Heal Nick

The Vernal Equinox took place 6 days ago and for those who are not familiar with this phenomenon, you might be interesting in the following:

“As the newly reborn sun races across the sky, the days become longer, the air warmer and, once again, life begins to return to the land. Twice a year, day and night become equal in length.

To the elders of the Olde Way, these times, equinoxes, were markers in which seeds would be planted and then harvested. The first of these, the Spring or Vernal Equinox occurs on or about March 21st.

The ancient goddess, Eostre, a Saxon deity who marked not only the passage of time but also symbolized new life and fertility, was the key symbol of this celebration which was also known as Ostara. Legend has it that the goddess was saved by a bird whose wings had become frozen by the cold of winter. This process turned the bird into a hare. Yet this was no ordinary cottontail; this long-eared rabbit could also lay eggs! The main symbols for Easter are the egg, for new life or beginnings, and the rabbit/hare, for fertility.”

Also:

“The Vernal Equinox is a time of renewal, both in Nature and in the Home. More than just physical activity, “spring cleaning” removes any negative energy accumulated over the dark winter months and prepares the home for the positive growing energy of spring and summer.”

And, so we are preparing for longer hours of daylight (sun),warmer days and time outdoors to pursue alternative therapies (adaptive sports, aqua therapy, etc.) to supplement Nicholas’ routine rehab program.

Unfortunately, I’m only in MA about once or twice a year these days. My good fortune, is having the opportunity to hang out with Nick whenever I can (which seems to be each time I’m back in town). This past Wednesday, Elizabeth and I were able to go over to the house and hang out with Nick for about an hour before he had to run off to an appointment. It was great!

The last time I saw Nick, he was at Spaulding (I can’t exactly remember when). His improvement is obvious… when I mentioned that I’m living in Indiana and he responded by telling/asking that I’d been there for a few years, I was impressed by his ability to remember that, as well as to say not only the words, but to put the phrase together so well. We were on the couch overlooking the marsh and ocean, and when we complimented his view, he thanked us. A few things really impressed me about his progress: he laughs to appropriate comments and conversation, is able to eat a sandwich on his own while holding a plate to catch the crumbs, uses short slang terms like “cool,” and seems really aware of what’s going on around him.

I know these might seem small to those who see him do these things everyday, but after not having see him for months, it was amazing to see this progress. I really wish I were able to be there more often, and am glad others are. Keep the notes coming.

I hope everyone out there has a wonderful weekend and week.

Hugs and love
Jess

It was a year ago yesterday we landed back in the U.S. and one year ago today Nicholas was admitted to the Spaulding Rehab Hospital. To say the least, he’s come a long way in a year and, although a few days late, perhaps it’s only fitting to share a few St. Patrick’s Day thoughts:

St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.

Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.

Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.

Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day

And, finally an Irish Blessing:

As you slide down the banister of life,
may the splinters never point in the wrong direction!

Nicholas’ continues with his slow, steady recovery and seemed to be concentrating last week on expressing thoughts and observations in rather sophisticated sentences. Lifearound the house is a little different these days, now that Kwasi (home caregiver) has come on board. All of us are doing our best to adjust to having added another member to the team.

Will’s comments regarding his visit on Wednesday were much appreciated, especially by Nicholas. It would be great for him to have others do the same. Let him know where you are and what you’re doing and thinking.

Hi everyone,

On Wednesday when I swung by for a visit Nick was in bed, just finishing his afternoon nap. When I walked into his room I said “Alright Sleeping Beauty, time to get up.” Nick’s eyes popped open and he started laughing, he then said “Hey man, what’s up?”

I went downstairs and had a drink with Peter as Kwesi, Nick’s assistant, got some shoes on him and helped him to the bathroom. When Nick came down we sat around and talked about some of the places we’ve been together, but spoke mostly of the trip we took a few years ago to the Dominican Republic. We reminisced about a swim we took deep in some cave up in the hills behind Puerto Plata and how inadvisable and thoroughly excellent it was.

I then tuned the stereo to Rockers on 88.9 FM and the easy rhythm of reggae filled the room. Nick immediately closed his eyes, smiled and started tapping his foot and nodding his head; it looked to me as though he was bathing in some warm and familiar environment. After relaxing for a song or two I grabbed the congas that Jon gave him on May 1 last year and another drum that was sitting there. We started jamming a bit, slow at first but, letting go of our inhibitions, began to keep time with the music and played for a while.

In talking with Nick it seems as though his voice is coming along well, although his thoughts still often seem random and can be hard to follow. Nevertheless, every time I go by he is better, and every time I see him I tell him that; every time I tell him that he seems better he looks me square in the eye and says “Thanks” while making a fist and subtly pumping it as though to say “Right on”.

So, here we are a year later and progress continues; we’re all real lucky to have Nick around still and I’m sure everyone out there looks forward as much as I do to his continued and ongoing recovery.

Love to all,
Will

Hey there Nick,
I realized yesterday while waiting in front of the photocoier at school that I am almost always composing letters to you in my head that never make it to paper. And often, if they do make it to paper, don’t make it into the mail. In some way I have a feeling that doesn’t really matter, that although I don’t send them to you, you do get the messages somehow. I appreciate that about you and our friendship. I am sorry that I haven’t been better about actually getting things to you.

For instance I have something for you from my recent trip to Peru. Instead of mailing it, I’ve decided to hang onto it until I see you next. I guess that way I can’t feel guilty for not sending it. Also, I will be coming to Boston the 18th of this month (for a few days to visit family and hopefully, you!). I really want to see you while I’m there and can get this gift to you then!

What is the best way to reach you or your family? It’s been too long.
Miss you and think of you everyday!
Hugs and love
Jess

On Tuesday evening our family and Nicholas’ therapists from Spaulding and Community Rehab Care (Medford) participated in the Massachusetts Institute of Health Professional’s Interdisciplinary Grand Rounds. The subject was Nicholas and entitled “Recovering From Brain Injury: A Year In Perspective”. It was a fascinating, extremely interesting and therapeutic experience for all of us so closely involved in Nicholas’ recovery. The underlying theme was the value of team work. There is no doubt in my mind Nicholas would not be where he is today without a great team and their total dedication.

Dear Nick,

Hey there my dear friend!!

I just want to thank you so very much for the sweet
Valentine’s poem. That was very thoughtful and well written. You and Peter make quite the poetic duo!!! Im very impressed and inspired to write my own! I thought I would hit you back with some words of my own, from a song I wrote:

Time flows by, never a moment the same
My life is a river, the only constant is change
I will swim through this life with the moon in my eyes
Finding a groove on this sweet dream through my
mind….

In a meadow golden with the mountains towering high
I am dancing to the sound of the wind that is passing by
And in the hush of the buzz of the city air
Serenity of my heartbeat and the intent to care…..

You know everything, allow yourself to remember
Your life may only go so far….
As your will to surrender…
To the Love that YOU ARE!
To the love that you are.

Well thats one of my favorite concepts of
life…knowing that we ARE LOVE at the core. That is
the most powerful reminder that I ever have. And you,
Nick, are LOVE at the core. You eminate such light I
can feel you glowing right now.

I miss you! Bobcat misses you too. We are living in
New Mexico in the artsy town of Santa Fe. We really
like it here and are making it home for now. But
whenever we come to Boston you know we will be coming to visit you. We visit you in our dreams all the time, you are with us like a brother always, we are with you right now.

The most exciting thing I have to share with you is
that Bobcat and I are PREGNANT! I mean, of course, Im pregnant, but both of us are going to have a baby next October!!! WOW! Can you believe it? We are going to bring a soul of light into this world. You gotta keep up that poetry so you can write the little one sometime. We are also getting married this summer on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Many things bubbling in excitement in our world. We are so happy and very much in love……

We love you so much Nick. We are sending you huge heaps of support and encouragement and inspiration. Keep up the good work, all the therapies I know are challenging but we give you big HOORAHS for all your progress. You rock!

I will stay in touch more often, sorry for the long
times between emails. I want you to know that you are always on my mind and in my prayers.
You are a stellar human and rock solid friend.
Take good care and please give my love to your
wonderful Peter and Lucy.

Big love from Daisy and Bobcat!!!