Christopher's Rehab/Recovery 10

Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 8:30 pm Last night I did something for 'ME'... I took the night off from 'Christopher duty' and drove down to San Jose to see James Taylor and Carole King in concert.  It was the perfect escape.  Beautiful music, talented singers/songwriters/musicians and an opportunity to just sit back, relax and nourish my soul.  I believe that I should do something like that once a week... my own form of therapy!  Okay, perhaps once a month! Our friend, Mae was kind enough to spend the night in the hospital with Christopher.  She wrote about her time with him and, with her permission, I'd like to share her experience with you.. "Following in Laura’s footsteps – I thought I would journal a little bit of my evening with Christopher! (Although PLEASE do not have high expectations – Laura has set the bar VERY high!)… I came in to see Chris standing and talking to his friend Alex – I almost couldn’t believe it. It was almost exactly like if I’d seen Chris a couple of weeks ago – he came over to me and gave me a big hug. I told him he smelled like chocolate and he proceeded to tell me that he’d just finished eating TWO candy bars. He was very excited about it. I am in complete awe of how amazing he is doing… talking, telling stories, remembering things, making jokes. I was particularly impressed about his attitude in regard to the hospital. He told me he used to hate it here, but now he knows that this hospital saved his life. His gratitude is overwhelming. He’s been in great spirits, affectionate, and in a sweet mood. I am humbled and utterly amazed!   Chris said to me: "Mae, did you know that I broke my head? I broke my brain, too… I told the doctor today – Dr. Sun – One girl – found him for me. I found him and thanked him for keeping me alive."   We went down to dinner around 5ish with his friend and Chris led the way (walking – albeit VERY quickly!). Yes, I did say WALKING! Before we went to the Friendly Café – he took us to the courtyard and showed us where the helicopter landed… and told us the story of what had happened to him. His mind amazes me! We ate together and he andAlex visited… and then after a while we returned to his room.   He’s been watching Harry Potter and listening on his headphones. He just took them out and said:   C: Hey Mae? M: Yeah, Chris. C: Do I have freckles on my hand? M: Yes… you have lots of freckles. C: I don’t know where those come from. M: They come from the sun. See (showing him my arm) – I have some, too. C: I have lots of them. M: Yes, you do. You have some on your face, too – and they look great! You and Emily both have them. C: Yeah, we’re very lucky. (Then he paused and seemed to think for a minute). Emily… We are both where there’s lots of gold.   A few minutes later, Chris told me his arms were itching. He said his mom usually puts lotion on for him – I asked if he wanted me to do it for him. He was really shy, but said “yes”… I told him that I will never do as good of a job as she does, but I am happy to do anything that he needs. After I put the lotion on his arms – he must have said “Thank you SO much” about 200 times!   Chris took his medicine (to prevent him from having seizures) like a champ! And when he found out what the medicine was for he said, “I don’t want to have seizures… please give me more”!   8:45 p.m. Right before Chris fell asleep (the lights went out about 5 minutes ago).  C: Mae? M: Yes, Chris. C: Be sure to wake me up when Roby gets here. M: I’ll be sure to!... Goodnight, Chris. C: Goodnight, Mae." (via text message from Mae at 10:37 pm) "Chris dozed on & off and insisted I let him know when Roby (Mae's husband) got here (9:15)... Then he said he couldn't sleep so the three of us spent the past hour in the 'Friendly Cafe'... talking...just like old times!  Makes me cry to think about it.  Chris is wonderful... I will sleep peacefully AND very thankfully tonight!" What a treat it was for Christopher to be loved by Mae and Roby! Today Christopher had visits from his friend, Sabrina and our friends Brian and Mary, who joined our family for dinner.  Chris really loves being around everyone who is so familiar and once he gets going, the stories flow forth...no one need speak...it is a one-man-show...we always used to call it'The Christopher Show' and believe me, he has taken it to a whole new level!!   Love, Laura