It has been six weeks since Sam's accident.  It's strange, but time has entered some altered state since this tragedy struck my family.  In ways, it seems like a very long, hard couple of weeks.  But mostly it still just seems to unreal to wrap my mind around. 

Sam has been moved into a bed that can be adjusted into a sitting position.  He has tolerated this well.  The number of respiration and concentration of oxygen being delivered by the ventilator has been able to be reduced.  Tube feedings are being tolerated well. 

The other day, we had been with Sam when he was open-eyed and blinking.  We came away and then Heather went back up to say good-bye before she went home.  She promptly called us all up as she said Sam was more alert then he had ever been.  Sure enough, when we walked into the room, Sam's blinking rate had changed.  He was blinking both eyes and with a more normal, random speed.  His mom went right up to him and began to tell him what had happened to him, where he was, how long it had been, not to be scared, etc... He soon had tears running down his cheek.  The doctors are not willing to say that this is more than a reflex at this time, but having been there, it sure seemed like he was understanding his situation somewhat and possibly frightened and/or feeling pain.  Last night his injured right eye became more central and started showing some reaction to light. Sam has not yet moved to command, but we realize his brain recovery will take many months.  These are all improvements and steps forward.  Patience is going to be very necessary.  So hope, faith, prayer and all the positive energy that can be sent his way.  Thank you for giving all of yours.

Love,

Jayne (Sam's aunt)