Hi all. I know it’s been awhile and hard to believe it’s post a year since  Glenn’s injury. We feel so lucky, grateful and thankful  to have so many friends and family that are so incredibly supportive as well as amazing   physicians and therapists, and psychologist.  

So here goes: Glenn is in a normal but difficult stage  of recovery becoming more self aware of his deficits. It is a  frustrating stage but it’s  another stage towards recovery, and  not easy. It’s  confusing for him and he’s gotten  socially anxious and self conscious so therefore does not want to socially engage.  He’s not comfortable in social situations, feeling that he’s not contributing enough but honestly many people especially if they do not know him wouldn’t realize he’s had a brain injury. He’s not yet self aware enough to realize he needs to do the strategies he’s been taught to help him. He feels in limbo and is able to articulate this. There are nuances that he needs to work on, including improving his mental and physical endurance, working on strategies for short term memory deficits, and for frustration with newer activities. In the late afternoon/evening he is extremely tired and experiences more frustration as he gets fatigued. He’s depressed for obvious reasons and anxious but also is making baby steps towards improvement.  He was lucky to be chosen for a grant funded community program over the summer through Magee Rehabilitation in Philadelphia that ended the 1st week of September. 

Also, This summer one of his longtime friends and peers he’s done basketball camps with gave him the opportunity to work a week long basketball camp 3, 1/2 days out of 5- 1/2 days. It went well. He was exhausted and there was some sensory overload but he pushed through it and did great.  His high school friend has given him opportunities to work construction which he has done before. But since he’s become more self aware but not enough to implement strategies he’s not been taking advantage of these opportunities because he’s gotten self-conscious about some of the mistakes he’s made. That being said, although each day is hard for him to muster up energy to do things,  recently he played pickle-ball and is currently on a fishing trip with his high school buddies.

The docs and psychologists are very hopeful and explain he's continuing on a very good path but want him to be able to be more successful before  he returns to work. There’s not a definitive timeline but ongoing assessments. All Glenn wants to do is to return to work.   His doctors and psychologist will let us know when they thinks he’s ready with accommodations at first. We are continuing to work on getting continued opportunities and therapies for his main goal to get back to working as a math teacher and coaching which are both  his passion. It has been very difficult for him to not be ready to start this school year. But we keep swimming. 

Managing the medical system and  services available but not covered is a challenge we are working on. Also managing what would be helpful from a medical aspect of recovery versus what’s acceptable when on a medical leave is challenging. 

Thank you for all the  ongoing support. The meals from Grover middle school and neighbors were so appreciated.  I hope you all know how much we appreciate all that everyone continues to do.  I can go and on and could mention everyone by name but won’t. Please Keep reaching out to Glenn even though he often doesn’t get back to you. It takes time. And It is more  appreciated than you know. 

Go Phillies!!!