Friday, August 14,

Today I thought it would be nice for us all to take a field trip to the movies. Now I am really not sure at times how much Deano can understand so the picking of a movie was a bit of a challenge. Of course Riley wanted to see something with a lot of action and the more things getting blown up the better. Now I thought it has been along time since Dean has been out and probably not a good idea to start him off with shoot m' ups. Now the thing is I needed to pick a family movie; something safe for Riley. I chose "Julia & Julie". Riley certainly was not happy with that decision and taking that into consideration he was, or shall I say, he tried to be a good sport about it. The show started at 10:40 am so that seemed pretty safe, not to crowded. Well into the movie Riley announced he had to use the restroom and I missed what seemed like a very important part of the movie. And just when I got comfortable again Deano signaled to me that he had to use the restroom. I took this as a sign (didn't feel real comfortable with the word "omen") that the movie was probably not the best idea at this time. I asked Dean if he enjoyed the movie and he told me no (in his way). My response to him was "You always liked the Movies". A couple of things occurred to me in that moment: 1) It is possible that Julia and Julie is a chick flick (no offense intended), 2) It is very possible that Dean may not like things he used to like and visa versa and 3) I was hoping this field trip would be good because I really needed to get out.

I am very excited about the new program that Deano will be starting on Monday, Rehab without Walls. It comes highly recommended from Long Beach Memorial and after our two week hiatus, it is about time. On Monday at 11:00 am we will have our first (I don't know, visitor does not seem like the correct use of the word and since I cannot think of anything else right now, we will have to go with it) visitor from Rehab, who will admit Deano; then at 5:00 pm we will be meeting with a social worker. On Tuesday at 10 am Dean meets with the speech therapist for an 1-1/2 evaluation and at 12 noon with the occupational therapist. On Wednesday he will meet with the physical therapist and on Thursday at 10am the speech therapist and at noon the occupational and physical therapist will double team Deano, (sounds like they mean business).

We are trying to get back to some sense of normalcy (is that even a word - I am going with it) like reading to Riley at night in bed which Riley really enjoys, saying our prayers together and little things like that (the things that matter most and their importance forgotten until gone or modified).

We are working with Deano to utilize his walker (at home) more than his wheel chair. He has gone from dragging his right foot to lifting and placing his right foot and more independent on transfers from one location to another. Riley has taken over the duties of assisting Deano in and out of the car and they seem to have a pretty good system worked out.

If you will allow me this one moment (oh I forgot I am the one typing and these moments are all mine - humor me): I grew up around a wheel chair (my Aunt Sylvia is paralyzed) and I am familiar with putting them in and out of any vehicle and really that is one thing (I know I know there are so many) that I do not like.

Well computer cooperated again today - so before I run out of luck I will say good night for now.