shopping

so Ian comes to Keene to go shopping for a birthday present for Jahleh. Went to Target first where the selection was not exactly great, Ian's word for it was "tacky", some of it "gaudy". Did not have what he was looking for and he definetly had something in mind, so off we went to TJMaxx to find something else in the jewelry dept. He looked at a few things and "gaudy" was still the main word for it. In the meantime Jahleh and Ben were chomping at the bit because they knew Ian was coming to Keene to go shopping, but not really what for, anyway Jahleh showed up at TJMaxx in the middle of looking the jewelry dept. Ian was set on it being "expensive", Jahleh got told the purpose of the shopping trip, she was quite surprized. Ian has been thinking about this for like 3 weeks and of course the van trip had to be set up which it why it did not happen until now. So in the end she picked out her present, she told him it is often wise to let a women pick out her own present and she picked out a ring. "If that is what you want". He looked at the pricetag after she picked it out and still wasn't impressed but she told him it is not the price, it is the thought and she was just very pleased that he wanted to get her a present. All in all it was a tender moment
Ben just stands by his brother, there is so much love there. It's good for Ben to see Ian do things that are natural.

nothing like instant gratification

Ian called Jahleh today and was kinda of confused at first cause of course there was the ringing and then the message machine, he just looked at me and said "not Kosher" so I said just leave a message, well he did; "Jahleh, I need to see you". so later in the afternoon who should show up at the mountain but Jahleh, she had gotten his message and acted on it. Ben and Grampa also came to see Ian today. We all had a good time out on the patio, "fo sure" Ian even recited the Jabberwocky, in entirity, and that is pretty amazing seeing as it is a two page poem from Alice and Wonderland. Some things just stay with you, I believe it was in the fourth grade Benny said they put it to memory. WOW

May 23 - cookout time

well first cookout of the season. A good time was had by all, Ian and Jahleh, Ben, Aaron, Mom and Dad. Dad did great food as always "oh yea" Ian was so excited, I am told from the time he got up, was ready to just get out and make it happen. Ian sang for us, and ate very well and is just amazing. There is so much to be amazed by and Superman you are quite a guy. It seems so good that you have come to find a way to find some happiness, something has changed in the past couple of weeks and it is good.

as good as it gets

I am so amazed at how much you talk now and how well you thoughts are formed, still when you get aggitated you get perseverated in your speech and "the soundwaves" "the soundwaves are not good" have a whole new sadness to them. Tonight when we were visiting you said to me that "I think (pause) that this is as good as it will get" I truly hope that is a passing thought cause it is so painful to hear. It is good to think that you feel comfortable enough with me to express your sadness, something I wish we could have done a long long time ago. At any rate the hope is that this too will pass and that life just gets better and happier for you. You have me one of those half hearted laughs when I mentioned being happy. And I must say it is understandable for you have been through so much and yet have so much more to go through to rebuild your life, cause it is from this day forward, no looking back at what we do not have anymore or what we have to do again. Depression is a very real thing.
still you are a young man trapped-life is teaching you some very hard lessons and I have to share that is good to know that you feel that you have lessons to teach other people. Yes Ian you are a born teacher and have much to teach the world

housing

May 5
call today from Jamie at Keene Housing, we have an intake interview set for the 19th of this month. We may have an apt for Ian as early as July. That is awesome and wonderful and terrifying. You my buddy have to work your butt off between now and then!!!

care plan

May 6, 2010
care plan meeting today and it was pretty cool that you sang for the crew. "Landslide" They had not heard you sing a song through and so I am sure it was pretty neat for them. Oh Ian if you only knew how my heart soars when you sing.
Your case worker Carol Ann was there and I guess the whole process is coming along, as far as services when you get outside and just an undersanding of who you are and how you are.
also part of the BIG news for the day was that the G Tube came out. That was such a good thing and a huge thing. You have been changed to thin liquids which means you can have anything now, YEA!
James said your speech is doing well, but that he is still working on consistency of answers; Judy informed everyone that you are standing with her. From what I can tell OT is still your shortfalling and I am not sure why that is, perhaps their approach, perhaps you do not see the logistics of what they do. I still know that you do better if you understand why people do what they do and it seems it is then that you work at it harder. That would make sense and almost seems like one of those "duh" things, but I guess not really

Sun, 5/2

Ian you are the answer to so many prayers. the speech, the movement, even getting to have more patience with yourself. lots of company for my Ian today. It is good to know you are not alone even when you are stuck away on the top of a mountain. But they are helping you and you can do so much more than when you got there. Sometimes we have to look at the big picture, those of us that are on the outside looking in.
Jahleh came up while I was there, she is quite something. It was so sweet to hear the two of you sing together
and I brought goodies, you have developed quite a taste for the sweets, shows in the increased girth, but you are still a cutie
"surprize me" famous words from the Ian man
Judy your physical therapist tells me that in another week you will probably be in the stander, cause you are doing so well at standing with her and you have so much determination.

May day, 2010

I so love it when Ian is in a good mood, we had subs out on the patio and then sang. It's great to hear him even though he says "my voice is not that good anymore". If he only knew how goods it sounds to those of us who love him and just are so happy he can sing. He remembers lyrics, lots of songs, it is wow stuff how the mind can bring those back, but music really is a wonderful thing and has a very special place in the brain. That is obvious. He sang lots and I explained why he needs to drink lots, (I explain everthing to him cause even though he really knows, he just doesn't have a medical sense -- well_)We played ball out on the patio, he accepts my shortcomings a lot more these days

Olive Garden outing

Thurs., April 29
a planned outing for Ian. It was a great day. He got to see some people he had not seen in a long time and they all got to see Ian. He is doing so well and now everyone knows it. The folks at the Olive Garden were great. They seemed so happy to see him. There must have been more than 20 people there to say hi and then us of course. Ian, Mom, Dad, Jahleh, Ben, Aaron (the camera man) and Nick. O G treated us to dinner, Ian ate very well, with a little help from Jahleh, she is so good with him. Love is a wonderful and powerful thing.
Ian had so much joy in his eye and was so happy; he hugged everyone, it was great to be on an outing that was just for the sake of doing something fun.
The people at the Olive Garden thanked us for bringing him down to them, they really do love this guy, but he is pretty special guy. He has been thru so much and this was I am very sure good for his psyche. I know it was good for Ben as well, cause Ben wants so much for Ian to enjoy life again. I know Ian was a little scared but mostly excited about going.
and now it is done and we can plan the next outing, cause there really is so much living beyond the mountain, even though right now the mountain is safe.