Drawing!!!

Sunday 4 November 2001
6:10 pm  Brian has had a VERY fine, active day.
This morning, with Alana and I, he pulled off his left sock with his right hand, lifting up his leg to reach it. Then I brought out the white board, gave him the red pen, and Alana and I held the board while BRIAN DREW! It looked like he drew himself in bed, then wrote his name near the feet. (or a dragon with fiery hair?) (Oh, if only we had phones with cameras then!!!!)
Dr. Ordahl visited. Said they'd probably do a bronc tomorrow. Brian hasn't had any coughing fits, but his lungs are "coarse". The sputum coning up is clear to white.
Aunt Mary and Brittany visited late in the morning.
Thom came and spent the afternoon with Brian, after the 1 pm PT session. Brian was in his chair. Ayal and Sara (Sada) visited (school friends). While Ayal was there, they flipped through a cd book (after asking Brian if he wants music and getting a nod). Brian picked a cd and took it out of the book himself: Orbital, "In Sides", one we've played frequently. 
Thom played with the volleyball (from the AHS volleyball team) with Brian, getting Brian to punch the ball. Brian also drew what looked like a picture of Thom. Very deliberate with all the drawing today, concentrating, wiping out, re-doing. Thom showed Brian the November calendar, and mentioned that Brian had a birthday coming next month - "Isn't it the 8th?" - and Brian pointed to the 9. Thom turned the calendar sideways and asked him again, and Brian again pointed to the 9. (Brian's birthday is December 9th)
Brian nodded "Yes" twice for Thom - very small nods; it's harder to do - and shook his head "No".
Thom suggested a therapy ball for Brian's hands. And that we try to curb morphine, ativan use. Brian was finally able to reach the monitor today - and turned it off! Thom is helping Eric Warren, Alana, and Mark Schoenleber connect  to arrange fund-raiser using Brian's art. (small posters and cards to sell).
Brian is currently dozing and waking. I am in his room. It's 6:35 pm.
Dave and I helped change Brian's PICC line this morning. 
7:40 pm  While I was in with Brian, he pulled his blanket up off his legs, and pulled his socks off his feet. (How many moms recognize this behavior??) Deb is his nurse tonight. I showed Brian the drawings in the tablet I brought in for him. Tomorrow I'll bring pens and pencils, and maybe a smaller sketchbook. Also another notebook for people to write in when they visit, to keep in his room. 
I was in there for an hour. Brian's heartrate is in the 90s, everything else is fine. He was kicking and pushing with his legs, and looking at the drawings, photos and posters on his wall. Jennifer let me stay during a shift change. 
Brian likes to throw his right leg over the side rail and lay sprawled in the bed. (This is a 6 foot 4 inch tall young man, by the way)
9:37 pm  Max, Max, Randy and Josh came to visit. All but Randy spent 8-9 with Brian; Randy has a sore throat. Brian enjoyed having them.
I kissed Brian goodnight and left him w/Dave. 
Marshall and Kellie gone all day.

November 7, 2012
The days became filled with activity, discovery, life! Even though he still was unable to speak, Brian was obviously very busy and communicative. His mischievous nature was coming out in full, and he was such a joy just to be with. Watching him draw was astounding; I still remember that so clearly. He really had fun playing with Thom, who has always been wonderful with him. It was a period of rapid re-growth for Brian.