- Tami (and "Sailor" Forrest)
Thursday, June 27, 2013
"The Little Mermaid" performance
Forrest has been attending camp with about sixty kids and mentors for the past 2 weeks through "A Place to Be". They have worked very hard to prepare a production of "The Little Mermaid". The community performance is tomorrow evening (Friday, June 28th) at 7pm at The Hill School in Middleburg. Tickets will be $10 at the door. I have seen most of the rehearsals and HIGHLY recommend coming out to see the show. The show is fun, the costumes are amazing, but most importantly, the performers are so inspiring. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Your Story 6/25/13
Hey Darlin',
I'm writing to you from California, and I can't stop thinking about our conversation Sunday night. I'm always a little nervous about leaving. I came down to your bedside as we do each night to check on you one more time and say good night. In order to help your memory, we remind you of all the amazing things you have done and accomplished that day. Every day is such a blessing now that you are out of imminent danger and together our family celebrates each day as the gift we know it to be. I knelt beside your bed, and I recounted the highlights of your week end. With Shayna as your partner, and Ben cheering you on, you mastered the rules of bocce. With your nurse close by, and you carefully compensating for your challenges balancing in the grass, you promptly won two games. And with only two spotters you climbed right into the jacuzzi, grinning all the while, when the last time it took an electronic lift, a sling and five people to get you safely into the hot tub! After reveling in your accomplishments, I explained that I would be gone for a few days for business meetings in California and then I asked you, "Is there anything that you worry about"? I expected you might say something about your stomach tube, or PEG, which clearly is a source of frustration for you. Instead, without a moments hesitation you thoughtfully replied, "Sometimes I worry about the things I can't change and about the things that are beyond my control." Your answer was so unexpected and insightful, I wasn't sure how to respond. I didn't have the courage at that moment to ask you what you feel those looming monsters are. Instead, I recounted for you all of the things that you have gained control over in just the last few months and assured you that you are growing stronger and gaining more control over your life every day.
Forrest, you have been to hell and back. You have faced and overcome demons that even those of us who have been by your side throughout your journey cannot really know. I hear every day what an inspiration you are to so many people, some who have never even met you. Your outlook and attitude amaze and humble us. I know it will be hard, and even painful at times, but you are ready now to begin writing your own story. You have important things to share. As you continue to heal and your story unfolds, your thoughts, insights and feelings will guide you as you face new challenges and they can be a source of strength, inspiration and hope to others who also encounter seemingly insurmountable hardships in their lives.
I read recently, "Despair is often a crucible for growth. When our problems are too big to tackle, we must grow bigger." Mary Pipher seems to be writing about you! How have you done this, grown big enough to overcome so many unimaginable problems? And you have done so with uncommon grace and kindness to everyone around you. This is who you are and it is your inner story of courage, resiliency and hope.
With love and gratitude, Mum
I'm writing to you from California, and I can't stop thinking about our conversation Sunday night. I'm always a little nervous about leaving. I came down to your bedside as we do each night to check on you one more time and say good night. In order to help your memory, we remind you of all the amazing things you have done and accomplished that day. Every day is such a blessing now that you are out of imminent danger and together our family celebrates each day as the gift we know it to be. I knelt beside your bed, and I recounted the highlights of your week end. With Shayna as your partner, and Ben cheering you on, you mastered the rules of bocce. With your nurse close by, and you carefully compensating for your challenges balancing in the grass, you promptly won two games. And with only two spotters you climbed right into the jacuzzi, grinning all the while, when the last time it took an electronic lift, a sling and five people to get you safely into the hot tub! After reveling in your accomplishments, I explained that I would be gone for a few days for business meetings in California and then I asked you, "Is there anything that you worry about"? I expected you might say something about your stomach tube, or PEG, which clearly is a source of frustration for you. Instead, without a moments hesitation you thoughtfully replied, "Sometimes I worry about the things I can't change and about the things that are beyond my control." Your answer was so unexpected and insightful, I wasn't sure how to respond. I didn't have the courage at that moment to ask you what you feel those looming monsters are. Instead, I recounted for you all of the things that you have gained control over in just the last few months and assured you that you are growing stronger and gaining more control over your life every day.
Forrest, you have been to hell and back. You have faced and overcome demons that even those of us who have been by your side throughout your journey cannot really know. I hear every day what an inspiration you are to so many people, some who have never even met you. Your outlook and attitude amaze and humble us. I know it will be hard, and even painful at times, but you are ready now to begin writing your own story. You have important things to share. As you continue to heal and your story unfolds, your thoughts, insights and feelings will guide you as you face new challenges and they can be a source of strength, inspiration and hope to others who also encounter seemingly insurmountable hardships in their lives.
I read recently, "Despair is often a crucible for growth. When our problems are too big to tackle, we must grow bigger." Mary Pipher seems to be writing about you! How have you done this, grown big enough to overcome so many unimaginable problems? And you have done so with uncommon grace and kindness to everyone around you. This is who you are and it is your inner story of courage, resiliency and hope.
With love and gratitude, Mum
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Father's Day and BrightWood Happenings
It was definitely the best Fathers Day in the last couple years for me!
The only thing missing was Austin, who was with us in spirit,
while working hard in Hawaii. We know he is proud of Forrest and
thrilled with his daily progress. Forrest's firsts since his injury
continue to amaze us all! I'll try to tell you and put up pictures of
most of them.
He flew to New York via PALS, Patient Airlift Services, on a small plane that transported him to interview with CCI for a service dog. This was Forrest's first flight in almost 3 years! It was a very hot day and it was long and tiring but worthwhile. Thanks PALS, CCI and Nurse Gayle for making this trip possible. We are happy to tell everyone he is on the waiting list for a dog, but it can be a year long process.
We attended Whitney Weeden's graduation party and we got to see several of Forrest's friends and teachers and wish Whitney and family congratulations. Nick took Forrest on a tour of the house they are moving out of and reminisced about the places where they got in trouble together. Forrest appreciated the walk down memory lane and remembered lots of it.
Forrest went to a movie, something we haven't been brave enough to do since the accident. We started with Star Trek, since he and I and Austin are Star Trek fans and he enjoyed it immensely. We attend with a nurse and friends so he walks or rolls his wheelchair into the ADA row and watches with his entourage.
Forrest continues to practice and progress with his Lacrosse skills and since his buddies Shayna and Gio are hanging out working in the area and staying on the farm, he has been practicing LAX almost nightly. He has also been playing chess recently with Gio and Ben his summertime helper) and usually beats all comers. He beat me regularly before the injury so I haven't tried again yet. He and multiple friends also play pool often and at that he doesn't beat me so regularly, however his mother is the family pool shark.
Many of Forrest's friends from Hill, Mercersburg and Highland have come by to visit and we look forward to seeing many more. David, Gio and Ben have all been working with him on relearning his guitar skills and teaching him chords that he is picking up. He continues to work with the great crowd and friends at A Place to Be and music therapy improving his voice and has been attending Music Theater camp and we watch video's of his work there nightly.
He completed in-home schooling this spring with special education teacher Sharon and a team of supporting therapists from Fauquier Public Schools and passed the U.S. Government course! He has worked so hard to accomplish this and is (sort of) looking forward to some summer school to prepare him for fall semester. He plans to attend Kettle Run High school and finish his last two credits for high school graduation.
Forrest continues daily to work hard with Tami on schoolwork and memory exercises and all his wonderful nurses work and watch over Forrest and make sure he is safe and gets his complex medications on schedule. Del continues to challenge and encourage him to expand his physical boundaries twice weekly with physical therapy. Forrest is making steady improvement on his balance, but we still watch him carefully to prevent possible falls. He is chewing soft food and soups now and is able to have more than one half his food and water intake orally. Again his nurses monitor this closely to prevent aspiration or choking. Water still requires thickener but he is making progress on swallowing and speaking, which are major milestones from where we were six months ago.
His mother and I are thankful for Forrest and his joyful spirit, his amazing brother Austin who continues to inspire and motivate Forrest, all his many friends and helpers, the prayers that so many have offered and the generous community in which we live. Miracles like Forrest can happen, with such a supporting team, hard work and if you have an unstoppable work ethic like Forrest's.
Thank you Forrest and Austin for making every Fathers Day special for me,
Dad
He flew to New York via PALS, Patient Airlift Services, on a small plane that transported him to interview with CCI for a service dog. This was Forrest's first flight in almost 3 years! It was a very hot day and it was long and tiring but worthwhile. Thanks PALS, CCI and Nurse Gayle for making this trip possible. We are happy to tell everyone he is on the waiting list for a dog, but it can be a year long process.
We attended Whitney Weeden's graduation party and we got to see several of Forrest's friends and teachers and wish Whitney and family congratulations. Nick took Forrest on a tour of the house they are moving out of and reminisced about the places where they got in trouble together. Forrest appreciated the walk down memory lane and remembered lots of it.
Forrest went to a movie, something we haven't been brave enough to do since the accident. We started with Star Trek, since he and I and Austin are Star Trek fans and he enjoyed it immensely. We attend with a nurse and friends so he walks or rolls his wheelchair into the ADA row and watches with his entourage.
Forrest continues to practice and progress with his Lacrosse skills and since his buddies Shayna and Gio are hanging out working in the area and staying on the farm, he has been practicing LAX almost nightly. He has also been playing chess recently with Gio and Ben his summertime helper) and usually beats all comers. He beat me regularly before the injury so I haven't tried again yet. He and multiple friends also play pool often and at that he doesn't beat me so regularly, however his mother is the family pool shark.
Many of Forrest's friends from Hill, Mercersburg and Highland have come by to visit and we look forward to seeing many more. David, Gio and Ben have all been working with him on relearning his guitar skills and teaching him chords that he is picking up. He continues to work with the great crowd and friends at A Place to Be and music therapy improving his voice and has been attending Music Theater camp and we watch video's of his work there nightly.
He completed in-home schooling this spring with special education teacher Sharon and a team of supporting therapists from Fauquier Public Schools and passed the U.S. Government course! He has worked so hard to accomplish this and is (sort of) looking forward to some summer school to prepare him for fall semester. He plans to attend Kettle Run High school and finish his last two credits for high school graduation.
Forrest continues daily to work hard with Tami on schoolwork and memory exercises and all his wonderful nurses work and watch over Forrest and make sure he is safe and gets his complex medications on schedule. Del continues to challenge and encourage him to expand his physical boundaries twice weekly with physical therapy. Forrest is making steady improvement on his balance, but we still watch him carefully to prevent possible falls. He is chewing soft food and soups now and is able to have more than one half his food and water intake orally. Again his nurses monitor this closely to prevent aspiration or choking. Water still requires thickener but he is making progress on swallowing and speaking, which are major milestones from where we were six months ago.
His mother and I are thankful for Forrest and his joyful spirit, his amazing brother Austin who continues to inspire and motivate Forrest, all his many friends and helpers, the prayers that so many have offered and the generous community in which we live. Miracles like Forrest can happen, with such a supporting team, hard work and if you have an unstoppable work ethic like Forrest's.
Thank you Forrest and Austin for making every Fathers Day special for me,
Dad
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| Forrest with the CCI Executive Director and CCI dogs Fenway and Captain Kirk |
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| Mum waving during takeoff |
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| Forrest's fabulous PALS pilots and new friends, Al and JJ |
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| At the movies with Liza, Shayna and Gio |
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| "Fathoms Below!" - Rehearsing a sailor scene during APTB's summer theater camp production of "The Little Mermaid" |
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| Forrest and his fantastic Fauquier School staff! |
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| Enjoying dinner with Peter, Shayna and Gio |
Here are a few YouTube videos of Forrest's adventures:
If you are interested in seeing the amazing APTB Summer Camp show "The Little Mermaid", check out the info on the poster below:
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Creating a New Life 5/28/13
Forrest, it's your Mum.
We yearned to hear your voice for over a year and half. A voice that began with the faintest whisper and today you hollered your pent up frustrations out loud, "I AM SICK OF WAITING!" Oh Forrest, It must feel like that to you, but you have not been waiting. You have been charging ahead full steam rebuilding your life, one hour at a time. Always giving more than is asked of you.
I wish you could see all the things that you have accomplished. You have kept a core group of friends closely connected through really hard times. And with the help of those friends and your community you have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars just this month to provide music therapy to other children. After eight months of homebound instruction, you visited the classroom again this month and were warmly received by the whole KRHS third block US Government class. After two years of hard work you passed the Barium Swallow radiographic test and, under your nurse's vigilant supervision, began eating small amounts of soft but solid food. From barely being able to wiggle your toes, you are passing the lacrosse ball now and teaching your Pops to catch it! From struggling to track a moving object with your eyes, you are reading and texting your friends. No you aren't always on topic, but you are always witty!
Forrest, there will be dangers and obstacles ahead and lots more hard work, but we are here to keep you safe and to celebrate each accomplishment. There are many other things you would like to be doing, but you are NOT waiting. You are moving ahead at an incredible pace, creating a new life, one that will be filled to the brim with love, adventure, and rewarding challenges. This is not the journey we would have chosen, but we are blessed to share this path with you and grateful for the many generous family members, friends, and medical experts who continue to light our path with faith, hope, and love.
Sweet dreams Forrest,
Mum
We yearned to hear your voice for over a year and half. A voice that began with the faintest whisper and today you hollered your pent up frustrations out loud, "I AM SICK OF WAITING!" Oh Forrest, It must feel like that to you, but you have not been waiting. You have been charging ahead full steam rebuilding your life, one hour at a time. Always giving more than is asked of you.
I wish you could see all the things that you have accomplished. You have kept a core group of friends closely connected through really hard times. And with the help of those friends and your community you have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars just this month to provide music therapy to other children. After eight months of homebound instruction, you visited the classroom again this month and were warmly received by the whole KRHS third block US Government class. After two years of hard work you passed the Barium Swallow radiographic test and, under your nurse's vigilant supervision, began eating small amounts of soft but solid food. From barely being able to wiggle your toes, you are passing the lacrosse ball now and teaching your Pops to catch it! From struggling to track a moving object with your eyes, you are reading and texting your friends. No you aren't always on topic, but you are always witty!
Forrest, there will be dangers and obstacles ahead and lots more hard work, but we are here to keep you safe and to celebrate each accomplishment. There are many other things you would like to be doing, but you are NOT waiting. You are moving ahead at an incredible pace, creating a new life, one that will be filled to the brim with love, adventure, and rewarding challenges. This is not the journey we would have chosen, but we are blessed to share this path with you and grateful for the many generous family members, friends, and medical experts who continue to light our path with faith, hope, and love.
Sweet dreams Forrest,
Mum
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| Forrest and lifelong friends Sarah and Madison |
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| Enjoying a visit from childhood nanny and friend, Mita and her son Micah. Forrest bought a sock monkey just like his to give to Micah! |
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| With close attention from Nurse Gayle, Tami and new friend Tori, Forrest walks into school for the first time in over 2 years. (It was actually more of a saunter than a walk....hands in the pockets and a huge, proud smile on his face) |
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| Mr. Wright's 3rd block Government class welcomes Forrest to Kettle Run to accent his Home-Bound education lessons |
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| Extraordinary Speech Therapist, Preston, helps Forrest pass his modified Barium Swallow test in Richmond |
Monday, May 20, 2013
Garden Party!
Yesterday, Team Forrest had an amazing opportunity to host a fundraiser/garden party at BrightWood to benefit "A Place to Be" (APTB). Formed by Tom Sweitzer, Music Therapist, and Kim Tapper, Life Coach, APTB's mission statement is: Helping people face, navigate, and overcome life's challenges using the therapeutic arts. That is definitely what they have done with Forrest! Tom and APTB have been a huge part of Forrest's journey to recovery - specifically in finding his voice, and we were excited to give back to an organization that has done so much not only for Forrest, but for countless individuals.
The rain that had loomed in the forecast all week, suddenly ceased midday, allowing us to have the event outside...and it was a perfect afternoon! On paper, it was a gathering of teachers, Forrest's friends and their families, community members, and people that have helped Forrest since his accident. In reality, it was a gathering of friends - all joined together by one common factor...Forrest. As one of his friends said yesterday, Forrest has always brought people together, and yesterday was no exception.
In the middle of the food, drinks, and live music, Forrest and his INCREDIBLE group of friends surprised the guests with a Macarena "flash mob". Forrest has been practicing with his friends leading up to this event and we were excited to pull it off successfully. In addition to being thrown into the Macarena, those same incredible friends helped in all areas of the event - planning, set up, food preparation, greeting, playing live music, serving food, clean up and most importantly...being there for Forrest. Since the first day of the accident, his group of friends has formed a tight circle of encouragement, support and love around Forrest, during the good and the bad - brightening the darkest of days through visits, phone calls, messages and Skype. Yesterday, a few of his friends shared with the guests the blessing that Forrest is to them, but we know that Forrest is also blessed to have the group of friends that he has!
Tom spoke to the crowd about Music Therapy and APTB and shared a video of individuals from APTB as well as video clips of Forrests' progress over the past year of sessions. The garden party also gave Forrest a chance to show off some of the hard work he has been doing in Music Therapy with Tom. He sang four songs, including leading the guests in the choruses of "Lean on Me" and "Let it Be". Always the performer, he smiled the whole time and soaked up the applause and cheers.
At the end of party, Forrest was asked what his favorite part of the day was. His reply? "Seeing all the people here." We could not have said it better. We want to thank those of you that donated to "A Place to Be" as they strive to continue helping individuals with the challenges that life brings. Thank you also to all that came yesterday and helped to make it a day that none of us will ever forget.
Please read the message from Tom below and for pictures from the Garden party, please click on this link https://plus.google.com/photos/104896505187634843583/albums/5880227054876932177?authkey=CP-owonr-OzP7AE
You can also learn more about "A Place to Be" at http://www.aplacetobeva.org/
With Love and Gratitude on behalf of Rae, Kent, Forrest and Austin
- Tami
From Tom:
Yesterday I got to spend the afternoon with a Hero of mine, Forrest Allen. Through months and months of patience, trials, tribulations and MUSIC we found his voice! The day was full of beautiful friends and families that watched this young man triumph beyond any of our dreams or prayers. People watched him sing from his porch. They watched in awe. As I looked down at many people I knew, and some I didn't, I saw tears falling on faces that were smiling.
The rain that had loomed in the forecast all week, suddenly ceased midday, allowing us to have the event outside...and it was a perfect afternoon! On paper, it was a gathering of teachers, Forrest's friends and their families, community members, and people that have helped Forrest since his accident. In reality, it was a gathering of friends - all joined together by one common factor...Forrest. As one of his friends said yesterday, Forrest has always brought people together, and yesterday was no exception.
In the middle of the food, drinks, and live music, Forrest and his INCREDIBLE group of friends surprised the guests with a Macarena "flash mob". Forrest has been practicing with his friends leading up to this event and we were excited to pull it off successfully. In addition to being thrown into the Macarena, those same incredible friends helped in all areas of the event - planning, set up, food preparation, greeting, playing live music, serving food, clean up and most importantly...being there for Forrest. Since the first day of the accident, his group of friends has formed a tight circle of encouragement, support and love around Forrest, during the good and the bad - brightening the darkest of days through visits, phone calls, messages and Skype. Yesterday, a few of his friends shared with the guests the blessing that Forrest is to them, but we know that Forrest is also blessed to have the group of friends that he has!
Tom spoke to the crowd about Music Therapy and APTB and shared a video of individuals from APTB as well as video clips of Forrests' progress over the past year of sessions. The garden party also gave Forrest a chance to show off some of the hard work he has been doing in Music Therapy with Tom. He sang four songs, including leading the guests in the choruses of "Lean on Me" and "Let it Be". Always the performer, he smiled the whole time and soaked up the applause and cheers.
At the end of party, Forrest was asked what his favorite part of the day was. His reply? "Seeing all the people here." We could not have said it better. We want to thank those of you that donated to "A Place to Be" as they strive to continue helping individuals with the challenges that life brings. Thank you also to all that came yesterday and helped to make it a day that none of us will ever forget.
Please read the message from Tom below and for pictures from the Garden party, please click on this link https://plus.google.com/photos/104896505187634843583/albums/5880227054876932177?authkey=CP-owonr-OzP7AE
You can also learn more about "A Place to Be" at http://www.aplacetobeva.org/
With Love and Gratitude on behalf of Rae, Kent, Forrest and Austin
- Tami
From Tom:
Yesterday I got to spend the afternoon with a Hero of mine, Forrest Allen. Through months and months of patience, trials, tribulations and MUSIC we found his voice! The day was full of beautiful friends and families that watched this young man triumph beyond any of our dreams or prayers. People watched him sing from his porch. They watched in awe. As I looked down at many people I knew, and some I didn't, I saw tears falling on faces that were smiling.
HOW LUCKY ARE WE to be witness to a miracle? I was
honest in my comments yesterday about thinking that perhaps his parents
had too much hope in the beginning. WHO AM I to even think such a thing? People know me as a patient and driven person who
works through hope everyday, but I have never had as much hope,
patience, and unwavering dedication as Kent, Rae and Austin. I admire
and want to be like them.
Forrest has a mission now - To HELP others learn that there is always tomorrow, there is always a way and there is always MUSIC!
All My Love and Thankfulness
- Tom Sweitzer (Forrest's personal Music therapist and FRIEND)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Mother's Day Weekend
Mother's Day weekend...Forrests' firsts continue....
We were blessed with visits from Austin and Grandma Norma for Mother's Day weekend. So of course we tried to cram as much living into every moment we had together. Friday was an all day family trip to Johns Hopkins for a thorough neurological follow up evaluation. Nurse Karen was along to ensure Forrest's safe transport. The specialist, Dr. Rigamonti, had not seen Forrest since last August. At that time Forrest could not speak or walk. He said "Forrest, your progress is miraculous, a testament to your hard work, the support of family and friends, and exceptional nursing care." He wants Forrest to have further tests later in the month but told him, "It's going to be hard, but your trajectory is incredible. You can keep making progress for a long time to come!"
On Saturday, with his nurse spotting him, Forrest was able to pass and shoot lacrosse with Austin. Grandma Norma was tickled and everyone was impressed with his aim. He also got to watch some of the National Lacrosse championships this weekend.
Saturday was a busy day, and for the first time since his injury, Forrest rode a horse! His surgeons said we had to wait at least a year from his last cranioplasty surgery. That was in March, so Forrest visited Sprout Therapeutic Riding where Brooke and her amazing team, including brother Austin, assisted 44 on his first ride in two plus years. Like lacrosse, Forrest's brain and muscles remember much of what he used to do, so he quickly picked up the reins and found his rhythm with the horse. He had his Mom, Dad, nurse, and PT assistant holding their collective breath while Brooke and team did their magic. He worked hard on balance, strengthening and coordination exercises for an hour, but had his characteristic huge grin or a look of fierce determination on his face the entire time. Thanks Sprout and wonder horse, "David"!
The next first since his injury was Forrest going fly fishing!! Our great friend Marcia Woolman has been coaching Forrest this winter on casting techniques, which is a excellent way to improve coordination and increase his shoulder and arm movement. She is a super fly fisher and felt he was ready to cast on the water. We met her at a local pond on Mother's Day. With Austin and Nurse Alpha spotting and Marcia's instruction he caught and released 5 fish! He had a fantastic time and cast with great determination. Grandmom, Mum, Pops, cousin Lisa, Lee and baby Brooks soaked in the sunshine and positive energy.
With great reluctance, Forrest sent Austin on his way back to work in Hawaii yesterday and Grandmom home to Missouri today, each with big hugs. You both brightened up our days and we will all miss you terribly...it is already too quiet around here!
Forrest is a long way from out of the woods and his medical management is still complicated and consumes a large part of his day. He may get frustrated, but he never lets it get him down and he never stops trying. His lists of firsts after his injury are never ending and he intends to check all the boxes, as quitting is clearly not an option. So the next time we get frustrated with our day, we stop and think.....what would Forrest do?
From Mum and Pops at Brightwood.
Mum surrounded by all her boys, after Forrest rocked his appointment at Johns Hopkins.
Austin, Forrest and Marcia fly fishing on Mother's Day!
Forrest playing Extreme Jenga with Angel, Pops, Austin and Grandmom
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
From Forrest
Hello everyone. this is Forrest Allen writing my first blog post that i have written by myself with help from tami. i am typing this all by myself. I would like to tell you all about my weekend. this past friday, my brother Austin arrived from Hawaii for a visit. i got to ride in our van and surprised him at the airport. it was enjoyable to see him again at such a public place and i got out of our van and gave him a big hug. Austin has not been home since January, so it is good to have him here for a visit. that saturday was goldcup races i went and they were enjoyable and fun races. i saw lots of people i knew from other places it was fun to be there with austin and the rest of my family. my weekend nurse Alpha was there to help me with my memory stuff. he helps to keep me safe as well.
that sunday i went to my voice recital and did a show there it was lots of fun. I was one of the 28 performers for the show and i sang "go the distance" with my music therapist Tom. this song is a favorite to Austin it was very special that he was there to see me perform that song. here is a youtube link to a video of my performance of that song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFWMsPL6kLQ
i am looking forward to spending another few days with Austin before he leaves and goes to hawaii again. thanks to the people who are supporting me with my challenges and difficult tasks that i am facing and overcoming.
From,
Forrest
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| With Austin at Arby's, getting a sandwich to puree for me for dinner |
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| With Tom at my recital |
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