Hi

Last week, after a lot of prompting, Aron said his first word in over four months. He said "Hi" to my parents.

It was evening, and Jimmy, Jordan, and Jacqie were with him, trying to get him to talk because his trach was plugged. When the trach is plugged, it allows air to go past his vocal chords, which is what makes speaking possible. He was making some incoherant noises, and then my parents walked in the room. Everyone kept telling him to say "hi" and after a while, a long and shaky "Hiiiiiiiiiii" came out.

This is very exciting news, and until yesterday morning, he didn't say anything else.

Yesterday, an employee at Little Company of Mary went in Aron's room to say hello, and he said hi to her. We found out about this last night.

If there is anything Aron is known for aside from cars and surfing, it's talking about cars and surfing. And just talking in general. We all miss Aron so much, and I've found the silence to be one of the loudest things these past months. Aron always has a running commentary on life, and hopefully this "hi" is just the beginning.

thumb war

Last week, my dad attended a doctor's meeting on Aron's behalf. It was a generally positive meeting - Aron is in good physical health, he is healing from the cranioplasty, and is improving with therapy. He will continue to receive therapy five days a week.

Yesterday, Aron had an appointment with an ENT regarding the trach. For several reasons, it will remain in for the time being, however my parents have begun "plugging" it, or putting on a speaking valve, which will hopefully stimulate his vocal chords and get that part of him working again. He is able to breathe through his mouth and nose, however, not unsupervised.

Therapy happens each day - Aron is asked to identify things, reach for objects, and hold up his head. Positive highlights include him being able to correctly identify 6 out of 7 cards and hold his head up for almost three minutes. The therapists are working on stabilizing his body from the head down, so that he can better participate in different exercises.

Today Aron is being evaluated for acute rehab. My family is unsure if he is ready for this yet or not. Please pray for wisdom and guidance, and that Aron will be in the best place for his treatment.

To explain the post title - we've been trying different things to get through to Aron - coffee beans, dog chew toys, a wrench, his cologne - and of all things, he will participate in a thumb war. He's done this several times with my dad. I can remember doing this a lot as a kid, and even more memorable is "hot hands" - the hand slapping game. Aron isn't quite there yet, but I look forward to writing a post someday with that title.

Please continue to pray for Aron's progress. He is certainly moving in the right direction, just slowly. I saw my brother for the first time in several weeks this past weekend, and I am struck by the improvement he's made. I was reminded of something Amy mentioned in prayer one evening way back when all this was still very new. She asked God to help us love Aron in whatever condition he was in. Through all the ups and downs, the frustration, the sadness - I can honestly say that we love Aron just as much, if not more, than ever before.

Xbox Controller and DVD's

Left to Right:
Jimmy, Amy, Aron, Jordan

On Tuesday,  I saw Aron again, he was awake when I got there, he had his eyes open and was really responsive.  Arons parents brought his xbox controller and when I put it in his right hand he started pressing a few of the buttons, it was very cool to see something that deliberate.  I got to talk to him and he answered a few questions with the new blinking code e.g. one blink for yes and 2 blinks for no.  So he got my shirt color and my hair color correct and he also knew that it was me. All and all it was a good night for progress and we just need more of days like that for Aron to get better.

Last night I saw Aron as well, We got him a DVD player so he can have more direct stimulus that the TV.  (Thanks Gonzo for the deal on the DVD player! ). I put on Ocean's 11 because I knew Aron would recognize the movie.  From the look of his reaction he did.  He was starring intently for a while and then in true Aron fashion fell asleep after 30 minutes.

What we need from Aron now is to keep working on physical therapy, when he has his appoinments a big portion of them is working on his neck muscles to support his head.  Muscle atrophy is to be expected and something Aron must overcome to recover.  When you see Aron please give him words of encouragement and stay positive.  Thank you for all your prayers and support.

-Jordan