"Thankful Day"

Friday 23 November 2001
2:37 pm  We arrived at 8 am this morning. Brian was in bed, looking peaceful and content. He told me he had a bad dream, dreamed he was paralyzed, then dreamed he could walk, which was great. The dream about being paralyzed was "horrible". He was concerned about being paralyzed all morning; we got him to move his legs to realize he is NOT paralyzed. "I can walk!" and we tell him he WILL walk. Amy told us this morning that during today's OT/PT session with she and Joyce, Brian stood in front of a table, working with colored blocks (sorting colors on sliding game) for nine minutes, and ten minutes! He leaned with one arm, but that was it! Amy also said that during their staffing Wednesday, they estimated/expressed the hope that Brian would be out in FOUR WEEKS, and that he would be on his feet, with supervision! Yay! Nothing yet is definite, but Amy is hopeful.
Brian is touring around the Unit - and down the hall outside it - in his wheelchair, using his feet. He can push/pull open the doors to get out, but Dave has also taught him to push the operating button ("a cool operator!")
Brian was afraid to leave his room for a while late this morning, because he thought he would have another heart attack. Dr. Solomon was concerned enough that he listened to Brian's heart, and talked to us about reassuring Brian (which we have been doing). We also just went out the door with him, to prove he wouldn't have an attack. 
Maria-Mercedes, who is Brian's TEMPORARY speech pathologist, is working with Brian on SLOWING DOWN his speech. He slurs too much still, especially when he is tired. (This still happens, and he still needs to slow down at times)
On his way to afternoon PT with Amy and Joyce, Brian said he was still hungry. "Would you like a little snack?" asked Amy. They were headed towards me, and Brian pointed and said, "Martha!", then reached out and we kissed.
(The kissing on the lips was something that we did for quite a while, because it was part of Brian's developmental process. He was still a little boy in his return to us, and the kissing was a normal part of the stage he was in. It made some people uncomfortable, naturally, and we made sure Brian respected their feelings and did not push it - although it sometimes became a game. Other people attempted to shame him into not doing it. Eventually, he grew out of it. )
During lunch, Brian declared today to be "Thankful Day", because he is thankful not to be paralyzed. Brian has his "wipe-off" calendar on the wall next to his bed, and he writes on it when he wakes in the morning.
Brian's incontinence continues, so he is wearing adult diapers. We are all working on getting him to the toilet on time. Otherwise he wears his own clothes.
7:05 pm  In Brian's room with Dave and Kate. Brian has been apologizing for being forgetful today.
Marshall, Kellie and Kate had dinner with Brian. Risa and Vanessa visited and drew pistures for Brian. M and K left at 6:30.
In afternoon PT, Brian stood one time 18 minutes and another one 7 minutes.
Brian tried to write "Feel truly thankful today" in his memory Journal.
"I feel so spoiled today."
Brian predicted he would stand for 21 minutes this afternoon; he stood for 25 minutes altogether! 
Kate reports that, while looking through Europe photos, Brian remembered the names of people (especially Tracy), and the Eiffel Tower. He also remembers Paris, Justin, and Oliver.
Brian said he woke up this morning "thinking I was in my Emerick Street bed", and when he wasn't, then the day got weird. "I'm going to be very, very weird today you guys." (Emerick being the street he lived on for 13 years)
Brian wants to be called "Beastie Brian the Badass".
Kate left around 9 pm; she will visit for lunch tomorrow, maybe with her mom. Thom Little called; he will be with Brian for Dave and I tomorrow and Sunday morning. I read Brian to sleep by 9:20 pm. 
Brian slept well last night!
Brian is still taking amantadine, an antibiotice, dilantin (last dose tonight) and tradnizone.