Forrest had a small "hiccup" today medically. He seems a bit congested and his blood pressure has been lower than normal. He lost his appetite for hospital food and we had trouble getting enough fluids in him. So, sounds like a good time to replace hospital food with a picnic, right! Aunt Lobie brought homemade chicken noodle soup and fresh pineapple to perk up his appetite. Along with some antihistamines for the congestion, his blood pressure returned to normal, he rallied and ate pretty well.
They took it a little easier with him in therapy today because of his low blood pressure and increased risk of falling. So they did more stretching and even a little reclining bicycle instead of long walks. His Speech Therapist told us that he is speaking up more in the group sessions and remarked that he seems to respond well to the group "energy". Of course this is no surprise to those of us who know and love the social party animal side of Forrest!
Today, he logged on his Face Book group with one of his cool therapist. He read a few of his friend's posts which was incredible to watch because his whole face lit up when he read your words of encouragement! And he typed a couple of messages back to his friends!
Later in the afternoon, his Physical Therapist said to Forrest that she had seen him on the computer and asked what he was up to, he honestly responded "I'm sorry, I don't remember that." Although it was only an hour before, it's still difficult for him to store current events in his short term memory. We were touched by his honesty and the courage it takes to just say you don't know the answer, when you feel like you should. This is an important step for Forrest in regaining his sense of self awareness. There are going to be many moments like this for Forrest as he struggles to regain his memories, and we hope that with his friends and family he will always feel safe enough to tell it like it is.
With love from Shepherd Center,
Mum and Team Forrest
Quote of the Day: "Wherever you go, go with all your heart!" Confucius
Forrest on his bike
Great picture on the bike, Forrest. Looks like you're working hard as usual. :)
ReplyDeleteHurray for Aunt Lobie~I am sure it was a huge improvement from cafeteria food!! Also glad to hear that he is enjoying the groups- as you said, Rae, not at ALL a surprise, considering the social nature of that kid!
ReplyDeleteAnd indeed, a moving thing, Forrest's openness about not having all the answers; how difficult that must be for him. As frustrating as it is, hopefully he knows that we are all here to help him fill in those blanks as he travels down this road...
“Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”
~Albert Camus
xx
Aunt Lobie sounds like a very wise woman. Glad the homecooking helped a bit.
ReplyDeleteAloha Forrest....You are an Ironman! Keep up the great work. Thinking of you wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeletePatrick McLain, Kona Hawaii.
Hey, Forrest!
ReplyDeleteYour Landmark Cheerios loved seeing Team Forrest in the dashing green T-shirts! Keep up all the hard work! Even when it feels like progress is SLOW, it is still progress, and you keep making us proud with your forward motion! Keep on pushing!
We were in your old "stomping grounds" yesterday around Mercersburg. Caroline went skiing at Whitetail. We'll post a photo on your Facebook page when I get around to uploading them. They have a great adaptive program, and its the fourth year she's gone and used their cool "sit-ski" thing. They've been able to keep making snow, and it was a beautiful, blue skied day. We thought about you a lot and how much you love zipping through the snow.
Spring keeps trying to push winter out of the way in the neighborhood. The winter temperatures are still winning, but the tinge of green is wrestling to advance, and those crazy birds are rooting louder and louder for Spring. The days have certainly gotten longer (hooray!) The first point-to-points are this weekend, which is a sure sign of Spring. Atlanta must be farther along! Seems you are blossoming along with the trees!
Sajen and the puppies send sniffs and wags to Sundance!
Love to you and all Team Forrest,
your Team Forrest Cheerleaders,
Caroline, Carina, and Sajen
Kaki, Christina and Dean Elgin
down the hill and around the corner
Sweet friends,
ReplyDeleteI read your posts eagerly each day. Recently, I read back to some old ones. When you look at the calendar, they are not so old...I bet you don't have a lot of time to do this, but from our perspective Forrest's progress happily blows the mind. So many examples of answered prayer....of God's faithfulness...of your faithfulness.
As chilly Virginia begins experiencing the early signs of spring, I imagine that watching your sweet boy unfold before your eyes must feel the same. I hope that the days which include minor setbacks or concerns do not leave you feeling anxious for long. I pray that your steadfastness is rewarded by the next good thing.
Your transparency has been such a gift. We can walk this journey with you each day. I'm not surprised by Forrest's honest - he gets it from his family.
Love from Shannon and the Davis' Family
PS - Forgot to say how much we loved reading about Sundance! I am so happy that he is there with Forrest and all of you. I bet he feels like a warm hug from home. The one we'd give you if we could! Carina has almost talked me into signing up to be a puppy raiser for CCI. The only part that worries me is having to give them back! :(
ReplyDeleteI have not been able to read your blog for several days..... you continue to amaze us with your progress. You ALL seem to push through your setbacks with smiles and even greater determination which then turns those negatives into positives. You continue to teach all of us how to live each day and be thankful for our friends and family and to appreciate even the little things that we probably take for granted. Thank you for these joys that you send to us while you recover and know that we continue to send prayers and love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, Mark & Lauren Davis