vicariously chris

THE NEXT BIG STEP

This evening Chris told me that he would like to start Blogging soon, maybe next week! It's the first time that he has done so without my prompting him. I finally told him that I had started this blog for him so that he could have a record of his journey and how it all looked from the outside. He thought that was cool..which was a relief.



I told him that he was more than welcome to start practicing here by answering comments. I would help him post for a while and then he can either take it wherever he wanted, get back to his little corner of the blogosphere, or create a brand-spankin' new one!



I neglected to mention that last Friday two Stroke survivors visited Chris to share their experience. He admitted being a little nervous at first, but he said that it was interesting to talk to someone who has been through this. I hope that they and others will make a connection so that he doesn't feel as isolated.
Chris is concerned that he can't remember a lot of what happened. I just reminded him that he is slowly synapsing his way back and not to force it.

Chris is excited about moving into an onsite apartment for the next couple of days!

This suite is used to assess patients who are preparing to re-enter the outside world. This program was discussed at the meeting last week and the staff told us that it is an excellent way for Chris, and the staff, to see how he would really do in a more challenging environment.

Chris of course is looking forward to having a modicum of privacy..something that he has been without for months... btw Chris will be monitored for his safety.



The next step may also include moving to a different lifeskills facility, but we still don't know whether or not his application has been approved. Chris talked about it, and he seemed OK with the idea of strengthening his ability to live on his own, at least as much as he is able to at this point in time.
I reaffirmed his PMA and encouraged him to stay positive about another stint...
because from here-on-in, every little extra bit will help.

Whenever I visit I always try to work in some Sports stuff with Chris. Tonight there was some wailing and gnashing of teeth about the Bombers BOMBING in the Banjo Bowl. He howled when I told him about the "We Want Reinebold" headline on page one of the Sports section. He was having a laughing fit he thought that was so funny!

I also mentioned an AP story entitled "Brett looks Favrellous".
Now I was never the encyclopedic/analytical Sports guy that Chris was, and perhaps that worked wonders for our relationship over the years. Chris has endured listening to my kvetching about trivial superficial aspects of professional sports..such as the merkin pronounciation of Favre as Farrrrvvvv.

For whatever reason, Chris has always got a real kick out of my nit-pickety pet-peeve about Farrrvvv. I can accept Favray, Favour, Fav, even Faveree, but seeing Farvrrvellous pushed me over the top. He laughed and laughed and told me who I needed to call and complain.

I mention this last bit only because I really love hearing Chris laugh again...
because I know for certain, that in that moment, he is free.

So let's see how Chris does in his "trial apartment" and hope for the best. If afterwards he realises that he probably needs more help, and owns up to it, that will only improve the quality of his recovery and increase his chances of regaining a more independent existance.