One Year Anniversary

It has been one year today since Nick's accident. So much has happened with him in the last year. It has been exhausing for everyone, yet we are prepared for the long haul. Nick has made lots of progress, but he still has so much left to do.

Yesterday, Clint and Eric took Nick fishing at Clint's Dad's pond. He caught two fish (with help). He had a great time and got a little suntan. He looks much better since he was very pale from being inside for a whole year.

Nick cannot walk on his own yet. He has a walker but needs help to use it. He still gets frustrated with it and throws it on the floor sometimes.

Meagan and Blake took Nick to Blaise's Friday night. He had been asking to go and I finally gave in. I know that it probably made some of you uncomfortable seeing him this way, but maybe you will stop and think about the consequences of your actions by seeing what can happen. He said that people stared at him, but he was OK with that. He recognized most everyone.

When I say that he told me, I mean that he spelled out what he wanted to say. He does speak somewhat, but is still very difficult to understand. Some words come out very clearly, especially when he is angry.

When I talk to Nick (one-on-one) I realize that he understand so much. He remembers more and more everyday, and although there is still so much he doesn't remember (and might not ever remember) his comprehension is excellent. He also has great short term memory. The things we take for granted are sometimes the same things that are lacking from a person who is brain injured... Like knowing what day it is or remembering what you need to do next, or even the order of things. I never have to tell Nick what day it is. He remembers if he has therapy or not and knows when the weekend comes. He asks to go to church on Saturday and talks about the upcoming week of therapy on Sunday night. These are things to be excited about.

Eric bought Nick a new cell phone. He has gotten really good at using it and makes calls at all hours of the day and night. I apologize for this. He misses everyone and that phone is his only link with the outside world right now. If you don't want to talk to him (which I understand), please don't answer. I have tried talking to him about it, but it hasn't helped.

The one thing that has kept us going is the prayers we feel from all of you. I could never had made it this far had it not been for all of you praying for Nick and for me. I am eternally grateful.

We have had some very bad days, but are trying to stay positive for the future.

I will do my best to post more often.

Love,
Sondra