Third year Day 213 - Monday July 14, 2014

Today was speech therapy.  After we parked and were headed into the hospital building where Lynne's office is, Bridgett suddenly stopped and said, hey, something is happening to my eyes!  Sometimes I'm seeing better!  Is my eye less crossed?  I looked at it and it looked the same; nevertheless, something must be happening in the eye--brain protocol at work??  I spoke to Lynne and asked if we could have the appointment without the lights on and only the light from the windows  Lynne's office is very light with a lot of windows in it and so plenty of light without the fluorescent lights on.  Faith speculates that the fluorescent lights flicker and add to Bridgett's eventual headache after a time.  BTW, it seemed to help; at least Bridgett did great during the appointment and made it to the very end with no problems.  Anyway, back to the appointment itself.  Lynne looked over Bridgett's journal, asking questions to see if Bridgett could remember things that happened during the week.  She came to yesterday's entry about Mark telling stories and when Lynne asked Bridgett about what stories he told, she immediately began laughing and laughing.  She tried to tell the story though her laughter, and did a pretty good job of remembering the details.  That was great!  During the therapy session, Lynne had Bridgett work with some blocks that she called the tower test.  There are three wooden posts, with rings on some of the posts--some large rings and some small.  Next, there was a series of pictures and Bridgett had to match the configuration of the rings to the picture, with the stipulation that you couldn't put a large ring on top of a small ring when you moved them.  She was able to do several of these and had a great time doing it.  Bridgett said afterwards, we need to get one of those to play--it was FUN!  I googled and found a game that looks the same, called Tower of Hanoi.  Maybe I will have to order it.  However, it probably wouldn't have the pictures that you are supposed to match.  Hmmmmm.........

Third year Day 212 - Sunday July 13, 2014

This evening Mark told stories while the kids and I listened.  There are some of those stories from when he was young that the kids know as well as he does, and maybe better now!  Hee hee.  Anyway, one of the stories was about a time that Mark went fishing with uncle Rick.  One of their friends took them someplace they had never been before and then left them.  They were walking along and found the river to fish but didn't know where to stop. There were all of these clumps of dirt with plants in the water and you could jump from clump to clump.  Mark called them lily pads for ease of telling the story, but obviously they weren't really as they weren't floating plants, but dirt with plants.  Anyway, after jumping from clump to clump Rick said the water doesn't look deep, I'm going to try just going through the water.  He stepped in and went clear under and nothing could be seen of him.  Mark waited and waited from him to pop back up for air but he didn't.  Finally a fishing pole end came up and so Mark carefully grabbed it and pulled, hoping that the pole wouldn't come apart.  He pulled and pulled and suddenly Rick's lips came out of the water and he drew in a huge breath of air.  He he pulled farther and got his face out of the water, though the rest of his head was still under.  At this point Rick said I could have drowned!  Then the two of them started laughing and laughing.  I'm sure part of that was after worrying that he would drown, they had that emotional release because he didn't.  Anyway, Bridgett laughed and laughed at that story!  She didn't remember Mark telling it to her before, but it really made a hit with her now!

Third year Day 211 - Saturday July 12, 2014

Bridgett told me today that uncle Frank is her favorite uncle.  Then she said that's kind of weird that I think that because he wasn't around much when I was young.  True!  I'm glad that she can recognize that and think that out.  But she really did have such a great time while he was here and is still talking about him! Of course, she does love all of her uncles!  And she has a great time with them!  She used to spend a lot of time with Dave and he definitely is one of her favorites!  They used to bike together and run together.  Also, she has a real soft spot for Jon and Justin, who always go out of their way for her and make her feel special.

Third year Day 210 - Friday July 11, 2014

Bridgett had PT today with Kat Ingalls.  The most amazing thing happened!  When she got there, Bridgett started telling Kat about a dream she had with Kat in it.  They were working out together.  Now, this might not seem amazing at first, but it is the FIRST time that Bridgett has remembered a dream since her wreck!!  Now, that's amazing!  Related to the brain protocol?????  PT went great and Bridgett had fun.  So far, we are learning some things that seem to help with Bridgett's physical progress, so that's good. 

Third year Day 209 - Thursday July 10, 2014

Bridgett remembered traveling with Buttercup, the little Pomeranian we used to have.  We would take her in her crate in the motor home when we traveled.  One time we actually took our little calf Ace with us too.  Bridgett remembered that time and we all had a good laugh.  Right before one of my brother's weddings, Mike??, one of our cows delivered her first calf, and then had a prolapsed uterus.  We called the veterinarian and he came and actually just washed off the uterus and shoved it back in.  He gave her a shot and said that it was 50/50 if she'd live.  He said that within the hour she would die, or she would make it.  Poor thing was in shock I'm sure and within the hour died.  So, we had a newborn calf and no mother to nurse it and we did what anyone would do--ran to the farm store and bought colostrum and a bottle and learned how to feed it.  For quite a time we fed it round the clock--that is either Tyler or I fed the little guy.  And, when it was time to leave, there was no one that would be there to feed around the clock, so we hitched up the horse trailer behind the motor home and loaded up Ace and a portable fence, and off we went.  That trip we also were taking Julie (Chris's wife) and her kids with us in the motor home.  When we stopped for gas, we fed Ace!  Unfortunately, when we hit northern Utah, we had engine problems.  So, there we were, stopped on the freeway with a mooing calf to feed and it was like 90+ degrees!  We called for a tow, but would have to wait hours to get towed and then to Wyoming!  So, after some rest for the motor home, Mark tried it again, and we found that we could drive slowly and actually made it to Sue's house in South Jordan!  That last little bit down 90th South, we were going VERY slow, and barely made it, but we did make it.  Then we put up the fence in Sue's backyard (thanks again Sue!) and stayed for a week with little Ace.  All of the neighborhood kids, and some parents, came to see the real cow in Sue's backyard!  It was kind of a funny and very redneck thing to do.  Ahhh the memories!  We are all sure glad that Bridgett is getting some of these memories back!!

Third year Day 208 - Wednesday July 9, 2014

Today we actually started day one of phase one of the brain protocol.  Luckily everything went well.  The old program that I originally got a copy of was quite complicated, with different things to take each morning, afternoon and evening, and different things to take Monday, Wednesday and Friday, others to take Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and something separate for Sundays.  I knew I would need a big chart to keep track of it all.  However, now the program has been streamlined, and there's just a short list to take each morning and evening.  GREAT!  No complaints from Bridgett, which is huge because if she wasn't on board with taking them, that would be a problem:)

Third year Day 207 - Tuesday July 8, 2014

Monday was the day that we were supposed to start Bridgett's new brain protocol, but I was just so exhausted from everything that I didn't get started yet. Tomorrow will be the big day. So anyway, the protocol is something created by Dr. Gerard Gueniot, M.D. of France in the early 1980's.  The protocol has been in use for over 15 years, and has had great success.  The aim of it is to complete any brain development that has been interrupted and is especially used by those with ADHD, ODD, autism and panic responses, and additionally, any one with any significant brain trauma or emotional trauma during the development of the brain.  It is a very interesting protocol and I have been eagerly anticipating doing this protocol with Bridgett.  Faith began to talk to me about it many, many months ago and tomorrow will be the first day.  Exciting!!

Third year Day 206 - Monday July 7, 2014

We had an appointment with Lynne for speech therapy today. Bridgett does love to see Lynne and enjoys the appointments.  When we got there, I asked Lynne if I could talk to her privately for a few minutes, so Bridgett stayed in the office with Lynne's student Jenny.  Lynne and I walked for a bit and then sat down and talked.  I talked to her about Bridgett's shutting down, and about her being over whelmed.  Lynne was very understanding and it was good to talk to her.  We both decided to work together and dialog more.  I felt really good about it.  Last week Lynne had said something about not wanting to offend Bridgett about interrupting and then something about the old Bridgett and then Bridgett said, I'm not offended by my old Bridgett but I do miss her!  Now that's something to think about!

Third year Day 205 - Sunday July 6, 2014

This was one of those huge attendance days for us in the Bigfork ward.  In the summer we have so many visitors, a large bulk of them from Canada. Anyway, the attendance is somewhere from 800- 1300 people on the Sunday of the 4th!  There are so many people, it's hard to park anywhere close and its very noisy for Bridgett to be there.  She really can't take that kind of noise level, so we opted to stay home this week even though she was feeling good enough to go.

Third year Day 204 - Saturday July 5, 2014

Frank and mom were up early and headed back to Salt Lake.  Tomorrow Frank heads back to Las Vegas, as he to be back to work on Monday (at 4 am!).  It was a short but great visit!  Today Bridgett asked me, didn't Albertsons used to be Buttreys?  Yes, it did!  Of course, that was our closest grocery store when we lived in the log house and it was the one that Bridgett would remember shopping at the most often.  Exciting the many things she is remembering from her childhood.  I remember the days when we thought that her entire long term memory was forever lost!

Third year Day 203 - Friday July 4, 2014

This morning Mark was up and out early, headed to the church to get everything ready for our annual community breakfast. Mom and Frank and I were able to start visiting early.  Arrianne headed to the church to sing the Star Spangled Banner for the flag ceremony.  After she returned, mom and Frank and I headed to the Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell, to put flowers on my brother Chris's grave.  Actually I found it just fine, even though there is still no headstone.  However, I was surprised to see that the little solar light they had there before was missing although the little flag was still there.  It is so peaceful and nice at the Conrad Cemetery.  It was nice to just spend a little time there and visit about Chris. Next we drove to Whitefish to our old place there.  We had a nice visit and drive and then headed back home.  By the time we got there, Arrianne had gone back to Bigfork, to drive Mark's convertible in the parade while he walked beside her.  They decorated it all up with red, white and blue.  Mark was also all decorated up!  He wore his Republican vest with buttons from the State Convention.  Since he is running for office here, he wanted to be in the parade.  He is running for the Montana State House of Representatives.  After we were all done with everything, we spent some time on the lake.  Frank really like the speed boat, and liked going full out or about 50+ mph.  Mark liked the boat but didn't really like the speed when they went full out!  Actually, it was mom's first time on the boat.  When she and dad were here before, he was unable to go down to the dock and so she stayed with dad and didn't go down either.  Afterwards we had some dinner.  Bridgett really loved having Frank here (and mom).  She kept telling him how much she loved him and then telling me that he was her favorite uncle. She said to me, I know I never got to spend much time with uncle Frank growing up, but I do love him so much.  Cute and true.  We haven't been able to spend much time with Frank over the years, but since he separated from Cindy he has been able to spend more time with all of us, especially with mom.

Third year Day 202 - Thursday July 3, 2014

Busy day today getting ready for my older brother Frank and my mom to come and visit.  It will be a really quick visit.  They will be here tonight and tomorrow and leave Saturday.  Frank lives in Las Vegas.  He drove to Salt Lake yesterday and picked up mom and now up here.  That's a drive!  However, he recently bought a Mercedes convertible, so he's loving the driving.  My parents used to have a couple of convertibles, so mom is excited as well.  When they were first married, they had a corvette.  They had that when Frank was little too.  However, as Frank used to remind me, they sold it when I was born because there was no room.  That was back in the no car seat days, and Frank rode on the floor as an infant, and then by the gear shift as a toddler.  Hah!  Then when we were a little older (like I was maybe 7) dad bought a Buick convertible.  Both cars were black and shiny!  Anyway, Frank and mom got here around dinner time, so we had quite a bit of visiting time this evening.  Mark had our Lake County Republican Central Committee meeting this evening in Polson, so he wasn't home until later on.

Third year Day 201 - Wednesday July 2, 2014

I forgot to mention that when we were in town yesterday, Bridgett was telling me a block or two in advance, what businesses were located on Main Street.  These would be businesses that she remembers from before the wreck, as we have never had reason to discuss then since the wreck.  For example, she said, isn't the karate place up ahead on the right, at the corner? I do love it that she can be so much more aware of her surroundings.  Some of these landmarks are things that she haven't discussed, so I know that they are from her long term memory.  Cool!

Third year Day 200 - Tuesday July 1, 2014

Actually today was PT, and it was really too close to Speech therapy for Bridgett.  Another drive into town!  For her neck, that's really pushing it!!  But, she did OK today nonetheless.  Her neck was tight, but Loretta (Kat's assistant) showed us a way to push on the clavicle lightely and have another hand behind on the shoulder blade and this releases some of the tightness.  Part of the time Bridgett just needed to walk outside, so we went out with her and walked up and down the sidewalk.  We ended the appointment after only 40 minutes, instead of an hour.  Perhaps this is what we will need to do from now on???

Third year Day 199 - Monday June 30, 2014

Bridgett had speech therapy today with Lynn and her student Jenny.  She made it through almost the entire appointment before she finally started to get feeling poorly.  At the point when she started feeling bad she had just been showing Lynn how to do lunges and explaining some technique.  Lynn was impressed with her ability to explain and demonstrate etc.  Then Lynn talked to her about interrupting people.  She said that in conversation that Bridgett needed to be careful not to interrupt.  At this moment, almost precisely, Bridgett suddenly stood up and started to feel horrible.  Her neck hurt and she said that she needed to do some walking.  Afterwards I talked to Faith about this experience and she talked to Bridgett.  Faith then told me that Bridgett was upset because she doesn't like to interrupt, but with her memory issues, if she doesn't interrupt sometimes she forgets what she wants to say and it might be important.  When we talked to her about writing down her questions for later, Faith pointed out that often she begins a sentence and then forget her thought before she can get the entire sentence written down.  So, this whole line of discussion was very overwhelming to her and that's why she just kind of shut down.  Also at this time Lynn had talked to her about being more independent, and Faith said that right now with her memory issues she is very dependent on me for her "second brain" and then "pushing" her for independence is scaring her very much.  I understand this completely, and hopefully when I talk to Lynn about it she will understand too.  We need to have these appointments be productive, not counterproductive! 

Third year Day 198 Sunday June 29, 2014

Bridgett is still pretty sore from those exercises that the PT's gave her to do.  But, every day things are a little better.  This morning she was in too much pain between her legs and her neck and so we stayed home from church.  Luckily the girls go to the singles ward in the afternoon so they can still go even if we stay home.  Today Bridgett remembered about how we used to take our little Pomeranian named Buttercup with us on trips in the motor home.  She fit in a little crate and rode along quietly and then we didn't have to board her.  Actually, there was one trip when we did board her and she was so scared at the kennel because they put two Rottweilers next to her (after we left), and she was shaking when we picked her up and vomited afterwards.  She finally calmed down and we decided not to board her again.  She was at a kennel run by a veterinarian, so they checked her out and said it was just nerves.

Third year Day 197 - Saturday June 28, 2014

Bridgett says the funniest things sometimes!  She said to me today.....when you're ridiculously old and gray can I tell my children how beautiful you used to be??  Hah! 

Third year Day 196 - Friday June 27, 2014

Many months ago I posted that Inez had told me about a website...jenniferfield.org.  I searched around on her website quite a bit.  Jennifer Field was an Olympic hopeful when at the age of 17 was in a near fatal car accident, comatose and brain injured.  She is now a motivational speaker.  On her website, there is a list of therapies and treatments that her family used to help her get better.  One of these listed is Dr. Tobin Watkinson and his Bicom machine.  I have tried to get a hold of him by phone and have been unable to reach him as of yet.  His office is in San Diego, California.  Again this week I have been trying to reach him.  At last, he did call, but because I am missing calls on my cell phone, we did not connect.  He left his email address and a message and told me to email him my questions.  This I did and he has responded back to me.  He asked me to set up an appointment to talk to him and to tell him how Bridgett is doing right now and what things we have already tried.  Perhaps we will find another thing that we can do to help!!