Hello everyone!  

First of all, I would like to acknowledge that it has been awhile since my last update. That is due, in part, to the fact that this whole process has been a lot more difficult than I could have ever imagined. The pace at which I’ve been relearning the language I’ve spoken my whole life has, at times, felt excruciatingly slow. For a long time it felt like I was practicing so much with no improvement. That was very frustrating.

However, spring is in the air—the days are steadily getting sunnier and the hummingbirds are flocking to the feeder outside my window. The change of weather has been a welcome lift to my spirits and I am finally noticing major shifts. One thing I have realized recently is how I need a lot more sleep than I thought! Getting a full eight hours of sleep a night has greatly improved my overall learning experience. That, and practicing my exercises first thing in the morning—I’m already noticing the difference and feeling much more successful!

Since my last update, quite a lot has happened. 

In January, Molly and I went to Hawaii for a much-needed change of scenery. We spent our days laying on the beach, eating delicious food, and playing lots of cribbage. We came home and continued to play cribbage and make dinner together once a week—I’ve been teaching her my favorite recipes.

Chauncey moved in downstairs and has been a welcome addition to the household.

I started seeing a speech therapist named Jessica in Bainbridge. I drive over there twice a week. Working with her has been extremely helpful.

I’ve been lucky enough to reconnect with people I’ve worked with as a life coach. I’ve really missed having those meaningful connections and I truly appreciate the opportunity to speak with these people again. It’s also been very helpful to have people come and visit me throughout the week. I get to practice reading out loud with them, which I always enjoy. 

I have two exciting trips coming up. I’ll be headed to Wildwood in June to participate in a Body Electric intensive. In October I will be leading a wilderness quest with my friend Scott Eberle in California that my dear friend Ed Eng has coordinated. I’ve attached the flier for this event to this post. I am very excited for both of these adventures.

As I get ready for all the things ahead of me, I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me along this journey. I would not be where I am today without all of you, so thank you all so much for every way in which you have lent a helping hand.

Love, Collin

(interpreted/written by Molly)