Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Johns Hopkins - Update

The Johns Hopkins neuro-opthamologist was a little surprised by Forrest's Entourage as we all packed into his tiny exam room. But he was amazed when Forrest worked for a solid hour to get through his vision assessment. He was able to confirm that Forrest has 20/20 vision and almost full field of vision, though he recommends readers for close up work. And we got a new high tech solution for his double vision: a single strip of satin scotch tape strategically placed on one lens of his glasses. This blurs one of the images enough so his brain "sees" just one image and without the patch, he can still see out of both eyes! We are hopeful that with this encouraging news and a new gaze activated AAC ( augmentative & alternative communication) computer, Forrest will be able to begin to prepare for the challenging task of completing his last semester of high school.

We are on our way home now. Forrest is resting on his gurney, Pops is at the wheel. Nurse Gayle is ever vigilant protecting Forrest's airway, Austin our Chief Operations Officer, is monitoring traffic, Tami has jetted ahead transporting Forrest's wheelchair and preparing the Man Cave for our arrival, and as MaMa Bear I am counting our many blessings and giving thanks for this incredible Team 44. A Team now of hundreds, if not thousands, of family, doctors, nurses, teachers, therapists, aides, technicians, peers, friends, followers, prayer warriors...optimists and believers of second chances & healing Miracles.

We are eternally grateful that Forrest's spirit is still strong, that his playful sense of humor brightens our days, that he knows he is loved & treasured, and that our family & friends see his progress and have never waivered in their faith that he will recover.

Forrest IS The Come Back Kid. And he is coming back, stronger every day lifted up by faith, love, and persistent pursuit of the goal, his full recovery.
Here is Forrest & his Entourage at Johns Hopkins today.

9 comments:

  1. Wow. Wow is all I can say as I read all that and look at that amazingly amazing photo! You know me...I am never speechless!!! Forrest, you look amazing. Those "wonder-smoothies" your super mom has been concocting sure has you looking strong and handsome as ever. Keep up the amazing work! SO proud of all of you!

    Carina and all the Elgins down the hill

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  2. Wow is right. Forrest, you look just great. And I know you will continue to work hard each day so you can continue to impress the Docs each time you visit. That is very exciting. I can't wait to hear more about this AAC device. Very cool! Our prayers continue on your behalf...

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  3. WOW is definitely the word of the day! This is such exciting news! Hugs and Kudos to all of you for all of your hard work. Forrest, you are truly amazing! What a wonderful read and positive way to start my day!

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  4. Forrest, Austin, Rae and Kent, You are ALL an inspiration to many of us. Forrest keep up the good work we are amazed at your progress.
    Chris, Donna and Ashley

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  5. You guys are amazing! Forrest you are the comeback kid!! You are an inspiration!! May God bless you all so much!!

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  6. Great pic! Look how much taller he is than the rest of you. He is flourishing. Keep up.the good work!!!

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  7. Hi Forrest,

    We all love to see your great smile. I'm so glad the eye doc was able to give you a good plan to deal with the double vision. That must have been so annoying.

    Thanks for lending us your brother for a couple of weeks. We really enjoyed having Austin in San Diego and he seemed to have a good time, too. We're looking forward to your next trip out here, too.

    I hope you are able to view the YouTube video from the link below. I LOVE this video! The man who travels around the world has such a joyful smile. He seems to be genuinely enjoying his diverse experiences. This video gives me hope for the world and makes me want to DANCE! Turn the volume up :)!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Pwe-pA6TaZk&feature=player_embedded

    Love to you and the whole Team!

    Diane and Jay

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  8. Great job Forrest you look wonderful. I'm so proud of you even though I have never met you. Keep up the good work! I look forward to reading about you getting your high school diploma.

    Christie Jones

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  9. Forrest,
    It's been a while since we have checked up on you...... what amazing progress you are making! This is such a great picture! That is fantastic that you are going to work on your last year of high school.... good for you! If you are able to give it 1/4th of the effort and determination you have given to your recovery, you will do great!! As Dory said, in Finding Nemo (I love hat movie)..... "just keep swimming, swimming....."!!!
    Much love to you and your family,
    The Davises (Mark, Betsy & Lauren)

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