Stryker Brigade News

After the eye exam, we went to the cafeteria so Scott and Dan could get some coffee. We went to the little PX area on the way back to the room and I got Kellan some colored blocks to play with. He enjoyed these throughout the day and could be heard giggling more than once from waiting areas in the afternoon.

When Scott's lunch arrived, the rest of us went downstairs to eat. After lunch, we went to Occupational Therapy. The OT task for the day was a second list of things to shop for. The list contained the old five items and added six more, from Snickers bars to shoes in his size. Scott did much better with the task this time, only needing two cues to find the items. He takes a while, but gets the job done.

PT was next and Scott started his stretches on his own. After this, he went to the treadmill. The task here was to walk at a comfortable pace without holding the rails with either hand. Speed was not the issue, but quality. The last "event" for the day was the weight machine for upper body work. Fortunately, Dan (who really knows how to use such a machine) was present and able to correct Scott's technique to maximize the work out. Scott responds well to coaching from his older brother when he doesn't respond well to coaching from me.

After PT, we met with the psychologist on the team in Scott's room. She asked if we had any concerns, etc. Scott told her most of his concerns were worked out yesterday, but he wasn't happy about not having the piece of metal taken out of his leg yet. He told her about the "four things" he needed to do to get back to his guys. When she left, Dan and I discussed our thoughts about the program. We're of the opinion that most of it is geared for people who may not recover function and need to learn to be independent again. Scott seems to both of us to be ahead of this in many ways with speech as the exception.

Julie and I took Kellan (who had fallen asleep) back to the hotel so Dan could have some time with Scott without having to care for him. We hooked up at the Lego area in the mall and then went to dinner. Dan was able to get Kellan some Vikings pajamas and a knitted cap for himself. We stopped for some ice cream on the way out. Always a nice way to end the evening.

ST