Overdue Update

It's been so long since I've posted, I suspect that no one is out there anymore. But the old adage ... no news is good news ... really does apply.

Conor is doing consistently well. He has had no setbacks and is really getting stronger every day. He does his physio three times a week and is getting pretty good on all the machines they have him using. He took out the garbage for me last week (Ciaran is thrilled) and is asking about golfing. He is still skinny as a rail ... I don't know what he weighed before his accident ... but at 6 foot 2+ ... he now weighs in at a whopping 145 lbs! Believe it or not ... he has filled out some ... you can no longer see his spine through his stomach ... but man he's got a long way to go!

Last week was reasonably eventful. Conor had an appointment with a physiatrist. A physiatrist is a specialist trained in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain medicine. He works out of the General and is sort of responsible for the "whole package". He is aware of the reputations of Conor's therapists and was pleased with the team that Allstate had put together. The physiatrist gave Conor some cognitive tests (which I am happy to report he aced -- except for a math question he wouldn't have got before the accident) and was dumbfounded with Conor's progress. At one point he looked Conor in the eye and asked if Conor knew how fortunate he was. Conor was very quick to respond in the positive. We asked about drinking, driving and other things that Conor wants to do (sounds like any 20 year old .. right). Conor was incredibly honest and said that on St Patty's day he had had two beers over the course of four hours. He said that he felt fine. The doctor pointed out ... as I had after researching on the internet ... that he will feel the effects of alcohol more .. and more quickly. He did not preach ... but advised against overdoing it. There is always the possibility that too much alcohol could bring on another seizure (remember back to the seizures Conor had on Day 2 of his recovery). I reinforced the doctor's advice by painting a vivid picture of the seizure I witnessed. I think Conor "gets it" and is just thrilled that he can order a beer when out with his friends ...

Last week (my turn for confession) I also let Conor drive home from his physio. (An aside ... Conor's license was NOT suspended) When I asked Conor if he would like to drive ... he just beamed. And amazingly ... there was actually no fear. I have let him drive a couple of times since -- and in my humble opinion -- there has been no diminishing of his skill/ability. We are setting up a formal driving assessment through our family doctor (there are agencies out there that do this routinely for aged drivers) and once he "passes" that ... I will have to take the huge step of letting him drive alone. Oh boy!

Last week also, Conor went to the movies. He went to see "300" --- which in Conor's opinion is awesome --- and he was absolutely fine. A couple of months ago he couldn't have handled the visual stimuli (too much going on) ... but he claims that it was fine.

On Friday, Conor and I attended the funeral of the father of a friend --- Chuck Nadeau's dad passed. Conor was worried about people seeing him limp (!) .. and I was so proud to have him by my side. The priest who conducted the service was the same priest who celebrated Mike's funeral mass ... Father Soucy. After the service, we were blessed to have a few words with Fr Soucy. He was genuinely chuffed to see us again and was aghast when we told him about Conor's accident. He looked at me and shook his head, then gave Conor a hug and said that he would pray for his leg. He made a few comments about strength and faith ... and I pointed out our belief that Mikey had intervened ... and he replied -- undoubtedly. It was truly a gift to be able to speak with this lovely, lovely man.

Conor admitted to me when I took him home after the service, that he had a "moment" during the service (I had several!) where he realized that it could have been him. This was pretty enlightening for Conor. He has known since he regained consciousness ... how very serious his accident was ... Chuck's dad's service ... was very graphic evidence of the possible alternative outcome. I was heading back for the graveside service ... and asked if Conor was okay. He simply said ... obviously.

Well, guys (if there is anyone reading this) ... this is certainly longer than I originally planned ... but you're up to date. We have an appointment with the wrist specialist on 3 April and will find out the date for Conor's surgery. We are all headed down to Burlington to visit the Lacey's at Easter (and I am so looking forward to it). My plan to travel to BC in June/July looks like it might actually happen ... Conor's already planning to have his buds up to the cottage that weekend ... so I am breathing a little easier and probably didn't need that cancellation insurance.

Please spare a prayer/thought for Chuck and his family ... and till we meet here again ... I remain ... a very grateful mother.