Update 2/12/05

2/12/05

Dear Friends & Family,

Lori and her Mom and my Mom and I just returned today from Bakersfield, and I’m sending a much needed update!

The insurance company has set the next review for Friday, February 25th. So, we thank you for your continued prayers that Gerry would be able to remain at CNS through the promised 100 days (that would be until April 10th) as long as he continues to improve, which he has. At the last review on 2/8, the therapists reported good progress in all areas including cognitive, although in that area, the progress is slower. We also learned that Gerry’s endocrine system (which affects hormones, behavior, etc.) has been greatly affected from his injury, and he will be seeing an endocrinologist for further tests and treatment. We pray that Gerry would be helped by this testing and treatment.



We had some great conversations with Gerry this weekend, and all of us noticed that Gerry is much more aware of his situation and where he is at in his recovery. He talked of the difficulty of having to comply when you don’t always trust your caregivers (the young RA’s). Lori told Gerry how proud she was of him for not having any outbursts this week, and exhibiting self-control. Gerry was grateful that she had noticed, and said “Yeah, it takes “salvation down to my ankles” to do it!” We really laughed at that one! He also said he wants Lori to continue to hear that he’s not having any more outbursts, and that even though it’s so hard, he’s really trying to persevere. We are so proud of him! He also showed much more initiative in things. For example, he pumped the gas for the car. He also was more aware of others, like holding the door for us, and helping my mom with her suitcases, etc. He did really well when we took him out to dinner, and went shopping in several shops…he had no problems, even with all the noise and the large Friday night crowds! He talked about coming home, and we could see he is almost ready. Praise God for his goodness and faithfulness!

During our visit this weekend, we received some great training to help us better understand how to deal with the brain injured person. We learned how to handle specific situations that will arise and how important structure will be in Gerry’s daily life. With traumatic brain injury, the person often can no longer reason well, has difficulty making decisions, and often cannot think through the basic tasks that we all take for granted every day. We learned so much…and in just a couple of hours!

We know at this time, Gerry must always have someone with him for safety reasons. We continue to pray (and ask for your prayers) that the Lord will bring Gerry past this point, but Lori must now plan for Gerry’s 24-hour supervision because he could come home at any time. Financially it is not an option for Lori to hire someone to watch Gerry. She also knows that Gerry is well aware that he does not want to be baby-sat, and our hopes are to find a solution where he will feel increasingly independent and find some fulfilling activities/volunteer work for him. Initially, Lori’s thoughts are to change her schedule to work four 8-hour days, Mon-Thurs. She hopes to take Gerry in to work with her (he used to work there, thus, he will feel that he is helping out in the office) and have him work in the mornings in one of the empty offices. Gerry would have someone with him to do office tasks (filling envelopes, filing, etc.), and doing simple cognitive therapy with him. My mom, Lori’s mom, Freda, and I will be helping in this area. Lori’s great ongoing need will be to have additional help in any area or time slot that people are able. Of course, this is for friends and family that live in the area. In the afternoons, Lori hopes that people will be available to take Gerry along for things that they already have planned and/or scheduled, and wouldn’t mind taking him along…here are some ideas:

*Out to lunch
*To a movie
*To an art class
*To a short outing
*Grocery shopping
*To the park
*To a retirement home for him to play his guitar, sing and entertain the residents (which he used to do, and can still do!)

We are open to any other ideas! If you know of an organization or company that is willing to have Gerry do some volunteer work while providing someone to “shadow” him, please let us know! We understand that we have had almost a year to learn about brain injury. We understand there can be an unknowing fear about what to expect, and we are wholeheartedly prepared to share our knowledge (the condensed version, of course!) so that those who are willing and able to help will feel entirely comfortable being with Gerry and/or taking him places. Gerry loves outings, and he does extremely well! As he always has, he loves people, and he is still the same Gerry, only with a new disability. We have been so touched by the help, prayers and encouragement of our friends, and we now ask prayerfully that God would open the doors for the help that the Marinucci family needs so badly now and in the future. As always, we thank you for your prayers and for any suggestions or help that you may be able to offer.

God Bless you all!
Gina