Update -- Feb. 27, 2008

Here is an update on Gerry's current progress.

Since September Gerry has been attending a few classes at Mt. San Jaquinto Junior College in Menifee. There is a neighbor, who is also a student, that drives him to and from classes. He is taking classes in conjunction with the Department of Rehab as they continue to evaluate whether or not he is "employable." This campus does not have much of a Disabled Student Services program that can benefit him. It was determined to let Gerry attend, without any assistance on my part, and see what happened. The Fall Semester met with mixed results. He far exceeded our expectations regarding his independence and the need to be closely monitored. He surprised us in his ability to navigate the campus, interact with other students, wait patiently for rides, coordinate via cell phone times and locations for pick-up, purchase lunches in the cafeteria, locate and attend classes. His stamina improved as he put in two full days on campus. While completing some of the course assignments, he missed/didn't understand instructions on due dates but basically didn't do much of the homework assigned. He passed one course but failed the other. While he can articulate why he is attending classes and that he has had an accident, there is still some disconnect as to why he has to do this again since he has already attended college. He doesn't always recognize his disability and deal with reality. Motivation is a factor.

This semester he is taking two courses and is even more eager to attend and to get up and catch his ride. It was decided, along with the Dept of Rehab, to offer him assistance with calendaring and reminder-type issues. I regularly go over his course syllabus and he has been diligent doing his reading assignments, computer tests, writing papers without fighting me. I have seen tremendous progress in his ability to articulate, compose on the computer, and his reading and comprehension are vast improved. However, often I will find that he has not turned in the assignment that he has completed in his binder. When questioned about it, he was not sure when or how to turn it in or "I forgot." He misses the ques. For example one day his class was to meet in the library for a particular assignment. I reminded him that morning, but by time he got to school he had forgotten. He came home and reported that one of his classes didn't meet, I asked him what he did during that time and he stated he went to the library, but never connected with his class and missed the assignment to be completed in class. Often in his writing he states over and over that "what used to be easy is now very difficult" and this is discouraging. But the next sentence will be "but I will deal with what I have been given." While academically I'm not sure how he is going to do, it is really more about him improving through the process. I am pleased with his determination and motivation this semester.

Weekly he has been taking a taxi to his speech therapy appointment. The process of taking the taxi, interacting with strangers, navigation, etc. is just as important. His speech therapy now consists mostly of learning memory strategies. I have an appointment with the physician to determine if it can continue. There is still a lot of coordination on my part, and involvement with his assignments but he is much more independent now.

The Dept of Rehab would like to place him in a job at a nursing home-type facility. They recognize his people/ listening skills and think he would be a great encourager. Gerry is very happy about this potential avenue of employment and considers it a ministry. So far they have not been successful in having someone take a risk on him. We have a friend from church that has agreed to take Gerry to a skilled nursing facility to play hymns and visit. We are hoping and praying that once they meet and get to know him, they will be willing to allow him to do this on a regular basis. He would take joy in ministering to others.

Socially, Gerry still enjoys outings of all kinds. He looks forward to church and will now get up and mingle instead of waiting for others to come to him. He seems to know his limitations better and will retreat to a quiet place or go lay down when he has had too much stimulation, thus lessening the "blow-ups." He can now stay home by himself for several hours, and get himself something to eat. (He doesn't attempt the stove!) This is a huge benefit that has allowed the girls more opportunities in their activities. Though much improved, we still have occasional emotional outbursts. Besides his words, he gets aggressive in his stance and posture and it is very intimidating to someone who doesn't understand. My girls have gotten used to it, but it doesn't make it good. I'm still praying for better communication skills in this area.

Thank you for your continued interest. This is a very long road but I'm grateful for Gerry's continued improvement and progress which would not be possible without the support and kindness of many. Thanks again.

Lori for all