Jared enjoyed his drumming therapy today which was an unscheduled surprise. The rhythm that the residents made was infectious. He also received some other homework to be done sometime during the weekend. TGIF! Had a relaxing evening and is looking forward to another stay at a local hotel.

Jane and Gary

TML - Toronto Maple Leaf!
Jared is enjoying the pool therapy for his right arm. Today he was floating on his back with the help of the staff to accomplish some of these exercises. He loves the water. He enjoyed the fresh air this afternoon while walking to the book store. Jared was starting to read his book when we left him tonight. He is looking forward to the weekend.

Jane and Gary

Jared's schedule changed again today to accommodate another cognitive session. He had a quiet evening resting and wearing his newly acquired TML shirt. A trip to the bookstore with his TA is planned for tomorrow if the weather is fine.

Jane and Gary

Jared's day was full of new challenges as he begins yet another chapter of his healing process. He continues to receive and enjoy getting mail. This week his OT is being held in the pool for a change which he enjoys.

Jane and Gary

Jared said he had a very hard day today. He got the results of his neurotesting. Afterwards he went for a long walk. He has a lot of things to think through and absorb regarding his future.

Jane and Gary

Jared slept in an extra hour this morning. We rented a movie and took quite a few walks. Today Jared got to eat brekkie at the Smitty's around the corner from rehab. The sidewalks were dry and the sun was shining so we walked. Awesome day. He earned a nap in the afternoon and hopefully will have another good night's sleep.

Jane and Gary

Jared was up early and ready for a new day. He received an email that made him very happy. The weekends are free time so this is when he reads his emails . He is still tired from yesterday so he had a rest this afternoon. Looks like take-out tonight!

Jane and Gary

Jared had a full morning with various therapies but feels very happy today (could it be the weekend)! He continues to read the blog when time permits and says he "feels very loved". After lunch Jared worked on the computer updating his resume. He was glad to get that completed and off his list of things to do. After his physio this afternoon and weather permitting he hopes to take a walk outside for some fresh air.

Jane and Gary

Jared did the walk to the VG in the tunnel two times today. He would prefer the outdoors but when the weather doesn't cooperate he can still exercise.
His mailing address is : Jared Smith, seventh floor,
N.S. Rehab Centre
1341 Summer Street, Halifax, NS
B3H 4K4

By writing to Jared this would enable him to "visit" with friends through a letter. Once again we stress the importance of giving Jared his time and the rest he needs in order for his brain injury to heal.

Jane and Gary

Jared's days are becoming more and more demanding as he becomes stronger. Today his TA took him for a walk through the tunnels over to the VG site. A medical maze indeed! He is becoming comfortable in his surroundings and is starting to initiate some requests of his own.
He received some mail which he enjoyed reading .

Jane and Gary

The sun was shining in Halifax today and Jared got to for a nice leisurely walk outside. He says he can smell spring in the air . We hope he can! This afternoon was another session of testing and then some goal setting. The nurses told him that he has put on another two pounds. This evening he'll walk again after supper and then some R&R.

Jane and Gary

Jared schedule was constantly changing today. He started a preliminary assessment that will be spread over the three days . This will determine where his strengths and/or weakness are. In the meantime he enjoys his physio and speech classes returning with determination to accomplish his tasks at hand. Today a long distance phone call put a huge smile on his face and a hug around his heart.

Jane and Gary

Jared told us he had the best sleep last night as we were altogether under one roof.
He enjoyed two long walks out in the fresh air and enjoyed a good plate of chicken alfredo.
In bed early tonight as he gets ready for another week of rehab therapy.

Jane and Gary

Today began early as usual. It would turn to be a really exciting day because my father had us booked at a hotel. As time passed on I was surprised to find out I didn't have a T.A. Around this time I called my Mom the first of many times but it always came up as busy. I would later find out that my Mom was actually trying to call me but it just so happened that it was everytime I tried to call her.

Just before I finally got a call from my Mom I luckily got a call from my history teacher. I would have talked with her longer but I really wanted my Mom to call. Luckily she did call sooner than later and was also surprised to find out I didn't have a T.A.. After about an hour and a half she came in to visit me. Eventually my dad stopped by the hospital.

He drove us to the hotel where we would stay where I write you now from. For the first good night's sleep I've had since I have left the hospital here's Jared saying: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Today began early for me. At approximately 7:50 a.m. my Occupational Therapist entered my room to watch my usual morning routine. Usually I'll be dressed by the time my T.A. comes in. She just watched and suggested some ways I could use my right hand more. My T.A. came in and I had my breakfast.

At 10 o'clock I had my Physiotherapy class. Today I went to the pool with two Dalhousie students who had been with me since the very beginning came up to escort me down. Luckily I had some swimming trunks ready to go. The pool was really warm and really fun. A shower and a drum lesson later it was time for lunch.

The afternoon consisted of a lot of time with my parents (unfortunately my mom didn't pick me up because she feels sick today) and a fair amount of surfing the web.

I think I will go to bed tonight with a big smile on. It was a good week.

Jared

Jared sends " Happy Valentine's Day " wishes to everyone.

February 14th was a full day spent with his physio and O.T. teams. During supper hour Jared enjoyed a visit from Aunt Sherry who has been faithfully doing his laundry.

From us to you : our sincere thanks for assisting in so many ways these past two months and a big thanks to all who continue to provide us with your love and support !

Jane and Gary and Jared

Jared felt tired after his physio this morning but enjoys the therapists and their challenges. He enjoys his meals at the rehab. However this afternoon he felt discouraged and frustrated after his occupational therapy session. He was resting for a while before supper as he is beginning to understand that all his hard work tires him out. Visiting is still not on the agenda until he becomes stronger.

Jane and Gary

Everyday Jared continues onward and upward on his road to recovery. Today occupational therapy taped him doing some activities. In three weeks they will tape him again to show him how much he will have improved. This afternoon he also watched the Remembrance Day Ceremony at KES which his father had videoed for him. He enjoyed it and misses his friends.

Jane and Gary

Jared said he had a great day today. It consisted of some good meals, great results in physio, some computer time and ended with a GREAT HAIRCUT from Mary. He looks forward to some occupational therapy tomorrow.

Jane and Gary and Jared

Jared called us early and asked us to come in as his T.A. had been rescheduled to someone else. We decided to stay inside out of the nasty weather and had family time together watching the latest Pirates of the Carribean movie. Tomorrow Jared will have a hair cut and is looking forward to his first active day at rehab.

Jane and Gary

Had a good Saturday and it started at 7:40 a.m. I had breakfast in my room and then my T.A. came in. I went down to another floor to use the computer and checked this blog, facebook and my email account. I can only check the computer on Saturday and Sundays!

I would like to extend my thanks to everyone for their good wishes and best blessings!

Jared

Jared has answered a lot of questions today as the Rehab team continues their admitting process. He is learning about how the Rehab centre works and the layout of the building. Schedules are continually being updated as each member of the team signs Jared up for their speciality. Rest is also scheduled into his daily routine as this is also important for his full recovery.

Jane and Gary

Great news today. Jared continues his recovery at the Rehab Centre. It is bittersweet as they say, great to be moving forward to a full recovery but yet hard to leave all the love and supportive care that all of us received at the QE2 Hospital - 7.3 unit.

We ask that you respect Jared privacy as he adjusts to a new and demanding daily routine !

Jane and Gary

Jared worked hard again today to strengthen his voice and arm muscles. With his hard work comes an ever increasing appetite. Jared is proud that he has regained ten pounds. He also
enjoyed receiving an inspirational phone call from a very caring friend.

Jane and Gary

Jared started off his day with waffles for breakfast! He worked hard all morning and had a much needed rest this afternoon. Still tired after this afternoon's physio, he was in bed right after supper. NCIS tonight.

Jane and Gary

Jared had a busy day with his recovery team. This afternoon, he walked over to the Veteran's Wing where he rented a WW 2 movie. He had a visit with friends and received food gifts consisting of oranges, fudge, and jube-jubes. Jared is exhausted from all his exercises and food.

He just called his mother on the telephone and wished her a good night !

Love to all!

Jane Gary Jared

Jared had a full day. He walked to Tim Horton's with his Dad this morning. Then Jared had two scheduled visits with good friends, Sean and Marshall.
"I'm tired but I'll keep up the fight".

Jane and Gary and Jared

Jared found out about this blog today and asked if we could submit this tonight:
"Hi everyone. I went to the museum today. My Therapeutic Assistant took me to the Museum of Natural History which is located across the street from the hospital".
He looks forward to scheduled visits with his friends once his strength fully returns.

Jane and Gary and Jared

Jared walked both up and down the stairs today to his physio session. He also made a stop at the Neuro ICU unit to show the nurses just how far he has come. They were thrilled to officially meet and talk with Jared. Exhausted after all his work, he rested until the FOOD arrived!

Jane and Gary