Once again, we've seen a week of firsts for Dominic. In the one week since the last update, Dominic has begun to talk! He still has not regained his voice, but he is speaking to us in whispers. There are times when we are unable to fully understand what he’s whispering to us. When this happens, Dominic becomes visibly frustrated by his inability to get his message across, but he supplements his speech by pointing to the things he wants or needs. Yesterday (Sunday) we were able to bring Dominic home for the day again. On the advice of his therapists, we took him out into the community to see how he would respond to being in a public place. It was decided that a quick trip to Safeway for a grocery run would be a good start, so off we went. I’m pleased to report that Dominic did very well. He showed no signs of being anxious or self conscious about being out in public. As we made our way through the aisles, he would reach out from his wheelchair in an attempt to snare cookies and candies, etc. (as he would often do before the accident). It was good to see the return of such familiar behavior. Even if it was a little naughty. ;)
After our trip to the store, we headed over to Grandma Loperena’s house for a dip in the Jacuzzi. Dominic had a terrific time playing in the water and even laughed out loud on several occasions as we splashed around and played with pool toys. It was wonderful to see him so happy. We allowed Dominic to play in the water until he decided he was ready to get out and go home. Sadly, he ended up getting carsick on the drive back, so we hustled him into the house for a quick shower before preparing to return with him to the hospital. It was already dark when we finally arrived and Dominic didn’t realize where we were until he was out of the car and in his wheelchair. As it dawned on him that we were back at the hospital, his eyes widened and filled with tears and his bottom lip began to tremble. It’s the first time he’s actually cried since his accident. I asked if he was sad because he wanted to be home and he whispered “yes”. It was so heartbreaking to have to bring him back to the hospital. Kim and I tried explaining that he would only be there a little while longer so the doctors and therapists could help him get better, but he still doesn’t fully understand what has happened to him or why he’s there to begin with. Kim said when they returned to his hospital room he cried some more and kept whispering “home”. He even made a couple of attempts to head for the elevator for a quick getaway, but was thwarted each time by Mommy and the nurses.
While it’s difficult to see him so sad and confused, we’re glad that he has clearly retained his memories of home and family. It’s equally heartening to see that Dominic is so anxious to come home again. We miss him dearly and want him back with us. It’s just a matter of time now. Thanks for checking in on Dominic’s progress. Hopefully there will be even more exciting developments to report over the next few days. And, as ever, thank you all for your fervent prayers and support.
David Loperena
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5 comments:
risI am so pleased to hear that Domonic is making such good progress in his recovery. Its amazing what the power of prayer can do. Take Care and may god be with you all.
i'm overjoyed that dominic is making such strides so quickly! i'm sure he'll be home soon as this rate of progress. i continue to keep all of you in my thoughts.
A miracle in progress... It reaffirms faith, and feeds our hopes and dreams.
Dominic you will be a remarkable young man, someone that will make a difference in the world.
God's speed to you Dominic and your recovery...
This week has been eventful. We found out on Tuesday that Dominic will be released from the hospital to come home on Thursday September 25th. (Barring any complications.) We are all looking forward to having him home with us.
Dominic has found his voice. His first loud word was "MOM" which of course made me cry in joy. He is still whispering a lot but everyday more and more words come out in that loud voice. He is starting to use his right leg a little more daily and his right arm also. He is shaking hands with his right hand and asks people "How do you do? or How are you?" (Thanks, grandma ;) ! ) I am starting to see some of his old personality peeking out. On Thursday, I spent the night in the hospital with him and he kept standing up in his bed and looking over the side and saying "Let me out." At one point I told him no that it was dark out and time to go to bed (it was around 9 pm) and he said, "Let me out. I have been in here for an hour. I want to get out. Let me out." Dominic tries daily to escape from the hospital and is trying to enlist the nurses help. They just laugh and ask him where he is going and he tells them that he is going to go and buy pizza. Thankfully he has progressed quickly with his eating and starting on Friday afternoon has finally been cleared to start eating regular food. No more puree or ground food for him. Pizza here we come. He is coming home for another visit on Sunday and I have promised him pizza for dinner. We will be taking him out on another test run into the community. They have us try him out in the community and at home to see if we have any problems or need any training before he comes home. He has started to ask about some of his friends. He asked me if I know Destiny. I said yes that I know her and why was he asking. He said that he missed her. I know that he is going to be so happy to be home and hopefully will get to see his friends and classmates soon.
Joyous news, God's is working a miracle in your son. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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