Postscript, a Call to Action

I know, I know. I said I would talk about all the laughter around here, and I will. Soon. I promise.

But first, a postscript to my previous post:

It is important to emphasize the take-away of that last post. Here it is: Dean is completely cognitively functional. There is however, a critical need to develop his language skills; in this, he and Teri need our help. We were all afraid the words weren't there; now that we know the potential exists, it is our job to help Dean re-wire those damaged circuits and develop his vocabulary.

And of course you know, the best way to do that is to get him talking.

When you come to visit (and I think you should), engage him in conversation. Tell him stories, ask him questions that don't have a yes or no answer, an then, give him lots of time to respond. It takes so much work to get the thought in his head converted to an intelligible word that his tendency is to abandon the effort and flash you one of his very sweet smiles. Don't let him do that - ride his bony but and help him get the word out!

If you know the word he is trying to say, say it for him and with him until he can say it on his own. It will wear him out, but he's got to do it. If you aren't able to anticipate what he's trying to communicate, ask him to try again. He's got a terrific work ethic and if he knows your waiting, he'll keep trying. I've read that the way to trigger the brain to rebuild itself is by using the very systems that you need to develop. Want to talk? Talk more. (which is just what Dean needs to do -you can help - more on this later).

On my first evening in Venice, I learned from watching Grandma Jo, not to be satisfied with just a simple "Hi" from Dean. When she visits, she greets him by gently taking his hand in hers. She then looks him in the eye with a big warm smile on her face and gently repeats her name to him - "hi Jo" and again "hi Jo"- he tries and tries until he gets her name out so that we can recognize it. Then he laughs and laughs; he's just so tickled with himself. That laughter, my friend, is a complete and utter joy that you don't want to miss.

On that note, a big transition is about to take place in the Namba household.
Teri is returning to work this coming Wednesday. Dean is not able to be on his own yet and will need people to stay with him during the day.

How about you? Can you help out?

Already, Teri's mom, Maria, has graciously agreed to be Dean's caregiver for the first week or so.
Dean's brothers, Jim and Ralph are both planning to spend time down here. But many more volunteers are needed. You won't regret spending your day (or week) with Dean, he is a hoot and a half to hang with; though he is very busy with all the therapists coming to the house so you'll want to bring a book or something to occupy your time while he's busy re-training his brain to do all the simple things you and I take for granted.

If you are from the greater LA area, you already know what a great place Venice is. And, as you've seen from the blog pictures, Dean is always game for an outing. If you're like me, and need to take an airplane to get here, come and discover sunny Venice - it is beautiful and has a lot to offer. And -not to worry about lodging and such, there is a furnished guest room with a treadmill, your own private bathroom, cable TV and even a car for you to use. Did I mention it's only eight blocks to the beach?

So come on people, crack open those calendars and see when you are available. Got a little vacation time at work? Why don't you take that little vacation in Venice with the Nambas? You won't regret it - I guarantee it.

I'm serious about this, a hired caregiver just won't do for Dean Henry- he needs friends and family with him.

Teri has asked me to organize Dean's "care calendar," so please contact me if you can spend a day, a week or even a month with Dean. My email is: namba85@msn.com

I look forward to hearing from you ...