Update: Tuesday, 5/14/12

Home is a special place. Everyone enjoys being home among family and friends, and Forrest is no different. He has had a terrific week home at Brightwood. He's started to regain control of his hands, in ever so difficult, tiring, small, inconsistent steps. But nevertheless he is giving it his all, and it looks like this time it might be a steady trend. Just this week he's given his first thumb-war, peace sign, and definitive thumbs up, in 7 months! He can consistently give me our "secret handshake"(which of course I can't disclose to you) when I ask him. He's giving hugs (he usually saves them for his friends). Though nothing is consistent yet and every movement is a shaky, exhaustive effort, him gaining control of his hands opens up all kinds of doors. He can now start to communicate with his hands, and we will work-in novel games like swords, light sabers, and nerf guns, to encourage him to gain stronger use of his hands and arms. Since his shunt has been dialed down as Dad explained in the last post, we've seen a world of difference in his expression, strength and now recently, in his hands. Every day is a battle, but we are excited about what is to come and the possibilities that are opening up before him as he learns how to interact with the world around him again. 

Great food, intensive therapy, overwhelming support, visits from steady friends and loving family, have all contributed to his improvement. Not the least of those resources in his arsenal is Super Mom. I know I'm a couple days past mothers day, but we were busy having a great day and hey, better late than never. Everyone says they have the best mother, but after watching her lead Team 44 for a day, it'd be a tough call. I try to keep up with her and pick one thing a day to research for improving Forrest's rehab, but here Mom every day is helping to direct his medical care plan, developing his therapy team, cheering him up, changing the bed, working out nursing care schedules, oh and making sure we have enough yogurt for his twice daily home made smoothie. It's all just a regular day for super mom. But ironically, it's not all the balls in the air she juggles that is the amazing part. No, the incredible, awe-inspiring part is how she can come down the stairs into his man-cave and no matter what is going on in the day, she can take a deep breath, get down close to Forrest in his bed, look into his eyes, and project an aura of confidence and belief in him so sincere anyone listening is instantly reassured. Forrest meets her gaze as she tells him how hard he's working and what a champ he is, with a look of, "I know Mom, you don't have to tell me this every day... But I'm really glad you do."

Happy belated Mother's Day, give a hug to all those amazing mothers out there, God knows they've earned it. 

Love,

Austin

Forrest standing tall on Mother's Day.

Forrest helps Mom unwrap a Mother's Day gift.

Forrest 'bops' Grandma Norma on the head while Aunt Lynn supervises. 

Forrest gives Tori a big hug.

Liza visits and shares joyous Mercersberg memories with Forrest.