Update #26

Chase had 1+ hours of therapy yesterday and didn't fatigue. This is marvelous. The goal is to get him up to 3 hours a day. The way the brain works as it's re-learning something is like when you install new software into your computer. The computer asks "would you like to re-start the computer now or later"? Either way, the computer must re-boot in order for the software to install and connect correctly.

This is how the brain functions with re-routing. The re-boot is his sleep time. Every little thing he does - interacting with others, his therapy, watching a Disney movie - re-routes his brain. He spends his day sleeping (I love to watch his chest rise and fall and listen to him snore) and working. He is working so hard.

His agitation is down. His medicine keeps him comfortable and this is key. The last thing we want to do is have him storm so hard that he re-injures his brain; back to square one.

As chase continues to show everyone what he's capable of, they re evaluate his medication.

Chase slept well last night and is in a day/night cycle which is great. He is responding quite well to blinks - 1 blink as yes; 2 as no. He needs about 10 seconds for processing after asking a question, but the blinks are great because (as the therapists explained to me) it keeps his agitation down because he can communicate and builds a foundation for his brain to follow commands. So, we go from blinking to nodding/shaking, etc. Bottom line: laying the foundation is key.

I was able to learn how to feed chase yesterday which was amazing. He is trying so hard. Every day he makes improvements and they said that by next Monday - look out, his changes will increase and his progression will continue.

Last week at this time, chase woke up. Keeping a healthy perspective is so important for me to realize how far he has come. Family members who only see him every few days see his improvements, whereas I, who am with him daily don't always see what great strides he is making.

I am taking care of myself and am so so grateful for all the continual gifts, prayers, visits and food. It is so needed at this time as all of my energy is with chase right now. Justin is doing a great job of working & holding down the fort with the kids. He stepped up when I was unable, and I'm so grateful for him.

Many nurses have told me that a traumatic event such as this either makes or breaks a family. Guilt, shame, blame and anger fill the hospital room and family's hearts. I'm grateful that I receive continual compliments for the peaceful feeling in chase's room and as they observe our family and friends interact. I am blessed beyond words and am so very grateful for the loving arms of my Heavenly Father and Savior, as well as my earthly angels - my precious family and friends.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support - chase really wants to speak and begin to control his body on his own. Everyday he shows the team here what a valiant young man he is.

Slow and steady,

Jen