Thanksgiving 2001

Thursday 22 November 2001
(11/23) (2:20 pm)  Brian spent the morning with Marshall, Kellie, and the Gardiners. Dave and I arrived about 1 pm, right after Brian returned to his room after lunch. He was in good spirits all day, with no nap. he did talk some about us "having" a coma, or a heart attack, and we had to reassure him. He gets more distracted in the afternoon, so he also gets more confused. (more tired - still happens when he is tired)
We went for "strolls" around the Unit, and Brian did lie down for a while later. At 4 pm, Kate arrived to visit, before Brian ws resting. We walked her into his room when he was up and he lit up with "Hi Kate!" he was soon ready for a rest, so we all sat in the Waiting Area just outside the Unit. Thom arrived while we were out there, and the Nurse brought Brian out!
Dinner time was 5 pm. Thom, Dave and I got food downstairs and ate with Brian. Kate was going to be going home for her meal, so she didn't eat. She helped Brian eat his meal, though! Helped him with utensils and such. Brian was full of life and humor. Kate was very good for him - a childhood connection. She left after six. Around 7 pm, Max and Matt arrived. The boys went in the room, but Brian wanted to be out in the hall with Thom and Dave, playing ball. They all ended up in the gym, hitting a beachball and another big plastic ball back and forth, and playing 'PIG" with a small plastic ball and floor-standing hoop. They worked on Brian's left hand and arm. The boys were GREAT with Brian.
They wore Brian out by 8 pm; Thom, Max and Matt left, and Dave and I got the Nurse to help Brian to bed. Dave talked to Brian a while about his sleep fears (he'd had trouble sleeping Wednesday night), then I read the first chapter of Through the Looking Glass. Brian was asleep by 9 pm.
Brian remembered all four countries he visited in Europe this summer, with no prompts!!