Things are going well and Josh's abilities are improving daily. He is talking much more each day. Sometimes easily and spontaneously, sometimes much more effort is required. He is asking questions, asking for help, initiating conversations, and interacting with other patients. He sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in group pet therapy yesterday and remembered every word.
Josh has shown an easy ability to read,(including in Japanese!) but focus and stamina will continue to be an issue. He can only do a sentence or so before he needs a neural-rest. He got some new glasses and they seem to be aiding his vision. Most TBI patients have vision issues and Josh has said he is suffering at times from double vision.
Which just makes his every accomplishment so amazing. At every waking moment, Josh is working as hard as he can to communicate, assist himself, and connect with others. Just feeding himself a meal (he graduated to chopped foods this week!) is a strenuous process. He is exhausted at the end of the day and is sleeping well at night. His long-term and short-term memory is still foggy and will remain so for quite a while but his sense of humor is alive and well. Josh is laughing at family jokes and other silly spectacles. He is laughing at our clumsy attempts to understand what he is trying to communicate. And today he came cruising past his room, driving an electric wheelchair. He was running into one thing after another despite the help of PT and laughing loudly the whole time!
Many people have inquired about visiting. Please know that we are honored that you would like to visit, but Josh's needs must come first. Everything written about TBI patients reminds us that their capacity for coping is diminished. Just an extra visitor or two can make him anxious and stressed. Right now, his only visitors are his closest personal friends and immediate family. Their familiar faces and shared history make these visits enjoyable. A time will come when anyone and everyone can visit but it will be a while from now. For the time being , feel free to send cards or short letters in lieu of visits:
Josh Bonjo
Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital
414 Paoli Pike
Malvern, PA 19355
Maple Ward
Thank you for following his progress!
Much love,
The Bonjos
Everybody from Jeff's work at K-Mart Pharmacy is keeping tabs on Josh and delighted to hear he is making alot of progress lately! Keep up the good work. We are praying for ya!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for Josh and your whole family. Thank you for keeping us up to date with this blog. It is so wonderful to hear of his progress. Josh is very fortunate to have such a great family and support system during this time. Keep up the great work Josh!
ReplyDeleteSo much good news ... so much great progress! Me thinks Josh may have been running into some of the things in the hall on purpose. haha just for a bit of fun. We are so happy you are healing so quickly. Keep up the good work. The blessings and healing energy continue coming your way for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBlessing to you all,
The Wallace Clan
http://oi51.tinypic.com/qzotqf.jpg
ReplyDeletei just had to. <3
i'm so glad josh is enjoying himself!
Great news Bonjo family. Glad to always read about his progress. Thanks for the continued posts. We will continue to pray for complete and speedy healing. Love to all, Judy & Kimmy
ReplyDeleteHey all of you Bonjos, glad to hear of all of Josh's latest and greatest accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work Josh!
Julie and Julian