Update: 3:20pm on 6/10

Hey Forrest, it's your Mum. I write mostly to you in our daily journals, and a lot of what I write is just between us. But the blog is a crucial lifeline to your extended family & it's important to share your journey here too. It's been almost six months since your accident and it breaks my heart to think of where you should be today and what you have been through. So instead we focus on where we are now and what we've got to do to get you back.

I love our early mornings together. Before the numerous doctors, nurses, aides, and therapists descend on you, we have our private time together. I like to be the one to wake you, to remind you where you are, how you got here. I reassure you every morning that you're in a safe place. While we stretch and move your arms and legs, we count our many blessings. First that you're alive, that you are young and strong and resilient. That we have such incredible support. That your brother, Austin, is your unwavering champion, your father, "Pops" your strongest advocate, your friends are true, that they are here for you. Our extended family, friends and community are all pulling and praying for you. We wash your face and brush your teeth. We practice swallowing. Then I get a picture off the wall, one your friend Georgia sent that captures your sparkle and charismatic smile. She wrote "Shine On" in bold letters across the top. I hold this picture in front of you along with a mirror. We look at the picture together and I describe your smile, your “sparkle” to you. I place my hand over your heart and assure you that your sparkle is still there. It's just trapped inside right now and we have to work to let it shine again. Smiling and talking are really quite complex. It takes lots of coordinated nerves and muscles, and sometimes a lot of effort. You know how to work hard, Forrest. You can do this. Find your voice, your sparkle, your crazy joyful sense of humor. It's all still there and we are all here to help you find yourself again.

I'm going to be away on business for a few days. It's hard to leave your side. But I know you are in the best of hands. Austin knows everything you need and is a master at bringing together the cadre of caregivers on your team. Your Pops has your back and will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Aunt Lynn will help Austin & Pops, keep all the wheels turning & her positive energy will light up your room! Your friends will chip in, bringing their smiles and stories of home to encourage you. It's awesome to see them gathered around your bed, providing a much needed break from the endless hospital routine and quietly infusing your days with youthful optimism.

You have a lot of important work to do, Forrest. So while I'm away remember, hold your head up proudly. You are a fighter, a man of character and strength, a champion in my eyes.

With Love and Gratitude to Team Forrest,

Mum