Paul's Update - 08/23/06

Dear Friends:

When Dad arrived this morning Paul & Tabby were still sleeping. Tabby had closed and locked her bedroom door so when the nurse came she was surprised to find she couldn't get in to attend to Paul. Poor thing ... she really didn't know what to do!! LOL George came by to visit now that he is back from his trip. He brought T-shirts from Sturgis for everyone. If you haven't seen the blog since he came home, check it out. A great big thanks go to all who supported George's benefit ride. Once everyone was up and dressed they took a trip to Starbucks. Paul always enjoys this outing ... everyone else does too!! While they were out the speech therapist called and wanted to come by. When she came she asked Paul "do you remember me?" and he nodded yes. Then she asked "are you going to work for me?" and he nodded yes. But when she asked him to start working he shook his head "no". So she asked him "if Dad & Tabby leave the room will you work for me?" and he nodded "yes". She was able to get him to work with the prerecorded button that says phrases when you push it. She made it say "I don't want to do that" and "I want Kool-Aid". She asked him if he wanted Kool-Aid and he nodded "yes" but she said he HAD to push the button to get it. After several tries he finally did it. Today was the first time she heard him SAY "no". He actually has been trying to talk to us ... not in words we understand but he looks at us and makes sounds like he is trying to communicate something. It is hard when we realize he wants something and we cannot figure out what it is. I imagine it is very difficult for him as well. Once he was back in bed this morning he was pretty exhausted and not interested in getting up. He was sleepy and napped a bit this afternoon. Dad & Tabby took a day off from the flooring work. I think they overdid it (shhh ... don't tell them I said so!). Thursday is another reduction in Depacote ... so far so good!

Have a great day! Lynne & Carl