March 12, 2008

Rand was overwhelmed today when his belated Christmas and birthday presents finally arrived all at one time. At 9:00 this morning the Geek Squad from Best Buy marched into his room with a 40" LCD HDTV and I was right behind them with a wrapped box containing a Nintendo Wii game station. He didn't know what hit him! The Geek Squad set up the TV in no time, added the Wii and stuck around to teach us the basics of operation. What fun!! We played golf and bowling before Rand wanted to see his regular shows on TV. He was astounded - he couldn't get over the BIG picture, the sound, the ease of the remote - the BIG picture! He played with the remote for some time and then asked me for help. He is probably now propped up in bed, experimenting with the remote as we speak.

Two years ago, when I knew that Rand was coming out of the hospital, I bought a 24" TV for him as a temporary fix. I figured that in a few months it would become the TV set in the caregiver's room at our house when Rand came home. Things changed and Plan A didn't happen. With his impaired vision, I decided that he needed a large screen to help him enjoy one of the pleasures of his days. Now he has it and he is thrilled! The 24" TV did end up in the caregiver's room - the caregivers at Rand's Home. They had a weenie 12" screen TV and now, they joke, they have a "BIG SCREEN TV!" I don't know who is happier - Rand or the caregivers!!

The Nintendo Wii game system is recommended by many physical and occupational therapists as excellent exercise for seniors and especially, wheelchair bound folks. In fact, last Sunday's newspaper supplemental magazine had an article about it and how it is being used at retirement centers, nursing and assisted living homes, etc. for the exercise benefits. Jay Ar and Thuan know how to play it so they are excited about involving Rand. I think these purchases will pay off in the long run, big time! I am a little concerned about the fact that these are high tech gadgets and you have to have some knowledge to operate them. Friends have reminded me about how I felt about the electric wheelchair and Rand is now a whiz at that! They are right - Rand is amazing in his ability to learn and to cope.

The eight week adaptive bowling program ended this week. Rand improved so much - in his balance, stamina, aim, hand-eye coordination. The first two weeks Rand bowled sitting in his wheelchair. Yesterday he bowled standing up for 2 of the 3 games and finally sat down for for the last few frames. He did so well and enjoyed it so much. The next eight week program starts again in two weeks and ends in time for the spring golf program to begin! Rand has PT practice for two hours a day, five days a week at home with Thuan, and a full bore PT session once every three weeks. Just before the holidays, the PT timed Rand walking the length of the hallway in both directions in the PT department. I don't know how far that is, but it is a considerable distance. The first time he walked it, it took him just over 17 minutes. Last week he covered the same distance in 5 minutes and six seconds! WOW! Practice pays off. Rand also has music therapy once a week and they are working on all seven verses of "Amazing Grace!" Whew! Rand, his schedule and accomplishments are a full time job!

Thank you for your continued support of and interest in Rand's progress. He is amazing and hasn't slowed down for a minute! He tolerates my whims as he always has, and now participates in them with gusto. People are still in disbelief when I tell them that he is bowling and playing golf - in a adaptive manner and setting, of course, but he has come so far and is willing to try anything. That's the best therapy in the world!!

Keep Rand close to your hearts - he is remarkable.

Love,
Connie