One Month

Thursday 8 November 2001
12:35 pm  Brian slept two hours last night, then was awakw till 5 am. Dave was with him till 11 pm, playing in the chair. Brian went back into bed and finally settled down. Dave talked him into sleep by 11, and left. When I went to see him at 8 am, Nurse Jennifer told me what had happened and that she wanted Brian to sleep until therapy. I said "fine" and left. So I haven't seen him yet today.
Dave had Brian pushing himself away from the wall with his legs last night. Great exercise!
I visited teachers at Helman, Briscoe and Lincoln. (Brian's teachers Susan Jessie, Randy Boardman and Inge Kendrick specifically at Lincoln)

(Helman was one of the elementary schools where I had been substituting, and the mother of one of Brian's friends taught there, as well as our friend Ethel Ackerman. Briscoe was the school where I worked for three years as an educational assistant, and I also subbed there. Again, there were teachers who were parents of kids Brian knew, plus they all knew about what happened and were, like those at Lincoln, friends of mine. Lincoln was Brian and Jesse's elementary school. All were in Ashland.)

I also went to the high school to talk about what credits Brian needs : 1 semester each of Economics and Government, 2 semesters of English, and Career/Guide. If possible, I want to make sure Brian finishes (if HE wants to), and even if he doesn't have all the credits it would be great if he can walk. There will be a benefit dance for Brian at the high school on December 1st, instead of their usual Sadie Hawkins dance!

(Brian eventually returned in September 2002 and attended Ashland High for two years. He walked in 2002 with his class, and in 2004, the year he left. Then he came to Port Orchard with us, attended the Community Transition Program, and obtained his diploma from South Kitsap).

9:25 pm  When I saw Brian this afternoon, he was tired, sort of withdrawn, and unresponsive. Linda said he'd been that way with her, although she was able to feed him Jello and give him the spoon to feed himself. I bought a band for Brian's watch, and he wasn't at all interested. He WAS interested in all the people I saw and talked to today who wished him well, including Cheyenne and Zak at the Greenman. (A coffeehouse I frequented and where Brian and I used to meet for coffee and the best carrot cake in town)
Tonight when I saw Brian, he was more responsive and affectionate, like last night. Alana and Thom were there, but he focused on me when I arrived (one person at a time). When he and I were alone, this focus continued. He wanted to know what he was feeling in his shoulder, and i explained again about the ICD. He held my hand; lots of eye contact. he was tired and restless when I left him with Dave.