Day 229: Finding humor and happy moments
Mike has had some wonderfully smiley, happy days lately! His new nurse, Kaya, has really won his heart and he is so so happy to see her every day. She has been spending a lot of time with him making sure he gets the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations, since he is often too overwhelmed to participate in the community activities. I am SO grateful for her interest in him and the time and the loving time and attention he is getting when I can't always be there!
Mike is cracking jokes, making funny rhymes, and thinks that curse words are super funny. I liken his humor right now to a toddler - super fun, easy, and just plain silly. :) He is also showing so much gratitude for the people around him. One might note a big difference in the way he interacts with the world now as opposed to before his accident, when he could easily find himself wrapped up in difficult emotions.
Mike has a cell phone that his nurses are helping him use, and you are encouraged to send short videos saying hello to help keep him connected to his family and community! Just reach out here for the number. This is also the best time ever to come for a visit, so feel free to reach out for the location and visitor schedule.
It has been hard to post the past few weeks, because the visits had been overwhelmingly sad until now. He has been adamant about moving to a different place, and was crying/shouting out each time I left. He spent a lot of time trying to convince me that he was going to miss his college courses at Shawnee State University and I needed to help him get back there, so it's clear that his time is still very disoriented. He usually thinks it is the year 2000 and that George W Bush is president. Brains and memory are a crazy thing.
This new "happy feels" development has been so encouraging. Long term, we are still expecting that Mike will spend the rest of his days in a nursing home - so knowing that he can find spaces of joy are so, so encouraging. He has come so far! Thank you for all of your support, positivity and prayers.
It’s so nice to see Mike smiling and cracking jokes!! Us therapists miss him and often think of him back at PAM Westminster! sending lots of light and love 💕
I am so honored to be able to take care of Mike. He has the sweetest, most open heart and is willing to find joy in the little things. this is why I love my job and the family I have built working here. Thank you all for the appreciation ❤️ mike is continuing to grow and heal every single day. The amount of progress he has made in just the past couple weeks is unbelievable! The support and love that he has is his motivation!
Thank you Bex!
I would very much like to get Mike’s new phone number please!