A conference with all of Ben's therapists was held on Tuesday of last week. I listened to each story unfold with amazement. Ben has achieved so many of the goals listed in his therapy plan that a completely new plan has been laid out with new goals. His balance and walking gait require only infrequent reminders to look for obstacles ahead. Ben is now able to orient himself to date and time using cues in the environment without help. He is answering most questions correctly on listening comprehension exercises.
The occupational therapist tells me that Ben asks for his schedule each day and follows it carefully. His "homework assignments" are 3 word find puzzles daily and he is DOING THEM! The speech therapist is having Ben read articles and practicing conversation about what he has read. Because distraction is still a problem for Ben, he is not allowed to deviate from the topic in these conversations. An audiologist's evaluation has determined that Ben needs hearing aides. Perhaps even better things are in store for his language and processing. Activities of daily living (ADLs) are personal care routines that all of us do without much thought. Ben is handling his ADLs with little supervision, mostly just someone  to make sure he doesn't fall in the shower. Although Ben still struggles with cognitive problems and memory issues, I am amazed at what he does remember about our family and things he used to enjoy. Our conversations are a gift.

 Ben's care at the neurorecovery center has been funded for at least another 7 months. Insurance has extended Ben's care till August 24th. At that time another assessment will be made. Even though state funding won't really begin till September, Ben was approved for 180 days effective immediately. My previous updates have listed the many frustrations in obtaining care for Ben. We have moved from the "desert" of no resources to not one, but two certain funding solutions. God delivered grace. He is caring for Ben against the odds. I am learning all kinds of lessons about faith. 

The news about resources for Ben's care came within a few days of my father's recent, unexpected death on July 20th. The sorrow has been overwhelming for our family. He was everything a dad should be. In the midst of this pain, God allowed the burden and worry about Ben's care to disappear. When Ben heard about his grandfather's death, his conversation was lucid and appropriate with encouragement and support for  his grandmother and for me. He said, " I want to be a rope for my Grandmam. I want to be there for her. " There were many more conversations with Ben. One of them brought tears to my husband's eyes. God is carrying us through this difficult time. His timing is SO perfect. God is sovereign and has everything in the palm of His hand. I have peace. It will be good!