Update: 10:15pm on 3/13

We have come so very far since Forrest's accident eight long weeks ago. We are forever grateful for everyone's support and for the remarkable progress Forrest has made. In preparation for his surgery tomorrow we have spent a lot of time together this weekend resting, reading, talking, even bicycling for a few moments. Kathleen, his friend from Sea Camp, visited this afternoon and it was delightful to soak up a little sunshine and enjoy Shepherd's Secret Garden with a friend (those photos are on a different camera and will have to wait until another day).

Some of the symptoms of ABI recovery at this stage include; trouble finding words, or sometimes mixing pieces of different memories together, or mixing similar sounding words up. Which is difficult when Forrest wants so badly to talk with his friends. His whole face lights up when he hears a friends voice on the phone. So it's hard to watch him struggle to organize his thoughts, find his words, to ask the right questions, to find the right answers. But through practicing in short conversations, he is slowly untangling his memories and the right words are beginning to return.

Sometimes the words are unexpected, but somehow just right. Yesterday, Forrest seemed unusually quiet, and of course a mother will worry. I asked how he was feeling, if he was feeling sad or tired, or if his back was hurting. He thought for a moment and responded, "I'm feeling sort of dilapidated and my back feels like custard." I'm no expert, but this word choice sounded pretty insightful to me! It's getting late now. Forrest and I are watching the "Oceans" movie again. The images and ocean sounds are reassuring to both of us and his eyes are closing. Sweet dreams, Forrest. Tomorrow's a big day… and we are all going to be thrilled to have it soon behind us. Austin or I will beat the drums when Forrest is out of surgery and back at Shepherd. It may be noonish, so please don't worry.

Love to all our friends and families,
Mum

Talking with a close friend on a phone attached to the wall!

A little light reading… Spiderman comics!

Mom and Forrest getting a little exercise together…