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.

It was a beautiful day at the Texas ranch where Ben lives and receives the necessary therapy for his traumatic brain injury. The day was cool and pleasant after the summer rain and Ben and I took a walk to pet the horses in an adjacent field. Even though Ben walks unaided with excellent balance, an attendant is close by at all times for assistance and therapeutic companionship. After the walk, Ben and I played a game of "Sonic the Hedgehog, Unhinged" on the X Box for the first time. He loved it and amazingly remembered the control maneuvers with little instruction. We played about an hour. It may seem like a small thing, but to learn, retain, perform the motor skills, and remain attentive for this length of time is a huge victory.Afterward Ben worked on applying a wood stain to a birdhouse that I purchased for him. Cognitively, he is struggling. Ben has to be reminded that he is not at camp or school and that the therapeutic staff members are not counselors. Often what he says is nonsense. Often what he says is true. Ben is getting better and better. It was a good day.