Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Hello Everyone,

We've recently run into several people we don't see on a regular basis and they've encouraged me to post to the blog.

Ryan is doing FANTASTIC and is a testimony to all your love and support. He's been given a clean bill of health and has moved back to Orange County. He's been life guarding for a couple weeks already!

Ryan says he's noticed memory issues, but sometimes if someone fills in the blanks or describes a past event, he'll have a vague memory of what it is or say "oh yeah - I remember that now."
He is concerned about going back to school and what he'll be able to remember. He has also lost his sense of smell. He can still taste things, but I think his taste is a little diminished - he can now tolerate really "hot" salsa!

A couple weeks ago he had the opportunity to speak to two assemblies at a local middle school. Ryan was the entire program. He shared a short video of his accident, then pictures of himself in the hospital, pictures of friends who visited and two slides with statistics on brain injury from the Brain Injury Association of America's website. He stressed the importance of wearing a helmet and the middle schoolers were mesmerized. The presentation lasted about 20 minutes, and then was open for questions. Hands shot up to ask questions from - "Why did they have to freeze the bone flap". Which Ryan explained "Well, it's just like chicken - if you leave it out, it will go bad". To questions like - "Are there other ways someone can get a brain injury?" He has received letters of thanks from some of the middle schoolers and they all say his presentation really made an impression on them - they will wear their helmets from now on.

It seems so long ago since this "bump in the road" began, but it's really been a short 6 months.
It is a miracle that he's still with us and again I thank each and every one of you for your friendship, love, prayer, support, and encouragement.

With much love and gratitude,
Debi