Hope For Christy

*NOTE:  Due to my hand mobility issues, I could not turn my hand to make the proper “PEACE-IN” sign.  I’m NOT making a gang signal.  It’s my happy way of being able to say, “PEACE-IN Everybody!”

In honor of my friend, Kristen, we're "Peace-In at the Beach."

Oh Boy!  Windsor and I had “Big Busy” this week!!!  Windsor saw the beautiful, salty-smelling Pacific Ocean for the first time!  For me, it was my second time in many years due to my brain injury to make the short, but difficult for me, car ride to the beach.  I also had breakfast at a popular restaurant – “buffet” style.  Eating/drinking involves great mental concentration for me.  Typically due to my brain injury, I eat by myself, away from people’s movements and speech.  Now throw in lots of people at a restaurant, noise, lights, figuring out how to move through the restaurant with my mobility struggles, how to make decisions (a toughie) in a buffet line, and more.  It’s alot for a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).  What joy I have from doing this though…another sign of continued healing.  I ate and drank around people, a “People Party!”  I’m brain fatigued now…hangin’ by myself, but it’s worth the time it takes to recuperate! 

Windsor did great in the restaurant!  He opened the doors for me into the restroom, followed well in the buffet line, and with a few reminder “Leave it!” commands, he left the floor scraps alone.  Calmy and quietly, was how he laid under the table perfectly.  That’s pretty good for a 9 month old!  Did he carry my plate?  No, he’s not trained to do that, but he does carry bags for me.

Talking to/Concentrating on walking together

After finishing eating, I needed to leave the stimulation of the restaurant.  Being outside with my eye difficulties – the bright sun, sparkling water, people/dogs running, etc, is another brain workout.  Windsor and I continued practicing together.  It’s still difficult for him to follow my walking pace.  He did very well going slowly up/down the stairs at the beach.  I only fell twice on the stairs.  It will be easier for my balance when Windsor is old enough to be mobility harness trained.  At the bottom of the stairs…SAND!  He loved the “Substitute Snow” which he really “digged” in Kansas.  I took a break and he dug his way to China while providing laughter for many watching his escapade, or should I say, “Sand-scapade!?!”