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.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Benjamin continues to enjoy life in Colorado. Many changes have occurred in Ben’s living situation since the last post many months ago, all of them good. When Ben returned from the Oklahoma rehabilitation hospital summer 2017, the door opened for him to initially live in a new program in the Denver area. This program provided basic care and Ben initially did well, but Jim and I felt something was missing. With the set backs in Ben’s medical condition, memory, physical health, and cognition from the seizures in  July 2016, we both knew that something needed to change. Ben was bored. He was housebound day after day. It wasn’t enough just to be housed safely, Ben needed a program tailored to his needs. Ben deserved a rich life with friends and activity. He needed to feel significant. God provided the answer. Ben’s advocate, who has helped us from the beginning started a brain injury program a few years ago for all the right reasons. She has such a heart for these injured people and knew she could do it better. This advocate also loves Ben and knows him well. The state of CO approved her application to expand her program and a place opened up for Ben in a new house.

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Benjamin has been back in Colorado since mid September. Two weeks ago Benjamin and I had a great weekend together. We went to a movie. Ben enjoyed Jumangi, a Starbucks coffee and dinner out. Sunday was spent attending church and going to brunch. He was joyful and engaging and loves talking to everyone he meets. Ben notices people's smiles and gives complements right and left. Jimmy at Chick-Fil-A was doing a good job and Ben told him so. Sometimes it's exhausting, but when I get frustrated with his enthusiasm, I take a step back and watch the effect Ben has on others. People are happy to step into Ben's world and share a conversation. He is open with sharing truth about his motorcycle accident. He tells them that God saved him for aeason. I believe that is true.