Update: Sunday 10/2/11 (Only 17 hours late of our own goal.)

Forrest and I had a good weekend together. Unfortunately, brother Austin has been sick, so has not been able to be with Forrest this weekend. Mom had construction to check on at the farm, as we modify the house to accommodate Forrest’s needs when he returns home. I got to spend many hours with Forrest this weekend, which I enjoyed greatly. I had talked with him last weekend and had stated that if he can do one new thing a day, just one,it would be gigantic in the end. He evidently heeded his Dad, because he is doing many things that we had not seen him do in months.

One of the things that he was able to do was to participate with Tom Sweitzer, who has become his music therapy instructor. Tom worked with him last weekend and again this Sunday morning. Forrest worked on the xylophone and also on the recorder. Forrest and Tom worked on breathing in and pushing out. Forrest took the instrument from Tom’s hand, still slowly and with tremors, but he was able to grasp it and blow and make a musical note with it. This is the first time he’s been able to do that! The thing that impressed Tom, as well as mom and me, was that he actively wanted to do it and was active in the role of reaching for the instrument. More exciting news about this coming soon from Tom!

Forrest and I watched the Redskins game. He was very interested in the game, and upset (along with his dad) when they almost blew the lead at the end. But they held on to make it work. He had several things he thought were funny, and is responding to much more subtle humor than he has in the past. We see this as a really good sign as Forrest regains his fun loving personality. Although he still hasn't spoken since May, he smiles more often and is definitely engaged and interested in the conversation.

Forrest and I also worked on communication with the iPad; and while he has trouble reaching out with his fingers, he was able to utilize the iPad with his fist and respond to several different questions with increasing clarity. He also actively reached for the iPad and wanted to communicate, which is again, a new thing.

So, Forrest continues to make slow but steady progress on a variety of fronts, including motor skills and cognition; he still struggles with his movement disorder, but has improved in his swallowing, and had only one emesis episode this week. We all see these as very positive signs and look forward to him continuing to make progress at National Rehab Hospital as he works around the clock to rebuild his life.

Thank you for your help and encouraging words over all these months.

For Forrest and Team Forrest,

Dad

44, Dad, and Sundance in the Family Room celebrating the Skin's win on Sunday!

Picture of the Day: 9/30

Hi all, as Forrest improves day by day, visits from friends & teachers continue to inspire and motivate him. We also show him almost daily your videos posted to the Friends of Forrest facebook page. He really lights up when seeing your thoughtful messages and hearing what you all are up to. So to his peers, when you get a chance to take a break from "studying" for a minute, record and post a short video (1-2min), he really loves hearing from you. The girls have had a great turn out recently, lets get some guys posting videos as well! Thanks!

Here's a picture from today of Forrest working hard at the difficult task of maintaining his equilibrium while sitting.

Picture of the Day 9/26/11

Forrest listened intently this morning as I told him again about the Super H 5K and how he inspired so many people to get involved. Our family was deeply touched by the outpouring of support, donations, and participants. No matter what our situation, it is somehow empowering to know that we can always lend a hand to someone else in need. All the week-end's positive energy and love has enveloped and re-energized Forrest. Here Forrest is taking his own first steps in the"LightGate". Hopefully next year, he'll be able to participate in the Super H Race himself!

With Love and Gratitude for our amazing group of friends, family and community,

Rae

Picture of the Day, 9/25/11

We were blown away by all the support at the Super H 5k in Tysons today! Team Forrest was the top fundraiser and generated $5,000 for NRH's adaptive sports program. Many thanks to Pops for holding down the fort with Forrest and to all who donated and came in to walk for Forrest and NRH!

Just a portion of the people who came out to walk with Team Forrest

Picture of the Day 9/24/11

Forrest strumming Dulcimer with Uncle John after music therapy with Tom Switzer!

Picture of the Day 9-22 and Team Forrest 5k Update!

Picture of the Day:

Caroline Elgin warming up for the NRH 5K Fundraiser!

Forrest and Team 44 are truly blessed to have such amazing, supportive, and dedicated friends like Caroline! The outpouring of love and support Team 44 has received in just the past week for NRH's 5k has been both astonishing and humbling. We can't wait to see everyone on Sunday to show our appreciation in person! Team Forrest will be hosting a tail gate after the race. So if you'd like to join in the 5K the link is on the side bar or bring a little something for the table and join our tail gate after the 5K!

Picture of the Day 9/20

In spite of continued nausea and occasional trembling these last few days, Forrest's neurosurgeon, Dr. Armonda, came by today and is really happy with his overall progress. Here is Forrest giving him a fist bump.