Ben continues to live and learn at the neurorecovery center. Jim visited him this weekend. He and Ben went to the movies and enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant. Chicken fried steak has become Ben's favorite meal. Today staff members from the neurorecovery center took Ben to church. Our cousin, Elizabeth, then took Ben to lunch and to the park. Ben sent pictures from his iPad taken at the park. he is "clowning" around. It is a beautiful day. There is pure joy written all over his face.

Movie about Ben's Journey

I visited Ben this last weekend. He is remembering more and more. With the new freedom allowed with his day passes from the recovery center, Ben's world continues to expand. He LOVES being around people. Attending church, going to restaurants and driving through the city are all new adventures. After a church service Ben said that he was filled with "joy in this place'. I often think of all the prayer requests over the last year asking for the joy that is manifesting before my eyes. The church that has take an interest in Ben took video footage of him last weekend as part of the pastor's sermon series on faith. What an honor! My prayer has always been that  this story would be for good, to bring others to hope and faith in God.

The evolution and change in Ben's rate of healing continues to amaze and astound us. I arrived at Ben's on Saturday for a visit. I was late. It had been a difficult day, with unexpected patient care issues that morning in my medical practice. The drive to the neurorecovery center had taken longer than usual in the afternoon rain and I was tired. I arrived at around 6pm and was greeted with a smiling Ben and the news that he had been granted day passes for Saturday and Sunday.  This news was unexpected and such a gift! My fatigue evaporated.  As the weekend unfolded, it was clear that God had much to show me. It was SO good! We got in the car, almost giddy with excitement. This was the first time Ben was on his own with just family and no restrictions.  I was about to see how God is equipping Ben to show others what a miracle is like.

I visited Ben a few days ago at the ranch where he lives. The most recent development is his increased thirst to establish relationship with friends and family. He is remembering phone numbers and calling people to talk often.  He is texting messages to them. A sweet friend and neighbor called me on Saturday night excited because Ben called their house that evening. It was totally unexpected. How did Ben remembered her number? This friend's son had been an important companion early in Ben's life. Both the friend and her son had visited Ben often during the days when Ben was in critical condition in the neurosurgical intensive care unit. She was crying. To her, the phone call was evidence of the miracles God is capable of performing.

Early in the course of Ben's injury I would refer to positive signs of improvement as a "flicker" of hope.  In spite of all the serious complications and signs of disability, I would see, briefly, that "my Ben" was still in that healing body. As we move into the fifteenth month after his injury, the "flickers' aren't occasional, they are blinding flashes. Ben is remembering more and more. His personality is returning. His sense of humor is great. Ben calls us CONSTANTLY on the phone. If I don't answer quickly enough, he calls  Jim or the house phone. Importantly, he remembers all of our numbers. Ben's other memories are not perfect, but what encourages me is the constant evolving mental status. Something is happening in that brain. It has to be good.

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.