The fact that it has been so long since I posted is a sign of a very busy schedule and enormous progress being made on a daily basis in Walt‘s recovery! I think back to when he first came home three weeks ago needing total care in all the daily living activities. Now I can watch and monitor from a distance as he does them independently. Originally he had to learn the difference between a toothbrush, a comb, brush, even the use of toothpaste. Such simple tasks that we all do without thinking, but that he had to relearn from scratch. He has been an determined and motivated pupil at all times.
His greatest challenge now is learning to read, write and understand communication. Not a small goal! Can you imagine having to start all over again at age 84? And yet, he doesn’t get discouraged and doesn’t give up! We daily go over websites that I have downloaded on the iPad that help him practice word pronunciation, item identification, discrimination and usage. We also practice reasoning games and memory work. It takes repeated repetitions of everything to make it stick, but stick it does, and then one more goal has been achieved!
He is also needing to relearn to use his cell phone, turn on the oven, make a cup of coffee, etc. I never even thought of how many sub skills are required for the things we do automatically throughout the day!
One of our daily morning activities is to think about things we are grateful for - a great memory builder. If you receive a telephone call from Walt, please answer! He’s practicing contacting his friends, explaining his purpose, and his listening skills.
I can’t even begin to tell you how many friends have come forth in offers of help and support. A bowl of delicious soup at the front porch. An encouraging call. A sweet card in the mail with promises of prayer! Keeping him company while I go to a hair appointment. Driving him to a men’s group get-together. Including him in a Bible study. A surprise vase of flowers delivered. The list goes on and on. Thank you everyone! There’s no way we will be ever able to replay you adequately, but we hope to learn from your acts of love and kindness and to pass it on to someone else in need in the future!
He is now in intense therapy sessions for three hours, two times a week. His therapists are strong and knowledgeable, so I’m expecting huge leaps and bounds to continue.
There’s no question that this has been challenging, exhausting, and filled with ups and downs. But once again, when we look at the new journey we are on, it is so filled with God’s blessings, Presence and support that we remain filled with hope for the future and filled with thankfulness for each new day!
Don’t be surprised if you see him driving the golf cart on his own to go practice at the driving range! But don’t worry, I am following him on the “find my friend” app and know exactly where he is as he practices his golf and independence!
