Jared went outside today for the first time since his accident. He was excited as he saw that there was a museum across the street and asked when he could go. He also went to the gym for physio. Rest time, more physio and speech and then Pizza for supper. Lord of the Rings was playing tonight when we left the hospital. Jared is getting his strength back.

Jane and Gary

Finally, as promised, Jared got to have his neck brace removed today and was smiling when I first greeted him this morning.
After bathing, dressing, speech, and some occupational therapy he rested while watching Lord of the Rings. Lunch arrived which consisted of, to his delight, a hamburger and french fries! It is so great to watch him eat.... lots!

Family time and then quiet time as scheduled throughout the rest of the hospital.

Jane and Gary

Dietary gave the OK for the full meal deal today. Jared's first request was a big crunch sandwich from KFC and he ate all of it !!!! A team meeting was held today. Jared's schedule, starting tomorrow,will become more demanding as he continues his journey to meet both short and long term goals, as outlined by the team. With his hard work he will continue to need his rest.

Jane and Gary

Jared was brighter today. When he saw that he was able to watch a DVD, he replied "awesome". He increased his daily walks to routinely after his meals. He requested "waffles" but the nurses said to wait a little while longer. Every day there is something to be thankful for.

Jane and Gary

Jared seemed to relax and enjoy his day. Yesterday he communicated a desire to watch TV and tuned in again this evening. Jared has acquired ( from friends ) a DVD player and some of his favourite movies ( including Star Wars ). Tonight we received permission from the nursing staff to watch movies. Combined efforts and communication with everyone is most important in order to initiate/discontinue what works for his recovery.

May the force be with you !!

Jane and Gary

Jared now walks without assistance and speaks in short sentences. He enjoys eating all the puddings we bring to him in the hospital and butterscotch appears to be his favourite. We have a family meeting scheduled for next week. Jared's progress is nothing short of amazing.

Jane and Gary

Jared had an extra busy day. He was up walking quite a bit and his gait has improved immensely. Jared is confused about "time" so when he is hungry he wants food immediately. Once again the nursing and support teams are unlimited in their support and knowledge. Team work has a whole new meaning and we are so thankful for them.

Jane and Gary

Jared had a very busy day with his therapeutic assistant and they do work very well together. One nurse who was off duty, returned to work this week and she was amazed at how much progress he has made. She commented to us on Jared's overall rate of recovery!

We appreciate your continued support and your comments on this blog.

Jane and Gary

Mealtimes are not a problem for our Jared. Other than him having to wait until the hot food becomes coolier, he is doing great. He can drink and feed himself the puddings but needs help with the main meal. We went out and acquired some of his favourite puddings, jellos and applesauce to have on hand. When he wants to eat he wants it immediately!

At the end of the day, and many times throughout, we let him know how much he is loved.

Jane and Gary

Jared continually improves. Now that he is awake for slightly longer periods of time, this enables the support staff to complete their daily tasks with him. Ginger ale was added to his menu today and he drank quite a bit; with Jared initiating his need to drink. We left him resting comfortably tonight.

Jane and Gary

Jared is having some medication adjustments. This will help him organize his internal clock for day and night. Another shower today which seems to make him feel better or it could be that he is wearing his favourite Simpson shirt!

We thank you for your support and comments on this blog.

Jane and Gary

Jared had a peaceful day. On both visits to the hospital he was resting each time. His caregivers informed us that he ate all his meals, went for his routine walk and communicated that he wished to sit up in his chair. For this we are truly thankful.

Jane and Gary

Jared communicated that he wanted a shower and with assistance he was able to have one. He was irritable and frustrated this afternoon so we were asked to leave. Even as parents we have to be careful not to over stimulate him. This evening he went for a walk which helped to expend some extra energy.

Jared was resting well when we departed , let's hope he has a good night.

Jane and Gary

Jared's routine today consisted of breakfast and a short walk. Next he met speech and communication.
We feel he finds these sessions both physically and emotionally draining as he wants back to bed where he immediately goes to sleep.

Our son is slowly returning to us one day at a time.

Jane and Gary

Great news update for you !!

Jane assisted Jared with his supper and told him you loved him.

Great strides are possible because our son is being provided with time and rest. His medical team caution all of us that we must not over stimulate him.

We thank each and everyone for giving Jared his space and his time to heal.

Jane and Gary

We visited the QE2 Hospital today and Jared continues to eat everything. What a sight to watch him drink juice from a glass all on his own!.

The nursing team continue to recommend and emphasize his need for complete rest.

Jane and Gary

We opted to stay home and not go into the QE2 hospital due to the weather. We can do this knowing that he is receiving excellent medical care.

Jared's nurse assured us that he had another good day.

Jane and Gary

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the tragedy occurring in Bathurst, New Brunswick this past Saturday.

We think about them as we travel our own path of recovery. Eventually we learn what is important , what brightens our lives and what is of little concern.

One of the many things we learned these past few weeks is how important it is to have close friends like you!
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Jared update:

Jared is brighter each day, now doing high fives with his nurses and responding to questions.

He continues to need his rest and his privacy. Thank you everyone.

Jane and Gary

More good news on Jared's recovery. Everyday he accomplishes one more step forward. We are so proud of his hard work.

His appetite improves with every meal. Way to go son!

Love
Jane and Gary

Another great day for our son Jared. He was able to eat all three meals today. We are so proud of his day to day progress.

Jane and Gary

Great news to report. Jared passed his swallow test today, so therefore they were able to remove his feeding tube.

This afternoon, Jared will be meeting again with his physio team.

As his parents , we thank everyone for staying away and providing Jared with his much needed rest!

Jane and Gary

Jared was up walking with his physio team today. He moves along slowly but each day he grows stronger.
Jared communicated that he was experiencing some pain this evening. From this information his nurse adminsistered some medication.

Jane and Gary

The physio team had Jared up moving again today. He didn't sleep well last night, thus he is very frustrated and agitated.

It was very difficult for Jane and myself to see him so upset and unable to help himself.

We hope Jared has a better night and he gets some rest.

Jane and Gary

Jane spent most of the day with Jared quietly seated beside his bed.
She has a very calming influence on him.

Jared did not enjoy his chair today. Exhausted, he preferred to sleep.

Tonight, he is still resting.

Jane and Gary

We have the best news yet to share with you.

Jared is staying longer in his chair and is responding to simple commands from his nurses.

Everyday he is alert longer, but because of the increased activity he still tires easily.

We are so thankful for these new milestones.

Jane and Gary

In speaking with Jared's nurse, we learned that he spent most of the day sitting up.

Jared had a persistent cough so as a precaution they sent him for a chest x-ray.

We appreciate your blog comments and your respect for Jared's need for rest.

Jane and Gary

Today we attended Brandon's Kings Edgehill School Memorial Service. It was a very moving tribute to his life.

Better news to report on Jared this evening.

Two nurses were able to assist Jared to stand beside his bed this morning. He wasn't able to stand for very long but what a huge accomplishment.

Between the standing and the physio exercises Jared had an exhausting day. Resting is still critical for him to heal.

Tonight he is resting comfortably.

Jane and Gary

Just a short update.

Jared was moved to a 7th floor private room. He spent a very restless night and day. Unfortunately he is not sleeping well.

Jane and Gary

Jane spent the afternoon at Jared's bedside and he had a busy day. Numerous physio visits and constant nursing care.

We appreciate all the wonderful medical care that Jared is receiving. We are thankful to be Canadians.

Dr. Clarke stressed the need for his quiet time and complete rest.

Jane and Gary

The nursing team removed Jared's oxygen nasal tube last night. However within 10 minutes his monitor oxygen levels decreased and his nasal tube was returned.
Jared had a very restless last night.

As of 5:00 pm this evening, Jared was resting quietly.

It is imperative that Jared requires complete rest at this time. When it is appropriate for visitors we will advise.

PLEASE NO HOSPITAL VISITATION

Jane and Gary