing all of us. You have quite a team around you; I can see they are doing a fabulous job--I continue to pray for and think of you all. Following your blog from Switzerland--
This is wonderful news! We are so happy to read about today's progress and how exciting that he tracks your movements! Thank you for setting up this blog and allowing us to follow along as Forrest comes back to you. We think about all of you every day. Love the Morencys
ReplyDeleteHello Forrest, Kent, Rae and Austin,
ReplyDeleteWow!!! I know that was not easy to gather all the staff to look at the camera and smile! Good job for that!
Nice to hear Forrest progress and we continue praying and thinking about him and the 3 of you.
Hazel and James
Great news! Thinking of you Forrest and your incredible family every day. Take care, you are definately in the best of hands.
ReplyDeleteSherri
Maxie and I are saddened to learn of Forrest's serious injury, but we are heartened to learn that he is making good progress toward recovery. Our daughter, Jackie suffered a snowboarding injury 2 years ago, with 4 broken bones in her back. She did not have any injury to her spinal cord, thank goodness. She has fully recovered, and just delivered our first grandchild (a boy, Logan, born Jan. 14). With Forrests's good health, strong will, and lots of support, I am confident he will recover, too, and go on to do more good and wonderful things as well. He probably won't have a baby, but, knowing Forrest, I wouldn't put it entirely past him! Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Forrest! Rick and Maxie Falkenstein
ReplyDeleteHey Forrest, you won't remember me but I am an old friend of your parents from Arizona and the horse world. I just heard of your accident and I am praying for your continued progress. I can tell from all of the blog comments what an amazing young man you are and how well you are loved. There was a great man who your parents and I knew and loved named Jack LeGoff. You probably met him. He always had great expressions, and I thought of one while I was thinking of the fight you are facing. He talked about the importance of believing. He would say in his heavy French accent..." Miss Hollywood (his nickname for me) you've got to believe, and if you don't believe, then change your religion!" So 44, BELIEVE you will get well and never stop believing. Come back to your family and friends who love you. Miss Hollywood is rooting for you, and I BELIEVE!
ReplyDeleteJulie Hancock
Dear Forrest,
ReplyDeleteToday's update gave such s clear picture of your determination and focus. We are thrilled to hear of your progress and are pulling for you every inch of the way. Be patient and kind to yourself in your healing process. You are loved by so many!
Diane & Jay