Well folks, I've gone on a long journey but I'm happy to say "That's the end of that chapter...". My parents have been keeping up with this blog since the very beginning of it all those months ago, and frankly, they're tired. It's a constant worry on their minds; mostly my Mom's... sorry Dad. I guess I can say now that I'm home, it has been a long journey, but I am currently writing this from my basement at my house: I'm home.

Now that I say that if you ALL came over for "just a short visit" I'm sure I would be entertaining you all until I actually left this house. And then of course you would all feel that you needed to welcome me in there and we're back at square one. The specialists at the rehab center also warned me about over-stimulation. They said it would slow down my healing process. So I need to make this very clear, DO NOT stop by without asking us. Not if you had a new car and you wanted to take me for a super-fast drive, NO. Not if you were getting married and for some reason you felt as if you needed my blessing, NO. Not if you had a new baby and you just wanted me to meet them for a quick bit, NO. Keep in mind that if I met everyone who read this blog and learned just one thing about them, I'd be old! That's not to say that we are annoyed that the blog has gotten this much attention, in fact we are positively gleeful that I'm that important to you. That being said what began as being a tool for the destruction of lies about my situation has been turned into really serving your needs. It had to be said. Now I'm sure bad things will happen to me at some point in the rest of my life, but that kinda stuff happens in life, we ALL have to learn to pull our belts tight, hitch up our packs and move on.

That being said I'm sure the memory of Brandon will never leave us, it certainly will never leave me. Sometimes I am quite sure I can still hear his laugh, or see him smile... he's keeping me safe now, I can say that I have my own personal guardian angel. Not many can say that, not many can say they survived a brain injury either. The point is as my parents often tell me, "He's got your 6", and it's true! I can go happily through the rest of my life never afraid 'cause I got someone up there who's pulling for me. Brandon, he'll be close to us for the rest of time, there constantly when you're all alone I know... he'll be there. When you are surrounded by friends... he'll be there. And when I finally graduate, and it's my turn to walk across the stage and get that diploma... well I'm sure he'll be there. So really he'll never leave us, he has made himself immortal... and I, we, will NEVER forget him. So as a final message to him: Brandon, thank you for pulling me through that. It will be hard to go on without you but that's what you'd want, you'd want me to have a happy life full of good memories and as Mom always says, "he's up there kicking our asses!". Finally thank you Brandon, for teaching me so much about life, and sadly death, I'm pretty sure you'd have to look pretty far to find a 17 year old with as much life experience as I have. Thank you Brandon, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

So I am very sorry to say this, but this will be the last entry for a very VERY long time. Now I was a bit distressed when my parents told me this, but they're right, it's time for us all to get past this and leave it as a memory. I'll write on this the odd time, but take this as a farewell, time to get on with my life. And thank you for being involved and reading this blog and keeping up to date. This is my last chance to thank you all at once so, THANK YOU!!! (And my Mom and Dad thank you too) Well my friends, this is the end of this chapter and at camp we'd probably sing 'Lean On Me' or 'Will Our Friendships Be Unbroken'. So whenever you hum those tunes think of me, and how you are a good person because you helped, you really did. Well I won't say goodbye, I'll say see you later......

Your friend,
Jared

Yesterday was very hectic as there was a lot of activity with the different disciplines in updating and setting new goals, schedules, appointments for when Jared will be able to continue his healing at home. Jared was extremely proud that yesterday was the first day that he was able to complete his morning physio by memory and didn't have to check with his binder to see what exercise came next!! Wahoo!

Jared was also glad that he remembered to bring his camera this week and was taking pictures of people that have become a part of his healing team. Along this journey we have met some wonderful people. With today's blustery snow falling, Jared shared the joke that he had heard about the four seasons: ALmost winter, winter, still winter and then.... construction. Drive safe.

Jane and Gary

I want to apologize for what my father thought, I meant SPIDERMAN, not Superman... sorry Dad ;). I had a regular day with the exception of OT being cancelled. My therapists keep saying that I'm coming close to leaving, but my past history has taught me to not assume anything lest I be disappointed. Because of this, I decide to "not hear" everything they say about leaving. I won't believe I will have left until I'm outside that door, I think that's the safe way of playing it.

My Mom was back in today and as a little time-killer before supper we played some pool. Let's just say things didn't go too well, and it took us quite a while to get ALL the balls. But really, I can't move my right arm very well, at least I have an excuse! All I'm saying is if you were in a pool match for one million dollars; don't call on my mom. Sorry Mom. This is Jared saying once again that your continued support of myself by reading this blog is VERY much appreciated, thanks.

Jared

Jared had another great day accomplishing all his activities. The rehab computer was repaired so he was able to check and send some emails this evening. He then played pool with the recreation coordinator.

Jared completed the evening by watching his Superman 2 DVD. We will update again tomorrow night.

Jane and Gary

Happy Easter everyone !

Jared got to go home and sleep in his own bed this past weekend. He was able to put in his contact lenses using his right hand. His highlight was attending church on Easter Sunday. ALLELUJA ! At the conclusion of the service Jared was presented with his vigil candle which our church congregation has been lighting every Sunday since December 2007.

As a family we express our sincere thanks for your many forms of support and your daily best wishes. Jared is back at the rehab centre reflecting on his most enjoyable weekend.

Jane and Gary

Hi everyone,

Sorry there was not a post yesterday, but my Mom went back to the apartment very tired. The plan for the Easter weekend is to go away and again we won't be taking the laptop, sorry to all you who religiously look at this blog, I hope you'll understand it's another thing thats always on my Mom's mind. Anyways, I hope you have a very Happy Easter, and that I can tell you how good my Easter weekend was soon.

Bye for now,

Jared

Jared had a full day which included his first session of relaxation training. He said he almost fell asleep! At the end of the day he shared The Remembrance Day Ceremony 2007 at KES home video with some of his therapists. He was hoping that viewing this vedio would enable them some insight into what being a cadet entails.

The evening consisted of listening to Great Big Sea while playing cards. To bed earlier then usual as he was tired tonight.

Jane and Gary

Jared enjoyed his new program today of neuropsych group training. He also got to reconnect with an acquaintenance who he met at the beginning of his recovery.

His day ended with a great visit from his best friend. Jared also got to meet Lily. She is one of the rehab therapy dogs that come in to visit everyone at the rehab centre. She even has her own ID tag. Cool!

Jared ended his day with a visit from his best friend.

Jane and Gary

I had a rough morning this morning. I woke up and in just a little while I remembered everything that had happened the day before. The last few days when I woke up I would do my physio exercises which would take up most of my morning. I went for a walk around the floor but all that did was make me feel worse. Eventually my parents called and I talked with them and cried about my situation quite a bit. My talk with my Dad felt good and he said that was what the nurses were expecting, so I could prove them wrong now which I was quite eager to do. I went to my morning sessions, and I was fine until I went to drumming. There a woman was asked if she was going to take her husband anywhere for Easter? She answered, "Home" and my mind which had done well so far keeping off the topic was centered right on it. Home. I felt kinda bad when my Mom came in for lunch and cried some more.

Soon it was 1:00 and my Mom had left to go to the Y, and at a perfect time my psychologist walked in. We talked for a very long time and she made me feel a lot better. She explained it to me very well. She said the current troubles I am fighting through are kind of like a hurricane, and I am a tree on the beach. She said if I was like most people I would choose to be a mighty oak tree which are famed for their un-paralled strength. But she went on to say although an oak tree is strong it is also very rigid and it would not survive a hurricane, it would be blown right over. But if I was a palm tree I would be much more flexible, and bend and sway in the major wind. Come the next morning the oak tree would be blown over but the palm tree would be left standing. So now I am proud to say there is a new poster in my rehab room that states, "I am a palm tree".

After I had psychology I had physiotherapy. There I did something really fun. The Major I think would be really proud of me because I practiced: marching. My Physiotherapist says it would be good for me and it really practiced my arm movement, by the end of physio I was really tired but that was okay because it was now THE WEEKEND!!! It will be a very enjoyable and relaxing one. My parents wish me to inform you that where we will be we won't have an Internet connection so this unfortunately is the last blog update until Monday. I personally wish you the very best weekend and thank you for being worried enough about me to check out this blog.

We'll see you next week,

Jared

Today the rehab team meeting was held to discuss Jared's goals (both immediate and the near future). He was most upset hearing that he would not be returning to school after he completed his time at the rehab centre. He misses home and feels totally misunderstood. As parents we are feeling helpless. I guess today was not a good one.

Jane and Gary

Jared wanted to be sure that we shared his good news from Physiotherapy today. He did all his exercises in the pool today on his own. This included remembering the exercises, getting the proper pool aids and using them correctly.

He is looking forward to tomorrow as a group of the "young" guys are going to get together and go out to a sports event. Jared continues his winning streak in playing cards with his mom.

Jane and Gary

I had quite a full day today. Even though I only had three appointments, I had quite a few unexpected visitors. I felt kinda bad that I had to keep showing them the door after only a few minutes with them. I guess that's the diplomat (my Dad) in me, I always feel bad for other people's misfortunes. But as my parents had said this truly is a time where its solely for me and my healing, and to disagree would be a thing that would come right back and bite me in the butt although some visits from my teachers were very kind.

I went back to the apartment around 4:30 which in part explains why I'm writing this on a weekday. The next few days look busy because I have a total of six, count 'em SIX appointments. Anyways I should probably go back and get some sleep, I need to be rested.

I'll be busy tomorrow, bye for now,
Jared

Jared celebrated his first day off all medications. He is hoping that he won't have to go back on any of them. After a full day of sessions he had lots of energy to beat his mom at cards. They enjoy playing thirty-one. Jared received another parcel in the mail which he enjoyed. Since this is March Break he is looking forward to having scheduled visits with some of his friends.

Jane and Gary

I woke up this morning rested, but hungry. After having a Beep drink I had a really good talk with my Dad. Eventually we went up to have a complimentary breakfast. Afterwards we went to the gym and after working on my legs on the treadmill, the stepper, and weights I was tired. I had a lot of fun looking at my post last night and I laughed myself at it.

I had learned a lot from a Physiotherapist student back on my first week here too. He took me as his protege and taught me a whole bunch of bicep jokes. Like this one: he told me to ask people whether or not they called a plumber, then when they were confused he said "To take a look at these pipes" and flex. It was really funny.

Make sure you have a good night 'cause tomorrow's a new week (and if you didn't go out last night you'll be really rested for tomorrow though you will hear stories from the people who did take my advice and lived a little. Just a warning.)

Play safe,
Jared

Late Friday afternoon I had a visit from two ladies I never met before. They represented a larger group of people who have been watching my progress on this blog. I was presented with framed gift certificates from my favorite restaurants and movie passes. I find it amazing that I have "a great team, superb coaches, and an entire stadium full of spectators."

This morning after I left the Rehab Centre I went to the Army/Navy Surplus store where I got some really neat stuff. Then I waited while my Dad got a haircut. The barber was really impressed that I knew the song 'Freebird' by Lynard Skynard(?spelling?). I had heard the song before on 'Guitar Hero' and it was one of my favorites, especially when it goes "... myyyy Freeeebiiird, yeah". I offer my apologies if you know that same part and I spelt it incorrectly, but give me a break, I've had a brain injury.

Hope you have as good a Saturday night as mine(but if its that good what are you doing at home looking at a computer screen? Go out and live a little.)

Jared

On Jared's rehab ceiling, above his bed is where he had Gary place this quote:

"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction. "

He thought that it should be the first thing he sees and the last thing he sees each night.

This was one of many laminated sayings that he received in the mail today from a caring Coldbrook family. They are posted on all of his bedroom walls, doors, and even in his bathroom.
We all thank you.

Jane and Gary and Jared

No blog yesterday because the power was out here at the apartment.
Jared has a full day of sessions but is hoping to go outside for another walk since it isn't raining and the sun is shining. He says Thursdays are his busiest of days. One more day til the weekend!

Jane and Gary

With it being such a warm day Jared decided to go for a walk this afternoon. We ended up at the Halifax Infirmary, 7.3. Jared was so excited to see his "old home" as he put it and was warmly received by all. The nursing staff had lots of questions for him which he could answer. They were also glad to see him use his right arm. We truly appreciate the teamwork at the Halifax Infirmary.

Jane and Gary

Was talking with Jared at 8AM and he was up and ready for the day. He enjoys the pool therapy. After lunch we had a meeting with two members of his team. The meeting was held to gather ideas and goals that Jared feels are important to him. Then a planned schedule is devised and organized to enable Jared to continue meeting these goals once leaving rehab, keeping in mind he still needs proper rest and time. The staff constantly remind all of us about patience. The recovery process in brain injuries are long and slow for the patients. We will take whatever time is needed to recover together.

Jane and Gary

I was up before Mom and Dad today and did my physio before breakfast. We ate breakfast in our hotel room. Then we had a visit from some high ranking friends! It felt good to see them again. Checked out and then it was time to eat again!! Lucky Ho Ho was a good place to eat and the food tasted great.

I will return to rehab later on this evening to get ready for week #four. Hopefully I will be able to go home soon and sleep in my own bed.

Jared

My day began early as usual . After watching two NCIS episodes my mom arrived. We went back to their apartment and picked up my dad.

Right after checking up on my email we went to Moores, Clothing for Men. I got to enjoy a completely new experience because I had never bought a suit before. After buying a suit, two shirts, two ties, a pair of pants, a new reversible belt, and a nice new pair of shoes I left with a big smile on. We then went to Montana's where I enjoyed a rib lunch. Lucky enough for us, a Coldbrook couple who knew me bought the meal for us. What a pleasant surprise.

We then checked in to the hotel where I rested during the afternoon after a busy morning.

Will update everyone (and apparently there are a lot of you) tomorrow. Coming from me, have a good Saturday night, I'm sure I will.

Jared