Wednesday October 7th

Guest Blogger Bonnie signing in.

The best way to describe the feeling here at the Namba home in Venice is, peaceful.
Very peaceful.

Despite the fact that their lives have been completely derailed, Dean and Teri have begun to rebuild their new life in a most remarkable way.

Dean (I promise to elaborate more on his precise condition in a minute) appears to be completely at peace with the work he is to do. There is a sense of utter bliss about him that I wish we could all tap into. He is living in the moment, and taking each one as he can;
rebuilding those brain cells minute by minute, day by day.

Teri is completely devoted to helping Dean recover and re-learn all those pesky details that his left brain used to manage for him. Her energy is amazing and seemingly undying. I cannot think of a better person to help someone rebuild all those circuits that just a few months ago were swimming in a pool of blood.

When I arrived yesterday, Dean's OT, Pam, was teaching him how to fold laundry.
She had him stand at the kitchen table with his stronger left leg elevated on a phone book covered with duct tape (to keep his foot from sliding off) so that his weaker right leg could support his body. Not only does this stance build strength in the right leg, it also aids in re-circuiting the brain-reminding it, that yes, indeed, we do use that right leg!

With the laundry spread out on the table before him, his task was to reach for an article of clothing, spread it out, and then fold it - just like they do at the Gap. All the while Pam would ask him questions and, get this, he would answer!

" Dean, who's shirt is that?" A bit of a pause, "Mah - ree -ah's."
"Dean, who's pants are those?" wheels turning, "Riley's."

Then lots of laughter, because he could make those thoughts into words - the right words.
Not yet an easy accomplishment for Dean.

It was visibly tiring, but he folded the entire load.

To my amazement, after this work session, Dean was game to go out for dinner.

Just as the sun was beginning to set over the Pacific, the three of us (Riley just had to go to Grandma Jo's his first night back), headed into Santa Monica and went to Houston's for a lovely meal in a chic L.A. restaurant.

Imagine the courage that takes. Walking into a crowded restaurant.
Well, maybe I should explain walking for Dean these days.

Although he has the option of the wheelchair, he chose the cane for this outing. That means something like this: Cane in left hand, right arm hanging rather useless in a brace at his side. First, he places the cane where he wants it. Then he drags the right foot forward, cane again, then the left foot. Or, something like that. The point is, it's a slow and thoughtful process. Each step is planned with care and great focus.

Yet, Dean walked through that restaurant like a champ.
Teri at his side, the whole way, making sure the path was safe and clear.

We had a terrific meal, with terrific conversation.
Dean had sushi - which he ate with chopsticks.
Pretty amazing my friends, pretty amazing.

Oh - do I dare mention that Dean and Teri carried on like newlyweds at dinner?
Kissing and holding hands - so happy to be in each other's company and so happy to be out in the real world.

As you can tell, it was a wonderful evening.