Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Update: Wednesday 3/28

The past couple days have flown by! Forrest is already hard at work. Yesterday was a true testament to his pure determination and unconquerable strength. In the morning, Forrest opened his mouth while brushing his teeth without any assistance (which is HUGE!)! Some mornings his mouth is closed tightly and requires assistance opening. Getting all his muscles to cooperate and follow his brain's commands has been months in the making, but yesterday he was successful! As if this huge accomplishment wasn't enough for one day, Forrest reminded everyone he was the ultimate champion by successfully sitting up for 20 minutes with the help of his Occupational Therapist and his Physical Therapist. Not to do anything halfway, twice Forrest triumphantly lifted his head! With every one's cheers filling our tiny room, Forrest sat tall, proud, and determined, just five days post-surgery.

This week Forrest and Team 44 have been reminded of the sheer power of friendship. The touching messages, supportive comments, and fun visits we've received in the past week have given us all the strength we needed to keep going. Forrest's spirits were lifted this week by visits from his friend Keith and his mother. You could see how engaged and present Forrest was while Keith told stories of driving 4-wheelers and showed pictures of them in the eight grade.

Forrest is fighting on. He is gaining more control of his hands. Several times this week, Forrest overcame the round the clock tone he fights and held his iPad to look at pictures, watch video clips, and listen to music. He especially enjoyed watching all the video messages on his group Facebook! Every day we work on strengthening Forrest's fine and gross motor skills in fun and exciting ways. While trying to play tic-tac-toe yesterday, Forrest had an incredible moment. He got this look of fierce determination in his eyes and began plotting his first move. As Forrest began to move his pen to the board, he did something amazing. He overcame his contracted muscles and moved his entire arm to position the pen to make his mark in the lower left square! Working with Forrest and watching him constantly fight against his tight muscles is more than inspirational. As difficult as it is to watch him struggle, it's so fun to have a student like Forrest who never gives up and is always willing to try. It's this amazing courage and persistence that I know Forrest will bring to his rehabilitation at NRH.

We are hoping to transfer back to NRH sometime tomorrow. Rae has been in constant communication with both institutions, and is waiting for the official green light. We will update with any new information we receive.

With appreciation and admiration for all who help Team 44,
Maylin


Forrest sitting up for the first time since surgery.























Forrest making his mark while playing tic-tac-toe.

















Forrest and Keith share a laugh while watching funny videos.
















Judy and Pat from the Medical Team stop by to check in on Forrest.











9 comments:

  1. Wow Forrest, It sounds like you are just doing great! As always, I love seeing the pictures of your progress, and love seeing those smiles of yours!! What a trouper! I can't wait to see what you accomplish next!

    Love and Prayers,

    Wilbur and Joyce

    ReplyDelete
  2. Those are some GREAT stories. I can relate to so many of them when I think back to my efforts at trying to get Forrest's teeth brushed when Mum was gone one time. So this is big. So proud. And sitting up, and moving arms...oh yeah...look out world. Here he comes. Great job to ALL. So very pleased to hear this news.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Grandma Norma AllenMarch 29, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    Hard to believe how quickly you are coming along. Last Wednesday you went in to DC. Had surgery next day and look at you now! Less than a week and you are handling so many things all by yourself! I am so proud of my grandson!! We should all take lessons from you on how to recover from illnesses, injury and the like. As Aunt Lynn says: Look out world!You are just accomplishing new things every day. Love you Forrest. Grandma Norma

    ReplyDelete
  4. WOW! God is GOOD! Prayers are continuing to be lifted...and answered! Forrest keep up the great work! You will be breezing through your stay at NRH...wowing one and all there...and then on to Brightwood where you will set a new standard of Spring Training! I agree with Grandma Norma Allen about us all taking lessons of recovery from YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great news Forrest....keep up the good work buddy!

    Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
    -Robert Collier

    ReplyDelete
  6. Glad to hear you're getting stronger every day, Forrest. We're praying for you -- keep working hard!

    Lee & Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  7. An amazing and uplifting journey and Forrest's strength and perseverance in fighting (and winning) against tough odds is inspiring to all. Go Forrest (!) and all at Team44!
    Eric

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am so glad to hear of Forrest's sucessful surgery and continued improvement. Spring is a time of new beginnings and I pray that it is the time for Forrest to come back to his family and friends
    Paula Horne

    ReplyDelete
  9. Way to go Forrest! Love the smiles :) Team44 you are amazing! Please know you are all in our continued thoughts and prayers. Keep up the hard work Forrest. Your determination is remarkable. xoxo from all the Looneys

    ReplyDelete