Heal Nick

Nicholas had a relatively quiet and uneventful week of steady improvement. His therapy team continues to be very pleased with his progress in all disciplines and always enjoy working with him, due to his personality, disposition and spirit of determination. Sadly for all of us we had to say “good by” to Rob, Daisy, Shane and Jacob. They have been wonderful company and therapy for Nicholas and we look forward to seeing them back here in October

A great deal happened this week for Nicholas. We’ve finally begun to see a temperamental side of him with obvious annoyance with those trying to help him in situations he’d rather work-out by himself. This is a very good sign of him trying to assert a certain amount of independence. It doesn’t happen that often and only at the end of the day, when he’s tired. He’s also beginning to express some very complicated, random thoughts. Without prompting he will talk about what he’s thinking, considering, contemplating, “images in his mind”, etc. and expressing himself in rather complex sentences with an extended vocabulary. He still needs to increase the volume of his voice to be understood, but he’s working on this. His walking has improved, especially with the use of a Lofstrand crutch. Thursday’s adaptive sports therapy had Nicholas out on the Charles again, windsurfing, followed by a spin on the tandem bicycle (he sits and peddles with his arms). The weekend included a visit by two members of the String Cheese Incident with thanks to Shane for making it happen. (Shane – Hope you found you’re way back to 93 South. Michael & Michael – Thanks for taking the time to be with Nicholas.). Today, Sunday, was a big day for all of us. We sprung Nicholas from Spaulding for the day, and it was spent at our house enjoying complete peace & quiet, good food, rest & relaxation, sea air & sun. Nicholas said he enjoyed it “immensely”. We’re looking forward to many more of these in the following weekends.

Nicholas remains medically stable and continues on the upswing through his therapies. His speech continues to improve, now that we don’t accept whispers & hand signals. The “tough love” approach is gradually working. Occupational therapy has taken on a new dimension this week to develop “social skills”, which we all know he has, by having Nicholas join a lunch group with other patients. He also had an adaptive sports session this week on a tandem bicycle.

We decided it was time to do a little something special for Nicholas to reward him for all his hard work and continued wonderful disposition, not to mention the therapeutic value, and on Wednesday he had his first massage, which he loved. This is now scheduled for every Wednesday. We are also taking him for rides in the car as much as we can to get him more acclimated to the almost overwhelming vestibular sensations, which he is tolerating better with each outing. Our goal is to get him to a point when he can endure the 40 minute drive to Manchester for a day “at home” where there is real peace and quiet, grass under his feet and clean sea air in his lungs. It should not be too much longer before this happens.

People of Nick,

I’ve just added 33 pictures to the photo gallery; take a look!

Love to all,
Will

These photographs are absolutely the best. Can’t help but make you smile! Go Nicholas and all who brought this one to fruition! xo, Mrs. Hesh

Wish I were there! Check out the gallery here.

P.S. Kristin added a gallery that eclipses mine. So if you haven’t seen her pics you may want to go back.

Progress continues with more talking and a more pronounced effort on Nicholas’ part to be heard and speak intelligent sentences. For example, the other day he was lying in bed, having woken-up from his nap, just kind of relaxing, and I asked him if he was thinking about anything in particular. He said to me in a clear sentence, “I’m thinking about the project or organizing food”. I then asked him if this meant he was hungry. To which he replied “yes”. Now, this is pure Nicholas. Never one to give a simple answer to a question. We no longer accept whispers or hand signals both of which he needs some reminding, and he’s beginning to resign himself to having to raise his voice volume a few decibels.

Nicholas now has 2 hours of “cooking class” every Friday as part of his occupational therapy. A step toward eventual independence. He’s also schedule for more adaptive sports (windsurfing or bicycle riding) this Friday and the following Thursday. The therapists really enjoy working with him. It was reported he was seen dancing in the gym this week with one of the therapist and drew quite a crowd.

I believe he’s now the senior patient in the longevity category and has his 9th roommate. Ryan is 19 and recovering from an automobile accident. He’s at the stage Nicholas was when he got out of the ICU in New Zealand with a family from New Hampshire having moved into accommodations in Wakefield. A familiar situation and we’re doing our best to provide them with some “New Zealand” love. We’ve also told Nicholas that he should try to help Ryan and be an inspiration to him, which he has acknowledged.

Anyone planning a visit this week be advised I will be out of cell contact all week; therefore, check-in Lucy, Kristin, Pamela or Deborah.

I echo all the sentiments of Pamela’s posting regarding Nick’s PicNick today. It was wonderful therapy for more than just Nicholas. When Lucy was saying good night to Nicholas and giving him a hug, he said to her, “Thank you, Dad, Kristin and Pamela for making today happen”. So, to everyone who was there today – Thank you and do it again and again………………

Thank you to the cast of characters who came out today to hang with Nicholas (especially Julia & Felix, the masterminds behind this operation). It was great to put all the faces to names and see the various crews assembled in one place. The music and the vibes were much appreciated by all and I know it l did wonders to raise Nicholas’ spirit and energy. Can’t wait to see the footage and get some of it up on the site. Until next time….
With love,
Pamela

Thank you to the cast of characters who came out today to hang with Nicholas (especially Julia & Felix, the masterminds behind this operation). It was great to put all the faces to names and see the various crews assembled in one place. The music and the vibes were much appreciated by all and I know it l did wonders to raise Nicholas’ spirit and energy. Can’t wait to see the footage and get some of it up on the site. Until next time….
With love,
Pamela

wonderful to see you nic surrounded by your harem, your expression is one of satisfaction ppictures say it all many thanks to pamela for posting and sheila for her expert photography…it was a great occasion for all of us nic to see you doing so well love ole gramsxxxx

Courtesy of Pamela:

This posting is being done earlier than normal, as we’re expecting a rather late evening out. There is very to report, which merely means Nicholas continues to make good progress in all therapeutic disciplines. He spent a couple of hours on the Charles earlier in the week doing his adaptive windsurfing thing and his appetite most times is insatiable. We took him out in the car again for a ride down Storrow Drive and a sort assisted walk around Harvard Stadium before returning to Spaulding. He enjoyed the peace & quiet of the empty stadium. However, he does find driving in a car tiring with all the visual stimulation but he is getting used to it. We will continue to take him out, making the drives longer each time to prepare him for the time when we can take him to Cape Cod, Andover and/or Manchester for the day. Tomorrow Nicholas will have a ring side seat from Spaulding to view the fireworks on the Charles and we plan to join him for the festivities. Happy Independence Day!