June 18-2 1220

Tyler was full of smiles, and snappy comments for his many family visitors this AM. Ty is having a monster pureed lunch with Grammy trying to slow his ravenous pace. We all went for a nice walk in the gardens and beautiful grounds. Ty is in great spirits and even gave us a few smiles and laughs.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
-Frederick Douglas

June 18-1 0830

Ty has been sleeping a great deal lately, that may only be eclipsed by the amount he wants to eat and drink. Yesterday Ty had a visit from Roger McGarahan, Nic's Dad. Tyler lit up and was very happy to see him. When Roger left, Tyler turned to me and said, "That was very nice". Today Ty is slated for a full boat of therapy and visitors. This shouldn't deter folks from visiting, just call first to get an idea of his schedule, and don't be disappointed if during your visit he falls asleep. There's huge value for Tyler in just knowing someone is there.

"The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that perseverance means a strong will and obstinacy means a strong won't."
-D.W. Jerrold

June 17-2 1300

Ty just had lunch, the whole lunch, we had to keep him from eating the plates and silverware. All his vitals remain fine, an he's resting comfy between torture sessions.

We will either find a way, or make one.

-Hannibal

June 17-1 1100

Tyler is exhausted after his PT today, they're working his butt off. Fortunately he's trying to eat enough to put his butt back on. All things are moving slowly, but we are patient and resolute. Last nights ceremonies reinvigorated us with a determination only matched by Tyler himself. The uplifting and overwhelming pride and love we have in our children and community is immeasurable.
Mr. Jarvis, you are an incredible and inspiring gentleman. We are indeed honored that Tyler had a chance to work with you, and you had a chance to get to know Ty. You both are amazing people. Thanks for all you have done, all you do, and all the lives you will touch in the future. As an educator, one can count themselves fortunate if what we do resonates like the ripples in a pond after a pebble is tossed in. Your wonderful influence resonates like an unstoppable tsunami, and we are all better for having you in our lives.

The determination to win is the better part of winning."
-Daisaku Ikeda

June 16-3 2315

What a day, capped off with a big evening. Tyler is eating ravenously having about 6 weeks to make up for. The pureed food may look a bit off-putting, but Ty doesn't seem to mind (what a shock).
Josh's graduation was terrific. We were able to stream the video live through Skype with Tyler's buddy Nic running the show from Granby, and family friend Gabrielle assisting Ty in Wallingford. At one point the teacher who accompanied Ty and the 13 other students to the Lakota reservation in South Dakota, spoke to the graduates about avoiding apathy. The speech revolved around Tyler and the others taking action to help others. Also, how Tyler's friends swung into action, caring enough to orchestrate 2 amazing fund raisers. The evening was inspirational as hell. After the speech Ty told Gabrielle that he had received "honorable mention", and when asked what he thought Josh was thinking during the ceremony, instead of something awe inspiring or philosophical, Ty said, "I hope I don't trip". The sense of humor is intact.

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
-Walter Elliott

June 16-2 1410

Tyler's swallow reflex is better, but far from perfect. He has been cleared to eat pureed foods, and thickened liquids. He's loving this. All other issues are proceeding as expected.

Healing Celebration Fire

June 16-1 1000

Tyler is doing well , the staff has him on a tight regiment of various therapies. We are preparing everything so Ty can watch Josh's graduation tonight from his room on the computer. The work continues, and progress is glacial.

Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
-John Lennon

June 15-3 1530

In addition to therapy, Ty had an x-ray swallowing test. The technicians said it went well, but the speech therapist will analyze the film, and determine if Tyler can start eating for himself.

"I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never, never give up, no matter what else happened."
-Wilma Rudolph

June15-2 1300

All of Ty's numbers remain steady, and he had his first full PT workout. He is exhausted, but doing well.
Tomorrow big brother Josh graduates from GMHS and today we tested a computer video feed, and it worked great. Tyler not only will get to watch the ceremony live, but he got to see his buddy Nic waiving to him from Granby.

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
Henry For

June 15-1 0900

Tyler had a good night, now he's being roughed up in therapy. The nurse said, he's cooperative, comfortable, occasionally smiling, and talking in hushed tones (single words).

June 14-2 1020

Ty is being tested and evaluated to the bone. The staff is going to adjust his meds to increase his level of response. Everyone says he is in there, but will require the greatest of efforts on his part to succeed. Time will tell.

"Time is on our side... yes it is"
-The Rolling Stones

June 14-1 0710

Tyler had a good 1st night at Gaylord, sleeping a combined 9 hours. The work begins today with evaluations from all the relevant departments (he will sleep well later). The only major issue so far is a malfunctioning volume control on the TV remote.

June 13-2 1715

Whew!!!!!!!! What a day. Tyler is finally settled at Gaylord Rehab in Wallingford, room 222. Nice room, beautiful grounds, and a very congenial staff. Tomorrow the real work starts, about 3 hours of PT a day. Visiting hours are 1:00-8:00.

June 13-1 0830

Tyler had a good night and all the vitals remain stable. The plan has him moving to Gaylord sometime this AM. We've discovered many plans are sealed in jello, not written in stone. The bottom line is Tyler's safety, health, and best interests.

June 12-4 1530

The blogs may be becoming joyously dull, with Ty's vitals normal and his transition to Gaylord Hospital, still being today's highlights. Tyler will be developing a new sense of what is needed to heal, and succeed. Then there's the task of packing the multitude of cards, letters , and posters. Actually, one of the best jobs we can think of.

“You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.”
-Albert Einstein

June 12-3 1015

Just got the word, we're movin' on up to the East side. Tomorrow Ty is going to Gaylord rehab around 11:00. He will begin his training, then return to Hartford in the near future for his reconstructive surgery for a quick overnight stay, then back to Gaylord.

“I praise loudly, I blame softly”
-Unknown

June 12-2 0830

Ty is doing well, all vitals seem under control. Josh presented him with the lacrosse brotherhood sweatshirt given to him by Coach Emery during the recent banquet. Tyler said "cool". Josh is reading a video gamer magazine, and we continue to shovel his new favorite snack (ice chips) into his mouth.

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June 12-1 0630

Another silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright. Tyler slept throughout the night, and all vitals are constant. The nurse said Ty is communicating clearerly (still whispering though), and appropriately.

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”
-Unknown