Taylor finished his first term, post-accident, with a 3.75 GPA. He was hoping for a 4.0, but he got a B on his Algebra final and missed it by a hair. He's not disappointed, nor are we. Considering that a year ago we didn't know if or when he'd ever return to school, his performance was amazing.
One year ago today I was with Taylor at his first day at in-patient Rehab. The staff there tested Taylor on his first day to determine what he was capable of. He was unable to draw a circle or square, and had little control over a pencil. He was so frustrated not being to make the pencil do what he wanted it to do. It was not easy to watch. He's majoring in engineering, and I wondered that day if he'd ever be able to be successful in school. Those worries have long since faded as he got better and better.
His time off this summer is limited. He has today off, so he headed to Vero Beach to chill out. He'll have tomorrow off, then starts a summer term on Wednesday - by choice. He's more inspired about school than he has ever been.
Last Friday we went to Shands at Gainesville to firm up the arrangements for surgery on the paralyzed side of his face. It's been set for June 19th, one day after the first summer term ends.
The Doctor there will do a procedure called a "sling", where elastic bands will be inserted into his cheek to give him a more symmetrical appearance at rest. It should also help with his eating and speech. There are times, especially if he's tired, that he seems to mumble a little, but it's caused by the paralysis on the left side. The Doctor said there should be some improvements in those areas too. Incisions will be made in front of the ear, beside the nose and above and below the lips. This will be an out-patient procedure, so he'll come home the same day to enjoy some pain killers and deal with swelling and bruising.
This will be the first of two surgeries he has coming up. The second will probably not happen until after the first of the year, and will be a more involved procedure. In that one, a chewing muscle from the temple will be transplanted and inserted beneath the cheek and hooked up to a nerve system that should help his smile.
So, please think about Taylor on June 19th. A little prayer probably wouldn't hurt either. It's done miracles so far. Just a visit with him proves that.
One year ago today I was with Taylor at his first day at in-patient Rehab. The staff there tested Taylor on his first day to determine what he was capable of. He was unable to draw a circle or square, and had little control over a pencil. He was so frustrated not being to make the pencil do what he wanted it to do. It was not easy to watch. He's majoring in engineering, and I wondered that day if he'd ever be able to be successful in school. Those worries have long since faded as he got better and better.
His time off this summer is limited. He has today off, so he headed to Vero Beach to chill out. He'll have tomorrow off, then starts a summer term on Wednesday - by choice. He's more inspired about school than he has ever been.
Last Friday we went to Shands at Gainesville to firm up the arrangements for surgery on the paralyzed side of his face. It's been set for June 19th, one day after the first summer term ends.
The Doctor there will do a procedure called a "sling", where elastic bands will be inserted into his cheek to give him a more symmetrical appearance at rest. It should also help with his eating and speech. There are times, especially if he's tired, that he seems to mumble a little, but it's caused by the paralysis on the left side. The Doctor said there should be some improvements in those areas too. Incisions will be made in front of the ear, beside the nose and above and below the lips. This will be an out-patient procedure, so he'll come home the same day to enjoy some pain killers and deal with swelling and bruising.
This will be the first of two surgeries he has coming up. The second will probably not happen until after the first of the year, and will be a more involved procedure. In that one, a chewing muscle from the temple will be transplanted and inserted beneath the cheek and hooked up to a nerve system that should help his smile.
So, please think about Taylor on June 19th. A little prayer probably wouldn't hurt either. It's done miracles so far. Just a visit with him proves that.
