The purpose of this blog is to show how faith, my professional training and a healthy sense of humor taught me and continues to teach me that Jesus Christ is always in control. I am a fellow learner as this journey for my child unfolds. My wish is that Ben's legacy gives others hope where there seems to be none. It is also my desire that the information I have assimilated with my medical mind and filtered through a mother's heart gives practical ways to deal with this ever-changing chronic disease. Finally, for the many friends and family members who continue to follow Ben's life change after the injury, the story continues.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Hello everyone. I know it has been several weeks since the last update. Brain injury recovery in this post acute stage, tends to be slow and steady. Benjamin's progress has had it's ups and downs in the last few weeks. He is more alert and active. We have noticed increasing participation in the activities we bring to the neurorecovery center. Last week I brought a game similar to Bingo to play with Ben. (Zingo) Ben and another resident (who has no intelligible speech) played several games. It was loads of fun. We have also found several iPad programs that work on associations, reading and reasoning. Ben is performing much better than two weeks ago . He is often quick with his responses and very engaged. Ben is also walking much more with very little help. His doctor continues to make adjustments to his medication. As medications are decreased to improve alertness and memory, we often see short burst of inappropriate behavior. This is the stuff I hate. It isn't Ben, just the inability to inhibit poor responses or tolerate even the smallest frustration. I am praying that the medications can be adjusted appropriately. I do feel that this would be the time for a new choice.
I wish the progress was faster. The one thing I have learned through all of this ....God's timing is better. As the impatience mounts, I still get "flickers' of God's hand in the midst of the mess. I watched a video tape taken by a friend when I was with Ben one afternoon. I asked Ben one thing that he prays for. Ben said, "I pray for my life." My friend asked Ben if God answers. Ben said," I feel like he does, but not extremely closely. He is making things known and taking care of stuff." Please pray that God fills Ben with His Spirit. Please pray for the healing to continue. Hope continues. (confident expectation).