Heal Nick

Nick’s World gets an early posting this week, as I’ll be away for a few days. The results of discontinuing Prozac are having the desired effect. The real Nicholas is beginning to reappear as the drug begins to vacate his system, which takes a minimum of 2 weeks. He’s becoming more animated each day. Take a look at the recent pictures in the Photo Gallery. They were taken the other day with him responding for the camera to certain situations. Improv in the kitchen!

Having been away most of the week, I can’t report 1st hand on Nicholas’ week, except the reports from his therapists were good. On the other hand I can report on a delightful 4 days sailing with good friends on the Chesapeake (see Photo Gallery). It was another good, quick break for us, as it was for Nicholas. He always appears to be on top of his game when we return from these excursions. What do you suppose this means?

This posting is one day earlier than usual, as we will be away for a few days. All is well. Nicholas continues to gain in physical strength, working on fairly specific muscle groups and functions. At the suggestion of his PT, we have reinstituted the exercise bicycle to improve his endurance. The first time he got on it at after 2 months, he pedaled for almost 20 minutes. Good stuff. He has also just begun to work with a visual recognition/identification program on the computer. Finally, we make it a point each evening during this glorious, crisp autumn weather to sit quietly watching nature at her best as the sunsets of the marsh. I only wish everyone could be as fortunate.

We’re just beginning to experience signs of initiation in Nicholas. Verbal more than physical. Every so often, when given a direction or cue that might not be clear to him, he will ask an appropriate question. Also, now that the reduced dosage of some meds is beginning to have an effect, his sense of humer is creeping back. Progress in small steps!

Pamela, an integral part of the family team, has just departed for Boulder, Colorado, and all of us wish her well as she begins another phase in her life. Having her there will add positive dimension to Nick’s Recovery with opportunities for Nicholas to eventually visit her and take in some of clean, mountain air… maybe even get a little of that Rocky Mountain high. The other members of the immediate team, Lucy, Kristin, myself and now Jackie, are also looking forward to having a recovery base in the Rocky Mountain state.