Journal entry by Charlotte Thrall —
Hello friends and family,
Tomorrow we will remember and celebrate the heartache and yes, joy, of this past year. Billy has asked me to update the Caring Bridge as we lean into the one year anniversary.
As it happens, today Billy was also able to return to Occupational and Cognitive therapy. There was so much to anticipate in this- due to hospitalizations and the additional diagnosis of POTS, Billy hasn't been to therapy since last April. There has been so much work on his part, and Grace on God's part, to get him to today where this could be possible. So he begins again, but at a much better baseline, and with more tools in his belt to help him move forward.
Our car ride home this afternoon was the perfect picture of this past year- moments of intense relief, whole-heart gratitude, deep grief over what was lost, and hope for better things with a little fear thrown in. This experience has changed us and we won't be the same. At least that is what Billy hopes and tells everyone, including the Occupational Therapist today. We have found that we seldom feel emotions in isolation any more- they are often bundled, and pop up whenever they choose. Our hearts are absolutely raw to seeing others hurting and we won't see anyone with a neurological issue the same again. Or their caregivers- God bless them, please.
So, what is next? Billy will continue to go to therapy until he graduates. He will use every tool he has developed to manage his symptoms. We have started to experiment with longer car rides and some elevation (Cave Creek and Prescott Valley so far!) with more to come. Billy will continue to do his cognitive homework every day- he hasn't missed a day in 235 days as of this morning- he just said he is on Master's Level! He will continue to find God in unexpected places. He will keep being with friends and family as often as possible. Billy will likely take a nap on many days. He will continue to walk more, and do resistance training at the gym. He will keep pushing to do new experiences and challenges. Billy wants to work again, and drive again. And that trike- he will keep riding that every day, multiple times, I am sure. And in true Billy style, he will choose to persevere and be grateful for the easy and hard.
Billy asked me to say "Thanks so much for all the love and care shared with us!"
We simply can't believe we get to have all of you.
Blessings,
Billy and Charlotte
Tomorrow we will remember and celebrate the heartache and yes, joy, of this past year. Billy has asked me to update the Caring Bridge as we lean into the one year anniversary.
As it happens, today Billy was also able to return to Occupational and Cognitive therapy. There was so much to anticipate in this- due to hospitalizations and the additional diagnosis of POTS, Billy hasn't been to therapy since last April. There has been so much work on his part, and Grace on God's part, to get him to today where this could be possible. So he begins again, but at a much better baseline, and with more tools in his belt to help him move forward.
Our car ride home this afternoon was the perfect picture of this past year- moments of intense relief, whole-heart gratitude, deep grief over what was lost, and hope for better things with a little fear thrown in. This experience has changed us and we won't be the same. At least that is what Billy hopes and tells everyone, including the Occupational Therapist today. We have found that we seldom feel emotions in isolation any more- they are often bundled, and pop up whenever they choose. Our hearts are absolutely raw to seeing others hurting and we won't see anyone with a neurological issue the same again. Or their caregivers- God bless them, please.
So, what is next? Billy will continue to go to therapy until he graduates. He will use every tool he has developed to manage his symptoms. We have started to experiment with longer car rides and some elevation (Cave Creek and Prescott Valley so far!) with more to come. Billy will continue to do his cognitive homework every day- he hasn't missed a day in 235 days as of this morning- he just said he is on Master's Level! He will continue to find God in unexpected places. He will keep being with friends and family as often as possible. Billy will likely take a nap on many days. He will continue to walk more, and do resistance training at the gym. He will keep pushing to do new experiences and challenges. Billy wants to work again, and drive again. And that trike- he will keep riding that every day, multiple times, I am sure. And in true Billy style, he will choose to persevere and be grateful for the easy and hard.
Billy asked me to say "Thanks so much for all the love and care shared with us!"
We simply can't believe we get to have all of you.
Blessings,
Billy and Charlotte
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