A Spencer update

I talked to my dad last night about how the big family meeting with all of Spencer's therapists went yesterday. My dad said Spencer was having a really good day and that I would be stunned by how much more he is doing now than a week ago when I saw him last. Back then, I was thrilled that he remembered I was his sister! Yesterday, the therapy supervisor introduced herself to the family, and then Spencer introduced every single family member, including names, to her. The only name he missed was Marcus, Alisha's baby. But apparently, he did remember it when Alisha prompted him that his name started with 'm'. (I just realized, someone who was actually there should be posting this blog update, since I'm one of the few who wasn't there! I'm summarizing just a bit of the info I got from Dad. I'll encourage the others to correct me if I'm wrong in the comments section!)

Anyway, the physical therapists were able to show the family how Spencer is able to get up and transfer to a wheelchair, as well as walk down a hallway and back with a walker. He is talking so much more and was less confused yesterday than on some recent days. Apparently, Spencer has work on his mind. When he is asked open-ended questions, he has been throwing in some VERY technical information into his answers. For example, "Spencer how are you feeling today?" His response might be something like, "better, I'm feeling like I'm 25,000 feet higher in elevation..." followed by a bunch of information about angles and room for maneuvering. He definitely has the brain of a scientist... an aerospace engineer at that.

A conversation with the neuropsychiatrist was a bit tougher to take. It's his responsibility to inform the family of all possible scenarios, including the best as well as the worst case ones. Some of his words were less than rosy, but then followed by the fact that he has seen patients with more severe brain damage than Spencer make a full recovery. It really is different with each patient, and only time will tell. I'm choosing to pray and have faith that though I'm sure there will be difficulties ahead, Spencer, Jen, and their girls will be able to live a full and happy life together. And whether things are ever EXACTLY the same as they were before, I'm sure they won't be. Something this traumatic will always leave it's mark on those most closely involved. I'm ultimately hoping that the changes are minimal and that it only just binds the family closer.

The main challenge at this point is getting Spencer's awake and sleep cycle appropriate. The part of his brain that manages the automatic systems (including pain reception and levels of fatigue) has been tweaked, thus making it difficult to manage his sleep. Everyone is anxious to move him off the isolation status as quickly as possible, but until he's able to stay more awake during the day and sleep better at night, they'll need to keep the stimulation minimal. The family expressed very strongly yesterday that Spencer's girls need to be approved to come in and see him. This will help the girls and I'm sure will help motivate Spencer to work his butt off in order to get home to them faster.

So, this ends my news on Spencer. Please keep the prayers coming for him. There have been many tender mercies already, but many more needed. He'll be getting another priesthood blessing on Sunday. The first one he got was to save his life, and this second one will help him recover it. I'm so thankful for the priesthood and for faith. These two things have helped our family immensely.

I've actually posted a bunch of posts today, so scroll down for some more.