Marinucci Christmas 2006
An update from Laura
They said we would get into a "rhythm of living" but I really didn't believe the professionals. The past few years my myopic mindset has been so narrowly focused on Gerry's immediate needs that regular routines were non-existent. No longer does Gerry's injury control our every moment. Life feels fresh and new and even old drudgery chores, obligations and errands are welcome. Gratitude permeates me when I peer over my shoulder to where we have traveled. The reminder that I could still be standing bedside, in a hospital room, watching Gerry clinging to life is not far from my memory and provides perspective to each day. As a family, we have passed through a valley, having seen first hand God's care, His miracles, His peace, and His Church in action. I'm finding contentment with this new life.
Gerry continues to amaze. Well past the infamous 2 year "time of plateau", he continues to improve. Mondays find us traveling to San Diego for the TBI program. You may recall I was reluctant to continue this program, evaluating the benefit verses drive time. However, this past semester a new course was developed, wherein he and a selective group of students participate in the formation of a school newspaper. This was a perfect match! Old skills are coming back and with Gerry's improvement, new frustrations of how easy things used to be and how they are not so easy any more, are surfacing. In a way, the better he gets the tougher it is on a different level, as his awareness and emotions kick in.
Frankly, Gerry is getting a little bored and restless simply doing his homework at Belinda's while we school the girls together. This fall, Gerry qualified for Medical, which entitled him to participate in a new HMO for seniors. This plan allows for 30 one-way doctor visit rides a year, so a taxi has actually been driving out to Aguanga, picking him up, taking him to physical therapy and then returning him home. Initially, this was a little nerve-wracking as I, the "mother bird," wondered if my fledgling would wonder off, become confused if the taxi didn't pick him up timely, get frustrated filling out the paperwork etc. The goal was more about the entire experience of his independence than the physical therapy itself. Gerry has so enjoyed his independence and has done wonderfully without incident! He completes his therapy at the end of the month by exceeding all his goals. He especially enjoys chatting with the drivers and comes home with a new story each week. With transportation temporarily resolved, it solve my tug of attention between taking the time to drive him to additional therapy away from the girls schooling. Gerry is entitled to 15 new round-trip rides in the year 2007 year and I pray for wisdom and guidance.
Also through this HMO, for a nominal fee, a caregiver comes to the house 3 times per month. So on Wednesdays Gerry stays home with Lilia and does therapy, plays games, takes walks, speaks Spanish, plays instruments, and keeps the sprinkler moving about the yard. His Christmas gift is piano lessons where the instructor comes out to our home. She heard him play by ear and declared, "I could learn from you." However, it became apparent that Gerry requires assistance reading sheet music so they will work on that goal. Music therapy is a great form of cognition therapy and he needs a little push. He is rather critical of himself these days and reluctant to play since his quality is not up to pre-accident standards. Already he is practicing without prompting.
Gerry talks about his aspiration for something meaningful to do in life. Accordingly, this coming year we plan to explore vocational rehab again to see if he is ready or perhaps check into a non-profit food pantry where he might be able to volunteer. Pray for the best activity that will profit him most. Especially pray for the transportation predicament. If I'm driving, I'm not schooling and vise-versa.
We're entering into a new stage. Gerry looks and speaks fairly normal these days such that a stranger might not know of his injury. It remains difficult for him to admit his deficits, but sometimes in conversation something comes out a little awkward, he is gruff or he gives an abrupt response that begs an explanation. His memory and perception have extremely improved this past year. I'm always encouraged when someone who has not seen him in awhile testifies to the measurable progress he has made.
I had a reality check in August when Gerry appeared to be regressing dramatically; I wondered if he was having undetectable strokes or seizures. Physically nothing was unusual but his behavior was horrid. I harkened back to "those days" again. I was just about to take him to the doctor when the heat wave snapped. Yes, that same heat wave that made us all so uncomfortable was the culprit. It put him over the edge. As soon as there was relief from the heat, he was instantaneously improved. This was a dramatic reminder of the struggles with outside stressors that he encounters daily. He is always working diligently to control himself.
Immediately following the heat wave debacle, Mom offered us the use of her timeshare, so together we traveled to the Reno area. Hesitating if it was wise to go, we went anyway. Vacation suits Gerry. He traveled well, was patient, cheerful, excited about what the day's events would hold and even with no set schedule. Not exactly the profile for brain injury! I came home thinking we should be on permanent vacation, so pleasant was the experience! My girls were thrilled with "running water." Being from the deserts of Southern California, they had not yet experienced flowing creeks and streams. We spent much time, wading, exploring and floating the gorgeous creeks and rivers. Our visits with old friends and relatives were delightful. Gerry's sister Carla gifted us with the opportunity to stay at Camp Curry in Yosemite so we meandered home via the historic 49'er trail and stayed 2 days and a night marveling at God's creation.
As a family, we are enjoying TIME to be together. Home schooling accentuates the opportunities to knit us together. This past year brings wonderful memories. We culminated our unit study of the Middle Ages with a wonderful Medieval Feast with our support group. My girls enjoyed preparing wears for the marketplace, the ceremonial feast, dancing, archery, and performing the play "St. George and the Dragon." We continue on our Geography "trip around the world" having completed our unit on Africa concentrating on Missions and the persecuted Christian church. I taught a beginning basics cooking class for our support group and the girls have been cooking up a storm… I'm no dummy!
Together we've been more involved in church activities, have had opportunity for field trips and fun. The girls are still horse crazy! The horse suits my goals of not fracturing my family with activities that scatter us apart. This is something they can do from home and they often spend time on trail rides or in the arena practicing. Anessa and Paula working together have enhanced the closeness of their relationship.
Anessa (age 14) demonstrates maturity in the care of Sonny and never complains about feeding even when it snows. She is a good big sister and teaches Polina what she has learned about horses. Recently her braces came off reminding me of another stage towards maturity. She is now singing in our church's choir and is the treasurer and communications officer for our 4H club.
Polina (age 12) is horse crazy too! She and Anessa do chores for a neighbor in exchange for riding her horse, so the girls can ride together. Polina is proud of the Presidential Physical Fitness award she earned and is excited to try again this coming year. Unfortunately, she has lost her Russian, so as part of our schooling we are studying Russian together. Ugh! It's not easy and as I struggle along, I appreciate of how hard it is for Gerry to re-learn.
Tatiana (age almost 10) has her own 4H project with her rabbit Snickers. She hopes to participate in her first rabbit show in February. Eagerly, at every opportunity, she dresses in her 4H uniform. She would sleep in it if she could! Proudly she recites the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag to commence the 4H meeting. She has been planning her birthday for the past 360 days and shortly it will be time to celebrate! She enjoys writing and being creative.
We covet your prayers and are thankful for your giving. We are mindful that without your care and support our current rhythm of living would be very, very different. I attempt to be conscientious to redeem the time as my girls are maturing into young women. I'm resting in God's care for our family, appreciative of the gift of TIME to be together as a family. Thank you.
Now I have a better understanding of the passage to "Count it all joy when you face various trials…" Trials force one to re-evaluate what's important in life! Pray along with me that the "big things" in life will stay big; that I can focus on what really matters in this world. I pray the lessons learned will not be drowned out by the busy routines of life and that our new "rhythm of living" will be a different lifestyle; one filled with praise, thankfulness and contentment in all things.
Wishing you the gift of faith increased, the blessing of hope renewed, and the peace of His love this Christmas and always!
Love the Marinuccis
