Joe says Vernon has been doing really well, wide awake, watching movies, and wanting to be “part of the action”( in his own words.) It was a beautiful brisk fall day so after a little matt-time, I rolled him outside so he could enjoy the fresh air. He insisted he wanted to be sat up at the table, where Justine had already set herself up for drawing.

IMG_6818

We sat him up straight, as the table made him safer (taking a page from his friends’ recent visit.) Here is his attempt at writing the HONDA logo. “It just came to mind,” he said.

IMG_6833

The first line was made with his right hand, his old default writer. When he writes or draws with that side, it seems like his eyes miss the paper completely. I remember this from last year, when we worked on his signature. The second was after we encouraged him to use his left. You can tell which is stronger. Fortunately for Vernon, he was ambidextrous as a child, but when he went to school, he was pressured to develop the right side over the left. It’s curious that perhaps his left hand was always intended for this kind of use—something he can take advantage of now.

IMG_6812

Terry, the Jokester, rolled up around then, making light banter. I told him, “Sorry, but I’m interested mostly in talking to my husband right now.” Before he had a chance to have his feelings hurt, Justine graciously piped up: “You can talk to me!” So they chatted away while Vernon concentrated on his next drawing, this time with pencil.

IMG_6823

It’s Terry, mustache and all, facing the direction he had been sitting. Vernon did this partly with his left hand, but when he wanted to use his right, he figured out how to use his left as a stabilizer (as seen in the previous photo.) He asked the date so he could sign the year below his signature (all right hand.)

Joe, who was getting annoyed with Terry’s presence, told him it was time for him to go in for Bingo. Terry asked the time and Joe told him it was nearly 2:00, so he’d better hurry. It was actually twenty minutes earlier, but Terry raced away on his wheelchair.  But Vernon’s ears are like sponges. You never know what he will pick up on.

IMG_6832

It looks like Vernon is still a Type Designer both at heart and hand.

This is the kind of occupational therapy I can see him doing.

Oh, delicious and struggle-filled progress, we welcome you here!

Share This Post
  • 87
  •  
  •  
  •