Thursday, March 26, 2009 @ 11:24am

Well, what do I say. I am so sorry for letting this go so long without posting a blog. As I go throughout the day to day ritual it is hard to see any changes or anything interesting to write. Now that I have been looking back, JoLinda has gotten much stronger. We went camping over spring break(9 days) and had a lot of fun. It was nice to have a change in routine and to just get out for awhile. We did several hikes and JoLinda did great. If she needed a break, we just stopped. I believe it was a challenge for her, but good too. We were even able to get her on a bicycle for short rides. By the 3rd time, her balance had greatly improved. The whole thing of riding a bike scared her though and we didn't push the issue. She was glad to get back home as we all were, but we sure had a good time.

The day after we got back, JoLinda and I went to the store for much needed food and after filling the cart as much as possible we left. Looking back at that, it showed me how much she has come. 2 months ago, I could barely go and get 5 items and that was with her holding onto me and laying her head on my shoulder needing to sit down. The experience of grocery shopping was way too much for her and now, as long as she is by my side, she can make it through a whole cart full.

She is not as clingy, and is doing 1 chore a week, besides helping with cooking, dishes, and laundry. She still has a major problem with initiation. She will know she needs to do something but just can't do it. Her anger and outbursts are as severe as ever. She has a hard time getting along with others(her mind still bothered by noise and people, and still very concrete in her thinking). She is working on it though. I am working on her independence and staying on task as well as initiation at home. She is seeing an OT and SP therapist at least til the end of April.

We are all still taking it day by day, and are greatful to all of you for your constant support and prayers. We miss you all and please keep commenting on this blog. We love to read them. It helps us more than you know. We hope everyone is doing well through this hard economic time and in your families. We love you and I'll try to write again soon, Laurie Grigg

P.S. For those that didn't know that I had a different last name than JoLinda, I added it.

Monday, March 2, 2009 @7:43am

Hello everyone! JoLinda is doing better. At least with some of her memory. It seems like it is building a little on day to day things. She doesn't remember everything by far, but some things she remembers doing. We are up to 3 pills 3 times a day for antianxiety. Just up the dose on Sat. I think it might be working. We were able to stay for 2 hours of church on Sunday instead of 1. That was nice. She is now used to sleeping in her own room and is doing well with it. Still issues with initiation, but a work in progress. The doctor wanted me to see what was happening just before her irate outbursts and that is what it has to do with; initiating things she doesn't want to do. Like shower so we aren't late for something or doing her homework. Things have really gotten to be on her timetable and it doesn't always work that way. Her mind right now is very concrete. Nothing sarcastic flies. So she takes things serious, so not always fun to be around. She gets really mad and doesn't like anyone joking. On occasion, you'll catch her with a personality and everyone loves that. She usually gets lots of hugs when she is funny. She is now getting some needed therapy, which I am grateful for. She is seeing an OT and Speech therapist to learn to deal with situations in the real world and organizational skills of daily skills and activities. She is doing well for the most part, just need to get her brain to think not so concrete. JoLinda is doing well on the treadmill too. Anyway, another week and hopeful another step forward. Hope all is well with you all and keep in touch will ya?!
Love ya all, Laurie