2005 Updates


December 31, 2005 11:30 PM--Betsy sent an update for this evening:

New Years Eve
Ross was in the walker again yesterday and took a few steps on his own with his right foot, and lots with one of us picking up one of his feet and moving it. He definitely was more relaxed and showed a little more control. 2004 was the year he started eating, 2005 was the year for talking and we hope 2006 is the year for walking. He continues to make strides in other areas, particularly interaction with us and the environment. The speech pathologist is pleased with his increased ability to eat and clear his mouth more easily. Ariel was feeding him ice cream tonight and taking a few bites herself. He said, "No, that food is mine." He smiled at Ben, the caregiver, and said, "Get ready."

Thank you to everyone for your prayers, support and love. We couldn't do this without you.
Betsy

December 30, 2005 8:10 PM--I've just got a brief update for tonight after a quick conversation with Betsy. Ross continues to do well--they got him in the walker yesterday and today. It's quite a job to get him in without slumping, but Betsy said they continue to fine tune the process with everyone, including Ross, learning what works best. Ross is now regularly turning himself from his back to his stomach while on the mat, and can lean forward in his wheelchair, bending down over his knees and then righting himself.

Thank you all so much for your continuing support. Ross grows stronger and more coordinated with each passing day.

December 28, 2005 8:00 PM--Betsy said they didn't put Ross in the walker because they really need a therapist on hand to help him get set up, but Ross did get a chance to use his new exercise bike. It was donated by a cyclist from Healdsburg and Betsy said Ross did really well on it. It works like a recumbent bicycle, so he can use it from his wheelchair. Rusty got clips installed on Ross's cycling shoes and Betsy said that while they were setting the bike up, Ross kept pointing to it and saying, "Me! Me!" Tonight he is really tired, sitting in the recliner and relaxing, but Betsy said he did just great on the trainer. In order to get Ross into the recliner, Betsy has to use the lift. She tells Ross that when he can stand and pivot on his own, it will be so much easier. They're planning to order a pole to install by his bed so he can learn to pull himself upright. Ross is doing so well--his progress is amazing. Thank you all so much for your prayers and healing thoughts. You are all an important part of Team Ross.

December 27, 2005 7:10 PM--Just a brief update to let you know that Ross has his "walker," or gait trainer and Betsy said he took his first steps in it yesterday. He's strapped in so he can't fall, but he was able to lift his left foot twice yesterday--he picked it up and moved it forward. Betsy said he's excited and energized and really seems to relish the challenge. He also was able to stand completely flat footed in the standing frame and stood very tall and straight.

December 25, 2005 9:15 PM--I just talked to Betsy and Rusty. They had finished Christmas dinner with very dear friends, a group they've celebrated the holiday with for almost thirty years. Betsy said Ross had a good day, though he was tired and not quite as talkative. He did, however, manage to communicate quite well...someone brought shrimp, which Ross loves, and he kept saying "me, me," and managed to eat about a dozen of them! Betsy said he opened his presents and it was interesting watching him put his hand in his stocking to find gifts. Later, when Jeremiah arrived, Ross started laughing, something he hasn't done as much of this past week. However, at one point he showed signs of slipping into a petit mal seizure, so they got him away from the noise and lights of the party and he was fine. Betsy said she feels as if Ross is on the edge of some major steps forward. Your prayers have helped him before. Please remember Ross and his ongoing struggle to return to the independent young man he was the morning of June 3, 2002.

To all of you, a very merry Christmas, and all the best in the coming year.

December 24, 2005--I received a Christmas Eve update from Betsy:

Merry Christmas.  Ross is still tired a lot, but he is working hard in therapy.  It took  five of us to control his feet, and get him up, but he stood straight and tall for longer than ever yesterday.  The therapists are also working with him on pulling himself forward while holding on to a vertical post.  The next step will be standing.  We are picking up the gait trainer on Monday.  The technician will fit the walker for Ross, show us and the PT how to use it, and then we start a new phase.  It will be a challenge for Ross, but we are encouraged by his willingness to work hard, especially when the activity has a goal and we explain how to do it.  We are also ordering a vertical pole that we can put next to his bed so he can learn to get himself out of bed.  Please pray for Ross as he moves into this new stage.  We have a wonderful Team Ross and our therapists and caregivers are doing wonderful work with Ross.  We are truly blessed.  Also, I showed him a card that we had made with his picture and his name on it.  I asked him who the man in the picture was.  He immediately put his finger on his own name. One final story.  We still do stockings in our house.  Tonight, I was tired and started putting them together while Ross was in the living room.  He spotted his stocking (one he has had since he was a little boy) and he began to point to himself over and over. It will be fun to see his reaction tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your love and support for Ross.

December 22, 2005 9:20 PM--Ross was still tired today, but Betsy said he seemed a little better than yesterday. One of the physical therapists working with Ross had him holding on to a pole to pull himself upright. Ross still needs a lot of help to accomplish this, but Betsy said she really believes that once he masters this he'll really take off. When they first started, Ross wasn't cooperating all that well, but Betsy sat beside him and showed him what to do. Once he got it, even though he was obviously tired, Ross really went to work.

December 21, 2005 8:45 PM--Talked to Betsy and she said Ross was still tired as well as somewhat congested, though he was talking a lot and saying different, more complex things. Tonight they were having some quiet time, watching Christmas stuff on TV and reading Christmas stories.

December 20, 2005 9:10 PM--Received a note from Betsy:

Ross has been rather tired and definitely not as cheerful the last two days.  He did well in physical therapy both Monday and Tuesday.  He was so tired this afternoon that he did not do as well in occupational therapy as we have become accustomed to.  We are wondering if the weather change is involved or if maybe it is related to medication.  He is still interacting with all of us.  For example, he stretched out his leg to block Ariel after she delivered ice cream to Rusty tonight.  Anyway, hopefully a good night's sleep tonight will make for a happier man tomorrow.

December 18, 2005 8:45 PM--Just a brief update to let you know that Ross had a good day. Friends of the Dillons' came up from the city to visit and brought dinner. Betsy said they were surprised that Ross sat at the table them and ate the same food and drink as everyone and even said, "Hi, Paul," a couple of times. He was alert and involved and definitely present.

December 17, 2005 8:40 PM--Betsy said Ross had a good day today, though he woke up really sleepy and ended up dozing for awhile in his wheelchair. He said some new things today. Ben was working with Ross on the mat and asked Ross to cross his legs, as he is able to sit better with them crossed.  Ross replied, "No. I want to do that later." Later on, Ben was in the kitchen and Ross wanted to get his attention. He yelled, "Hey, Ben!" Betsy said it was the first time she heard him call Ben by name in that manner. He also had a great physical therapy session yesterday, working on the ball and the mat.

Betsy said the "gait trainer" they've ordered should arrive at the end of the month. It's a very sophisticated piece of equipment that has a lot of options to help Ross to eventually walk. The way it's set up allows for adjustments as Ross learns a new skill and grows stronger, but it doesn't come cheap. Betsy said they paid $2,800 for the trainer, which is not covered by insurance or any other funding. However,  the family and Ross's therapists believe it will make a huge difference in helping him to eventually walk again.

Thank you all so much for your support and your prayers for Ross and his loved ones.

December 15, 2005 8:30 PM--When I called, Betsy was sitting with Ross, helping him to soak his finger. He's got an infection around an ingrown fingernail, so he was getting the Epsom salt treatment. Now THAT is something that's been around for awhile! Ross was also admiring his watch--the band was worn out on his Swiss Army watch, but Betsy got it replaced and said Ross appeared to be very pleased to be wearing it again. He had an excellent occupational therapy session today. He's on a regular schedule now for OT--every Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning. Betsy said it's really making a difference. She's noticing the importance of regular rest periods for Ross, as well. He's doing much better when well-rested than he did on the days where they've tried to push through even when everyone was tired. Betsy said when Ross is overly tired she's concerned his exhaustion might bring on the petit mal seizures.

December 14, 2005 8:40 PM--Betsy said that Ross had another petit mal seizure last night. Ross was due for some bloodwork to see how his Tegretol levels are in his system, but that requires fasting which isn't Ross's favorite thing. Betsy said they managed to work it out so that he slept through most of the fasting period and then she spent some time just driving around with him in the van until it was time for his blood to be drawn. Afterwards they went out for Chinese, which Ross loves. He's doing really well and is so much fun--Betsy said Ross is really fun right now and finds humor in everything. Thank you all for your prayers and healing thoughts, and most of all for your amazing support.

December 12, 2005 9:15 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had another great day today, with a lot of talking and laughing. It was a busy day with a visit to the chiropractor, speech therapist and a good session of physical therapy. The speech therapist was really pleased with Ross's improvement. He also did well in physical therapy, sitting on the edge of the mat and standing with assistance. He spent time watching Ariel cook dinner. Betsy said it's like more and more of the "old Ross" is coming back. That "Ross" has been gone for over three and a half years now--a long, long time.

December 11, 2005 8:10 PM--Betsy said today was absolutely wonderful. Ross was talking and laughing all day long. She said she had no idea what he was laughing at a lot of the time, but sometimes he'd just look at her and break out in laughter. At one point he said something that sounded to Betsy like "Bust my butt." She said she repeated it and said,"Ross, did you say bust my butt?" He looked at her and said, "Now that's a dirty thought!" He also asked a lot of the same questions he always asks: What's my name? Am I at home? and repeated the statements, "you are my mother" and "you are my father" a number of times.

Ross also fed himself scrambled eggs at breakfast this morning, eating his entire breakfast with his fork in his right hand. He still has limited mobility in his right elbow and will probably never be able to fully extend it, even after the corrective surgery. Betsy said this was the first time she knew of where Ross had eaten an entire meal, feeding himself using a fork in that hand.

December 10, 2005 7:20 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a great day today, so it sounds as if there weren't any repercussions from the two seizures he had last night. Ross told his caretaker Ben that he wanted to sing, then said, "I love food, I want food." Betsy said she picked up some calamari salad for herself at the deli today, and gave Ross a little of it. Then his lunch was brought in. He was eating his meal when he looked up and realized Betsy was eating the calamari. She said he set his utensils down, looked at Betsy and said, "FOOD!" Obviously, she was eating the "real" stuff! He had a good session in the standing frame where he ate his breakfast, but Betsy said she could tell he was getting tired and asked him if he wanted a nap. She said he didn't seem to understand, so Rusty put his hands together at the side of his head as if sleeping. Ross nodded in agreement and ended up taking a nap and sleeping for about an hour.

Please, during the busy holidays, remember to say a quick prayer for Ross and his loved ones. Therapy goes on, day in and day out, and for every two steps forward there is often at least one back. Your support is more important now than ever before, and means so very much to Ross and his family.

December 9, 2005 12:00 AM--I received a long update from Betsy tonight:

Ross had a good OT session after a slow start. We realized afterward that we didn't do a warm up with something fun and started with a hard task. Ross was really resistant until he succeeded at the first task and then he was very cooperative and successful. This is a lesson we will remember. When we went to the acupuncturist in the afternoon, Ross sat very still most of the time so the doctor could insert the needles. Eating bits of banana during the session also helped.

Today we went to meet with the salesman about the walker we want to buy for Ross. Our PT met us there and we are pleased with the particular model that they agreed on. Ross was sitting on the mat with our caregiver behind him and we were all talking about him. I noticed that he kept moving around, but positioning himself so that he was supporting himself much of the time. He leaned toward me and tucked his right arm under my arm. Another time, he leaned forward with his head over his knees and supported himself. We stopped and bought a smoothie for him on the way home and as always he devoured it.

Later while having dinner, he looked at me and said, "You are my mother." To Rusty, he said," You are my father." Rusty then looked at Jeremiah and asked Ross who he was. Ross said, "My brother." After having dinner in the standing frame and playing ball with us, Jeremiah took him back to bed to prepare for his bath. I happened to go into his room while Jeremiah was drawing the bath and realized that Ross was having a Petit Mal seizure. I immediately turned off the television, turned off the overhead light, called Rusty and got a wet washcloth. We think he had two Petit Mal seizures lasting a couple of minutes each. However, unlike other times he was moving, talking and interacting between and after the seizures. Jeremiah walked out of the room for a few minutes and Ross became alarmed. I told him Jeremiah was coming back and would stay with him through the night. He was definitely relieved when Jeremiah returned. He said many times tonight, "I want to go home." I think the person who wrote us that he thinks Ross means he wants to go back to life as it was is right. I too want to go back to that life. Today is one of those days when I feel the grief more acutely. Ross is falling asleep now.

December 7, 2005 9:10 PM--Ross did well today. He was talking a lot and this afternoon spent time looking through a catalog with Betsy. She said his sheets wear out because he spends so much time in bed, so they were looking for some new ones. She found a set with blue skies and clouds that Ross really liked. He pointed at the picture and said "Blue." He also agreed that he really liked them. Betsy said they spent some time watching the second half of a Christmas movie and just enjoyed a quiet evening together. Betsy said it's a rare treat when she and Ross can just relax together, as so much of his time is spent in therapy with other people around doing their thing. Betsy said Ross really seems to enjoy the Christmas tree and they plan to take him out for a ride to look at the Christmas lights around town.

I also talked to Rusty tonight. He's busy putting together Ross's latest update letter. If you would like to receive the "semi-regular" mailings on Ross's condition, which often go into much more detail than I do here on the website, please just click here-
<Rusty Dillon>  for an email link to Ross's dad. All they need is your regular "snail mail" address and your name will be added to the list. Thank you all so much for your continuing support. Your prayers and healing thoughts and your wondeful wishes for Ross's continuing recovery are especially welcome during this holiday season.

December 6, 2005 9:40 PM--Betsy said today went pretty well, in spite of the fact that Ross was awake until one a.m. and really tired today. He still had an excellent session in the standing frame where he had his breakfast. They've made an adjustment in the placement for his feet and Betsy said it seems to help.

Ross also had a good occupational therapy session. The therapist has started making a list of things he wants Ross to accomplish, then crosses them off when they've been done and "rewards" Ross with sliced bananas he has to eat with a fork. The therapist has Ross working on grasping and releasing, including picking up small objects with a set of tongs. This is just his second day working with the list, but Betsy said Ross responds well to the reward system. He's also been working with "form" puzzles that have little knobs for handles so he can pick up the individual pieces. He's doing really well.

Thank you all so much for your continuing support. Your prayers for Ross and your healing thoughts are helping to carry him forward on this long journey of recovery.

December 6, 2005 2:20 PM--I was unable to call Betsy last night, but got a note from her today with yesterday's update:

Ross did pretty well in various therapies even though he was tired.  When the PT came at 3 PM, Ross said in four separate statements, about a minute apart.  "Need sleep."    "I am tired."  "Go home."  "Now."    He pulled it together, and sat on the edge of the mat for a long time with great trunk control.  He even partially stood several times and stood completely once for about three to four minutes.  He did not ask for food even once.  Today, he again did something he had done for the first time on Friday.  He hit a ball with a bat in his right hand and used his left hand also to hit a ball repeatedly.

December 4, 2005 10:00 PM--Betsy said Ross slept until noon today. He got up for breakfast, but went back to bed. However, when he finally got up he was very interested in the Christmas tree decorations and quite talkative. Betsy said he smiled a lot and was really fascinated with a small set of chimes, which ended up attached to his cart where a lot of his "supplies" are kept.

December 3, 2005 9:00 PM--Betsy said Ross was really talkative today. He's also drawing more "interesting" pictures and signing them with his name. Betsy said they're concentrating on following the neuropsychologist's suggestions regarding the importance of routines and getting Ross into the alpha wave pattern before bed. For instance, no TV or computers on for an hour before he goes to bed, then quiet talking and calm activities as he goes down. Betsy said she's been reading the Bible to him, they pray and talk about the day, all very calming, and so far it appears to be paying off. Ross is sleeping much better.
     Thank you so much for your continuing support, your prayers and your healing thoughts. Ross's steady improvement continues to amaze his physicians and the people who work with him.

December 2, 2005 8:50 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross is having a really good day. Betsy's on her own with him tonight, and when I called, she was trying to get Ross to brush his teeth, but he wasn't cooperating very well! Today Betsy and Rusty met with a neuropsychologist who works with TBI patients. He said that Ross's seizures are caused by the transition between alpha (at rest) brain activity, and beta, or alert activity. He said Ross needs consistency and repetition during this period where his brain is essentially healing and coming back online. He's doing so much better than anyone expected, that it's exciting to see the progress he's making now.

December 1, 2005 7:30 AM--Our power just came back on and when I checked my mail, I had the following update from Betsy:

Ross had a good day yesterday. He worked with the Occupational therapist in the afternoon and he did very well. His grasping and releasing has improved and his work with the form puzzles is also really good. Ross also wrote his name completely by himself - very exciting. He was jerking a lot yesterday and some today.

He had another good OT session today. We are now able to have the OT come twice a week and Ross is at the point where it is very important.

Another new thing is that he told me yesterday that he was full and this morning he told Lisa twice that he didn't want food.
Betsy

November 30, 2005 12:30 AM--I apologize for the lack of updates over the Thanksgiving holiday, but my husband and I made a trip to Hawaii to visit our son and daughter-in-law. We're just in the door from the airport and I found an update from Betsy in my email:

We have had a good time with Ross over the last week.  Ross really had a blast with his nieces and nephew.  They climbed into bed with him to cuddle and watch television.  One day, Ross was sitting in his chair and I was giving him his supplements in the raw vegetable concoction we euphemistically call "Smoothie".  Ross would take a bite, then kiss Natalie, take a another bite, and give Natalie a kiss on the cheek.  This went on for at least five sets.  On Friday, I insisted on a family picture.  All of us, Rusty, Ross, Ariel, Liz and her family posed while all of our guests took pictures.  At one point, Ross started leaning toward Liz's little Andrew, just to be close.  Not necessarily the picture for our Christmas card, but a wonderful picture from year 2005.

On Thanksgiving, Ross was initially overwhelmed by our Thanksgiving crowd, all people he has known most of his life, but twenty-five extra people can be overwhelming.  However, he ate everything on his plate and more.

Liz and her family left on Saturday and we miss them.  It would be wonderful to have them closer.

On Sunday, I was trying to get Ross to drink his morning coffee at lunch time.  He said, "Only in the morning."  I asked him, "Do you mean you only want coffee in the morning?"  He nodded, "Yes"  When I told the speech therapist about it, she said that that is significant because it shows an awareness of time which frequently disappears in people with head injuries. I told her that he frequently says, "No, not now."  when I am trying to give his something.  She said that is also temporal awareness.  What a wonderful thing to know.  Later, on Sunday, Rusty was pretending to nibble on Ross's toes, something he used to do with the children when they were little.  Ross said, with a grin, "No, are you trying to eat me?"

The last two days, he has been saying "Give me food" a lot.  Last night, he said, " I have two arms, two legs, and food in the middle.'

He had a very good physical therapy session on Monday with a lot of sitting on his knees.  At one point we wanted him to sit up straighter, and I used the analogy that my Pilates teacher uses, "Have a tostada chest."  Ross immediately put his shoulders back, and sat up straighter.

His acupuncture session today was great.  He did a better job of holding still for the needle placement and then allowed the needles to be twisted We gave him bits of banana as a reward, and he said, "I love apple" with great feeling.

I hope all of you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Regular updates will start back tomorrow. Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your prayers for Ross and his loved ones.

November 22, 2005 9:30 PM--Ross's sister Liz and family arrived today while Ross was in the middle of his occupational therapy session. When he spotted everyone, Betsy said it was just wonderful. He was so excited to see the kids and definitely recognized everyone. There will be 29 for dinner on Thanksgiving, with Ariel doing most of the cooking, so the next few days will definitely be busy in the Dillon household! Betsy said Ross continues to do really well with grasping and releasing with his fingers and  using his left arm. It's been slower to come back because of the extensive brain damage on Ross's right side.

The next update will be November 29 or 30th. All of us want to wish you the very best this holiday season. Be safe, and if you're a parent, be sure to hug your kids. Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your healing prayers for Ross and his loved ones.

November 21, 2005 9:10 PM--Ross is still really congested but he's doing well and had an excellent day today. Betsy said he's talking more and they carry on long conversations now. One change Betsy has noticed is that Ross used to say "I am a boy." Then he was saying things like, "I'm a boy. Will I be a man?" Today, he kept repeating, "I am a man." Betsy wonders how much of this is his fragmented memory beginning to come together. He had an excellent physical therapy session and a really busy day, but as Betsy said, it's all good. He continues to show more improvement every day. All of his steps are forward.

November 20, 2005 9:10 PM--Betsy said Ross had a good day but he was really tired. He woke up at 4:30 and really never went back to sleep, so by this evening he was telling everyone to go home and saying words like "tired" and "sleep." Betsy said he was talking a lot today. His pediatrician and wife came by for a visit and Ross seemed to recognize his doctor. They brought pumpkin pie, which went over really well with Ross! Betsy said he definitely seems more interactive and well aware of what's going on around him. He's also lifting his left hand by raising his shoulder. Another thing, when Betsy put him on his stomach in bed, he rolled over to his back--twice. Thank you all so much for you continuing supports and your prayers for Ross and his loved ones.

November 19, 2005 9:20 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross continues to do well. He had an excellent session with Dominic in occupational therapy and another with Ben in physical therapy. Ben wanted Ross to do something with his left arm, which still has some neurologically caused weakness. Ross said, "I have no muscle now." At another time, when Ross was being wheeled out of his bedroom, he said, "Turn off the light in my room." Betsy keeps a notebook of all the things Ross says throughout each day, and his sentences are becoming more complex and more apropos to the situation, although at one point today he said, "Give me my hat."

November 17, 2005 9:15 PM--Betsy said today went pretty well. Ross is doing a bunch of new things and his fine motor skills are definitely doing great. Ross can not only put his thumb and index finger together, he can also pull them apart, opening and closing them at will. This will facilitate his picking things up. I can still see Ross in his wheelchair with that right hand frozen in position up under his chin, and it wasn't all that long ago, so this is obviously a tremendous step forward. At one point, Ross was sitting in his chair, staring at the standing frame. Betsy though he seemed to be looking at the handle. When she asked Ross if that's what he was staring at, he said yes. Betsy moved his chair closer to the frame where Ross could grab the handle and move it back and forth. She said he did that for quite awhile, which is a whole new form of exercise for his occupational therapy skills.

Later the therapist had Ross feeding himself with his left hand. His first inclination was to dip his head down to get to the food, so Betsy put a mirror where he could see himself, and his feeding immediately improved. He also appeared to recognize himself, something he was not able to do before, and then made faces at himself in the mirror.

Ross said "Take me home." Betsy wasn't sure if he meant he wanted to go to bed or if he was confused about where he lives. She got his graduation picture out and showed it to him and Ross said something about it being his brother. When Betsy said it was Ross he seemed to recognize himself. The story behind the photo is a typical Ross tale: He kept putting off getting the picture taken until Betsy threatened to cut off his expense money. She got her picture!

At another time today, Ross said, "I don't want to die again." He's never phrased it like this before and Betsy wonders if he recalls getting hit by the car. He was clinically dead when a passerby--who happened to be a doctor--stopped and administered the first aid that saved Ross's life.

Surviving his injuries that day was only the beginning, but Ross continues to show amazing courage in his long road to recovery. Thank you all so much for your prayers and your continuing support.

November 16, 2005 8:00 PM--Ross is really congested with a bad head cold, but Betsy said he still had a terrific day. Dominc came for physical therapy and Ross did really well in spite of the congestion and a voice that sounds like a foghorn. Dominic wanted Ross to pick up blocks and put them in a container. Ross, perfectly in tune with the stage of development he's in at this point of his recovery, wants to put things in his mouth. He would pick up the block and then put it in his mouth. Dominic asked him to put them in the container. Ross picked up another block and it went into his mouth. Then he looked at Betsy and said, "You're my mother." Betsy said, "Yes, I'm your mother and I want you to pick up those blocks and put them in the container." She said Ross picked up the last four blocks and put them into the container!

It's nice to know that mom's voice still has the power!

Tonight at dinner, they put Ross's fork in his left hand and a spoon in his right. He still needs a little guidance with his left hand, but Ross managed to do really well feeding himself. Thank you all so much for your amazing support. It has made such a tremendous difference in Ross's recovery.

November 15, 2005 9:25 PM--Just a brief note to say that Ross had a really bad cold. Betsy said he's quite congested and really feels awful, though he still had physical therapy today and did quite well. The therapist had him partially reclining and he had to come forward to eat ice cream, which he did beautifully. Betsy said Ross was telling everyone today that he loved them. No matter what he's going through, he still maintains his good nature. Please keep Ross in your prayers as he continues with his long recovery.

November 14, 2005 9:20 PM--The physical therapist worked with Ross this afternoon. She had him standing without the standing frame. Betsy said he stood tall and straight and "it was so beautiful." The PT helped support Ross for balance, but he was standing on his own...and he managed to eat ice cream while he was doing it! They also worked on the exercise ball, with Ross draped over the ball on his stomach and his feet pressing against a wall. He was able to straighten his legs out and put pressure on his feet. Betsy said they're in the process of having a gait trainer shipped to Santa Rosa so Ross can try it out and see what works best. All of this is, of course, a prelude to walking.

November 14, 2005 9:00 AM--I didn't have a chance to call Betsy last night for an update, but she sent me one this morning. Betsy's been down with a bad head cold:

I am feeling better. I still have the cold, but it is better. I think we are staying home today in order to make sure I don't get worse. I wanted to tell you about our Saturday visitors. It was a mother and two of her daughters, a fourteen year old and a one year old baby. Ross loved watching the baby; he watched her and laughed constantly. When he was sitting on the mat with our support, the baby was sitting next to him. He asked her, "Who are you? What is your name"? Before they left he was blowing kisses at all of them and saying "I love you." Ross has always loved children and was looking forward to having his own. Our oldest daughter and her family will be here next week. While her children are not babies, I think Ross will enjoy having his nieces and nephews here.

On Sunday, we had a good day with some new advances in talking, but clearly a lot of comprehension when I talked to him. He really does let us know what he wants and doesn't want.

Betsy

November 12, 2005 9:30 PM--Betsy had a friend visit today who brought her one year old. Ross was fascinated by the baby. He would ask, "Who are you? What's your name?" and really seemed to enjoy watching the activity. I talked to Rusty and he said it was really a good day for Ross. He's alert and involved and doing well.

November 11, 2005 8:00 PM--The Dillons are going to be out this evening so Betsy sent me an update:

Ross is doing extremely well pedaling. He pedaled 90 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes late this afternoon. He also, had an awesome session with Jeannette, the physical therapist. It took 4 of us working with Ross, but he sat on the big exercise ball, bouncing some, eating ice cream, playing with knocking a plastic cone off Ben's head. He then, with help, extended his feet and lay back on the ball, then up, then down again, stretching his lower body. After that he lay prone and propped his head and chest up with his arms. Finally, Jeanette worked with him on getting some good unilateral stretches while on his stomach. It was hard work and he worked hard. He also is showing more mastery with a pen and with manipulating objects with his right hand. More tomorrow.
Betsy

November 10, 2005 8:20 PM--Betsy said Ross was doing pretty well tonight, though he seems tired. He shared a tangerine with his mom and ate his dinner in the standing frame. He also played ball, knocking the ball of the tray on the standing frame and Betsy retrieves it. She said she needs the exercise! Betsy got a sippy cup for Ross and he likes it. She's hoping he'll be able to hold it by himself.

November 9, 2005 8:30 PM--Tonight when I called, Betsy and Rusty were away at a meeting and I spoke with two of Ross's caretakers, Lisa and Ben. I don't talk as much as I should about the wonderful people who care for Ross so much of the time. I think Lisa has been there almost since Ross first came home--I'm not certain how long Ben has been a part of the team, but I've heard Betsy talk about how terrific he is as well. Ross has had an amazing group of people helping him--I know Jeremiah is like a part of the family, a gentle, caring man who is physically strong enough to handle a young man Ross's size, and I'll need to ask Betsy who else is part of the amazing group of folks who are such an important part of Ross's recovery.

Ben gave me tonight's update and said that Ross has been active and talking. Ben had on his earphones and Ross said, "Let me listen." His comments are becoming more and more appropriate to the situation, though Ben said Ross was still telling everyone to go home! He was also moving his shoulders, shrugging first one, then the other, mimicking Lisa.

Thank you all so much for your healing prayers and good wishes for Ross's recovery. Your support is every bit as important as the work done by the people who interact directly with Ross.

November 9, 2005 2:20 PM--I just got a note from Betsy so will update early today. We've been missing connections the past couple days and I've been away a lot, so I'm glad she was able to send me an update:

Sorry to be tardy with the update.  The last two days were packed with appointments and things to do.  I was set to e-mail last night before going out, but I had competition for the computer. On Monday we saw the neurosurgeon.  The size of the ventricles in Ross's brain have not changed and it is too risky to further reduce the shunt pressure setting.  However, the doctor continues to be impressed with Ross's progress. This was yet another occasion when we realize that story of Ross's progress is not in the CT scans.  They are  a record of the catastrophic injuries that Ross is overcoming.

As we were getting into the car, his physiatrist from Kentfield walked by. She has not seen Ross for two years and I think I can safely say she was amazed.  One of the things she said was, "He looks so different."  He was not the limp hyper spastic rag doll whose head was always falling forward that she had known. Ross has been pretty tired and quiet for the last few days, but after we came home I was singing "One, two buckle my shoe" to him and clapping. I wanted him to sing with me, but instead he said "clap".  Pretty awesome. Yesterday, before we went to acupuncture, I reminded him that we were going to acupuncture and he needed to hold still for the acupuncturist to put in the  needles.  Each time I said that, Ross nodded yes.  When we were at the acupuncturist's office, Ross really worked at being more still and it was obvious.  It was also helped by our giving him rewarding bites of banana after each needle was placed.

November 6, 2005 9:30 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross has been really subdued for the past few days. Rusty has noticed it as well and said it's almost as if he's sedated. He's still very congested. Ross slept until 10:30 this morning and didn't say much all day, though Betsy said he did say, "I love my parents." Later he asked for something to eat, and Betsy told him he'd have to wait another hour. She said, "We don't want you to get big, fat and wide," and Ross replied with "Five million and trillion and stop." Betsy said she came back with a silly answer and they just talked nonsense for awhile, but both of them were laughing.

November 5, 2005 8:00 PM--Received an email from Betsy:

Last night's fundraiser was a great fun and we saw old friends we hadn't seen for a while. Our thanks to the the four ladies who put it together and to everyone who helped make it happen. We were especially thankful for the words of support and encouragement we received from people at the benefit.

Ross is okay today. He is much more subdued, very congested and probably like all of us needs a good restful weekend. We so often forget how tiring everything can be for a recovering brain injury patient. He is continuing to progress with more flexibility in his hands and moving objects like puzzle pieces with his hands, putting discs into a slot and picking up small objects with tongs and putting them into a container.

Yesterday he stood with the physical therapist and three others helping to support him. It was hard work, but he stood taller and straighter and his feet were in a better position than ever before.

November 3, 2005 8:30 PM--Just a quick reminder that tomorrow night is the dinner dance presented by the Faith Christian Academy Alumni. For details follow the link in the yellow box. I talked to Betsy a few minutes ago and caught her in the middle of a "mom lecture" to Ross, who is becoming quite conversant in the word "no." I think she was reminding him there are times you can be agreeable, too. Betsy said Rusty and Jeremiah were working with Ross on using his feet to move his wheelchair forward. He's pretty good at going backward. Ross continues to show progress, far beyond what was ever expected. It's always fun to call Betsy and find out what new skills Ross is mastering. Thank you all for your continuing support and your wonderful healing thoughts and prayers.

November 2, 2005 9:30 PM--When I asked Betsy how Ross's day was, she said he was grumpy today. I had to laugh because I was too...must be the way the stars are aligned, right? Ross has a lot of congestion and Betsy said she wondered if the coughing could be the result of scar tissue from the trach that was in place for so long. This evening around six Ross had a petit mal seizure, but he didn't seem to suffer any ill effects afterwards. When I was talking to Betsy, she said Ross was in the other room talking to his caregiver Lisa.

November 1, 2005 9:00 PM--Ross was tired this morning, but he saw Dr. Kurn and the neurologist was really impressed with Ross's advances. Betsy took Ross out for lunch after his visit and he had a chicken enchilada he thoroughly enjoyed.Tonight Ariel made him curry but it was a little too spicy for Ross...he actually said, "That's too spicy." Betsy said she fixed him some soup instead. Later when Betsy was using the sling to move Ross into his bed, he said, "For the love of heaven!" He's definitely getting more talkative! He also said, "I'm in my parents' home, I love my parents, and I love you," to Betsy.

I had sent a picture of our daughter in law to Betsy--Melanie is about five months pregnant and definitely showing. Betsy printed the picture and put it up for Ross. He looked at it and said, "Oh no!" Betsy explained that Jon and Melanie were married now, and expecting a baby. She said once she told Ross that, he smiled. The neat thing is that he obviously recognized Mel...for the longest time, it's been as if he didn't remember a lot of people from before the time when he was injured.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and your support for Ross and his loved ones.

October 31, 2005 10:00 PM--Today was really special. Betsy was taking Ross from the chiropractor to the speech therapist and Ross was giving directions! Not only that but he was right! He told Betsy where to turn, when to go right, when to go left...and he knew the way there. It was really neat. Ross's improvements come in bits and pieces, but then a day like today comes along and it all seems to be so special. Thank you all for your prayers and healing thoughts and your amazing support through Ross's long recovery.

October 30, 2005 8:35 PM--Hope I get this right! It's only 8:30 my time, but with Daylight Savings officially over, I think it's much later! Ross had a good day and did really well. Betsy said he's becoming more independent when he eats, digging around for things he likes and feeding himself with a lot more ease.  Betsy also said she put up some pictures today that had been stored away, things Ross really likes. She felt that a lot of them really jogged Ross's memory. Thank you all again for your support and your healing prayers. Ross is doing amazingly well, and your support is a large part of that.

October 29, 2005 9:25 PM--Ross had a really good day. Betsy said he's "really right there." She said they're always having to get Ross up in the morning before he's ready, and today was no exception. They had him up and eating breakfast by nine. Jeremiah was working with him and explained to Ross that they had to get things done before Dominic came at ten for therapy. Ross's response was a heartfelt, "Oh, no!" Betsy said it was totally apropos, and a reminder that Ross really didn't want to be working by ten a.m. on a Saturday morning.

He had a great session with the physical therapist later in the afternoon. She had him up on the exercise ball on his stomach, moving his arms and legs as if crawling. Betsy said Ross slept well last night and had a great session in the standing frame. All in all, it was a good, productive day.

Thank you all so much for your unwavering support and your prayers for Ross and his loved ones.

October 27, 2005 9:50 PM--Betsy was away most of the day today, attending a meeting on the new drug plan for Medicare. She said as far as she can tell, it's absolutely awful and a classic example of what happens when government gets involved. From what she gathered after today's meeting, it's terribly unwieldy and difficult to negotiate. There were representatives from social security, medicare, a watch-dog committee and others who discussed the way the program is supposed to work. Ross will have to make copayments as well as pay premiums for his prescription drugs. He'll be assigned to a plan, but with no assurance that the particular plan he is in will provide the medications he's supposed to take. It's one thing for someone like Ross who has a wonderful support group to deal with the paperwork and red tape, but both Betsy and I were asking one another about the person with a brain injury who is trying to make it on his or her own--who advocates for them?

Betsy didn't get home until about five and she said Ross was batting at balloons and telling them to go home. When he saw Betsy, he immediately said he wanted food, but it was too early for dinner. Betsy said she told him he'd have to wait until dinner, and he said, "I need food. More food. Come back. I'm dying here!" It looks like the melodrama is returning! Betsy said Ross used to sing words and make up silly songs for things before his accident, and he's beginning to do that again. He's also drawing. Today Jeremiah was telling him where to move his pen, and he was following instructions.

October 26, 2005 9:30 PM--Just got a brief note from Betsy:
After being quiet and tired yesterday, Ross was more alert, more talkative, funnier and affectionate today. He watched about half an hour of the world series tonight and appeared to be interested the whole time. When Lisa arrived with her little dog to take care of him tonight, he and the dog were alone in Ross's room and I heard him tell her repeatedly, "Go home".

October 25, 2005 10:30 PM--Betsy said Ross had a good day, but different. He slept for most of it! Took a few naps, even fell asleep in his chair around ten this morning. He did say some new things. When Betsy and Jeremiah were trying to get him to play ball, he said, "I quit. I don't want to play." When Ross was in his bed sleeping, he seemed really relaxed, stretching and twisting his body comfortably. At one point, he slid down in his bed more than he wanted and said, "Pull me up." When Betsy was telling me about their day, it made me think of when our son was small and would sleep most of the day and all night just before a growing spurt. It made me wonder if Ross might be doing some new healing that's wearing him out?

Betsy has taken some pictures and has promised to send them to me, so hopefully I'll get some new shots of Ross up in the next few days. Thank you all so much for your amazing support.

October 24, 2005 9:10 PM--Had just a brief chat with Betsy tonight. Ross is doing well. She said the best way to describe him is that he's moving closer all the time to "normalcy." He's more connected, more interactive. Smiles a lot--today he was in the van looking at Betsy in the rear view mirror and when she caught his eye he said, "I love you." At one point when they were at home, Jeremiah had gone to do errands and left some classical music on fairly loud. After awhile, Betsy turned it down and Ross said, "Thank you." Nothing big or dramatic happened, but Betsy said it was just a nice, "normal" day. I know that it's been a long time since they've really experienced anything remotely close to normal, so a day like today must be very precious.

October 23, 2005 8:20 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said things are going well and today was an especially nice day. Ross spent a lot of the day in his recliner and they all just sort of hung out together. Betsy said she'd sit next to him to talk, and a couple of times Ross turned to her and said, "Go home." He's changed his "give me food" request and now says, "I am so hungry. Don't try to make me dead." He's obviously improving if he's perfecting the guilt trip! Later, Betsy said Ross asked her, "Are you my mother?" When she said yes, he replied, "I am a kid." They watched the World Series and she said Ross would occasionally smile at things that happened in the game. He's very attentive now when he watches television. They even watched an old Alfred Hitchcock movie.

Betsy said they found a representative for the company that carries the type of "gait trainer" they're interested in for Ross. This is a device that helps wheelchair bound patients strengthen their legs for walking. The dealer is in Santa Rosa and will be bringing a couple of different models up for the Dillons to look at. They're very expensive at $3500, but if the device works, it should help Ross move toward taking his first steps since he was injured.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support for Ross and his loved ones. He has come such a long way since that terrible day on June 3, 2002. It's not been a journey any person can take alone, and you've all been a tremendous source of strength.

October 21, 2005--Will share a brief note from Betsy:
Ross is sleeping well again and is sleepy in the morning. His sentences are a little more complex, as in "Come back, and bring food." His strength is very good and he is almost rolling from stomach to back. I think he is a little down these days, but he reaches out to hug me and give me kisses. He is also asking specifically for water now, instead of a generalized "Give me food."

October 20, 2005 8:50 PM--Ross is doing fine today, though his blood pressure was a bit elevated this morning and Betsy said he may have had a very minor petit mal seizure this evening. Nothing came of it, though, and he went on to do a good forty minute workout on the mat. He's doing a lot more talking, more complex sentences. Tonight he asked Jeremiah for some food and Jeremiah told him later, when they weren't busy. Ross replied, "I don't want to hear that."

Working on the mat, Ross is able to kneel while supported by foam wedges, then uses his arms to pull up and arch his back. He's definitely getting stronger. Betsy said they're looking at "gait trainers," to help him with is walking. I find that amazing, to realize they're working on helping Ross to walk when it wasn't all that long ago he couldn't even stand.

Thank you all so very much for your prayers and your amazing support. This journey can't be completed alone.

October 19, 2005 8:40 PM--Betsy said Ross appears more subdued lately and is not talking quite as much, though he's definitely aware and very affectionate and smiling. She attributes the lack of conversation to the fact he appears to be moving into more complex speech--getting away from the simple declarations and using bigger and more advanced language. For instance, today Betsy was trying to get Ross to let her irrigate his sinuses to clear some of the congestion. She offered him a choice of the "store" variety of solution or the homemade. Ross's reply? "Neither." Just a few days ago he might just have said no. He's having some trouble enunciating the more complex words, much like a child learning to talk, though he does still say a lot of the "clear" words. "That hurts" is obviously a favorite, and he says it a lot, even when someone barely touches him. It's almost as if it's become a game with him.

When I talk to Betsy, I often find myself thinking in terms of the new ground she and Rusty and Ross's caretakers and therapists are breaking. So much of what Ross is learning to do was never even considered by his doctors, who essentially felt he should be warehoused in a nursing home, just one more patient in a semi-vegetative state. If you ever have doubt the miracle of prayer or the importance of faith, watching Ross's slow but steady steps towards recovery are about as tangible a proof as you'll ever see.

Thank you all so much for your continuing support as well as for your prayers for Ross and his loved ones.

October 18, 2005--Note from Betsy:

Ross had a quiet day.  We had to wake him for physical therapy.  Both he and I  are very congested again--maybe the wind has stirred up hay fever triggers.  His drawing has taken a step forward.  He has been drawing lovely squares and circles.  He drew something with sweeping swirls that looked a little like abstract people on Tuesday.

He has seemed subdued still.  Last night, after dinner, we sat in front of the wood stove with our feet on the hearth and I talked to him about the farm where he grew up.  He smiled at one point, and began to look much happier.  Word retrieval is the next hurdle. This will mean more conversation about thoughts and feelings.
Betsy

October 17, 2005 10:00 PM--I talked to Betsy a bit ago and she said Ross is doing well. His physical therapist referred to this time as a window of opportunity when Ross is progressing rapidly and he said they need to take advantage of Ross's eagerness to improve his skills and coordination. Ross was able to pick up a small pill today and hand it to Jeremiah, something he would have been incapable of just a short time ago. His speech therapist said Ross is clearing his mouth better and working the left side much better. Today Ross even reached out with his left hand to touch a small music box that Betsy set up, one he had liked when he was small. Betsy said he's also becoming very fastidious--today when he was eating and a small piece of food fell off the plate and landed on his tray, he flipped it off onto the floor!

October 17, 2005 7:00 AM--This note arrived from Betsy last night after I'd already gone to bed:
How can the last few days have passed so quickly? Ross is definitely feeling better. His smiles and laughter were missing for a couple of days, but tonight I was able to see a big lopsided smile and laughter. He was saying, "you ...you", which often means "I love you." Then he said something I couldn't understand and laughed. He ate a complicated dinner in terms of chewing and clearing his mouth. This is something I usually don't do for dinner, but he handled it well. He really wants to feed himself now and he does a pretty good job. We have some food fall off his spoon, but we usually hang a clean towel around his neck (I sometimes remind him of the napkins when eating seafood in Boston) and spread the towel out. So when food falls off his spoon, It falls on the towel and I put it back in his bowl. He also is back to drinking both his tomato juice and his water really well. Last night, Ben gave him water and Ross choked on it. He coughed for quite a while and when it was over, Ross said, "That feels terrible."

Also, he is asking for food less now. Often he asks immediately after having eaten a big meal. I now say, "Ross, you just ate. You forgot. Your mind is trying to fool you." I am indebted to Roger, a dear man who has befriended us for this insight.

The other wonderful thing is that twice today he has raised his left foot to help us in putting on his shoe. This is an awesome advance. Onward and upward. Thank you for all your support.
Betsy

October 12, 2005 10:30 PM--Betsy said today went well. They took the acupuncture needles out of Ross tonight and he seemed more interested than upset by the process. Betsy said he's not talking much, but continues to be more "present," and aware of his surroundings. There were also a couple of firsts today: Ross asked Lisa (caretaker) her name and then, without prompting, said his name was Ross Dillon. In the past, someone has had to ask him or prompt him to say his own name. He's also lifting his left foot and moving it more. Twice today he lifted it and rested it on a footstool next to his right foot. In the past, he's used his right foot to help lift his left, but Betsy said he's doing it by just lifting his left. He's also moving the index finger on his left hand.
 
Ross's continuing recovery moves forward every day, a little bit at a time. When you consider the extent of his injuries, the progress he has made so far is absolutely amazing. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers for Ross's recovery and for your terrific support.

October 11, 2005 9:40 PM--Ross is feeling better, though he's not as talkative. However, Betsy said he's much more present. He had his first appointment with a new acupuncturist today, one trained in a "neuro-scalp" technique where the needles are placed in the midline of the head and left in. So, Ross came home with the needles still implanted. Betsy said he'd reached up to touch them, but hadn't tried pulling them out--yet! His control of his hands is improving so much, however, that may not be far off! Betsy said his ability to open his hands has dramatically improved. Betsy said they've also talked with a neuropsychologist about working with Ross on some of the things that could become a concern later on--for instance, his constant demand for more food. That could be a real problem down the line, but this physician works with behavior and stopping bad habits before they become seriously ingrained.

I'll update Wednesday night, but will be out of town without access to a computer until late Sunday. If I get in early enough, I'll update Sunday, but it might not go up until Monday.

Thank you all for your healing thoughts, your prayers and your wonderful support of Ross and his family.

October 10, 2005--Got a short note from Betsy:
I am feeling better.  Ross slept until 11 AM this morning and was tired all day.  He has still been congested and wanting to go back to bed.  I think he is definitely on the mend.  I canceled today's appointments but he has two tomorrow.
Betsy

October 9, 2005 8:35 PM-I just talked to Betsy and she's still not feeling 100%, but not as bad...and Ross is just about the same. Betsy said she touched his stomach and asked if he still felt yucky there, and Ross said, "Yeah." He hardly slept at all last night and has been talking to himself a lot today, playing with words, adding conjunctions. Betsy said he doesn't seem to have any lasting effects from the seizure, other than maybe moving on to a new level of improvement. She said he's not talking constantly as he was, but what he says is much more relevant to the situation. Thank you all so much for your continuing support, your healing thoughts and prayers for Ross. You mean so much to his continuing recovery.

October 8, 2005 8:50 PM--Betsy's still a little under the weather with the same bug that Ross had, but he's beginning to feel better. The big thing, Betsy said, is that Ross seems really happy. He's laughing  and smiling all the time and is definitely more aware. Today Ariel showed Ross a card she'd gotten for friends of Ross's who are getting married. Betsy got out a photo of Adam, Ross's friend, and she said Ross recognized him. He kept touching the photo and definitely appeared to know who Adam was.

October 7, 2005 8:45 PM--I just talked to Betsy and Ross is doing much better tonight. He was able to get his cat scan done today, though there was some sort of problem with the computer and it took much longer than usual. He was on the table for at least half an hour, but Betsy said he handled it well. Tonight he's still tired, but a lot of fun. Betsy said his sense of humor is definitely there. He's also been talking a lot, but quietly and to himself. All in all, he's doing much better. Thank you all so much for your healing prayers and your amazing support for Ross and his loved ones.

October 7, 2005 10:35 AM--A quick update from Betsy:
Ross's vital signs are much better. His pulse down to around 80 and his temperature close to normal. He refused to have his yogurt at 5 AM. We are trying to get an order for a CT scan in Santa Rosa. The appointment in Marin is a follow-up on the shunt pressure adjustment done about a month ago. The trip to Marin is much longer than to Memorial. I have a call into the on call doctor.
Betsy

October 6, 2005 11:00 PM--Had a brief note from Rusty to say that Ross is feeling better.


Ross appears to be on the other side of this one. Had a good check in with Dr Kern. He thinks it may be the virus that Betsy also has. Ross is now resting well, heart rate and fever going back to normal. And Thank God we have Liza on the job tonight. So we've got a great Doc and nurse on the job. Blessings in the midst of storms. If Ross is doing ok tomorrow AM, we're taking him down to Marin General for his scheduled CT and xray, as per Dr Kern's suggestion.
Rusty

October 6, 2005 8:45 PM--I just called Betsy, expecting positive news this evening but it's not good. Ross had just had a six minute seizure, his pulse is around 150 now and he's running a 102 degree temperature. The neurologist told Betsy that a viral infection can cause seizures, so they're hoping that's all it is, but your prayers for Ross's health would be much appreciated. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much the family and Ross depend on your unfailing support, healing thoughts and prayers for Ross's recovery.

October 6, 2005 5:15 PM--I just got in and have a note from Betsy for yesterday's update. I'll be sure and call her in a bit to make sure Ross is doing okay:

Ross had a good day yesterday. He had two very good sit/stand-standing with the therapist holding him with the gait belt. His left foot and leg still need to become stronger, but he has made considerable progress. His work on the mat is increasingly good and he is doing more of the work to feed himself with a fork in his left hand. His ability to scoop his food from the bowl with his right hand is very good.

Today, however, he is sick. His heart started pounding while Ariel was feeding him his breakfast. His vital signs were high, and his temperature is now a little over a hundred. I think he has an intestinal virus. He is sleeping a lot today with bed rest, and definitely very quiet. I doubt that it is serious, but it is so unusual for him to be sick that I am sticking close to him today.
Betsy

Please keep Ross in your thoughts and prayers that he starts feeling better soon. I'll update again this evening.

October 3, 2005 8:00 PM--A note from Betsy to update Ross's day:

Ross has been awake since 2 A.M. this morning,  He talked a lot through the night.  He has not smiled or talked as much today except to say "Go Home" and "Give me food."  However, when we were waiting for the chiropractor, I was playing the five little piggies on his fingers and I received a big grin and chuckle from him.  As the chiropractor was adjusting him with his activator, Ross was saying, "It hurts."  But when I started Playing with him by touching him in different places, and asking if it hurt,  he started to laugh.  He is making progress in drawing lines both vertical and horizontal on paper. I could tell he was tired as the day went by, but he did not sleep.  I hope tonight brings restful sleep the whole night.
Betsy

October 2, 2005--Got a note from Betsy Monday morning for Sunday's update. I'm trying to meet a work deadline and apologize for the recent inconsistency in updating the site.

Ross was not as noisy yesterday and not as verbal, but he was jovial and full of fun. When Rusty was touching him , he started yelling "Stop, that hurts." Rusty said, "Ross, that doesn't hurt." Ross then laughed. Ross and I watched our usual Hallmark Channel mysteries, and Ross was sweet and smiling during the whole time. Afterward, he said, "I like watching television." He also said frequently, I don't want to die. I want to live." He said it three or four times during the day. At dinner, I gave him a grilled chicken breast, and pulled the chicken off the bone. Even though chicken is hard to chew, he ate the whole thing along with the vegetables and actually objected when I offered to grind it up to make it easier to eat. Betsy

October 1, 2005 10:00 PM--When I talk to Betsy, I get the feeling it's often the small things that show the greatest gains. Ross's hands, always so tightly clenched, are relaxing by the day. He's moving his left hand more, which is such a good thing. Because of the nature of Ross's injuries he has what is called a "left side neglect." The massive hematoma was on the right side of Ross's brain and that affects movement on his left side. However, he is beginning to move his left hand more than ever.

Ross is also showing more cognitive ability. Tonight he asked his age, and his physical therapist Ben said, "29." Ross asked Ben how old he was, and Ben answered, "Four years younger. " Ross immediately answered, "25."

Definitely a good day.

September 30, 2005 9:30 PM--In spite of not sleeping well last night, Ross had a fairly good day. Betsy said he was tired and not as successful with his physical therapy as he usually is, but he did manage to follow instructions, including lying on his back and raising his bottom up to form a bridge. Betsy said he was able to get a few inches off the ground.

Yesterday Ross was practicing "sit/stands" from the kitchen chair. The therapist, using "body mechanics," not actually lifting Ross, helps him into a standing position. He was able to do it once, but then had trouble. Part of the problem is the ability to bear weight on his lower legs, but Betsy said he was also having trouble grasping the mechanics. Betsy had the therapist help her into a standing position while Ross watched. After that he did much better. He's also been doing more "writing," which consists mostly of holding his pen and practicing circles and lines to help his coordination.

Thank you all for your prayers and your amazing support. Ross's journey has been such an inspiration, but so are all of you who have helped him come so far.

September 28, 2005 8:15 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross is doing so well it's really wonderful. He's working harder than ever on the mat exercises and even asking that things be increased. Betsy said he's calmer, laughing and smiling a lot and even joking. He's been really congested and Betsy said today when they were trying to clean his nose, he yelled, "Don't, that hurts," really loud. Then he laughed and said very quietly, "It doesn't hurt."

Since he's been demanding food so much, Betsy has been discussing weight issues with him, reminding Ross that he likes to be thin and that if he eats too much he'll put on a lot of weight. It's not uncommon for brain injured patients with short term memory loss to forget when they last ate, and then think they need to eat again. One of Ross's doctors said the concept might be too hard for Ross to understand right now without pictures of people who are thin and those who are overweight to help him understand, but Betsy doubts that. Tonight when Betsy reminded Ross (without pictures) that if he eats too much, he'll gain weight, he said, "I want food. I don't want to get thin." Obviously, he understands the concept...he just doesn't agree with it right now!

It's so exciting to see him doing so well. Your healing thoughts and prayers and your amazing support has been such help to Ross and his family. Thank you all so much.

September 27, 2005 8:45 PM--Just got a note from Betsy:

Ross is less noisy this week and he also seems a little calmer. Because he was asking for food so much, and that could be because his brain doesn't signal when he is full, or he forgets that he just ate, I have been cooking more vegetables for him and he is saying "now "when he is finished eating. Although he may say, "I need food" five minutes later. He let the chiropractor give him an adjustment without twisting around on Monday. We took a lot of food to the the speech therapist's office afterward, and Ross ate and ate before he was full and again we noticed that, in contrast to when we first arrived, he became much calmer. Yesterday, he asked what his name is several times and continued to say, "I don't want to die."

Today when Jeremiah had Ross on the mat and was trying to get Ross to roll to his stomach, Ross didn't want to. Later, when we put him in the prone position on the wedges, he really liked it and we had to ask him a number of times if he wanted to roll over before he said, "Back." When on the wedge, and even when he was lying next to it, he worked at lifting his head and switching his upper torso from one side to the other. Also, in Physical therapy at 9:00 AM, he sat in a kitchen chair to eat his breakfast and brought his torso forward to eat.

He is now able to write an uppercase R by himself, and does a nice job with writing "o" and "s" to write his name. He also is now marking back and forth horizontally, up and down vertically and circles as the neuro optometrist instructed.

We are now entering into that phase when bad habits can develop out of the confusion and sometimes combativeness that go with this stage of recovery. I ask that people pray for wisdom for us as we enter into this new and exciting stage with Ross.
     Betsy

September 25, 2005 8:50 PM--Betsy said Ross had a good day. One thing she mentioned is that Ross, at this point, probably isn't fully aware of all the deficits in his abilities, which is probably a good thing. Still, he continues to improve, talks a lot and continues to progress and remain active and involved in the goings on around him. The experts who treat him now are amazed by his progress, though at times it's frustratingly slow. He still says many familiar phrases: What's my name? I want to go home, I love you. Betsy asked today if he remembered home as Boston, and Ross said yes.     

September 24, 2005 9:00 PM--I just talked to Betsy. Ross did really well today. She said they've been having trouble getting him interested in exercise at ten when Dominic, the physical therapist arrives. This morning, though, they decided to start Ross out on the mat, using the wedges to support him in various positions and it worked really well. Part of his exercises included getting Ross to use his left hand to hit the balloons. He always prefers his right, but today Betsy held his right arm, forcing him to use his left. He kept trying to use his right, in spite of Betsy's hold on him, so she got a large piece of foam rubber and held it over his arm so he not only couldn't use it, he couldn't see it, either. She said that after awhile he was using his left hand exclusively to hit the balloons, and doing really great. They also had him do a series of exercises where he worked his right arm above his head and to the outside, movements that used to be quite difficult for him. Today he was doing just fine.

Ross continues to improve, though his daily therapy and constant work is truly exhausting for his family and therapists as well as for Ross. Thank you all so much for your continuing support, your prayers and well wishes for Ross's recovery.

September 24, 2005 5:00 PM--Betsy just emailed an update, and I'll be calling her later for more:
Hi Kate,
Sorry to not get back sooner. On Friday, Ross did really well. We just bought a set of wedges to use on the floor to position Ross when he is on the floor for PT. We used them for the first time and were able to have him on his stomach, in a position that duplicates lying prone on a big ball but is much safer. He put his weight on his arms, and arched his back and lifted his head. This worked his abs, strengthened trunk control, and facilitated stretches that are to "do to him". We also put him in a reclining position on his back, both for eating some ice cream and also for reaching above him to hit balloons. We were really excited to see how well he did. As always, he worked harder when we brought out the timer. More later about Saturday.
Betsy

September 22, 2005 8:55 PM--I called Betsy tonight since we hadn't talked in a couple days...she said Ross is doing really well.  He had physical therapy today and is continuing to put weight on his feet during standing transfer practice. That's something he couldn't do at all just a short time ago. He seems to enjoy whapping the two balloons and telling them, "Go home, the two of you!'  He's also been picking up things, using his thumb and fingers, which shows a huge improvement in small motor control. Betsy said she noticed at one point when he was just sitting and resting in his chair, his right hand was relaxed, the thumb and fingers open, rather than tightly clenched the way he has been in the past. He's definitely continuing to show amazing improvement. Thank you all so much for your support!

September 22, 2005 1:25 PM--Received a note from Betsy:
Ross continues to amaze us all. He is communicating and doing a lot of it by yelling--I think he loves hearing his own voice. Lat night he was talking about his ears. Clearly, we need to provide more time in our busy schedule to strengthen his ability to get the precise words that he needs out of the memory bank so he can use it in communication. Last night, as he was yelling, Lisa heard him from outside when she came to work, I was remembering that just a few months ago we were praying that he would master blowing and getting air over the vocal cords. Thanks to everyone for your support. I can't imagine doing this all on our own.
     Betsy

September 20, 2005 8:45 PM--Just a brief update tonight. I just talked to Betsy and the big news is that Ross actually sat in a kitchen chair and had dinner at the table, rather than in his wheelchair. He's doing really well with a spoon and fork now. When I asked Betsy if Ross seemed excited about doing something new, she said not really, but that each time he achieves a new skill, he wants to do more, and he really focuses on improving.

He also had acupuncture this morning and didn't try and knock any of the needles out. Betsy said he doesn't like it, but this time he just sat back and relaxed. Another milestone!

September 19, 2005 8:55 PM--Sorry I missed yesterday, but I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross was doing awesome. He's beginning to make "links" when he talks, speaking in sentences that are connected with "...and then," and using tenses correctly. One thing he's been saying is "I got lost." He also plays a game with a couple of balloons that Jeremiah ties to his wheelchair for Ross to hit. He talks to them and says things like, "Go home, both of you," as he hits them and blows them out of his way. Betsy said he's laughing when he's doing this, as if it's a terrific joke. Sometimes he yells when he talks as if he just enjoys the sound of his voice.

He's gone from holding a fork or spoon in his fist to using the more acceptable "tripod" grasp and is doing really well. Betsy said his progress is absolutely amazing lately as he relearns more and more skills.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and your continuing support. This has been a most amazing journey, but Ross still has a long way to go.

September 17, 2005 9:00 PM--Tonight's note from Rusty:
Hiya Kate
Big OT (occupational therapy) day for Ross as his OT Dominic emphasized the need to require him to do as much as he possibly can himself. So every meal is a challenge to use both of his hands and arms. Lots of waiting for us and being frustrated for Ross...but after awhile he breaks through and tries something new. Now he yells "Go Home" at us and we love it saying "but we are home"

This morning he told Ben and I he did Not want to marry us. Good taste. He also said a number of times "I got lost". Yeah you might say he did.
Blessings
Rusty

September 16, 2005 8:35 PM--Another upbeat note from Rusty:
Dear Kate

Well, Ross works for more than beer. He works for pretty women also! He had his second session with his newest PT, Jeanette, today and he really put himself out for her. Meanwhile he proposed marriage and all the attendant benefits (babies, etc.). She's very good and doesn't mind blushing.

We were concerned that with our lead PT being too busy elsewhere that Ross was going to be missing out. Ross certainly doesn't think he's missing out now.He had a nice nap in his recliner, and now is swatting balloons after dinner in the standing frame.

Life can be good even in the strangest circumstances.

Thanks for being there.
     Rusty

Thanks to all of you for being there for Ross and his family. The news lately has been so terrific and it's really wonderful to be able to share it with all of you who have hung in there with your prayers, your healing thoughts and your amazing support. Thank you.

September 15, 2005 10:00 PM--Thanks much to Rusty for sending me updates--I'm working long hours this week and his notes are always fun, especially since the news lately is so terrific!

Hi Kate
Ross and Jeremiah are rocking! He put Ross through ALL of his physical and occupational therapy routines including the standing frame. Ross really likes the challenge, and then bellows for "more foooood!" Seems like any other crazy athlete. All of his caregivers and therapists are really jazzed. We are too,,,and also really pooped. Thank you so much.
Sweet dreams
Rusty

September 14, 2005 9:45 PM--Just got a note from Rusty:
Hiya Kate
It's 9:30pm again!
Ross had another hard working day with Jeremiah today. In his being so much more present we see lots of old Ross attitude, ie being ready to go with what's happening OR nope, leave me alone, GO HOME. Our dog is making it her life purpose to get him to throw a stick or ball for her, and I think she's winning the power struggle. Ross' hands also seem to be loosening up some and his grasp ability is more definite.
We keep trucking.
Sweet dreams
Rusty

September 13, 2005 9:35 PM--Just got a note from Rusty:
Yo Kate
Another "keep at it day" for Ross and the rest of us. His times of seeming out of it and confused are almost nonexistant now. He's always commenting on what's happening with sounds, gestures, words, sentences. More and more we're able to understand what he needs...which is a HUGE blessing. Today the big challenge was to try to throw the stick for our retriever Josey. This one is very hard as it means grasping, swinging his arm, and releasing the stick. He's just beginning on it and Josey is constantly putting the stick in his lap. I know they'll work it out somehow and then it'll be a perpetual motion machine of the finest kind.
God bless and sweet dreams.
Rusty

September 12, 2005 9:50 PM--A brief note from Rusty:
Just got home from work.
Ross and Jeremiah had a good day doing all the good stuff. J is amazing: steady, innovative, infintively patient. Ross is very comfortable being with him. We are so grateful.Tonight at bedtime Ross is bright and attentive...in a good place.
Sweet dreams to all.
Rusty

September 11, 2005 8:30 PM--It's Ross's dad, Rusty's turn, for updates. I'm on a really tight deadline this next week and will be relying on notes from Rusty or Betsy until I get my work finished:
Hiya Kate

This was a take it easy day for Ross. Sleeping in late, enjoying the breakfast his sister Ariel made for him, watching TV, and eating as much as we're willing to shovel in. He loves to fool around with saying "go home", switching between being serious and cracking up laughing. We are still constantly reassuring him that he is NOT going to die but thrive! Today he is bright and attentive.

I remember so well his calling me from Boston on a previous 11 Sept, early in the morning here waking me up to turn on the TV just in time to see the second plane strike. He had been talking to another bond trader on the phone who was in the Tower...that was how he found out it was happening. I don't think his associate survived. And Katie his fiance was supposed to fly out on that very same flight in the next day or so. When I ask him now if he remembers, he nods yes over and over. Now we're a lot of miles down the road.

Thank you so much for keeping us going.
     Rusty

September 10, 2005--an update from Betsy:
Saturday night

Ross did not say as much today that was articulate. But he was saying things that I couldn't quite understand. I did hear, "I think I am in my parent's ..." He also said, "I am a man" and emphatically again, "I do not want to die." Rusty and I wonder if he remembers hearing people say that he would probably die or even worse. I remember reading the account of someone who recovered who said that the memory of hearing that she should die (because of how injured she was) made it hard when she "woke up" to accept that it was okay for her to live. We don't know what the context of Ross's statement, but I am so grateful that we can reassure him that he is strong and healthy and that he will live.

Ross has been more tired in the morning for the last week or ten days. Occupational therapy was initially hard for him this morning. In addition, he was probably sore because we had worked muscles the day before that he had not been using. It reminded me of being at a bike race, telling Ross, "You can do it." "Remember, if you are going to drive again, you need two hands to work." He is beginning to be able to pick up objects with us helping him to open up the right hand. We straighten out his thumb, which allows the fingers to relax, and then guide his hand into place over the object and he can then pick it up. He also is now moving his left arm and hand volitionally. This improvement has occurred in just the last three months. His right arm is a powerhouse and his hand /eye coordination with his new glasses is very good. He has to now learn to not use his whole body and right shoulder to do all the work, but disassociate the joints of the right arm.

He started work with a new PT who is good at breaking every action into steps, and we were able to get Ross on the mat for stretching, on his hands and knees, on the gym ball and afterward into his chair, without having to take risks with our own backs. She talked us through it and, more importantly, she talked Ross through the steps and he followed them. The smile on his face and the obvious sense of accomplishment afterward when we were congratulating him was wonderful to behold.
     Betsy

September 9, 2005 9:20 PM--They celebrated Ross's birthday today, and Ariel made peach cobbler with ice cream and stuck a candle on top for Ross. He immediately blew it out. It wasn't all that long ago they were hoping Ross would learn to blow air out as a precursor to speech...how far he has come in such a brief time!  Betsy said Jeremiah brought two cartons of ice cream and a nice card, and Ross was really excited with his gifts. He also spent a lot of time looking at a photo of himself, his college friend Shannon and one other person. Betsy said he pointed to Shannon, something he's never done before with a photo. As Betsy said, "He's more and more with us. Tonight he watched a baseball game on TV." He's actually watching and paying attention now.

Dr. Kurn called and reported on Ross's bloodwork. Everything is perfect and his sodium levels are just fine, which is great news. He's doing better every day and proving so many people wrong. That's a really GOOD thing! Thank you so much for your prayers, your friendship and your amazing support.

September 8, 2005 10:00 PM--Just a brief note to say that Ross had a really good day today. Betsy said he was talking a lot. At one point he asked Jeremiah who he was and if Jeremiah was Ross's parent. About that time, Betsy walked in and Ross looked at her and said, "No, you're my parent." He's obviously working through a lot of things in his mind right now, but every step is such amazing progress. Thank you all so much for your healing thoughts, your prayers and your amazing support.

September 7, 2005 11:30 PM--Today was Ross's 29th birthday. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I received a note from Betsy Thursday morning:

Ross's birthday was fun. I made him steak, potatoes, mushrooms and asparagus. We had some delays in our schedule, so he was eating dinner at 7:30 PM. He was yawning, but he still handled all of the chewing as well as ever. We are going to have his birthday cake on Friday, but he blew out a regular candle twice. He also blew a party horn and got the big noise. We were all elated.

Earlier, he sat in a kitchen chair without support for an hour and ate ice cream. In terms of talking, he didn't say anything new, but his speech revealed he was thinking about himself in relationship to others. He did ask Jeremiah and me to "Go home, the two of you." He also asked Rusty and me to leave him alone at one point. In the early evening, when we were talking a lot about his birthday, he was very pensive. He also spent a long time looking at a photograph of himself and Ariel that hangs on the wall in our living room.

Three years ago, we were trying to protect ourselves from the doom and gloomers who were trying to protect us from false hope. This year, we celebrate Ross's ongoing recovery.
Betsy

September 6, 2005 9:20 PM--Ross was really tired today and wasn't ready to wake up, but he had a physical therapy appointment at nine so there wasn't much choice. Betsy said he did well, but was really sleepy. Toward the end of the session he said, "I want to go to sleep." Betsy said they took him back to bed, but of course then he couldn't sleep! He had an appointment later in the morning to have blood drawn so they could check his Tegretol levels, then another one later in the day with the chiropractic neurologist. He managed to do his PT--pedaled for awhile and worked on the mat, but Betsy said tomorrow she's going to just let him sleep as long as he wants. Sounds good to me!

Thank you all so much for your healing thoughts, your prayers and your support for Ross throughout his recovery.

September 5, 2005 9:00 PM--Today went well. Betsy said Ross is talking all the time now and often has a huge smile on his face. It's as if he's reached a point where he thoroughly enjoys talking and there has been a definite increase in speech since having the pressure on the shunt reduced. He's also much more alert and "outspoken." Today when Jeremiah was wheeling him to the back for his bath, Ross spotted a banana in a bowl in the kitchen. He put his foot out and braced against the stove so Jeremiah couldn't push him any farther, and let Jeremiah know he wanted the banana. He got it.

One thing he is saying a lot now is, "I am in my own home." However, Betsy said Ross has been tired and his muscles tight for the past three days, but it could be that he's just more aware of things. He's not napping lately, but is sleeping well at night.

Updates will probably be quite brief for the next couple weeks. As some of you know, I am an author and am currently on a very tight deadline for a new book. Until I get it finished, I'll be relying more on notes from Betsy and Rusty to keep you updated on Ross's progress.

The really cool thing is, everything I get to write about Ross now IS about progress. Thank you so much for your prayers and terrific support of Ross throughout this long recovery.

September 4, 2005 9:30 PM--Betsy said Ross did really well today despite a "petit mal" seizure this evening around eight. He's had some major speech breakthroughs, which Betsy wonders might be due to the reduction in pressure with the shunt. He is speaking more complex sentences and coming closer to actual conversations. Some of his comments today were repeats of things he's said before, but with more added. For instance: "I don't want to die. I want to live forever."

Ross loved beer before his accident, and that's one thing that hasn't changed, though he can't have very much at any time because of all his medications. However, tonight Rusty was trying to teach Ross to say "beer," and once he got it, Betsy said he kept saying, "I want beer, I love beer." Then he switched to, "I am six and I love beer. I am eight...I don't need beer. I am ten years old and I need beer!" Later on, he was saying, "I love wine and beer. Give me wine and beer." Betsy said they hadn't worked on the word "wine" at all.

Their priest came this morning for Eucharist and Ross crossed himself. He did this on his own. He spent a lot of time today smiling and laughing. He thanks people when they help him and seems to be thinking about what he is saying. At one point, he said, "This is my house and I like it." Betsy told him he could stay here as long as he wanted, but at some point she hoped he could go back to school or get a job. She said Ross looked at her and asked, "What am I supposed to do?"

Ross also said, "Give me a name." When Betsy told him his name, he repeated "Ross" twice, very clearly. He also said Betsy's name. He's doing so well right now that it's just amazing. Thank you all for your prayers and your continuing support. What Ross is accomplishing right now has not happened without your help.

September 4, 2005 9:00 AM--I didn't do an update last night, but received a note from Betsy this morning:

Ross had a good day on Saturday in the afternoon. He was tired and tight in the morning and that affected his participation in his two hour OT session. He definitely has more use of his left arm and hand, but we have a long way to go. He is working on being able to open his hands, grasp an object and then release it. It seems like such a small thing because we do it all the time, but that fine motor control is still something Ross has to achieve in both hands.

His verbal skills are progressing and he is making observations about himself in comparison to other people. He said his name again yesterday. He also said, "I don't want to hate anybody." Earlier, he had said, "I don't want to get fat." I am looking forward to today with him.

September 2, 2005 9:30 PM--Betsy said today went really well and Ross was talking a lot. Many of the phrases are things he's said in the past: I have two arms, two legs, two feet and one heart; They call me mister; I don't want to be poor; I don't want to die, but he also said a lot of new things. When he was on the mat on his stomach, he said, "I want to turn over." When Ben pulled him to a sitting position on the mat, something that's been uncomfortable for Ross in the past, Ross said, "Continue pulling me up, keep doing that."
  
They've had the TV on watching the news about the hurricane. Tonight Jeremiah had filled the tub and came out to get Ross for his bath. Ross put his foot out to block the way and Betsy said it was obvious he didn't want to go as he was really intent on the news. He's more aware of things every day, more involved in what's going on around him, and continuing to surprise everyone with his new abilities. Betsy got him a "shapes" puzzle with little knobs on each piece and Ross was able to move the pieces around and put them in the right places.

Every day Ross is showing new abilities in a recovery that is little short of amazing. He still has a long way to go, but your prayers and support are helping him all the way. Thank you.

September 1, 2005 9:40 PM--Betsy said the visit to the neurosurgeon was terrific. This is the same doctor who did the long brain surgery on Ross when he was in Marin. He had called after the latest CT scans and offered to reduce the pressure in Ross's shunt by ten degrees. Normal is between 60-160 mm and Ross was at 90, but dropping the pressure further can make the ventricles reduce more which can allow for more progress.

Betsy said the doctor was amazed with Ross's progress and made the comment that more people should have such supportive families. It is such a tough job to continue the various therapies day in and day out, but the benefits to Ross's recovery are so unbelievable that his continuing recovery is a definite reward. Ross definitely has memory problems, but he's so aware and alert that it's obvious his cognitive abilities are there.

One thing Betsy said tonight: "It's so clear to me now the doctor (the neuro-optometrist they saw Tuesday) was right when he said Ross's cognitive abilities were intact. I listen to what Ross says. He has memory problems, but he's just so there."

Ross has started doing something new--he uses his right foot to lift and reposition his left foot on the wheelchair footrest. This is a fairly complex maneuver he's figured out on his own. He continues to improve, and much of the credit goes to all of you who have followed his recovery over the past three years. Thank you so much for your healing prayers and generous support.

September 1, 2005 1:50 PM--I'm sorry not to have updates for the past couple days. I just received a note from Betsy to let you know how the visit to the eye doctor went:
Kate,
I am sorry to be so late getting back to you. I was by myself with Ross when you called, and I discovered at 8:10 that Lisa wasn't coming until 9:15. By the time she arrived, I was rather fried.

First, the neuro optometrist was saw on Tuesday, Dr. Fong, was great. He gave him glasses that correct his double vision and prisms that raise his visual field. He gave us a number of exercises that are part of a visual rehabilitation program. He believes that Ross is cognitively there, something we have believed for a long time. Ross's difficulty is breaking through the motor impairments caused by the brain injury to express himself, not just to choose among alternative options that we offer. We are very excited and we see Ross already responding to the improved vision by putting together more sentences and increased motor control with a pen in his hand. It is coming at a good time, because his frustration has been increasing.

Yesterday, when Corinne, the PT came, we put Ross in a dining room chair without arms. I sat next to him on a low stool to make sure his right foot stayed in place on the floor. He sat there for almost an hour without any support except keeping his feet in place. He came forward to get spoonfuls of ice cream, then he would stay forward (away from the back of the chair) for two spoonfuls, and finally at the end of the hour he was sitting forward for at least five minutes and maybe longer. I had forgotten to bring the timer with me and since I couldn't leave him to get it, I was estimating the time.

We are off to the neurosurgeon's office to have Ross's shunt adjusted so there is a little less pressure.

I'll call Betsy tonight and let you know how the neurosurgeon visit went.

August 28, 2005 9:20 PM--Ross has a really busy week coming up, so Betsy said she let him sleep late again today. He has his regular Monday appointments and then sees the neuro-optometrist on Tuesday for an eye exam and on Thursday will see the neurosurgeon to have the pressure on his shunt reduced. Today Betsy said they were using a contraption that Dominic, the physical therapist fashioned for Ross. It's a long stick that has a brace for Ross's right arm and supports it enough to give Ross the feeling of moving his arm freely away from his body. (Picture a marionette with sticks controlling the limbs, sort of like what the puppeteers use on the Muppets) Ross is definitely using his left arm more. Betsy put his spoon in his left hand this morning when Ross was having breakfast and, while she had to guide him, he was still able to make the movements freely and easily. He still lacks the volitional movement for his left arm and hand, but he's improving. He doesn't see as well with his left eye, either, and Betsy is hoping the eye doctor will be able to come up with some sort of corrective lens to help Ross's vision.

Ross also talked a lot today. Some of the sentences he used (in proper context when talking with people) were: I love to laugh; I am a man; I feel good; I want to have food now; I am a man forever; I am telling everybody I am a man; I am hungry, food now. At one point, he said, "What am I...?" and then he yawned and covered up the rest of the sentence. I think it's been driving Betsy nuts to know what he intended to say!

I'll be away Monday night and possibly not home until late Tuesday (I'm helping my parents move) but will have an update again either Tuesday night or Wednesday.

August 27, 2005 9:45 PM--Just a brief update to let you know that Ross had a good day today. Betsy said they let him sleep late and he didn't wake up until 10:30. Unfortunately, one of the meds he needs to take must be taken on an empty stomach, so he couldn't eat as soon as he awakened. When he told his caretaker who was helping to dress him that he wanted food, Ross was told he would have to wait half an hour longer. His reply was, "What am I supposed to do?" His questions and answers are growing more complex by the day. Betsy said he's certainly more aware and alert and able to articulate better. Another thing Ross said today was, "I do love music." They've been playing his favorite CDs for him.

Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your prayers for Ross's recovery.

August 26, 2005 9:30 PM--Ross had another good day. When Betsy went in to see him this morning, Lisa (caretaker) was sort of dancing around the room and Ross was saying, "Stop that. Stop that now! Feed me!" Later he said, "I do love music," and said "sleep," and then fell asleep. When Betsy showed Ross the photo albums, he really focused on pictures, pointing and nodding at things he seemed to recognize.

Ross's recover continues at an amazing rate. Thank you all so much for your continuing support.

August 25, 2005 8:40 PM--Betsy had all kinds of news for me tonight. The physical therapist couldn't come so she and Jeremiah got Ross on the exercise ball on the mat and he did really well. While lying over the ball he was able to bring his right knee forward and, with a little more effort, his left. They had him rolling back and forth on the ball, and also just hanging over it and balancing. Betsy said his balance and coordination are obviously improving by the day.

He was also doing a lot of talking today. Just before I called, Betsy said Ross looked at her and said, "You are my mother. I am in my home." He also said "Carry me," while looking at his recliner. When Betsy asked if he wanted them to carry him to sit in his recliner he said yes. He also asked for water today, which was a first, and when Lisa (caretaker) was having a cup of tea, Ross looked at her and said, "Stop. Give me some now."

He appears to be remembering his early childhood, so Betsy dug out an old quilt and an afghan that had been favorites of Ross's when he was small. She said he was really enjoying having them nearby.

Days like this are so special, when it's possible to see how much Ross is improving almost by the hour. Thank you all so much for your continuing interest in Ross's long recovery, for your prayers and your healing thoughts. He could not be showing this much improvement without your continuing support.

August 24, 2005 9:15 PM--Today was interesting. Ross was sitting on the edge of the bed eating ice cream and said he was four years old. Betsy got out the old photo albums and showed Ross pictures from when he was little. In the photos of him between four and about five or six, he nodded yes at each photo, as if remembering. Betsy showed him the house they used to live in, and also some photos of Ross with two little boys he used to play with. They liked to play detective, and Betsy said they called them the Chileno Valley Sleuths. When Ross saw the photos of him with the other boys, he really nodded and seemed very interested. He pointed to one photo of him with his mom and said, "You and me." Age is a developmental thing, not a spot where he's stuck, which mean he should "grow older" as his recovery continues.

Betsy went to Pilates today, and talked to her teacher about doing some of the exercises with Ross. She showed him a breathing exercise, explaining the process of inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. She said Ross was able to do it perfectly.

His improvement is amazing. I was just rereading some of the older archives, and Ross's improvement is really spectacular. He's doing so much more for himself. Thank you all so much for your prayers and healing thoughts for Ross, as well as your unwavering support. He would not be making the progress he is now without your help.

August 23, 2005 10:10 PM--Ross is doing really well. Betsy said they were giving him melatonin at 6 PM to prevent seizures but by 8:00 he was falling asleep. On of their PTs was using Ross's care and the meds he takes for a class paper, and the teacher suggested the Dillons give GABA (an amino acid) at six and the melatonin at eight. Betsy said they've tried it and it's working perfectly.

Ross is still talking a lot though he's obviously congested. Tonight he called Jeremiah (his caretaker) a smart man...which I imagine went over really well with Jeremiah! Jeremiah pinned balloons to the ceiling for Ross to hit. The goal is to "disassociate" his joints--move his elbow without moving his shoulder, his wrist without moving his elbow--and he's doing really well. At one point, the balloons blew into his face. Ross said, "Go home," and then blew really hard to get them away. As Betsy said, just a couple weeks ago they were trying to teach him to blow air out. Now he's blowing balloons out of his way.

August 22, 2005 9:15 PM--Ross only had one appointment today (Mondays are usually pretty full) with the chiropractic neurologist. He was really impressed with Ross's progress. At one point, he was rubbing Ross's back and Ross leaned all the way forward in his wheelchair to give better access. Betsy said his eyes are tracking better. He'd been doing really well and then his left eye had begun to wander a bit. Later today, Ross's sister Ariel was helping Ross eat some ice cream and she asked him to smile. He did. This is the first time anyone has asked him to smile where he's done it. He was also mimicking other expressions Ariel made. Ross often says touch hurts. One of his PTs mentioned this could be a sign of Ross's body "waking up." He's probably had decreased sensation since the accident and now he could be getting more sensitive to touch.

August 21, 2005 9:20 PM--Today the Dillons went to church. Betsy said she was a little concerned about that because it was their first visit since Ross started talking and he doesn't always know when NOT to speak! He did really well and only spoke out a few times, but Betsy said everyone in the congregation knows him and they're very understanding and so excited that he's finally saying things. After the service there was a coffee hour and someone had brought fresh figs. Betsy said Ross absolutely loved them and ate three figs. He also said the word, "fig." Betsy said, "Ross is really 'right there' and he's very sweet and thanks me for everything."

Ross continues his slow but steady progress. Thank you all so much for your prayers and your continuing support.

August 20, 2005 9:00 PM--I just talked to Betsy. Ross had a good day though he was really sleepy for a good part of it. Betsy said she'd discovered that one of the medications Ross is taking, an antidepressant, could be the cause of his teeth grinding. With the doctor's approval they've cut back the amount he takes by 25% ( 5 mg).  This is the second day on the reduced dosage and he's very, very sleepy. They're going to try changing the time of day when he gets the medication to see if that will make a difference. Ross is definitely using his left arm much more, though it obviously takes a lot of effort. As Betsy said, it's still a long haul.

August 19, 2005 8:55 PM--Just time for a brief update tonight to let you know that Ross had another good day. He's using his left hand more. He's also still asking if anyone knows how old he is. Betsy said they tell him, and also remind him that his birthday is just a couple of weeks away. He's come so far, yet still has so far to go. Your prayers and healing thoughts are more important than ever. Thank you so much for your continuing support.

August 18, 2005--I have a note from Betsy for tonight's update:
Tonight, Ross spent more time on the big exercise ball. He was both creeping, going forward on his knees, and just draped over the ball, both with knees on the mat and lying on top with arms and legs hanging down. This is so good for proprioceptive training, balance and stretching. At one point, Ross started laughing with us, looking around from one person to the next. He did ask the PT if anybody knew how old he is. He also said something about being with all of his family. This morning, he told me "I want to marry you." This certainly indicates that he is moving through the developmental stages and is sometimes a little boy who loves his mother.

August 17, 2005 10:00 PM--Today went well. Ross had two physical therapy sessions. During the first he sat on the side of the bed, unsupported, for thirty minutes while he ate ice cream. Betsy said he loves ice cream and it's a great incentive! Tonight the PT had Ross draped over the big exercise ball. The PT would move the ball forward and Ross had to balance by moving his right knee forward and then his left. This mimics the beginning of crawling, an important step in Ross's therapy.

He wore his mouth guard all night and Betsy said it appears to help prevent the teeth grinding. He also wore it part of the day, which made it difficult for him to talk. One thing he did say today, is that he has two eyes. Betsy said she had a few hours alone with Ross this evening, as their caregivers' schedules are all changing due to school. She read to him and said it was a really pleasant time, very enjoyable.

August 16, 2005 9:25 PM--Betsy said today went pretty well, though Ross was fairly subdued. He talked about food and asked for it, but he was also grinding his teeth a lot, to the extent where Betsy decided to use the mouthguard they'd gotten for him. She said she'd been dreading trying to get it in his mouth, but it was actually relatively easy and seemed to help. Ross didn't talk all that much during the day, though at one point when Jeremiah was taking his blood pressure, he said, "I don't want to die." Betsy said she wondered if the medical stuff reminded him of the hospital. It's so hard to know what's really going on in his mind right now.

To all of you who continue to follow Ross's website and offer up your prayers and healing thoughts, our heartfelt thanks for your support. Ross continues to show improvement and you are all part of his amazing recovery.

August 15, 2005 9:20 PM--Ross wasn't as talkative today, but Betsy said he was definitely "present" and thinking. He had two appointments, one at eleven and one at four, so they were able to go home for lunch between the two. I asked Betsy if he was referring to people by name at all and she said no, that he talked about his mother or sister or father or family, but hadn't called anyone by name yet. That made me think of Ross before his accident when he was at our house for dinner so often while hanging out with our son--he always insisted on calling my husband and me "Mr. and Mrs. Moore." We told him over and over he could call us by our first names but I think he got such a kick out of the "Mr. and Mrs." schtick -- just because he knew it bugged us -- that he stuck with it. It got to be such a joke that when he slipped up and called us by our first names he'd have to correct himself. I can't wait until his sense of humor comes back full force. Ross really used to make us laugh.

August 14, 2005 10:20 PM--Ross said a lot of new things today. Their minister came for a visit. He was talking to Ross about his favorite movies and Betsy said Ross liked to watch The Hulk. The minister used the movie as an example and told Ross that as he got better, he would probably have a lot of anger that he was going to need to learn to control. Ross told him, "I don't want to be mad."

During his bath, Ross said to Jeremiah, "Take me out," and when he was hungry, he said, "Fix my food." Betsy said he was saying again, "Take me home. Please take me home." She explained, again, that the home he remembers isn't theirs anymore, that this is their home now. Later, Ross said to his mom, "I don't want to marry home. I like to live here." He often asks the question, "What is my name?" Betsy has his name written in big, block letters and shows it to him whenever he asks. At one point today when all of them were laughing about something, Ross said, "My family is laughing."
 
Every day he says more and understands more. His progress continues to amaze everyone. Thank you all so much for your prayers and your continuing support.

August 13, 2005 8:45 PM--Betsy said today went well. The physical therapist had Ross on the mat for awhile for exercises, then put him "stomach down" over the exercise ball with his hands and feet on the floor. Ross was able to balance himself in that position. Later, the PT had Ross kneeling upright. He was able to hold the position without support, kneeling very tall and straight. Betsy said that his trunk control is improving daily and they're hoping he'll be able to walk by the first of the year. His progress this past few months has been little short of amazing. Besides his physical achievements today, Ross has also been talking a lot. It's really terrific. Thank you all so much for your continuing support and our wonderful, healing prayers.

August 12, 2005 9:45 PM--Betsy and I were talking tonight about the overwhelming amount of information Ross is processing and she brought up the term "flooding," something I wasn't familiar with. It comes from a book by Claudia Osborn--I've added a link and the definition above. Betsy said it's a terrific resource for any family dealing with traumatic brain injury.

Ross is counting! It's something he's doing on his own. Betsy said she could hear him talking, saying "one, two, three..." and when she went into his room he said, "I have two arms and two legs and one head." Other than the counting, Ross has been kind of quiet. He did have a canker sore and that's what was causing the swelling in his mouth and face.

Earlier,  Ross had been saying, "I want to go home." Betsy got out the photo albums and showed him pictures of their old home in Chileno Valley and told him that's where he used to live. She left the room after a bit and when she came back, he was counting. At one point, he looked at Jeremiah and asked him, "Are you my father?" Later, Rusty touched Ross's ear and he said, "Ow, that hurts. That's my ear." When Jeremiah was working with Ross earlier in the day, he asked Ross to move his left arm and leg. Ross followed his instructions perfectly.

The changes and improvements are coming daily at a rate that's absolutely mind boggling. After talking to Betsy tonight, I got a much better grasp of the term "flooding" as it relates to Ross. He is suddenly trying and doing so many new things that I imagine he is somewhat overwhelmed by it all, but he never quits. Thank you all so much for your prayers. Many of you have followed Ross's recovery from the very beginning--others have only recently learned of his ongoing struggle--but all of you have provided such an amazing support system for Ross and his family. Thank you all so much.

August 11, 2005 9:00 PM--Ross is still talking a lot, though Betsy said he didn't feel well today. The right side of his face is swollen and he's been grinding his teeth a lot. Of course, as one of his caretakers pointed out, he's also been talking a lot more than usual, and that could be causing some jaw irritation. Betsy said he also might have a canker sore inside his mouth. It's really difficult to get Ross to open his mouth wide enough for anyone to take a look.

Overall, though, he's doing better every day. Talking more, sitting up straighter, communicating better. In just a couple more weeks he'll be seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist (or optometrist? I may have this wrong--will correct tomorrow if I misunderstood) to look into fitting him with something to help his vision. Ross's pupils are the same size more often than not, but they don't stay that way. Betsy said they may use a prism to help correct his vision.

On another note, his Tegretol levels are up and his sodium is down two points, though still within the normal range. It's a fine line between not enough of the anti-seizure drug and too much--as Ross heals, he needs less, but if he doesn't get enough he has seizures. If he has too much in his system, his sodium can drop to dangerous levels and THAT can cause seizures. Betsy said they've already cut him back 25% but he may need to reduce his intake by even more. They'll have to wait and talk to the doctor about that.

Thank you all so much for your continuing prayers and your support. Ross's recovery has become an amazing journey shared by so many of you. It's really quite amazing.

August 9, 2005 10:00 PM--When I talked to Betsy this evening she said Ross was really tired this morning and she hated having to get him up early, but he had a doctor's appointment. He wasn't as talkative today, though he did equal his 125 cones knocked off the tray in six minutes. Today though, Jeremiah held his shoulder still so that all the movement had to come from Ross's elbow and he managed just fine.

Rusty was trying an electrical unit used to stimulate muscles for strength and decided to try it on Ross. When he was putting the pads on Ross's arm, Ross said, "It will kill me." Rusty said, "So, you don't want me to do it?" and Ross replied no and tore one of the pads off. When he pulled it off his skin, he said, "That hurts." When Rusty took the second pad off, Ross said, "That really hurts!" He's definitely using phrases and words appropriately!


August 8, 2005 9:30 PM--Just got a note from Betsy:
Hi,
Ross has had a good day.  This morning he started the day by saying, "I don't know my name", "I love my parents", and "I am a man."  I made signs that said "My name is Ross Dillon" and put them up in Ross's room.  Two hours later, he said "I love my name."  "Ross Dillon feels good."  "I love my name, Ross Dillon."  "Ross Dillon" (this time all of it was very clear).

Then he said to Jeremiah and me, "Who are you people?"  Looking at Jeremiah, "Are a man."  "I am a kid."  He said a number of other things, but the neatest was, "I love my parents and they love me."

This afternoon, after being on his stomach and  pedaling, he knocked the cones off the table with his right hand 125 times in six minutes.  Jeremiah then had him do it with his left arm, much more difficult, and he did 5.
 
Onward and upward.
     Betsy

August 7, 2005 8:45 PM--Only a brief update tonight. I just talked to Betsy and they have friends visiting. She said Ross has been talking ever since they arrived. I asked if he's actually trying to carry on conversation, and Betsy said most definitely. This morning when Jeremiah arrived, Ross said, "I love you." When Betsy walked by Ross with a pot of water he pointed at it and said, "Give me water." This evening, talking to Paul, one of their guests, he asked, "How are you?" It's all beginning to come together in a most amazing way.

Thank you, everyone, for your continuing support and your prayers for Ross's recovery.

August 6, 2005 9:30 PM--Ross continues to show amazing improvement. Dominic, the occupational therapist, measured Ross's range of motion in his upper extremities and said that he's able to open his right arm 10% more than the orthopedic surgeon expected following his surgery. At one point, when Dominic was stretching Ross's arm into some awkward positions to check range of motion, Ross said, "Oh, that hurts!" Betsy said he was very talkative today, and they noted everything he said in his notebook. Some of the phrases he used were, Good morning, Give me my name, What is my name? I'm tired--guys go home, I want food, Give me food, Come back, I'm stronger, Love my mother, I love my family, I want air to live...and many more. He's speaking clearly and saying things appropriately for whatever is going on at the time.
 
He also did well balancing on the exercise ball, well beyond what the therapist expected by now. Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your healing prayers and thoughts. Ross continues to amaze all of us with his progress in this long and eventful recovery.

August 4, 2005 9:50 PM--I have a note from Betsy tonight:

Ross has had a good day with Jeremiah.  As I told Ross this morning, Jeremiah is his coach.  Jeremiah is doing therapy with him all day.  After being on the mat for an hour, pedaling for an hour, in the standing frame for an hour, Ross and Jeremiah were blowing bubbles just now.  Ross was able to blow some nice ones.  He was showing me how he blows; his are a very controlled slow breathing out.  I am looking forward to him blowing out his birthday candles next month.  

One of the first things he said this morning to Jeremiah was, "I want to live a long time."  When Jeremiah asked if he slept well, he said, "Yes."  He also said, " I feel good."  He continues to ask for food.  He said, "Give me food, I don't want any person."  Again he said, "Jeremiah, everybody go home, please."

This morning he indicated he was afraid, and I asked him if he was afraid he wasn't going to live.  He nodded yes, so I talked to him about that.  I tell him frequently that God wants him to get better so that he can go out and talk to other people who have head injuries and assure them God never leaves us and that healing is possible.

This is an exciting time and we are so grateful for Ross's progress.
     Betsy

August 3, 2005 9:50 PM--Ross had a good day, though he was tired and in some pain. I asked Betsy how she knew he was hurting and she said he makes himself understood very well. He looked uncomfortable and when Betsy asked Ross if he was in pain, he nodded yes. She said he indicated his legs were hurting, but he also gets terrible headaches and she wondered if that might be the problem today.

He was able to spend about an hour sitting on a large exercise ball and balancing with help. He also said a lot of different things today--they're keeping a log of the questions Ross asks and the statements he makes. Among the notes for today were:Do you know how old I am? (asked of his caregiver) I'm a man. Give me food. You go home. Where do I live? I don't know my own name. I love people. Every man and woman go home, and What is my name?

Whenever Ross asks a question he is given an answer. The fact he is even asking the questions is wonderful! Thank you all so much for your prayers, your healing thoughts and your continuing support.

August 2, 2005 9:00 PM--I just had a brief chat with Betsy. Our son and daughter in law are at the house visiting Ross and Betsy seemed to think Ross recognizes Jon. Ross was really watching him, as if trying to place where/why he knows him. Betsy said it was clear there were memories, but they weren't quite coming together.

She said he's doing well, though not talking quite as much today. He did tell Jeremiah this morning, "I don't want to die." Betsy wondered if it was in response to memories of the accident and people talking about his precarious situation, or possibly from a conversation she had with him yesterday. Periodically Betsy relates the details of Ross's accident so that he will understand why he is the way he is. Yesterday Betsy went into more detail than usual and told Ross that he had actually stopped breathing and it was only the quick action of the first man on the scene that kept him alive. He might have been thinking about what she'd told him, and if so, it means his short term memory is improving.

Ross was fitted with a "night guard" today to keep him from grinding his teeth when he sleeps. Betsy said he did really well, holding his mouth open to have it fitted and he doesn't seem to mind wearing it. They'll get him used to it during the day before putting it in his mouth at night.

Ross's improvements over the past few weeks continue to amaze all of us. Thank you so much for your prayers, your support and your healing thoughts for his continuing recovery.

July 31, 2005 5:00 PM--I'm just home and news about Ross's week is amazing! Here's Betsy's note:

Well Kate, I hardly know where to begin.  Ross is making progress on all fronts.  First, Ross continues to talk and wow us.  On Wednesday and Thursday, he was talking a couple or three times a day.  After telling his caregiver "stop, it hurts", a few minutes later, he said "forgive me."  The next day, he said, "Thank you" when he was turned from his stomach to his back.  He also said, "home".  He continued to laugh frequently. On Friday, we had to go to Marin General for an x-ray of Ross's shunt.  He did very well in following instructions about how to hold his head, even though it was exacting.

Afterward, we went to a nice market where we bought lunch and then went a few blocks to Kentfield Rehabilitation Hospital where Ross was before coming home.  The staff who know him were very impressed with his progress. While we were there and eating, Ross said "Love food."

On Saturday, Ross started laughing in the middle of his PT session, again sitting on a kitchen chair doing well.  I was giving him ice-cream and we started talking about happy water (something I made up) and Ross started laughing a really deep laugh, and it continued for five to ten minutes with all of us laughing at his delight.  He blew soap bubbles, today was the first time, and then started laughing again.  It was 7:30 when we finished, and he had had a 2 hour OT session earlier in the day. He kept telling us during the day, "Feed me.", "food now".

During his bath, he touched his face and said, "My face".  Rusty played a game with him, Rusty would touch his face in one place and Ross would touch his own face in the same place, not mirroring but touching his own face on the left when Rusty touched the left side of his face.  I could go on and on, but I will conclude with a list of things Ross has said in the last 24 hours.  "Who are you?"  "Who is my mother?"  "My parents."  "Father and mother"  "I love you"  "I love people", "It hurts"  "Enough"  "Hungry" "House" "What is that for?"  "Jeremiah"  "Ben"

More later, but needless to say, Rusty, Ariel and I are thrilled.

On Thursday night, Steve (our PT) had Ross sit on a kitchen chair while he tried to encourage him to sit upright without slouching. Ross sat for about an hour, eating and playing with a ball and cones on a table at his left side.  This is very difficult, but Ross hung on and did well.  Ross said "Every man and woman go home and then laughed at his joke.

July 26, 2005 9:15 PM--I'm going to be at a conference until the end of the week, so I'll not be able to do updates until I return. I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a terrific day today. They had an appointment with Dr. Kurn for accupuncture--when Ross first started going to the doctor, he couldn't feel the needles as they went in. Now his sensitivity has vastly improved--along with his speech. When Dr. Kurn was placing the needles, Ross kept making a face and saying, "hurt, hurt." Then he said, "everybody, go home!" A bit later, when the doctor had left the room, Ross started laughing and said, "Everybody!" Then he laughed again and said, "Everybody, go HOME!"

Betsy said they stopped for a fruit smoothie on the way home, then Ross worked with Jeremiah for awhile. Jeremiah had him on his stomach, and after a bit Ross said, "turn over."

He seems to absolutely delight in his new ability to speak. Betsy said he occasionally says things they can't understand, but most of his words are very clear. His occupational therapist said that Ross's cognitive abilities obviously have outpaced his motor skills.

It's just as obvious he's working very hard to catch up. Thank you all so much for your support, for your prayers for Ross and your healing thoughts. Every day is so special, to see him make such amazing steps toward recovery.

July 25, 2005 8:30 PM--I've got a note from Betsy for today's update:
Dear Kate,
Sorry I didn't send this to you yesterday.  Sundays are always super busy because Rusty and I are with Ross by ourselves.

Ross continues to be suffering from hay fever.  Today, he had a head aches that appeared to be very intense
     
Yesterday, Ross started to laugh heartily around 3:00 PM.  He said something like "Did it" and then started saying something I didn't understand.  I went to get Rusty and when we returned, Ross was still laughing.  Then, he said the sounds "ow", "oh", "you" and "uh".  We kept saying those sounds to each other.  I then remembered that I have been teaching him how to say "ee".  I reminded him and then he said "ee" also.  This is what the speech pathologist had started to work on with him last Monday, and it appears that he had been practicing the sounds on his own and was tickled that he was able to do it.
     
Later, I asked him if he wanted to listen to music and he chose listening with his ear phones.  I sat down briefly to show him different CDs in his case and since he didn't give me an affirmative nod, I chose one and walked over to put it in the machine.  He said, "No".  I went back, sat down and went further through the case, and finally we came to one he wanted.  Ariel later told me that it is one of his favorites.
     
At speech today, he did very well eating his lunch.  He started to experience pain (I think it was a splitting headache from his responses) and he clearly said "home"
     
He seems better now, and has just finished pedaling for an hour and is about do a half hour on the floor and then dinner in the standing frame.

July 23, 2005 8:10 PM--Just a quick update to let you know that Ross had a very good day. He didn't talk as much but was very interactive and, as Betsy said, played a "mean game of rolling the ball." He was able to keep very straight lines and had a lot of control. He's definitely showing more signs of recovery every day. Thank you all so much for your continuing interest in Ross's rehab, and a special thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers.

July 22, 2005 9:20 PM--Just got a note from Betsy with today's update:
Dear Kate,
Another good day for Ross. He is continuing to speak. Today, he said to Jeremiah, as he was doing range of motion, "Stop, stop." Then he said, "It hurts." Next, he said "Go home."

He had also said earlier "home". I said, "Do you mean Jeremiah?" and he nodded yes. I think he tells people to go home when he wants them to leave him alone. Anyway, I talked to him about how if Jeremiah didn't do range of motion and he didn't exercise, he would never get better. About five minutes later when Jeremiah was working on Ross's arm, Ross said "Thank you." Then shortly after that, Ross asked us, "What is my name."

Then when Dominic, the Occupational Therapist, came (he hadn't been here for several weeks) he was very impressed with Ross's progress. All in all it was a great day.

Also, we are working on our next update letter. We need volunteers for editing, graphics, and designing a decal. If anyone is interested, please contact me at [email protected]
Thanks,
Betsy

July 20, 2005 9:40 PM--Ross had a busy day today, though he's still congested. Betsy said his physical therapy session was really good. He sat on the edge of the bed and demonstrated terrific trunk control. He was able to move forward and side to side without any assistance. At one point he looked at Corinne, the physical therapist and said, "Home. Go." She asked him if he wanted her to go home, and Ross nodded yes. Guess that's as effective as any method for ending a physical therapy session! Please continue to keep Ross in your thoughts and prayers as he follows this long but positive road to recovery.

July 19, 2005 9:10 PM--Betsy said Ross was tired again this morning and still very congested but he had a good day. Had his breakfast in the standing frame and took a short nap afterwards, but Betsy said he's still trying to talk and she noticed he is really watching Ariel a lot of the time. In the past, he didn't pay all that much attention to the people around him. Betsy showed him some photographs taken months ago and Ross appeared to recognize many of the people in the shots, though he didn't name names.

July 18, 2005 9:40 PM--Nothing dramatic to report tonight. Betsy said Ross was tired and congested today and not doing much talking. He's reaching the point, though, where Betsy said a lot of the training she got while working in a learning center in Napa will come in handy.

Please remember Ross and his family in your prayers.

July 17, 2005 9:30 PM--When I called Betsy tonight she said she'd already sent a note, so I'll use that for my update, but it was great to talk with her and hear about how much Ross is talking! I'll let his mom tell you:

What a great weekend for more talking.  On Friday, when Jeremiah left the room, Ross said, "Come back".  On Saturday, Ross kept saying "home".  During physical therapy with Steve, he kept saying, "Take me home."  He continued to say home all day. On Sunday, he again talked about home.  Just as with little children, Ross says some phrases we can understand and a lot that we don't.  But he also said "woman", then he said, "She isn't a girl, she is a woman."  I do not know who he was talking about, but I think it might have been Ariel, because later when I asked him he kept pointing to her picture in the photo album we were looking at. He also seemed to be drifting in and out of  memory fragments yesterday and today.  Because I was wondering about the home references(he has talked more about that than any other word), I talked to him about where he had lived since he left home.  He became very thoughtful and solemn. Finally, it was time for his mid-afternoon ice-cream.  I wanted to make a phone call first and told him so.  He said "Food now please."  Needless to say, I did not make my phone call.  He is now out on the deck watching the humming birds feeding, after having dinner in the standing frame.
Betsy

July 16, 2005 1:10 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross is doing great. He's talking up a storm, putting words together to form phrases, able to muster enough breath to blow the "whirlygig" and is even able to spit. All these are indicative of increased control. When Steve, the physical therapist, was at the house this morning, Ross was saying things like, "Take me home," and "Take me with you." Betsy said he's doing just great and his words are clear and understandable.

July 14, 2005 8:20 AM--A quick note from Betsy before I leave for a couple of days:

Ross continues to do well. He is speaking without sound, and saying a few things with sound. We continue to do breathing exercises. He had another good session with the upper extremity machine.

Furthermore, the report on the last blood test for electrolytes and Tegretol level was wonderful. His sodium level is right in the mid normal range--the highest since he has been home and his Tegretol level is also at a good level..

July 12, 2005 11:45 PM--Betsy said Ross's day went well. They had a visit with the acupuncturist this morning and Ross held very still for the doctor to insert the needles, something he doesn't always do. The doctor was very impressed with how well Ross was doing. Later, when Betsy and Ben helped Ross with his upper body exercises on the pedals, Betsy said he was working really hard with both arms, something he couldn't do as recently as six weeks ago. She also said she'd found a little clicker she used to use with her students and Ross was fascinated by it--it's one of those little metal things you can squeeze to make a clicking noise. Ross can't squeeze it yet, but she thinks it's going to be an excellent incentive for him to work on small motor control. The biggest difference lately, according to his mom, is Ross's awareness and presence, and his ability to make connections between action and thought. He's obviously understanding everything around him and is able to respond in a timely and proper fashion. He's speaking more words and phrases, though Betsy said he wasn't as talkative today.

His recent gains are phenomenal, and so exciting to watch. Thank you all so much for your support and your prayers.

July 11, 2005 9:00 PM--Today was another good day for Ross. When he was at the chiropractor's, Ross indicated he wanted more treatment, which the doctor did. When he was finished, Ross very quietly said to his mom, "Take me home." Obviously he'd had enough, but even the chiropractor heard him. Later, after Betsy had picked up his prescriptions, she held them up and told Ross which was the Klonopin and which was the Tegretol. Then when she told him it was time to take his Tegretol, he reached for the correct one.
     
Ross's continuing improvements are amazing. Thank you all so much for your support and prayers for Ross and his family. He could not come this far without you.

July 10, 2005 9:00 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she can't get over how well Ross is doing. In her words, "I'm so excited I'm just beside myself!" No wonder...after three years Ross is adding to his vocabulary by leaps and bounds. He's beginning to tease and find his sense of humor once again, and laughs at jokes and funny situations. It's such an excting time for the entire family, as well as for all of us who follow his progress. Thank you all so much for your wonderful prayers and healing thoughts.

July 10, 2005 3:45 PM--Another note from Betsy:
     
More additions to Ross's vocabulary-Ross was on his stomach, Ben asked if he wanted to roll over.  Ross said, "Roll over."  Ross grimaced when Ben was moving him.  Ben asked, "Did that hurt."  Ross answered, "Does not hurt." Finally, I was trying to mobilize Ross's hips before pulling him up in his chair for lunch.  He balked, and said "now."
     
I know that I have to stop sending you everything he says, but I am so excited right now.
     Betsy
(Personally, I could get notes like this all day long and not grow tired of them! 
     Kate)

July 10, 2005 3:00 PM--Sorry for not posting. I've been out of town but had these messages from Betsy when we got home:
     
I just wanted to let you know that this morning Ross woke up laughing and said "sisters".  He also audibly said "Good morning" to me.  He then started farting and laughed  about it every time .  Then he actually said "fart" and laughed again.
     
What a great way to start the morning.
     Betsy

July 9, 2005 <posted 7/10/05> email from Betsy:

Ross was very tired late yesterday, but today he seems to be functioning at a higher level.  He is more congested which is annoying to him and makes the complicated process of eating harder.  However, "stop" and "please" have become regular parts of his spoken language.  It seems he says both words most every day.  Today, he said "my parents" in response to a question.
     
I started giving him more food at 5 AM.  Today was the second day.  I gave him his regular yogurt with his medications and supplements.  I then said, "You are going to be surprised at what I have."  I showed him the bowl with rice and yogurt in it.  Immediately, he had this joyous look on his face and he said "Oh!"  It was so spontaneous, quick and delighted - a wonderful start for the day.
     
He also let me know he wanted the rolling table at his side this evening. When I brought it, he reached his right arm out to rest it on the table.
     Betsy

July 7, 2005 9:00 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross is doing really well, though he's still been very sleepy so they've let him sleep in late the last couple mornings. This afternoon Ross had a great PT session on the mat and working the pedals. He was also making a lot of sounds and trying to talk. Betsy said he's mouthed "I love you" a number of times, something no mother grows tired of hearing!
     
Ross was also very involved watching television today, following the coverage of the bombings in London. Betsy said she asked him if it upset him, and Ross nodded yes, but he didn't want to turn it off. I asked Betsy if he remembered 9/11, but she's not sure. Ross worked in Boston then and had talked to a number of people who died in the attack, but since he doesn't recall living in Boston, she's not sure how much he remembers of the incident.
     
Thank you all for your prayers and healing thoughts. Please, for now, remember also the victims of this horrible attack in London and the many families affected by it.

July 5, 2005 9:15 PM--Just a brief update to let you know that Ross had a really good day, though Betsy said they've decided, after seeing how tired he was in the standing frame this morning, that they just might be working him too hard! Still, he's doing very well and continues to show positive gains. His speech therapist saw Ross today and was impressed with his progress. Betsy also talked with a neurological optometrist from Sacramento, who says he can do an eye exam for Ross, something that hasn't been done since the accident.
     
I hope all of you had a safe and enjoyable 4th. Thank you so much for your prayers for Ross and your unflagging support. He's showing such amazing progress, something that could not happen without your healing thoughts and your help.

July 3, 2005 9:15 PM--Ross had a good day today. Betsy let him sleep in and he didn't get up until 10:30. Today was the first time Betsy has ever gotten Ross out of bed and into his wheelchair by herself. She said she wouldn't have been able to do it without Ross's newfound abilities. She has to use a lift, but Ross is able to hold his position and work with her. He's almost achieved the goal of sitting with 90° angle bends at hips, knees and ankles. At one point today, Ross even moved his left hand so that it rested on the arm of his chair with his fingers over the end...something he couldn't do even a month ago.
     
Another thing Betsy remembered was when Ross laughed at a joke. Their dishwasher hasn't been working well at all, and everyone complains about it. At one point, Ben, the caretaker, made a silly joke and said, "I'll be the dishwasher and live in the corner." Ross started laughing, a perfectly appropriate response and a good example of how well he is understanding everything now.
     
The physical therapist came today instead of yesterday and had Ross working on the mat for a full hour. At one point, Ross was sitting up with his right arm resting on a stool, the only thing helping him to hold his position. He also rolled from his back to his side, one of the goals his therapist had set. He's also reaching for things with his left hand, another skill he didn't have as recently as a month ago.
     
Betsy said the changes in Ross just this past week are amazing. He sits in his wheelchair with a totally different presence. He's alert, aware of his surroundings and more in command of his body. He's very much present.

July 2, 2005 9:10 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a terrific day. Today Ben, one of Ross's caregivers was helping Ross do his UBE (upper body exercise) on the pedals. It usually takes a couple of people to help him when Ross is working his left hand. He had a problem with his wrist and it tends to buckle, so someone needs to stabilize that, someone has to hold the machine (it's designed for feet, but works just as well for hand exercises) steady as well as help Ross move his arm. Ben was on Ross's left, with a hand on Ross's shoulder helping him work through the motion. Betsy had her hand over Ross's wrist, stabilizing the joint. Ross didn't speak out loud but made it clear that he wanted Betsy to move away and let him hold his wrist steady by himself. When it started to buckle, he straightened it out himself and did the exercise on his own. Then Ross let Ben know that he wanted to do it on his own, and Ben moved away. Ross managed at least four revolutions without any assistance at all. What's so amazing about this feat is that just a month ago, he couldn't move his left arm at all. His progress is little short of amazing.   
     
Betsy said it took some persuasion to get Ross to repeat the exercise with his right hand, but she handed him a counter he could work with his left to keep track of revolutions and that seemed to be the incentive he needed. Ross is also working really hard at talking. He's mouthing a lot of words and definitely very close to regular speech.
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing support of Ross and his loved ones. Your prayers really do give them all strength to continue this long and very fruitful rehabilitation.

July 1, 2005 9:45 PM--Ross had a really good day today. He hadn't seen his speech therapist for a month because of scheduling difficulties, but did really well during his visit today. Betsy said the therapist was elated with his progress. He may have had a petit mal on the way home from the appointment, but Betsy wasn't positive.
     
Speech is definitely his priority right now. This morning when Jeremiah handed something to Ross, he said "Thanks" very clearly. Later, when Betsy was moving one of the cones that Ross knocks off his tray as part of his therapy, he said "yellow," which was the color of the cone. Later he spent almost an hour sitting on the edge of the bed. He "mouthed" words thought he didn't make sound.
     
Ross's continuing improvement would not happen without your support. Thank you all so much for your prayers and healing thoughts.

June 30, 2005 9:15 PM--Ross is doing well, though Betsy said she didn't think he felt well this morning, as he went back to sleep after breakfast. He was up for lunch, though, and watched a movie. Later Betsy and Jeremiah massaged Ross's hands. Betsy was working on the one that is the tightest and she said Ross kept giving her "evil" looks and jerking it away. Like a good mom, though, she kept it up!
     
The therapist showed up later and they had Ross sitting on the edge of the bed. Betsy said they used ice cream as an incentive to get him to move his torso and balance, and he ate the entire pint. He did really well shifting his weight.
     
Everyone who works with Ross is trying to get him to talk because they're all aware he's definitely close, but often he is unable to get enough air across his windpipe to make a sound, or the words come out unintelligible. It can't be too far off, though.
     
Thank you all so much for your prayers and healing thoughts. I am often amazed by the number of people who follow Ross's progress on a daily basis. I just received a very nice note from a fellow author who reads Ross's updates daily (more incentive to me to be timely!) and Shelby's note was a reminder of what powerful, positive energy fuels Ross's recovery. Thank you all so much...he could not do this without you.

June 29, 2005 9:25 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a good day...he's definitely working on his speech, and told his caretaker today to "please stop" in a very articulate, clear voice. I'm not sure what the caretaker was up to, but whatever it was, Ross made his desires clear. He's tired tonight after work on the pedals, time in the standing frame and on the floor mat. Betsy said the best thing is how well he's doing eating and feeding himself. It's so amazing, how much Ross continues to improve each day. Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your prayers for Ross's recovery.

June 28, 2005 10:15 PM--Ross did well today, though Betsy said he was tired after not sleeping well last night. He still managed a full day with PT in the morning, time in the standing frame and then a nap. He was up for lunch and spent a full thirty minutes on his stomach on the mat, most of that with his head raised. After that, Ross spent an hour on the pedals, then was back in the standing frame for dinner.
     
Yesterday he saw the neurologist who adjusted the shunt in his head to make sure it was functioning properly. Betsy said the doctor was amazed at Ross's progress. He's saying more words and mouthing others. Early this morning Betsy said she heard him practicing words, repeating them as if to get them right. He obviously understands everything he hears.
     
Betsy said she's beginning to discover the amount of memory loss Ross has...he doesn't remember buying Jesse, the dog, for his father. Nor does he recall living in Boston. He's finally able to answer her when she questions him, but Betsy still hasn't been able to narrow down the full extent of his memory loss.
     
Ross continues to amaze the doctors who have treated him since the beginning. He is constantly learning, improving, and healing. Thank you all so much for your continuing support, your prayers and your healing thoughts for Ross and his loved ones.     

June 26, 2005 9:10 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a good day. She's been concerned that he didn't seem as interactive or clear, but he was doing really well today. He does have an appointment tomorrow to have his shunt checked to make sure he's not building up any pressure on his brain, which can interfere with his progress.
     
Betsy said he's vocalizing more and more, and even told the physical therapist "no" on a few occasions. He's also working on his breathing exercises, forcing air out through his mouth and doing really well. She said it's obvious he's trying to say words.
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your prayers for Ross's healing.

June 24, 2005 8:00 PM--I talked to Rusty tonight. He said Ross was a bit subdued, but there's a virus going around the family and Ross may have caught it. When I asked about his day, Rusty said Ross is really struggling to speak. He works at consciously taking a deep breath and blowing air out of his mouth, something that is still difficult for him, but he's getting better at it. That air over the vocal chords is an important part of speech.
     
He's sitting up really well and working his right hand and left arm. He's also able to roll from his stomach to his back. Rusty said it's obvious Ross is consciously working at the various therapies and seems to be aware of the various steps he needs to take for each skill. According to Rusty, Ross's cognitive advances are consistent and he continues to gain each day.
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing support for Ross and his loved ones.

June 23, 2005 10:40 PM--Betsy said Ross did really well today, in spite of the busy schedule they kept him on. He was up late last night for his dad's birthday and slept  well...but once they got Ross up this morning, he had a full schedule. Ross had breakfast in the standing frame, spent time in bed on his stomach holding his head up, then more time on the floor doing exercises. He got a brief rest break, then it was on to pedaling and more exercises. There was physical therapy and trunk control, sitting on the edge of the bed and holding himself upright, and more work at forcing air across his vocal chords so he can regain the use of speech. His days are amazingly full and very productive. He's achieved so much more than doctors ever expected, but not nearly as much as we all know he can do.
     
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. He couldn't make this journey without your help.

June 22, 2005 9:20 PM--Today is Rusty's birthday and I called in the middle of his birthday dinner, so tonight's update is brief--Betsy said Ross is doing really well and had a big day today. He worked at sitting upright and unassisted on the edge of the bed and also did the pedals. When it was time for his dinner, Ross was holding his spoon but his caretaker left his dinner just out of reach when he went to get something. When he returned, Ross had managed to retrieve his dinner and was eating without assistance. That was earlier this evening. When I called, he was getting ready for birthday cake with his dad.
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your healing prayers. Ross continues to amaze all of us with his ever-improving abilities.

June 21, 2005: Another note from Betsy. They've been away and I'm still having problems from eye surgery--I apologize for such inconsistent updates. Hopefully, we're now back on track.
Hours later:
     
Ross had a good few days while we were away.  He is continuing to eat well. Feeding himself with help and chewing tender food in chunks.  He continues to speak occasionally.  For example, yesterday he was coughing and said please and a few other things with the benefit of the air flowing across his vocal cords.  Coordinating all of the necessary parts for speaking is the challenge right now.
   
Today was busy: He started his day with breakfast in the standing frame and then went to Santa Rosa in his wheelchair to see about modifications to help with maintaining good posture. We came home to do an hour of OT with Dominic, ate lunch, then off to see the chiropractic neurologist.  Back home for a rest, then time on the mat, pedals, and then dinner.  He is tired tonight, of course.
     
Day by day, Ross does get better.  Jeremy, the PT who worked with Ross from the time we brought him home till October of last year when he moved away, visited yesterday and it was rewarding to see his delight with how Ross has progressed since October.  
We are all proud of Ross and his perseverance. Onward and upward.
     Betsy

June 17, 2005: Note from Betsy:
 
We are going to go back to Marshall for three nights. We will be back on Monday, and I will send an update when we return. I am praying you are pain free soon.
     
Ross is doing well. His occupational therapy regime on Wednesday was intense and demanding and he did well. We did not try to do everything on Thursday since he is surely sore from using new muscles. Dominic will be back today, and back to using all those upper torso muscles.
     
Ross was definitely somewhat tired and very thoughtful yesterday during physical therapy when he was sitting on the edge of the bed. He kept his eyes on the timer the whole time and was just rather laid back figuratively and literally.
     
He still is experiencing pain, but much less than before. The best news is that cognitively he is quicker than ever and trying to talk. As, for instance, the other day when he told the PT to stop.

I believe we will hear more words as he is able to control his breathing to send air across the vocal cords.
Betsy

June 16, 2005: I apologize for not updating. I had eye surgery yesterday and have been unable to do the web site. Will post an update ASAP.
Kate

June 14, 2005 9:10 PM--Ross seems to be having a little bit of pain tonight, but Betsy said the dentist thought some of that may be due to his grinding his teeth at night. They're getting a bite guard for Ross and that may make a difference, though as Betsy said, getting it in place and keeping it there could be a challenge.
     
On Sunday family friends were visiting and Betsy said their friends' son placed the cones for Ross to knock off his tray, but he put them way out of reach, so that Ross had to lean way out from his chair to reach them. He had a real stretch, but managed to reach and knock all of them off, something that was quite a step for him. Even the neurologist who recently saw Ross said it's as if something has been "turned on" and is allowing him to function at a higher level.
     
Today when the physical therapist was working Ross's legs, Ross decided he'd had enough and signaled to him to stop. He's obviously more aware and more involved in his own care and the world around him. Thank you all for your continuing support, your healing prayers and your kindness towards Ross and his family.

June 13, 2005 11:00 PM--Received a late note from Betsy:
Hi Kate,
     
Ross is still awake at 10:30 PM.  His dental appointment went well.  It required coordinating 4 people, oral surgeon, his assistant, the dentist and the hygienist, all after hours at the surgeon's office.  Under general anesthesia, he had his teeth cleaned, a couple of teeth bonded, and impressions taken for a bite guard.  He came through it well, but looking like a man with a sore mouth.  About an hour ago, I asked him to show me his beautiful teeth, and he gave me his teeth smile.
     
We discovered that all the applesauce we have been giving him with pills and capsules are causing decalcification of his teeth.  I would never give him oodles of apple juice, but I didn't think of applesauce.  Hopefully, his  good diet and careful brushing will prevent further cavities.
     
We are indebted to this great team of dental professionals who worked an extra long day to help Ross.
     
Otherwise, he had a good day.  I am looking forward to tomorrow and a less complicated day. Betsy

June 12, 2005 9:40 PM--I wasn't able to call yesterday, but when I talked to Betsy tonight she said Ross was doing really well. Yesterday he was able to spend time in the hot tub--it took the use of the sling and overhead track, but he thoroughly enjoyed himself. Today he went to church and the rest of the day was very relaxed. Betsy said they took naps and also enjoyed a visit from long time friends. Their friends' son set up the cones for Ross and made it really difficult for him, but Ross still managed to knock them off.
     
Tomorrow he is scheduled for his dental work. Please keep Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. I'll try and get an update in after his appointment.

June 10, 2005 8:00 PM--I just talked to Betsy. Ross was having his dinner following a really good day. He had a great session with Dominic this morning, then later on, when Betsy brought him a set of water colors, he practiced getting the brush wet and putting paint on the brush. It takes a lot of coordination and Betsy said she was really surprised at how well he did.
    
Today is Betsy and Rusty's 32nd anniversary. I want to wish them all the best. I know they never could have expected what life has thrown at them, but they've handled everything with grace and dignity and unflagging love.
    
Ross is a lucky young man to have such amazing support from so many friends as well as such wonderful parents committed to his recovery. Please remember all of them in your thoughts and prayers.

June 9, 2005 9:10 PM--Today was more of a rest day for Ross, but after three hours of physical therapy yesterday and two scheduled for tomorrow, along with his regular daily routine, I imagine it was welcome. The really good news is that Betsy was able to get Ross's dental appointment moved up to next Monday. She's to have Ross at the dental surgeon's office by 6:00 PM, at which point they'll start the IV and prep him for whatever work needs to be done while he's under the anesthetic.

June 8, 2005 9:15 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a good day today. He's moving his left hand and arm volitionally now. It's especially noticeable when he's doing the pedals with his hands. Today he started out with Betsy and his therapist helping but then was able to do the rotations by himself. This is all new--he just started about two weeks ago. I commented to Betsy that a recent photo I'd seen of Ross made him look really slim, as if he was in training. She said he is slim... and he IS in training.
     
One other thing...this morning Rusty told Ross it was raining. Ross turned and looked out the window. A small thing, maybe, but very big when you consider the extent of Ross's injuries.
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your prayers.

June 8, 2005--I was not able to update last night but received a note from Betsy today:
     
Yesterday was the second anniversary of the momentous day that we brought Ross home.  We were discouraged by all but one of the professionals.  It is definitely one of the best things we could have done.  His progress is impressive.  This week, he is moving his torso from side to side while sitting in his wheelchair without trouble.
     
However, that is from our perspective.  Yesterday, I realized once again that I can't possibly fully understand what it is like to be in Ross's shoes.  He did well in his therapy, but he was very frustrated with his lot.  I once again ask readers to pray for Ross, that he will acquire speech and fine motor skills soon, and that he will not be crushed by sorrow over what he has lost.
Betsy

June 6, 2005 9:30 PM--Betsy said Ross was really tired today, but then she went on to tell me what his physical therapy for the day was like and I had sort of a "du-oh" moment, thinking, "well, I'd be tired, too!" Needless to say, Ross is busy from the time he awakens until he goes to bed at night.
     
His tooth is still hurting. The appointment for dental work isn't until June 25th, which is a long way off when you have a toothache. Betsy called the oral surgeon to see if they could move the date up, but hasn't had an answer yet.
     
When Betsy held up the "communication board" for Ross to tell her what he wanted, he pointed to the one that said, "Leave me alone." I think he's had a full day.
     
Thank you all so much for your healing thoughts and your prayers for Ross's recovery. You are all an important part of his journey back to himself.     

June 5, 2005 9:45 PM--I just talked to Rusty. He said Ross had a good day but was really tired after the heavy schedule of physical therapy last week, so they gave him a day off...he still had his PT but not at the level he usually does. Of course, they'll have him back at it on Monday, so it was probably a good idea to enjoy a day of rest. Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your healing thoughts and prayers.

June 4, 2004 8:40 PM--Just a brief note to let you know that Ross is doing well, though he seems very tired. Betsy thinks it's due to the pain in his tooth, which he can't have treated until June 25. However, in spite of his discomfort, Ors woke up laughing and he's doing great.
     
Thank you all for your prayers and healing thoughts.

June 3, 2005--The following is from Ross's parents:

Today is the anniversary of our precious son being catastrophically injured by an inattentive driver. The last three years have been a demonstration of how terrible tragedy and suffering can coexist with blessings and love.
     
We were told three years ago that Ross had only a five percent chance of any improvement. Ross has not only defied the medical prognosis, but gives hope to other families that people can heal after devastating brain injuries.  We are beginning to see glimpses of Ross's fun loving spirit and humor. As always, his indomitable spirit shines as he works to regain volitional control of his body.
     
Thank you all for your love and support. We couldn't do it without you.
     Rusty and Betsy Dillon

June 2, 2005 9:45 PM--Betsy said Ross is doing pretty well. He's definitely making advances, though they may appear subtle, but he's using his right arm more and they are forcing him to use his left, which he does. Betsy said, to put it in perspective: Last year the concern at this time was Ross's ability to eat solid foods and to help feed himself. This year, his sense of humor is coming back. He smiles more, laughs and acts more and  more as if the Ross everyone remembers is coming back.
     
I asked Betsy if they were still trying to reduce the Klonopin. She said Ross was very anxious and upset this morning so she and Rusty decided that, with the general anesthetic looming for his dental work, now wasn't a good time to try cutting back on the drug. Betsy said once she gave him the dose he'd missed, he relaxed and was able to sleep. There's still no set date for his dental work but hopefully it won't be too much longer. He's experiencing pain which is probably due to the lack of dentin on one of his teeth. The tooth Ross had pulled was badly chipped and had a cavity, but the one that seems to bother him now is one with exposed root.
     
Tomorrow marks the three year anniversary since Ross's life was forever changed. Please, drive carefully and be attentive to others who share the road. Thank you all for your prayers and support during Ross's long and difficult recovery.

June 1, 2005 10:00 PM--Just a quick update to let you know that Ross is doing well, though Betsy said he still appears to be having some pain from his tooth. The Botox appears to really be doing its job and Ross is noticeably working his arms and hands.
     
They're still trying to reduce the Klonopin and Betsy said they may resort to other medications to help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal from the drug. As always, thank you so much for your support and prayers for Ross's recovery. This is definitely not a journey he's taking alone.

May 31, 2005 10:15 PM--Betsy said Ross is doing well, but she feels there are changes going on with him. He seems very solemn though he is extremely alert and involved with what is going on around him. They're trying to cut back on the Klonipen, though it's such an insidious medication that the side effects of withdrawal can be terrible.
     
Ross worked with the activator tonight, a peddling mechanism he's using with his hands. He's using both his left and right hands, and initiating some of the activity himself. He also had an excellent visit with the neurologist, and instead of pulling his hands away during acupuncture, actually held still so the doctor could put the needles in.
     
Once again, thank you so much for your continuing support for Ross and his loved ones.

May 28, 2005 8:10 PM--When I called tonight, Ross was having dinner: Steak, baked sweet potatoes and salad. Betsy said he was enjoying his meal and doing great. Today he used a pedal machine, working it with his hands, rotating the pedals w/o any problem. Betsy said it worked out really well.
     
He had a good day yesterday, too, though he still has pain in his tooth. The dentist said it will require general anesthetic again to work on it and they may try to set something up for next week.
     
Betsy told me tonight that Ross has not only gotten back to the level he had reached before he had the seizures three weeks ago, but he is progressing beyond that point. She said he looks so much better, sitting in a "normal" position of 90 degree angles--foot to ankle, knees and hips--and is shrugging his shoulder in a typical manner.
     
Thank you all so much for your amazing support. Your prayers and healing thoughts have had such a wonderful impact on Ross.

May 26, 2005 9:14 PM--Today was a really long day. They got Ross up at five and he had a really early breakfast, then drove to Stanford and arrived about a half hour early for Ross's appointment. Betsy said they got right in, but then had to wait awhile until the doctor arrived. He seemed very pleased with the effects of the Botox and felt that Ross had more flexibility in his hand and arm.
     
When they got back home, Betsy said Ross had a good session on the pedals for an hour, then another good one in the standing frame. He kept wanting to push the lever that releases him, and Betsy had to remind him that he's not to do that until the session ends. She said she thinks he likes to push it because it's something he can do by himself. Rusty thinks he might be ready for the electric wheelchair before too long.
     
Another good thing today was that Ross was able to knock cones off his chair with his left hand and arm, something he's not been able to do before.

      
What's so amazing is that Ross continues to learn and improve, almost three years after his initial injury. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support for Ross's continuing recovery.

May 25, 2005 11:15 PM--Just a brief update to let you know Ross is doing well. I asked Betsy if she'd noticed any effect from the Botox and she said the medication takes at least seven days to work (yesterday was the seventh) and she feels they're seeing a real difference in Ross's right arm. He did really well in the standing frame and is moving his left foot much better when he gets it into position.
     
He saw the dentist who said the dry socket has healed, but Ross still has some pain in his teeth, possibly because he grinds them at night. Betsy said they're trying to figure out a way to address that.
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your prayers for Ross's recovery.

May 24, 2005 9:10 PM--Ross had a good day today, though he seemed really tired. However, Betsy said he was working hard at his therapy. He seemed really frustrated and Betsy said she was talking to him and saying things like, "One of these days you'll be able to walk again," and Ross would shake his head, "no." "One of these days you'll be able to drive a car." "No."  "Talk." "No." He was so negative, Betsy said she gave him a pillow and told him to hit it, something the kids would do when they were little and would grow frustrated. She said Ross hit the pillow a number of times, though he couldn't hit it very hard.
     
Later, Betsy made the same statements. "You're going to walk/drive a car/talk/etc." This time, Ross nodded yes to all of them, so whatever negative thoughts were in charge earlier had obviously gone.

May 23, 2005 9:20 PM--Talked to Betsy and she said Ross is doing really well. He had an excellent speech therapy appointment and was eating and feeding himself without any trouble. Plus, his responses were quick. At the chiropractor's appointment, Ross made it clear that he wanted the therapy to continue, even though it's often uncomfortable for him, and tonight at physical therapy, Betsy said Ross showed amazing trunk control and balance, sitting on the side of the bed and moving side to side and forward and backward.
     
Even more exciting, Betsy said his spasticity appears to be reducing more day by day.
     T
Thank you all so much for your prayers for Ross's recovery.

May 22, 2005 8:30 PM--Ross is doing really well and had a great occupational therapy session Saturday. The therapist said he could tell the Botox was already working on Ross's muscles and he was able to relax his arm quite a bit more than usual.
     
Old friend Steve Michaels stopped by to visit and Betsy said it was really neat because Ross remembered him. She could tell he was confused because his memory is still spotty, but Ross still knew Steve was someone he knew, and after a bit, he became more animated and responsive.
     
As Ross grows closer to the three year anniversary of his injuries, his recovery seems to be moving along at an even faster rate. He is trying so hard to talk, he is responsive and aware and able to answer questions with the shake or nod of his head, so many things doctors said he might never achieve. Thank you all so much for your continuing support. You are the difference.

May 20, 2005 9:20 PM--Betsy said Ross is doing great today. He tells her he's not in pain, but she said she wonders if that's just because he doesn't want her repacking the dry socket! He's eating well and working hard at his therapy. Worked on the pedals then spent time in the standing frame. When he was eating dinner, Betsy was feeding him and he made it clear to her he wanted to feed himself. Brought his hand to his mouth to show her. He's back to drinking unthickened liquids (the thickener is to keep him from choking when he's not as coordinated as he needs to be to swallow) and chewing his food. His tongue movement is good again, and that's important in moving food around in the mouth.
     
Betsy said she and Rusty cleaned the garage today and Ross watched them. She said he was very much "present" today, and more a part of the action. He's obviously trying to talk, but still not making any sound. Betsy said they've reduced his Tegritol another 100 mg. a day, so it's down 25% over the past six weeks.
    
Thank you all so much for your continuing support, your healing prayers and strong thoughts for Ross's recovery. It's so good to see Ross back where he was before the infection and seizures. Your shared energy is a huge part of his recovery.

May 19, 2005 7:50 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said that Ross had a really good therapy session yesterday and an excellent session in the standing frame today. However, last night she could tell he was still having pain from his pulled tooth, so Betsy took him in to see the dentist this morning. Ross had a dry socket, which the dentist packed and he seems more comfortable.
     
He woke up at 2:30 in the morning after the trip to Stanford and didn't go back to sleep until last night, but Betsy said he slept really well and seems much better and more rested tonight. He's congested and coughing a lot with allergies, but other than that, is doing really well and is alert and cooperative.
     
Thank you again for your healing thoughts and your prayers for Ross's recovery.

May 17, 2005 8:20 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said they'd retuned from Stanford about an hour before I called. Ross had his Botox shots today in his biceps, the muscle just below his elbow and his finger flexors. Results won't be evident for about seven to ten days, but he has an appointment with the doctor next Thursday to see how effective the shots, which are quite painful, were.    
In the meantime, Ross was exhausted and already in bed. He's doing well and Betsy said he handled the shots beautifully today.

Thank you for your healing thoughts and for your prayers.

May 16, 2005 9:00 PM--Ross is still experiencing some pain from his tooth extraction, but Betsy said there doesn't seem to be any sign of infection and his temperature is normal. He's on Vicodan about every six hours, though he went twelve hours on Saturday.
     
Betsy said she doesn't feel he's back to baseline yet...but he's close. This morning he was doing his arm exercises and at one point Betsy brought his left arm forward and Ross moved his entire body forward, trunk control that, while it's normal for us, is a new thing for Ross. He's still congested, but with the wind and the huge amount of growing things because of the rain, that's not surprising.
     
Please remember to keep Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. You are a very important part of his recovery.

May 15, 2005 9:10 PM--Tonight Betsy reminded me that Ross has experienced pain for the past four months, from the surgery on his elbow and ensuing problems to the trouble with the broken tooth. Now that his tooth has been pulled and the elbow is healing, he should feel terrific! Tonight his dad got Ross in the hot tub and he really seemed to love it. He's going longer without his pain meds and definitely into recovery mode. Please keep Ross in your thoughts and prayers as he begins a new week feeling strong and healthy.

May 14, 2005 8:35 PM--Betsy is away at a wedding this weekend but I talked to Rusty tonight and he said Ross is just about back to "baseline," the point where he was before the problem with the seizures last week. He is doing fine, still has a little pain from the pulled tooth when the meds wear off, but still managed a lot of really good physical therapy today.
     
Hopefully, now that the "other" problems have been addressed, Ross will continue to show improvement. Thank you all so much for your prayers and healing thoughts this last week. There is no doubt your support made a bad situation bearable. Thank you.

May 11, 2005 7:00 PM--I checked in with Betsy a little early tonight. I figure that after the week they've had, she might be heading to bed earlier than usual! The surgery on Ross's tooth went fine today. It wasn't the one Betsy suspected of causing the problems and was, instead, a tooth on the bottom left side that had a huge chip in the back. The decision was made to pull it rather than to wait until they could do a crown, and Betsy said she's glad they did because once it was out, the oral surgeon discovered a huge cavity he hadn't seen in the X-rays. From the size of it, he said it had to have been causing Ross a lot of pain.
     
Betsy said he came home absolutely starving and she fixed him a vegetable smoothie with protein powder, something he likes a lot. He ate that and was sleeping when I called. They didn't get home until almost five tonight, so it was a really long day.
     
Betsy said it was obvious today that Ross understands and fully comprehends everything that is said to him, something they questioned just a few months ago. It will be fascinating to see how he does, now that he's not going to have the constant pain from a bad tooth. I really look forward to a lot of improvements coming up.
     
Thank you all so much for your support, your healing thoughts and your prayers. You are an amazing source of strength for this entire family.     

May 10, 2005 9:15 PM--I just called Betsy to see how Ross was doing and she said he was laughing and smiling tonight, though he's obviously not feeling all that well from the infected tooth. He can't have any food after five in the morning, so she figures he'll be a less than happy camper tomorrow. Please continue to pray for Ross that this surgery, minor though it appears, goes well.

May 10, 2005 12:25 PM--Betsy just called to tell me Ross is scheduled for surgery on his tooth tomorrow, (Wednesday, May 11) at 1:00 PM. She's really concerned about this, given all Ross has been through this past few days, and wanted me to let you know about the appointment and ask for your prayers for Ross.
     
Thank you, all of you. You are an amazing source of support for Ross and his family.

May 9, 2005 9:45 PM--I got a note from Betsy and also talked to her. Ross is okay, but definitely subdued after his long weekend:
     
Ross's first 24 hours back home have been okay.  He has been in a lot of pain from his tooth.  We have an initial appointment this week with the oral surgeon.  We had appointments for Friday and Saturday last week, but they had to be canceled because Ross was in the hospital.
     
He is eating well and feeding himself again with help.  He definitely has not completely recovered from the seizures - he tires easily and he seems a little blue.  His responses are not as crisp today.  Tomorrow is another day with all of the usual schedule.  

Please continue to pray for all of us.
     Betsy

May 8, 2005 11:20 AM--I just talked to Betsy and they were in the process of loading Ross into the van and getting ready to take him home. His sodium levels are at 138 and the Tegretol in his bloodstream down to 78. This is the highest they've been able to get his sodium since he was injured three years ago. The doctors have reduced the amount of Tegretol Ross gets to 1300 mg. a day from his original dosage of 1600, and he's stayed off the Klonopin without any obvious problems since having that dosage reduced as well. Betsy said they hope to continue reducing that until they can wean Ross of it altogether.
     
In the meantime, it appears Ross is none the worse for wear after a few tough and frightening days. Thank you all so much for your prayers. I'm sure that being able to take Ross back home will make this Mother's Day much brighter for Betsy and the entire family.

May 7, 2005 9:00 PM--Barring any complications, I'll be going back to regular updates after today. Ross is still at Memorial. He's doing better and has been moved out of ICU and into a regular room. He's more responsive. Betsy said she's gotten lots of smiles and some laughter from him today. The doctor has cut back on his Klonopin/Clonazepam which Ross was prescribed for spasticity. It's never really helped that much, but once the drug is started it's a hard one to discontinue, as the body actually creates receptors for the drug. It's highly addictive, so Betsy is pleased they're trying to get him off of it while he's under supervision in the hospital.
     
He's still getting sodium to keep his levels up, and also is still on the antibiotic. Tegretol levels remain high in his system.
     
Ross was able to eat today by mouth for the first time since all this happened, but he's very tired. Betsy said they're hoping to take him  home tomorrow. Your continuing prayers for Ross's recovery are much appreciated. Thank you so much for you support and your concern.

May 7, 2005 10:05 AM--Ross is still in the hospital and the doctors want to keep him another night, but he is definitely doing better. His sodium levels are up, but so are the levels of Tegretol in his system which is why they want to continue monitoring him. Betsy said he seems to be feeling a lot better and he's not having as much pain in his tooth, which might mean that is the source of infection. Unfortunately, the hospital doesn't have the necessary equipment to treat his tooth while he's there.
    
 I'll try and get another update this evening. Please continue to pray for Ross's recovery. Thank you all so much for your concern and your support.

May 6, 2005 5:15 PM--Betsy called and said Ross is doing better tonight. They're pushing sodium with an IV and have brought his levels up three points. Tests show there is an infection somewhere in his system (possibly the tooth?) so he's getting antibiotics. If he remains stable, his mom said they should be able to bring him home tomorrow.
     
Thank you all so much for your prayers today, and every day. Ross and his family have really benefited from your amazing support.

May 6, 2005 12:00 noon--Ross will be staying at Memorial for another night. The seizures have stopped and the doctor said he believes this might be a "benign incident" w/o lasting repercussions. Ross's sodium levels have dropped, possibly a result of the Tegretol he takes. Betsy said he showed high levels of the drug in his system in spite of the fact they've reduced the dosage. It might mean his body is doing a better job regulating and he doesn't need as much of the drug, but hopefully further tests will tell them more. Please keep Ross in your prayers. I'll add more information as I get it.

May 6, 2005 6:30 AM--Ross needs your prayers. He began seizing last night and has continued with grand mal seizures through the night <correction--his seizures ended around 10:30 last night> at Memorial Hospital. He is currently in the same Intensive Care Unit where he was taken almost three years ago, June 3, 2002, when he was struck down by an inattentive driver while riding his bike. Please pray for his recovery. I'll update later as I have more news.

May 4, 2005 9:45 PM--Still no word on Ross's dental care. The dentist is talking to the oral surgeon who doesn't want to do any injectable anesthetic on Ross outside of a hospital which would cost thousands of dollars and would not be covered by any insurance. In the meantime, Ross is obviously uncomfortable because of his chipped tooth, caught firmly in the middle while everyone either looks for a solution or passes the buck. The dentist refuses to attempt any work without an X-ray, but can't get an X-ray while Ross is awake. The acceptable meds don't put him to sleep, and the cycle continues.
     
Just one more chapter in a number of stories: health care as it stands today, the lack of liability from the person who caused Ross's injuries, and life in general.It's extremely frustrating for all of us, but no more so than for his parents who are faced with the daily decisions affecting Ross's life and health.
    
Okay...off my rant, and in the meantime Ross is doing well with therapy and, though the meds yesterday really knocked him for a loop, doing well in all aspects of  his recovery.
     
Thank you all, so much for your healing thoughts and prayers for Ross. You are all an important part of his recovery.

May 3, 2005 9:30 PM--Ross's dentist appointment today didn't go quite as planned...Betsy said they gave him the pill to relax him at 10:30. An hour later he was still wide awake. They gave him another. Still wide awake. Finally, around 2:30 they gave him two. He was just as perky as ever, though Betsy said he was definitely relaxed...however, not relaxed enough for the dentist to do any extensive work on him. They decided to scratch the appointment and reschedule after the dentist has time to talk to an oral surgeon about alternative methods for relaxing Ross for the procedure, including X-rays.
     
As Betsy said, Ross was wide awake but quite delightful with all the relaxants in him...still, his tooth is obviously bothering him and the work needs to be done as soon as possible.
     
Please keep Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

May 2, 2005 10:00 PM--Betsy said tonight that Ross is still having some stomach problems, but she's wondering now if it's because his tooth is once again causing him pain. He has an appointment tomorrow to get it fixed, so hopefully he'll start feeling better. Even though he's been uncomfortable, Betsy said Ross is very alert and had a great session on the floor mat this morning. He also let Betsy open his mouth and put some pain killer on the damaged tooth. His appointment is tomorrow at eleven.
    
Please keep Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

May 1, 2005 8:30 PM--Ross has had a bit of a stomach upset for the past couple of days, but Betsy said, in spite of his discomfort, he continues to show improvement. He's speaking more--a word here and a word there, but always apropos to the situation. On Friday, he asked Jeremiah, "What's up?" and on Thursday he said "yes" and "good" at the appropriate times.
     
Betsy said the biggest thing was on Friday when she needed Ross's signature for some papers. She asked him if he recalled how he used to sign his name, which was an "R" with a stylized squiggle after it. Ross nodded yes, that he remembered, so Betsy put the pen in his hand and gave him some paper. He wrote his regular signature R with the squiggle after it, and though it wasn't perfect, Betsy said it was totally recognizable. She said they're noticing more and more dexterity in his hands. For instance, there is a tray on Ross's wheelchair that folds back. He's learned to open it using his knee to push it up and then his arm and hand to push it open. Betsy said she watched him do it a number of times.
     
It's been almost three years since Ross was first injured, and none of his recovery has been easy, but he continues to amaze everyone who knows him by his constant improvement and his determination to keep getting better. Thank you all, so much, for your support and your prayers. This could not happen without all of you behind him.

April 28, 2005 9:45 PM--Ross is doing better, though today his dentist wanted Betsy to try a medication to relax him as a trial run before he has dental work next week. Betsy said it made Ross groggy and slowed him down, though he still managed to do well in his physical therapy. During his dinner, he did speak a couple of words: "yes" and "good." His speech is still intermittent, but the words are always appropriate to the situation and he speaks very clearly.
     
Ross continues to show improvement. Thank you all so much for your healing thoughts and your prayers for his continuing recovery.

April 27, 2005 9:15 PM--Just got an email update from Betsy:

Hi Kate,
     
Ross is doing better.  The doctor thought the side effects of the new medication were too rough so we discontinued it.  The biggest change is that he is once again alert, he has started speaking again (he said "thank you" twice today) and he is not choking as much while eating or drinking. He is moving his right arm more to move the cones or to punch a hanging ball. His physical therapy session tonight was great.  When the therapist got him sitting up cross legged, Ross sat erect with minimal support.  I remember when the whole process took two people from start to finish.
    
More tomorrow.
     Betsy

April 25, 2005 9:45 PM--I talked very briefly with Betsy tonight. Ross didn't have a good day at all. Betsy is attributing his stomach upset, increased spasticity and possible petit mal seizure to a new drug that is supposed to control seizures and allow them to wean him from the Tegretol, which has a number of undesirable side effects. Sometimes it takes the body a while to adjust, but it's been two days now and Ross seems to feel worse, not better. Betsy has a call into the doctor and hopes to hear from him tomorrow. She said Ross has even been sliding down in his wheelchair, a sign of spasticity and something he hasn't done for a long time.
     
Please remember Ross in your prayers. He really needs all your healing thoughts and support.

April 24, 2005 9:30 PM--When I talked to Betsy tonight she said Ross was doing great. At five this morning when she was giving him his medications, she said she offered him some water. He looked at her and very clearly said, "No." He's so close to speech...a few words here and there but they're coming more often now, and very clear.
    
They had guests today, Ross's pediatrician and his wife, a couple who stayed with Ross a year ago so his parents could have a much-needed night away. Betsy said she told Ross he should give the doctor a "high five" when he arrived, and when the doctor and his wife showed up, Ross greeted him with a "high five." He remembered...short term memory is one of the biggest problems with brain injury, but Ross was able to recall Betsy's instructions.
     
Later, they pulled out the cones so Ross could knock them off, but he was more interested in the standing frame. Betsy said he had to wait on that, but it was obvious Ross wanted to be in the frame.
     
He worked with the physical therapist on the mat, arching his back and holding his head up. The goal is ten minutes cumulative time. Ross isn't there yet, but he's close.
     
Betsy said the biggest change is Ross's recent level of awareness. He is more involved, and seems more in tune with what is going on around him. He's speaking more, though not enough to make a huge difference, though communication is not nearly as much hit or miss as it's been in the past.
     
There is no doubt Ross has benefited from the prayers and healing thoughts of all of you who follow his progress. Thank you so much for your steadfast support.

April 21, 2005 8:30 PM--Ross had a really good day today. When Jeremiah asked him if he slept well, Ross answered, "Yeah." That was his only speech for the day, but every word is a new step towards communication.
     
When he was in the standing frame, Betsy said they got the timer out when he was knocking cones off the tray...there are eight cones and at first it took him five seconds but he got it down to one second. Ross definitely hasn't lost his competitive abililities!
     
One cone got caught in the trough that runs along the front of the tray. Ross spent about ten minutes trying to get it out and eventually managed to free it, using a tool. His coordination and thought processes continue to improve. Betsy also had some worksheets that required matching like drawings and such...Ross uses a charcoal pencil with a holder that makes it easier to grip, and was able to match some of the drawings.
     
Ross's days are absolutely filled up, with exercises, time spent pedaling, standing in the standing frame and therapy, but all of the intense care is making a difference. So do your prayers and healing thoughts and your support. Thank you so much.

April 20, 2005 8:10 PM--Ross spoke again today. Betsy said he was in his bed, coughing, and she went in to check on him. He said, very clearly, "This is so hard." Betsy said she asked him if that was what he said, and he nodded yes.
     
When he talks, Ross says the words clearly. The speech pathologist explained that the centers of the brain responsible for arm movement are very close to those that direct speech. Ross's arm control has been improving a lot over the past few months, so his ability to speak appears to be directly tied to that improvement. He's also showing a lot less spasticity.
     
Betsy said Ross has been taking a food supplement called Ambrotose which is designed to improve intercellular communication. She has noticed a marked increase in his abilities and rate of progress since starting the substance. The main thing is, it appears to be helping speed Ross's recovery of basic abilities.
     
Please remember Ross and his family in your thoughts and prayers. As exciting as his progress is, it's also a difficult journey for Ross and his entire family as he makes his slow way along the path of recovery. Your support is very important to all of them.

April 18, 2005 8:45 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said it was a really busy day, with three different appointments, but a good day for Ross. His tooth no longer appears to be bothering him, so the treatment at the dentist's office must have worked. He also saw the chiropractic neurologist and speech pathologist, then the "communications guy" who is providing him with computerized material to facilitate communication was there this evening.

     
I asked Betsy how that was going and she said it's allowing Ross to tell her more specific things. This morning he was able to use the sheet of images to let Betsy know his back was hurting. As she said, that's not something she would have even considered. A change in position is all it takes to fix things, most times, but before, Ross wouldn't have had a way to let anyone know what the problem was.
     
I asked if the ease of pointing to pictures and icons would take away the incentive to speak verbally, and Betsy said it actually reinforces the desire to speak. Ross is beginning to say more words. This morning Betsy said he woke up smiling and then started laughing. Betsy pointed to Ross's caretaker and said, "Jeremiah is here." Ross looked at Jeremiah and said, "Oh my Joseph," very clearly. The therapist said he would probably begin using more phrases and verbalizing more all the time.
     
He's showing more arm movement and the nerves for the arms are located near the speech center in the brain, which means Ross is probably very close to regaining his ability to speak on a regular basis. Even now, almost three years after he was so badly injured, Ross continues to improve far beyond what his doctors said he would ever achieve. Thank you so much, all of you, for your prayers and your continuing support. Each one of you is an important part of Ross's continuing recovery.

April 17, 2005 9:40 PM--Just got a note from Betsy after calling and leaving a message for her:
     
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner;  life has been a whirlwind. We took Ross in for a routine blood test on Thursday.  On Friday, I received a call from the doctor saying Ross's sodium levels had dropped and that the levels of one of his  seizure meds was up.  This particular medicine causes sodium levels to fall, and we give Ross salt supplements to balance sodium.  I think that this is a temporary problem and we are already adjusting the dosage on the  seizure meds.  This is probably the explanation for the sudden onset about a week ago of jerking. Today, he is much better, but we have observed that he has been very tired this weekend. Today was a rest day.  He complained of back pain (Thank you to Dan who brought us the *communication sheets), and Jeremiah put him on his stomach when he came tonight.  Ross looked much better after 30 minute in that position.
    
The tooth is causing some pain.  I think part of the dentin is still exposed.  We put Anbesol on it tonight and it seemed to help. Ross's ability to communicate and to let us know what he wants continues to improve.  His ability to move his trunk is improving.  Two events, demonstrate this.  Ross was on his stomach in bed, and rolled over to his back by himself.  The other, the next day, I accidentally left the railing at the foot of the bed down.  Ross stretched as he was waking up, and we walked in to see both feet hanging off the bed, and him perpendicular in the bed.  We have to be very careful now. I hope you had a good weekend.
     Love, Betsy

*Communication sheets are 8 1/2 x 11 printed sheets with icons and words in different colors identifying moods, areas of the body, pain or discomfort. Ross can point at them using either a pointer or his hand, and Betsy said he's using them really well, which definitely improves his ability to communicate. It's a very simple process but it allows him to show what hurts or what he wants.

April 14, 2005 8:30 PM--I just talked to Betsy and as it turns out, Ross did not have to have his tooth pulled. It's not "rotten," though it was either cracked or chipped in the accident and the enamel is entirely off of it. He'll need to have it bonded, but in the meantime he's got a temporary filling until he can have the permanent work done. Betsy said he still doesn't feel all that well, but he's still doing wonderfully with his therapy. The best part is, he won't lose the tooth.
     
Thank you all so much for you prayers and healing thoughts. Ross really does depend on your support.

April 14, 2005 6:40 AM--When I tried to call Betsy last night, the phone kept ringing and the answering machine didn't pick up, so I figured she must be on another call. I received the following this morning:
     
I was on the phone with an oral surgeon when you called.  I would flunk a class on diagnostics.  Instead of a sore throat, Ross has a big cavity that I was not able to see until today because he has not been able to hold his mouth open long enough.  I am afraid they will have to remove the tooth.  It looks as if it has been chipped.  I have long wondered if any teeth were chipped when he was hit by the car.  Anyway, he is holding his mouth and drooling the way babies do when they are experiencing teething pain.  We have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow morning.
     
The good news is that even though he was in severe pain today, he did a wonderful job of sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning on his right arm, then straightening up, then leaning on his left arm. His trunk control and use of his abdominals to bring himself forward was the best yet.  It is so exciting to see him immediately try to do what we ask.
     
I talked to Stanford today.  They don't know how long it will take to accomplish all the paperwork necessary before scheduling an actual appointment for Ross's Botox treatment.  Ross is the first patient in this new Botox protocol.
     
Thanks.
     Betsy
     
Please keep Ross in your prayers today. He's got to be feeling miserable, and most likely will until he is able to see the oral surgeon and have the broken tooth either pulled or fixed. Thank you so much for your support and concern for Ross through this long recovery.

April 13, 2005 9:00 AM--Another brief note from Betsy:
    
Ross was tired yesterday, communicated that he had a sore throat, and had more nasal drainage than usual. When I asked him if he thought he was a little bit sick, he nodded yes. He has also been more tense, but that can be caused by being sick.
     
Today is another day.
     Betsy

April 12, 2005 9:00 AM--Had a quick note from Betsy this morning--I didn't have a chance to call last night as we had company for dinner:
     
Ross had a good day.  His timing on knocking cones off the table and responding to questions is faster.  Again, he seemed very congested.  We think he had a small seizure around 5:00 P.M.  He was lying on his stomach when he started coughing and it seemed he may have bitten his tongue. He had a lot of saliva production.   He was well enough to peddle for a while an hour later and I gave him an easy supper, the protein and enzyme rich carrot custard that he likes.  I noticed that his pupils were equally dilated-a good neurological sign.  As often is the case, the little seizure made him tired, but didn't seem to set him back.  Some experts think these things are part of the brain rewiring.
    Betsy

April 10, 2005 7:45 PM--Betsy said Ross had a fairly good day though he's having some problems with spasticity. However, he still managed to do well in the standing frame. Betsy said she was able to get him out of his chair by herself a couple of times today, something she couldn't have done a year ago. The difference is that Ross now has really great trunk control and is able to hold his body in different positions without help--this allows Betsy to get the sling behind him, something she couldn't do before.
     
Ross continues to improve--it's a long, slow road, but his recovery is a constant challenge, one he and his family meet on a daily basis. Thank you all so much for your prayers, your support and your healing thoughts. You are a very important part of the healing process.

April 8, 2005 8:15 AM--Just heard from Betsy:
Kate,
     
Ross had a good day yesterday. We weren't able to get an appointment with the ENT doctor until today. He was very communicative yesterday. He again indicated he was feeling great.
     
His standing frame session was over an hour long and he did well. After eating his dinner standing up, he knocked cones off the tray while standing. He is now quick and uses an explosive snap to knock them off with his right hand. He was able to make some small moves with his left arm and hand, but it took a lot of work. He also did some impressive righting of himself while standing. At one point, he was leaning far to the right, and he was able to bring himself back up following our voice commands. Just a few weeks ago, we would have had to push him back up to an upright position. He also was leaning back and then bringing himself forward.
     
The big new thing was catching a ball. It was one of the balls we hang from a beam for him to hit or kick. Jeremiah swung the ball toward him, Ross captured it between his bent right arm and his chest, and then was able to release it by lifting his arm. He is making wonderful and steady progress.
Betsy


April 7, 2005 8:20 AM--Got a note this morning from Betsy with Ross's update for yesterday:
Kate,
    
I am sorry I didn't get back to you last night.  We were busy trying to determine what was in Ross's left ear and it took three of us to realize we don't know.  So off to the doctor today.  It doesn't seem to be hurting, but I noticed Ross was touching his ear and it was red and warm.  So I asked Lisa to check it when she came.
     
I was able to talk to the person who schedules Botox treatments at Stanford and faxed off the paperwork to get the ball rolling this morning.  I just hope that we can get the treatment soon.
     
Ross had a pretty good day. He had a good pedaling session in the morning.  He was more toney (spastic) in the afternoon and it interfered with good foot position in the standing frame.  However, we watched a movie, White Nights, with Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines and Ross seemed to like it.  We sipped an herbal tea that both Ross and I like and he ate his dinner.  I had made an old favorite-Tamale Pie- and he enjoyed it.
     
Later we were sitting together and he was winking at Lisa, the nurse, and I brought out one of the new low tech communication boards.  It was one that is supposed to help communicate feelings.  I asked him to tell us how he was feeling.  He immediately started to put his hand on the icon that says "great".  I asked again, and he chose "great" a second time.  I was so touched.  I worry so much about how awful this is for him, and it means a lot that life was "great" for a while.
     
Thank you everyone for your prayers and support.
     Betsy

April 5, 2005 9:30 PM--Betsy was able to send me an update tonight (with her schedule, I'm amazed she could find the time!)
Ross had a good day.  He saw the neurologist, then we went to lunch (Ross had a burrito.) After that we visited the OT at the orthopedist's office. We are still waiting for an appointment for  Botox injections for Ross's bicep.  I finally heard from the scheduling person at Stanford, but I don't know how long it will take to get the appointment.  The OT wants to wait for the Botox before doing more treatments with him.  He was able to open his arm more and hold it for a time today.  We can work his arm several times each day, although we are not experts.  But the therapists and doctors say that if we have to wait too long, scar tissue can compromise the gains he got from surgery.  Ross is moving his arm more, and feeding himself better than ever.

He is still congested, but less than a few days ago.  And he is definitely more vocal.

Betsy

Ross continues to show improvement almost daily. Thank you all so much for your support, your healing thoughts and your prayers.

April 4, 2005 9:45 PM--Talked to Betsy just a bit ago and she said that today went really well. Yesterday was really busy and so was today--Ross saw two therapists, including the augmentive communication's specialist who brought some low-tech communicative devices that might help Ross communicate better until he can speak. The physical therapist was there as well--Betsy said Ross is doing great, though he's had some really scary choking incidents. She thinks it might be due to his problems with congestion since he's also been coughing a lot, or it could be just because he's working so hard and gets really tired.
     
The speech therapist said Ross is showing a lot of improvement in his movements: chewing, swallowing, moving his tongue, etc. He's definitely more alert and communicative, though not speaking.
    
Ross also saw the chiropractor who ran him through a series of exercises. He was able to raise his entire left arm from hand to shoulder about six-eight inches...he's had a really busy week and Betsy said Ross's last real "day of rest" was Monday a week ago!
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing support, your prayers and your healing thoughts for Ross's recovery.

April 2, 2005 8:15 PM--Dominic, the occupational therapist was over today. He made some adjustments to Ross's standing frame so that Ross can put more weight on his arms, which should help with the ongoing spasticity and tone. He also adjusted the wheelchair so Ross can sit up straighter. The OT told Betsy he expects to see some major improvements with Ross's new positioning. Overall, Ross had a good day and continues to improve. Thank you all again for your healing prayers and your support.

April 1, 2005 9:00 PM--Ross had a terrific day today. Betsy told me he had a really good session in the standing frame. It used to take three people to get Ross situated in the frame but now it can be done with just two. Once he was in the frame and standing comfortably, he had his dinner. He was tired afterwards.
     
This morning Betsy said it was really incredible--Ross was hitting the cones with his right arm, but he really had to work at it. He kept looking away from the cones and Betsy finally realized he was looking where she had put some hard cardboard tubes (the kind that go on coat hangers so you can hang slacks) that Ross can grip and use to hit the cones. He not only remembered where she had stored them, he also recognized that they would make his job a lot easier!
     
Tomorrow Ross will be evaluated for an adaptive communication device. Betsy is not sure what he'll be able to use, but at least this will give them some options.
     
In the meantime, many thanks for your healing thoughts, your kindness and your support. Ross continues to show improvement and a lot of his success is due to all of you.

March 31, 2005 8:15 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a really great day. He's responsive, very alert and working hard at his therapy. today he was "bridging," the exercise where you keep your feet flat, knees bent and bring your butt up as high as you can. Ross managed 4 inches the first time, then doubled it to eight inches. He repeated four times. Betsy said his elbow appears to be bothering him quite a bit, so they're using some ice on it tonight. However, he was unable to open his arm out as far as he's been doing. They're working at keeping the joint mobile.
     
Thank you all so much for your healing prayers and your support. Ross continues to show improvement at a very steady pace.

March 30, 2005 10:00 PM--The Dillons were going to a dinner sponsored by their volunteer fire department, so Betsy sent me the following update before they left:
Kate,
     
Ross had a wonderful day. He is so alert and involved.  This morning, as he awakened he stretched and yelled three times.  The stretches involved rolling over on his side, leading with his shoulder and leg. Later in the morning he had 1 hour of physical therapy, then lunch in the standing frame. He was standing for an hour. He went to bed for a rest and chose to watch the movie Phantom. He then had another hour of physical therapy, which involved sitting on the side of the bed.  The therapist was controlling his legs so that he didn't extend them and slide off the bed.  Ben,  the caregiver, was behind him with the exercise ball to keep him from falling backward.  Ross moved from side to side and righted himself back to center. He had no support on the sides. He was reaching out to touch a yellow block. This activity was new and exceptional and requires a great deal of trunk control, but then he pulled himself forward using his abdominals, his back and  his trunk in order to touch the block that was about two feet in front of him.  It was an amazing sight.  And now, as Ben is preparing his dinner for him, he is sitting listening to music and watching the food intently.  A very good day!

Betsy
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing support. It's so exciting to see Ross showing improvement so far after his original injury...he couldn't do it without you.

March 29, 2005 9:00 PM--Ross had a good day and Betsy said he was doing really well. Had a great session with his occupational therapist including his first pain pill in seven days...but he was really relaxed with therapy!
    
He's still really congested with allergies which shows up in more tone and tightness in his muscles. Still, he's definitely doing well.
     
Betsy said that daily Ross is more alert and more "there." He continues to show improvement, thanks to all of you and your support and prayers for Ross's recovery.

March 28, 2005 9:00 PM--I talked to Betsy a bit ago and she said they had a great day. Their regular appointments were cancelled which meant it was a lot slower and not nearly so hectic as Mondays generally are. Betsy said Ross did have a couple of choking spells when he simply forgot to chew his food thoroughly enough, but he handled them just fine. He had an excellent session in the standing frame, spending an hour and fifteen minutes standing really tall and straight, even feeding himself while in the frame. When he was ready to get down, he leaned forward and, with some help from Rusty, got his hand on the lever and pushed it forward to lower himself. He also did really well on the pedals. Betsy said his new OT (occupational therapist) is terrific.
     
I asked if Ross had spoken anymore, and Betsy said he "mouthed" HI to his dad, but there was no sound. He's definitely working on it, though.
     
Ross's improvement is absolutely amazing. He continues to develop more skills almost three years "post trauma," and there's no sign his improvement will slow or stop. Thank you all, so much, for your continuing support and your healing prayers. Ross and his family could not do this alone.                                                                                                                                                         

March 28, 2005 3:00 PM--I just got the following note from Betsy about Ross's Easter Sunday. Will post this and try and do a new update this evening as well:
Kate,
     
Sorry to be so late getting back to you.  Ross had a very full day on Easter Sunday.  We were invited to attend Jeremiah's church and it was wonderful. All of these people who have been praying for Ross were able to see him. Ross definitely participated in the service.
     
We got back to the house around 3, and at four our friends began arriving for Easter dinner.  Ross sat at the table with us and ate what everybody else ate.  By 8:30, he was drifting off and he was asleep by 9 PM.

More tonight.
Betsy

March 25, 2005 10:00 PM--I talked to Betsy this evening and she said that Ross appeared to be trying to talk but wasn't having much luck. It's a complicated process to force enough air across the larynx to get sounds to come out.
     
Ross had a visit today with the physiatrist who saw him right after he got out of rehab and the doctor was really impressed with his progress. After that visit, Betsy took Ross to see the occupational therapist. Ross hadn't had his pain meds and was not at his most cooperative. When the OT asked if he was feeling cranky, he nodded "yes."
     
This evening, though, he had an excellent session in the standing frame and continues to show improvement. Thank you all so much for your continuing support and your healing prayers.     

March 25, 2005 8:45 AM--I had a note this morning from Betsy. Ross continues to try and talk and Betsy's note sounds really upbeat:

Ross is doing well. The last two days of standing frame exercises were very good. He is standing tall with very little support from his arms and hands. He is using his right arm more and extending it further. The elbow is almost completely healed. He is also able to move small objects on a tray, and he was able to actually touch the objects better when I put an eye patch on him. On Wednesday, he said "my, my". I think he may have been asking for something.

The really big news is that on Thursday night he lifted his left leg and put it across his right leg while lying in bed. This is similar to how he started moving his right leg a little over a year ago, and now he can do almost anything with his right foot and leg.

We are so grateful to have Ross home where we, with the help of Ross's supporters, can provide a hopeful, healing, and life affirming environment for his restoration. As a result, he is making significant daily improvements. The best is yet to come.

Thank you everyone.
Betsy

March 22, 2005 8:45 PM--When I asked Betsy how Ross's day went, she said, "Really well. Today he said 'yes' and we all heard him." Corinne, his physical therapy assistant, asked Ross a question and he clearly answered her "yes," with an audience...Betsy said they all just looked at each other when he spoke because they were so surprised to hear him. Of course, after that all he would do was nod his head in answer, but at least they know he can do it.
     
Ross's Tuesdays are really busy--he had an occupational therapy appointment out on Stony Point Road then a speech therapist appointment across town, then went home for a physical therapy appointment this afternoon. It makes for a busy day but he's doing really well. Betsy said the PT had him sitting on the edge of the bed, supporting himself with his hands. He's much more alert and aware of all that's going on around him--definitely showing improvement. Thank you, everyone, for your continuing support and your healing thoughts. There really is power in your prayers.

March 20, 2005 9:00 PM--Ross is doing really well. Betsy said they took him to church this morning and he was definitely responsive and "right there." He has a new occupational therapist who is working really well with him and Betsy said the OT is also a great teacher, explaining how the various therapies work. At first Ross was a bit shy with him, but he's coming around. Ross also had a great session in the standing frame, and Betsy said they're finally feeling as if they're getting back on top of things again.
     
Thank you all so much for your support, for your healing thoughts and prayers for Ross's recovery.

March 18, 2005 9:20 PM--Ross had another good day. He's moving his arm more and had an excellent session in the standing frame. Betsy said that after about 45 minutes he reached for the lever to pull himself down, but Rusty wasn't through working with him and just sort of ignored Ross's movement. Ross went on with the therapy, but within five minutes he was reaching for the lever again. He can't do it without help, but at least he let Rusty know it was time to quit!
     
A new occupational therapist will be starting tomorrow. In the meantime, Betsy said Ross is more aware and active and just feels more connected to what is going on around him.
     
Thanks again, all of you, for your healing thoughts and prayers for Ross's recovery.

March 16, 2005 9:20 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross is doing well. He did have some pain today, but he was able to sit at the table tonight for a corned beef dinner which he seemed to really enjoy. Betsy said that during the meal, (Ross's sister Ariel and her friend were there) they got to talking about "scary things." Betsy mentioned a time when Ross's car skidded on black ice and he spun around. Ross was obviously paying attention to the conversation and got really grim when Betsy mentioned his car skidding--he was either remembering the accident or possibly thinking of the one that left him so badly injured. Still, it's a sign of memory and even more awareness of events past.
     
When Rusty got home tonight, he placed his left hand over the top of Ross's hand and opened and closed his fingers. Ross is just now regaining some voluntary control of his left hand and was able to mimic his father's motions to a certain extent, moving his own fingers in increments of bare millimeters, but still moving.
     
Ross has a number of appointments coming up with specialists his parents hope might help him with his communication skills and also his hand and finger movements. Please keep Ross in your thoughts and prayers as he continues on this long road to recovery.

March 15, 2005 9:00 PM--When I called Betsy she told me Ross was mad at her...she'd been reading to him when Jeremiah brought Ross some applesauce and left it for him. Betsy went on reading and soon Ross was pushing at her arm, pushing her away. She said he let her know he really preferred Jeremiah and the applesauce! He's definitely making himself understood, though he's not yet speaking.
     
Betsy said Ross had an excellent session with the physical therapist in the standing frame this morning. He was standing almost totally unsupported while he ate his breakfast, and when it was time for the session to end, with some assistance, he pushed the lever himself to help lower him to a sitting position.  
     
Ross is having a lot of problems with allergies right now, just like everyone else, but he continues to do well with his various therapies, including a visit to the therapist who is helping him with his elbow "post-surgery."
     
Thank you so much for your continuing support for Ross and his loved ones.

March 14, 2005 9:20 PM--Ross had a really busy day and Betsy said he's doing great, though he did spend part of the day mad at her! She said she had him pulling himself forward with a bar and it required bending his elbow, so he wasn't a happy camper, but he did really well. The physical therapist had him sitting up and balancing and managed to get him mad at her as well, but she told Betsy that's to be expected. Ross was also able to push checkers around with his finger, and all lin all he's showing more dexterity and more understanding every day.
     
Progress isn't easy and is often painful, but Ross is showing so much courage every day as he masters more and more skills and relearns so much of what he has lost. Thank you all so much for your continuing support, your prayers and your kind, healing thoughts for his recovery.

March 13, 2004 9:00 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross had a terrific day. They started out going to church and it was a really wonderful morning. When they got home, she said Rusty worked with Ross on making sounds. Ross also had a great session in the standing frame.
     
Rusty spent some time trying to get Ross to move his left arm. Most of his movement has been the entire arm, moving from the shoulder, but today he was able to knock objects over four different times showing much greater mobility. He's also got a lot more movement in his right arm and the muscles seem more relaxed. Ross made it through the last day without any pain medications other than a couple of Ibuprofen.
     
Betsy said he did have a couple of petit mal seizures, but they could have been a result of so many new things in one day. The seizures were very mild. Ross is more communicative and definitely very alert. It's a pleasure to call and talk to his mom in the evenings because she is so upbeat about his progress. Thank you all, so much, for your continuing support, your healing thoughts and prayers for Ross and his loved ones.

March 12, 2005 8:20 PM--Ross had a good day, though he was asleep when I called. Betsy said she'd been reading to him and he fell asleep in front of the fire--it's much cooler in Glen Ellen, obviously, than here at Cobb where we've still got all the windows open!  
     
Betsy said they're continuing to work with Ross on making sounds and he's showing improvement. He also had a really good session in the standing frame today. I asked about the pressure sore on his elbow and she said it's looking great. From the original size wound as big as a half dollar, it's now smaller than a dime and all healthy, pink skin.
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing support, for your prayers and healing thoughts for Ross. He continues to show improvement even now, over two and a half years after his injuries occurred, something his doctors said most likely would not happen. I love seeing them proved wrong!

March 11, 2005 8:45 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said today went really well. Ross continues to go 12+ hours between pain meds and his arm is much more relaxed. In spite of a lot of congestion, Ross had a great session in the standing frame. Lately they've been working with him on making sounds. It's easy when he coughs, but hard to push enough air out to make sounds on his own. Still, when Rusty worked with him tonight he was able to get some sounds out voluntarily, a definite step towards speech.
     
Please keep Ross in your prayers, especially asking that he be able to communicate again. This has got to be so tough for someone like Ross, a young man who was as quick with a verbal jab as anyone I've ever known. I can only imagine what he feels at not being able to express himself. Thank you all so much for sticking with him through this long, slow recovery.

March 9, 2005 9:30 PM--Betsy said Ross had a great day today. Saw the surgeon who did the work on his elbow and the doctor said Ross must be really healthy, as well as the pressure sore was healing. It's still hard for Ross to keep his arm extended and the doctor suggested more botox in his bicep muscle. Later on, Betsy said she and the therapist worked on brainstorming exercises for Ross's triceps muscle to balance the bicept.
     
He's also doing well with his communication skills and he appears to be processing auditory input a lot better. Ross is definitely showing consistent improvement in all skills. Betsy said he's feeding himself better and can even wipe his nose with a tissue when he needs to.
    
Thank you all so much for you continuing support and your prayers for Ross's recovery.

March 8, 2005 9:34 PM--Ross is doing much better, in fact, Betsy said his progress is "rather wonderful." He's going 12 hours between pain meds and is more alert and active. He had a great session in the standing frame both yesterday and today, though when he saw the occupational therapist for his arm he had a hard time relaxing...of course, anyone who has gone through therapy after surgery KNOWS it's not a lot of fun.
     
Betsy said he's eating really well, including a bagel with goat's cheese on it. Ross has had a couple of petit mal seizures since the surgery, but nothing real serious. At this point, he appears to be doing really well.
     
Thank you all so much for your support, for your thoughtful notes and your healing prayers.

March 6, 2005 9:45 PM--I just got home a little bit ago and received the following message from Betsy:
    
Ross is feeling much better and is feeding himself again and now is beginning to scoop up food himself.  The OT (occupational therapist) also helped him brush his hair for the first time on Saturday.
    
He is responding to requests on the first cue and lifting his right foot for us to put on his slipper, or lifting his elbow for us to treat the ulcer on it.
    
Last night, for the first time since before his surgery, I put a pencil in his hand so that he could doodle.  I helped him write R for his name; he then, on his own, with me supporting his hand, wrote o s s. I was so happy and touched that I was on the verge of tears.  As I congratulated him, he shook his head for no. I was reminded that the two people I have talked to who had made substantial recovery from brain injury have told me that it was so hard for them to accept how slow progress is.
    
The other thing is that Thursday morning Ross was laughing great belly laughs as he woke up.  Again on Friday morning, he laughed a number of times. Today, he has been more solemn and his body, including the right arm, is tighter.  We have started to taper the pain meds, and he may be experiencing discomfort from that. Please ask people to pray that we are able to keep the extension  in the right arm.

Thanks,
Betsy
    
Thank you all so much for your continuing support.

March 2, 2005 10:15 PM--Ross had an even better day today. Betsy said he seemed to have a lot less pain...yesterday, he was growing uncomfortable within four hours of taking his pain meds, today it was five hours. There is a "pain chart" with faces on it showing various levels of discomfort, and Ross pointed to the one in the middle. This is the first time he's been able to reach out and actually touch the face.
     
The pressure wound in his elbow is almost completely healed. Betsy said she uses a large syringe to irrigate the wound and keep it clean and today Ross wanted to try it. He was able to compress the plunger, a major development in his small motor control. Ross also ate a bagel with cream cheese, something new for him. Betsy sounded so much more upbeat about his recovery, even though I woke her up when I called! Once I got past the guilt, it was great to hear how well Ross is doing.
     
Thank you all so much for you support, your prayers and healing throughts. Ross's recovery is continuing because of your support. You are an amazing team for him and your thoughts and prayers are a constant source of strength.     

March 1, 2005 9:15 PM--Ross's day was much better in many ways, according to Betsy. He actually held still for the doctor during acupuncture this morning, rather than acting like a moving target. After the appointment they went to Sonoma Taco for lunch. Betsy went to get the car after they ate and when she got back, Jeremiah, Ross's caretaker, said Ross had indicated he wanted some of the chips and salsa. Jeremiah offered him a chip and Ross bit off a piece with salsa on it and chewed and swallowed without any problem, then proceeded to eat another. This is a first for him--Betsy said she hadn't tried giving them to Ross yet.
     
He's been communicating well with head nods, but he's also grown quite sad and contemplative. Betsy said she read Ross a really sweet note written in his guest book by Linda Prewitt, the mother of a young woman who suffered an injury similar to Ross's about a month after Ross was hurt. She said Ross's reaction to the note was one of sadness, something she notices more often as he becomes even more aware of his situation.
     
Your notes very welcome by Ross's family. Everyone is read to him and each helps raise his awareness. Thank you so much for your continuing prayers for Ross's recovery and for the strength of his family and caretakers.     

February 28, 2005 9:50 PM--Ross is doing much better, though he's still experiencing pain. However, Betsy said the physical therapist called and suggested a different way to adjust the splint on his elbow that should make him more comfortable, and it appears to be helping. The actual pressure wound looks much better and appears to be healing well.
      
Betsy commented tonight that she'd been feeling down and frustrated with Ross's latest setback and surgery, but the wonderful notes she's received and the calls from friends have made all the difference in the world. Thank you all so much for your healing thoughts and your prayers for Ross's recovery, and for taking the time to call and write.

February 27, 2005 8:00 PM--Just a brief note tonight to let you know that Ross had a good day, the ulcer in his elbow is healing beautifully (from "fifty cent" size to "quarter" size, and not nearly so deep) and, though he was really sleepy this afternoon, he's been communicating well with head movements. Betsy said he had a bit more pain today and she thought they might have put his splint on too tight. However, he drank a full glass of lemonade  without a problem.
     Thank you so much for your prayers, your healing thoughts, and especially your kind and thoughtful notes. They are all much appreciated.

February 26, 2005 8:10 PM--I just received a note from Betsy and will post it here:
Hi Kate,
    
Ross is doing so much better. All that pain was mostly from the cast and the ulcer that was developing. Ross is a different person. He still has pain, but it is controlled by pain meds. He is smiling and communicating. He just ate noodles for lunch, and his ability to control them in his mouth is awesome. He is now eating salad with out difficulty.
    
We watched Buckaroo Banzai (he chose it over The Italian Job) and he appeared to be tracking with the story--I certainly wasn't.
    
It is so wonderful to not have him wracked with pain. But it breaks my heart to think about what he has had to go through over the last two and a half years.
   
We are grateful for the prayers of people who follow Ross's story.
   
Betsy also told me she asked Ross why he didn't yell or make a noise to let them know he was hurting--she said she wonders if it's because they're constantly telling Ross how brave he is and how strong. I know she's afraid he didn't say anything about the pain because he didn't want to disappoint them. Sometimes I believe Betsy and Rusty's pain is every bit as much as Ross's.
     
Please continue to remember Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for being here for him, and remaining such an integral part of Ross's team.

February 24, 2005 9:15 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she said that Ross is doing much better. He showed some signs of pain earlier in the day but seemed better tonight. The doctor who performed the surgery was in his office today and able to look at Ross's elbow and said there were no tendons showing and the pressure sore should heal without a need for a skin graft. Betsy said they have a splint on his arm instead of the cast and it appears to be working perfectly. Ross woke up smiling today, the first time in many days.
     
Thank you all so much for your your prayers and the healing thoughts you've directed to Ross. Your concern for Ross's recovery is a wonderful gift, not only to Ross but to his loved ones. Thank you.

February 23, 2005 10:15 PM--First, the note Betsy sent me before we talked:

"I do want to talk tonight, but I am fried so I had better send part of the update now.  Finally, the mystery about Ross's continuing pain is solved. He has a deep pressure sore on the bottom of the elbow where for the last three weeks he has been pressing into the cast while he was fighting the cast.  It had started to leak through the cast.  He is so much more comfortable in the two hours since the cast was removed.  It really feels like Ross is back--responding to my comments and interested in the environment.  He still has pain ahead with range of motion and keeping the arm extended, but at lest it will be for a positive reason.

Betsy"

I called Betsy and she said they'd had a horrible day. She'd noticed some staining on the cast a few days ago, but thought it was from food. She had no idea it was drainage from a pressure sore on his elbow that has probably been causing him intense pain. Today, Lisa,  his caretaker, saw the stain and realized what it implied. Betsy had a hard time getting Ross in to see a doctor, but when they finally removed the cast, they discovered a pressure sore that was at least a quarter inch deep.
     
Betsy said he seems much more comfortable tonight with just a loose gauze covering over the sore, but they hope to get it all cleaned out so it can heal more quickly. It's got to be so frustrating for Ross's parents and caretakers--his not being able to communicate--especially since they've known Ross was in pain for the past week and have thought it was due to the original surgery and the Vicodin. Please keep Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. This is a pretty tough time for all of them.

February 22, 2005 9:00 PM--My apologies for taking so long between updates, but my husband and I have been away since last week. I just got off the phone with Betsy and she said Ross is doing much better. He's been really uncomfortable a lot this past week, as much from abdominal pain from his pain medications as from the surgery itself. To top it off, both he and Betsy have headcolds right now and aren't feeling all that well, but in spite of all that, his elbow definitely seemed to feel better today.
     
Ross's cast comes off in one week and two days, which should give him a lot of relief. In the meantime, his other therapies continue. He is doing exceptionally well according to his speech therapist. He's not speaking yet, but he is improving his ability to move his tongue and to chew food on both sides of his mouth.
     
Please continue to remember Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers

February 16, 2005 9:15 PM--Got a note from Betsy tonight and will post it for you:
Dear Kate,
     
I took Ross to the doctor on Tuesday and apparently we have been under medicating him.  Part of the problem was that one of his medications had been increased last week and that affected the absorption of the pain medication.  Anyway, he is now much more comfortable and very sedated. However, it is better to be without intense pain right now. The good thing is that he continues to improve in his ability to chew.  He is winking at us regularly, and is able to stick out his tongue further than ever. He is even initiating those things.
     
I didn't expect the pain to last this long.  However, I have been reminded that the surgery involved quite a bit of bone removal from the joint and that is very painful.  The cast is to come off in two weeks.

Betsy

Thank you all so much for your continuing support for Ross and his loved ones.

February 14, 2005 9:50 PM--It's been another tough day for Ross and Betsy said the pain from his surgery is not yet conquered, but they're hoping he'll feel better tomorrow. He's having pain in his head and his stomach, not just his elbow, so Betsy is planning to check with his doctor and see if it's his medications causing the problem.
     
However, Ross continues to improve with chewing, swallowing and all the mouth/tongue movements necessary for speaking, in spite of discomfort from his surgery. Betsy said he's doing better in many ways, in spite of the pain.
     
Your continuing support, your prayers and healing thoughts make a huge difference in Ross's recovery. Thank you so much for being there.

February 13, 2005 9:10 PM--I talked to Rusty tonight. He said they seem to be getting Ross's medications balanced more effectively and Ross is more comfortable, though still suffering obvious twinges of pain. He also ran a fever this afternoon over 100 degrees, this evening was back to normal. Please continue to hold Ross in your prayers--he's got two more weeks until the cast comes off.

February 11, 2005 9:30 PM--When I talked to Betsy tonight she said Ross was in and out of pain, and at one point hit a period where he was obviously very uncomfortable and down. Betsy said she asked him if he was sad, and he said no but when she asked if he was mad, he pointed to the "yes" card. When it was time for therapy, at first he didn't want to pedal, but later he did. Betsy said, "I think he's upset, but I'm not sure if he connects it with any particular thing." He continues to get better in spite of the painful recovery from his surgery, and the cast should come off in about two and a half weeks, which should make him much more comfortable.
     
It's not an easy time for Ross, but should make a big difference in his overall recovery. Please continue to hold Ross, his loved ones, including his caretakers, in your thoughts and prayers.

February 9, 2005 10:40 PM--Betsy said Ross had a much better day today. He still experienced some pain, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it's been the last couple days. He ate a good lunch and dinner and was really alert and aware. He does have some redness around his cast, but Betsy said it's just where the cast is rubbing.
     
Thank you all so much for keeping Ross in your thoughts and prayers, especially now, when he's got so much to deal with.

February 8, 2005 10:40 PM--Ross is doing better tonight. The pain medications seem to be helping, along with the muscle relaxant. He had a massage today and the massuese used hot towels to help relax his muscles...he coming along well. Thank you so much for you prayers and healing thoughts. They really DO help!

February 7, 2005 8:30 PM--Ross is still having terrible pain, he's fighting against the cast and absolutely miserable. Betsy said it's been a tough weekend, but they're going to increase his pain medications to see if that will help. They've all been concerned about over-medicating him, but at this point the doctor feels it's more important to deal with his level of discomfort than to keep him alert. Betsy said it's just been heartbreaking to see him hurting so much and not be able to do anything for him. Please keep Ross in your prayers--your healing thoughts will help him get through this.

February 5, 2005 8:50 PM--When I talked to Betsy tonight she sounded a bit frazzled. Ross has had stomach pain all day today and she's not sure what is causing it, but he's definitely uncomfortable. It could be his pain medications or his antibiotic, but it's difficult to tell. He was able to let her know it was definitely it was his stomach bothering him. Other than that, he was alert and attentive. Betsy is just hoping he'll feel better tomorrow.

Please remember Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

February 2, 2005 10:00 PM--Ross had a really busy day today. Saw the orthopedist who operated on him...the doctor took out the staples. Some of them were in at an angle and their removal was quite painful for Ross, but he handled it well. He had X-rays on his elbow and the doctor wasn't real happy with the extension he was getting after the surgery. Betsy explained that they had been forced to use a softer splint because the hard splint the doctor provided was slipping and causing pressure sores. To avoid that problem and still maintain the extension of Ross's elbow, the doctor decided to cast his arm, which was a painful process but appears to be much more comfortable for Ross this evening.
     
Ross now has a very solid, bright purple cast on his arm.
     
On the way home, Betsy said they stopped for smoothies, which Ross really enjoyed. When they finally got home, he spent time exercising on the mat and had a  good afternoon. Overall, Betsy said he's feeling fine.
     
Thank you all so much for your continuing prayers and healing thoughts. Who ever thought it would take so long? He continues to improve, but there is a long road ahead. Thanks for being there for Ross and his loved ones.

February 1, 2005 9:20 PM--Betsy said Ross did better today, though he's not back a hundred percent since his surgery. Spent half an hour in the standing frame, and when he got tired he was moved to the mat for work on his legs. Betsy said they practically threw him in the car for his acupuncture appointment. His reaction to the needles was different, she said. He watched the doctor very closely and let him know when one really hurt. Betsy has been reading to Ross during the treatments and says that appears to help. From there they went to lunch at Sonoma Taco where Ross managed to eat an entire enchilada. After lunch it was time for a visit to the physical therapist who got more extension out of his arm, then home to work on the pedals until it was time for dinner. Betsy said he's finally getting back the control he had before the surgery, such as the ability to move food with his tongue and lick his lips. So many things we just take for granted, but for Ross they are "re-learned" behavior, skills he has to constantly reinforce to keep them working.
      Thank you all so much for your continuing support, your prayers and your positive energy for Ross. He truly needs every one of you.

January 31, 2005 9:30 PM--Betsy emailed her update for tonight:
     
Today has been a better day.  Ross slept 6 hours last night, and was looking more alert this morning.  He was still indicating pain and discomfort.  In addition, he was still not responding as much or as well as before surgery. We have cut the pain med dosage in half.  He seemed to want his adjustment at the chiropractic neurologist's office.  He sat very still for it, but aware of it all.  He was able to extend his right hand to the doctor when we said good bye. He ate his lunch with more ease than yesterday. I tried giving him pieces of chicken to eat, but opted to grind it up because Ross was obviously still groggy.
     
This afternoon when it was time for the next pain med, we asked him if he wanted it or Advil and he chose the Advil. He pedaled for 45 minutes on the Ex-n-Flex and then had dinner. The difference in his  alertness, communication and movements was dramatic.  When Jeremiah set up the cones for him to knock off with his left hand, he started knocking them off with his right hand.  He also ate a big dinner with gusto
     
Please thank everyone for their prayers and support.
Betsy

January 30, 2005 9:10 PM--I just talked to Betsy and she described Ross's day as "spotty." He's been in a lot of pain--not just his elbow, but his head (from the seizures) and his stomach, most likely from the medications he's taking. He spent a lot of the day in bed, but Betsy turned it so he could see some pictures on the wall that are usually over his head. She said he really seemed to enjoy looking at them and laughed quite a bit. Betsy also showed him an anatomy book with illustrations of the bones in the elbow that Ross had operated on, and she said he was really interested in the pictures. However, he only had five hours of sleep during the night, ran a fever most of the day and obviously wasn't feeling a hundred percent.
     
It's been a week since his surgery. He should start feeling much better before too long. In the meantime, please remember Ross in your thoughts and prayers.
     
This surgery, to me, anyway, seems like just one more indignity Ross has had to suffer because of someone else's actions. Drive carefully. Watch out for cyclists, and please remember to share the road.

January 29, 2005 11:15 PM--Another note from Betsy with a more recent update for today:

Ross is doing better. He is definitely tired, but he has been awake since around noon.He ate his lunch and dinner by mouth, though slowly. We did range of motion with his right arm twice today, and he definitely has more range and he was a champ at letting us move the arm, even when it hurt. The OT was here and agreed that his right hand is more relaxed and not as spastic. It makes us think that the extra bone in the elbow was impinging on a nerve. He is definitely feeling a little depressed-no wonder since he is exhausted from all the seizure activity, being in pain, and being under the influence of heavy duty pain meds. We now have a plan for tapering off the pain meds, and I am sure in a few days the world will look brighter.
Betsy

January 29, 2005 10:40 AM--I wrote to Betsy late last night, apologizing for not calling for an update as I'd had to work late. I received this message today:

Dear Kate,
It is okay. We were preoccupied with scary stuff last night. Ross had a very good day and was cognitively very clear. He had a two minute petit mal seizure a little before 6 PM, then starting a little after 8 PM he had five more seizures, one right after the other --one lasted eight minutes. He is resting well now. Ask readers to pray for him.
Love,
Betsy

Please keep Ross and his family in your prayers today.

January 27, 2005 8:30 PM--Just a brief updated to let you know that Ross is doing better. He had his first physical therapy appointment today and the therapist was able to do some range of motion exercises with him, though it was obviously painful. They're still trying to find a "happy medium" with his pain meds so that he's not as sleepy, and Betsy said he's not eating as much as she'd like to see. (My first thought when she said this was, "Typical mom comment!")
     
However, Ross is communicating and improving. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

January 26, 2005 8:00 PM--Ross is doing well today, though Betsy said they needed to adjust his pain medications back down, as he was fairly sleepy most of the day. However, his right hand appeared more relaxed and his fingers were spread out in a natural pattern, rather than tightly folded. She wondered if there might have been bone impinging on a nerve before the surgery. This morning Ross was lifting his arm using his shoulder. He has therapy tomorrow to start working on the elbow joint.
   
Please remember Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. This has been a tough time for all of them, but Ross appears to be doing really well. Thank you so much for caring enough to be there for him.    

January 25, 2005 9:55 PM--I just got a note from Betsy and will post it for you:

Ross has been groggy and in pain today.  We have increased the pain medication because he was in pain with the lesser dose.  Of course, the pain medication has unpleasant side effects.

We saw the physical therapist who changed the dressing and made a new splint.  We start range of motion on Tuesday.  Even with the maximum pain meds, changing the dressing and splint was very painful.  The incision is about 5 inches long and looks very clean.

Seeing him so affected by the pain and meds is reminiscent of the days when he was so sick.  We will all be glad when we are through this part.

Please pray that the pain and swelling will subside soon.

Betsy

Please remember Ross and his family in your prayers.

January 24, 2005 9:15 PM--Ross came through surgery on his elbow just fine, and when I called about an hour ago, he was in his own bed at home and already falling asleep. The surgeon was unable to give him full mobility in his elbow, as the damage was just too extensive, but he did remove a lot of bone fragments and boney growths around both sides of the joint, which should free it up quite a bit. Betsy said Ross has his first physical therapy appointment Thursday, and he's really going to have to work hard to keep it from freezing up.
     
In a lot of ways, going back to Memorial was a bittersweet visit for Betsy and Rusty. Many of the nurses remembered Ross from his original accident--one admitted she was responsible for finally kicking all of Ross's friends, who had set up semi-permanent headquarters in the ICU waiting room, out of their digs! Another nurse had worked at Marin General when Ross was there, and another had been in the neurological wing.
     
His progress since that first, horrible night, has been nothing short of amazing, but he still has a long way to go. Thank you so much for your prayers, your support and your healing thoughts. You are an amazing source of strength for Ross and his entire family.

January 23, 2005 9:15 PM--I apologize for taking so long between updates, but spent a few days away visiting my folks. I'm home now and just got off the phone with both Rusty and Betsy--Ross goes in for his elbow surgery tomorrow--the operation is scheduled for 2:30 at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, and he should be able to go home by six or so. Betsy said he's had a good week and, while he's a bit apprehensive about the operation, he's ready for it to be over with. They've had to wean him off all "non-essential" medications in preparation for the surgery, but he seems to be doing well. Betsy said he seemed a bit "tight" this morning, but after time stretching on the mat he was doing well.
     
Please keep Ross in your thoughts and prayers as he faces yet another surgery arising from his original injury of over two and a half years ago. Hopefully, this will return mobility to his arm and help him with his continuing therapy and recovery.
    Thank you, all of you, for your continuing support and healing thoughts.     

January 18, 2005 8:45 PM--When I called tonight and asked Betsy how Ross was doing, she said he'd already beat her at three games of TicTacToe! He's moving his arm well, is alert and definitely involved in what's going on around him. He's been cleared for surgery on the 24th, and all is looking well. Thank you so much for your continuing support, your healing thoughts and good wishes for Ross's recovery.

January 17, 2005 10:00 PM--Ross saw his new doctor today, who approved him for the surgery on his elbow scheduled for January 24. This was a physician who hasn't seen Ross before, but it turns out he is a cyclist, something Ross will definitely appreciate. Betsy said it was a good visit, as was the trip to see the speech therapist. She was very impressed with Ross's improvement since his last appointment. Betsy said that at one point the doctor left the room and Betsy complimented Ross on how well he was doing. She said he shook his head, "no." Betsy then asked him if he was frustrated by how slow his recovery is going, and he nodded yes. Betsy said that, from what she's read, it's fairly common for people coming back from a serious injury to be frustrated in their rate of improvement, so Ross's feelings aren't unusual.
     
He also had a good session on the mat, even knocking the cones over while lying on his stomach. Jeremiah, his caretaker, told Betsy that when he moved Ross from his chair to the mat, he noticed that Ross is holding more of his own weight while in an upright position. He continues to improve, slowly but surely. Please remember Ross and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

January 16, 2005 9:30 PM--When I called tonight, Ross was sitting and eating lasagne for dinner. Betsy had made it with rice noodles to keep it within the special diet Ross gets, but she said he seemed to like it. They'd had a really busy day, including going to church at St. John's in Petaluma where they have a lot of old friends who have known Ross for many years. After church, they stopped for coffee on the way home and Ross ate half a muffin along with his coffee.
     
At home, they put on one of the Lord of the Rings movies and watched the DVD with information about how the movie was made. Betsy said Ross seemed really interested in that part. At one point, Rusty shut the movie off and left the room, and Ross was trying to reach the controls to turn it back on. He's not able to work them yet, but at least he's aware of what they're for. Betsy said his hands are looking better--his right hand in particular.
     
Please remember Ross and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. His continuing recovery is evidence of your support and healing thoughts...and Ross's personal determination to come back from such devastating injuries.

January 15, 2004 8:20 PM--Betsy said that Ross woke up looking at his "Happy Birthday Ross" poster on the wall beside his bed, and it made him laugh. She said he appeared to be reading it, following the words and laughing. He had an excellent standing frame session and was able to feed himself while in the frame. They're working with his left arm, helping him adjust to using it since his right will be in a splint following his elbow surgery. Betsy said he's looking really great, is alert and aware of everything going on around him. He's definitely showing consistent improvement. Thanks to all of you, for your healing thoughts and prayers and for your unwavering support throughout Ross's long recovery.

January 12, 2004 9:45 PM--Just a brief note to let you know that Ross had a good day today. Betsy said he is bright and alert, feeding himself with minimal help and doing well. His surgery date has been changed to January 24 at Memorial Hospital. Thank you so much for your continuing support, your prayers and healing thoughts for Ross's recovery.

January 11, 2005 10:00 PM--Just about every night I call Betsy and ask how Ross's day went. I wish you could hear her voice when she tells me,"It went well." There is such a wealth of feeling in her words and a sense of pleasure at his achievements, but right now Ross is doing SO well that it's absolutely amazing. As Betsy said, they're fine tuning a lot of his abilities, but he's alert, responsive and eager to do whatever task they give him.
     
He had a massage today. The masseuse worked on his limbs and it was obvious he really relaxed under her touch, but the most exciting news is that he has a surgery date of January 20 for repair to his elbow. It was terribly injured in the original accident and bone spurs and growths have continued to develop over the last couple of years, to the point where he no longer has any motion in his right elbow. He's scheduled for outpatient surgery at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital on January 20. Please mark the day on your calendars so you can send him all the prayers and healing thoughts possible. Thank you all so much for your continuing support and concern.

January 10, 2005 9:45 PM--Ross had a really good day today. He was very alert and really stretched a lot when he awakened. Betsy said he was tired tonight, but that was to be expected after a really full day.

January 9, 2005 9:00 PM--When I called tonight, Ross was having his dinner. Betsy said he had a really good day. He's finally sleeping in normal patterns (at night, not all day!) and is very responsive. Also, he's a lot less congested, so he's definitely feeling better. One of his therapies today was time spent on the mat. Betsy said she got down beside him, also on her stomach, and raised her legs, bending them at the knee. Ross did the same thing as she did, moving his legs back and forth, copying her movements. He's working really hard and you can't help but think he realizes where all this exercise is taking him.
     
Thank you so much for your continuing support, your prayers and healing thoughts for Ross and his loved ones.

January 8, 2005 5:15 PM--The wind tonight is so strong I thought I should probably update before the power goes out! I just talked to Betsy and she said Ross finally has his sleep patterns straightened out and is sleeping normal hours. He's also much less congested and had an excellent day today. When I called, they had just helped him into his chair after a session in the standing frame. He spent some time manipulating a small ball on the tray. Betsy said more than once what a pleasure it is to work with him now that he is able to interract and communicate so well. Ross continues to improve on a daily basis, small steps, but always positive.
     
Thank you so much for your prayers and healing thoughts. You are, each of you, an integral part of Ross's recovery.

January 5, 2005 9:30 PM--Just a brief update to let you know that Ross had a good day with even less congestion than he's been having. He was awake from 2 A.M. until 4:00 this afternoon, but Betsy's hoping he'll sleep more tonight and hopefully get his days turned back around! He ate his dinner while in the standing frame, but by the time he was wheeled into his bedroom, he was sound asleep. Thank you so much for your continuing support for Ross and his loved ones.

January 4, 2005 9:15 PM--Ross saw the orthopedist today who determined Ross would benefit by the surgery on his elbow that everyone has been hoping for. He should be able to have it done within the next four to six weeks. He'll be in a splint afterwards, then need prolonged therapy, but it should give him so much more mobility than he has now. He's still sleeping much of the time during the day, but Betsy said he's not as congested. When it was time for dinner, Jeremiah just lifted Ross from his comfortable chair (where it's REAL easy to fall asleep!) into the wheelchair, which isn't nearly as user friendly! He woke up long enough to eat his dinner.
     
Thank you, everyone, for you healing prayers, your thoughtful notes and your amazing support.

January 3, 2005 10:00 PM--Just talked to Betsy and she said Ross was sleepy again today and still congested, though he was obviously feeling better after his chiropractor's visit this morning. He had a great session working the pedals as well as time on the mat, and Jeremiah said he managed about 90% of his lunch without help. He has two appointments tomorrow, one with the orthopedic surgeon who will determine if he gets the elbow surgery he needs. He'll also see Dr. Kurn for accupuncture. Betsy said she hopes to ask the doctor if Ross's medications might possibly be causing his fatigue and congestion. He's taking meds for seizures, but he's also on a special diet that often makes medications work more efficiently than they normally would. It's tough to find a perfect dose when Ross needs so many different medications. There's a constant need to "fine tune" everything.
     
Thank you so much for your continuing support, your prayers and your healing thoughts. Ross continues to improve, well beyond what his physicians first expected. He couldn't do this without you.

January 2, 2005 8:30 PM--I'm just home after a week away, so will let Betsy give you the update for Ross's past week. Hopefully, this new page will allow me to update more regularly when I'm not at my home computer:

The biggest news about the last week is that Ross has not been sleeping at night.  At most, for the last week, Ross has only slept about two or three hours a night.  I am trying everything I can to remove anything that keeps him awake.  He has been congested, but I now think he is spending a lot of time at night thinking about how his life has changed.  It is so heartbreaking.  He knows that he is getting better, but, of course, being so helpless has to be so very hard.

The holidays have been more fun this year because Ross is more present.  He stayed up with us until 11:30 on New Year's Eve. We took pictures, played some of his favorite music, and generally had a good time. We took him to bed because he seemed to be ready to fall asleep.  He dozed for about 30 minutes, and was then awake until 7:00 A.M. I let him sleep until he awakened at eleven.  We then tried to keep him busy all day with only one short nap.  He had a terrific physical therapy session and Steve (the therapist) got him into a seated position on the mat with his legs crossed. He sat there for about 30 minutes.  It was awesome and he was only supported from the back by an exercise ball held in place by Steve.  He stayed up unitl eleven and we were sure he would sleep through the night.  We were wrong--he hardly slept.  At eight I asked him if he was sad, to which he answered yes.  I asked if he would like to go for a ride in the car. He nodded yes, but shook his head when I suggested that we drive to a park or go to lunch somewhere.  However, when I asked about going to church, he nodded yes.  He amazed me by staying awake during the 45 minute trip there. He was very alert during the service and nodded in agreement to the lessons and sermon several times.  He also seemed to enjoy the Christmas carols. There were many people there whom Ross has known since he was a child, and they all came up to talk to him.  He reached out with his right hand, which is still spastic, to shake hands with them. I was so glad that I had awakened Rusty and that we got out of the house within an hour of Ross letting me know he wanted to go to church.

We arrived back home about four hours after leaving, Ross had lunch and then finally fell asleep the minute his head touched his pillow.  We are hoping that he will be able to sleep tonight, because our usual routine will start tomorrow.  Right now, he is rocking in his rocker and watching Rusty take the ornaments off the Christmas tree.

I forgot about John and Mel's visit.  We got Ross up to sit in his chair when they arrived, hoping he would wake up.  He slept throught their visit (we had a good time with them) and sweetly opened his eyes as they were leaving.  When I asked him today if he remembered their visit, he nodded yes.

Betsy

From Kate:   Please be patient with me while I fine-tune this new system for updates. I want to wish all of you the very best in the new year and to thank you once more for your continuing support for Ross and his loved ones. Your prayers and healing thoughts have had an amazing effect on Ross's continuing recovery.