Tobias' Recovery

  Update on Tobias Tobias has rocked the past two weeks. Even though we had a lot of cancellations on therapies due to colds and vacation, we did our own thing. To be honest, I enjoy these quieter weeks at times. They give me time to focus on all those things I wanted to do with Tobias but never get to them. Especially cognitive work, which I find personally so rewarding; of course the walks and chats with him. Tobias is making progress, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see positive feedback almost immediately. My biggest wonder and fears when I am down:  Will his ability to learn new things ever fully return—or will it only partially come back? How will he ever learn new things? Learning is tied to the frontal lobe and thalamus, and both areas have suffered damage. Here is an example. We went to the temple on Saturday, but Tobias does not remember. Tobias cannot remember which day it was yesterday. The good thing is, his awareness is there. If I ask him, "Did you go to the t...

  What Defines Us in Life: Embracing Faith and Letting Go of Control Life often reminds us that we are not always in control, and this truth can be unsettling. For those of us who find peace in stability and certainty, moments of chaos or unpredictability can feel overwhelming. Living in a restless world like ours can be a challenge for those who find peace in stability. On Wednesday night, I have faced a harsh reminder of this. A sudden, major, yet familiar panic attack hit me out of the blue, with no warning signs. It is a physical manifestation of the mind and body’s struggle to cope with the unknown. As the pressure built in my chest, my stomach churned, and dizziness overtook me, it felt as if my legs were about to give way. Tyler was traveling, and I was home alone with Tobias. Though Tobias was safely in his chair, the thought of fainting while he needed me was terrifying. These attacks are not new to me.  At the start of Tobias’ healing journey, they happened daily. Ov...

  Here Are Our Events This Week Tobias has many therapies, and every time I write them down on my calendar, I catch myself wondering if he has too many. This week alone, we have three physiotherapy sessions, two occupational therapy (OT) appointments, four speech therapy sessions, one session with a neuropsychologist, and a volunteer who comes by to support us. On top of that, there are two of my own therapy hours and Mandy, who always finds wonderful and engaging activities for Tobias. Despite the packed schedule, Tobias does have some free time and is usually excited to wind down and head to bed by 7 p.m. Still, I find myself asking: What is too much, and what is not enough? How do we know when we’ve struck the right balance between progress and rest? That's my question for the day. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. How do you feel when your day is fully packed? How does your brain handle that level of activity? What Does “Too Much” Mean for the Brain? When our brai...

 Tobias’ Grateful Heart: A Lesson in Trust and Faith Yesterday, I had a heartfelt conversation with Tobias that left me reflecting deeply. I asked him, “Tobias, do you see me sad at times?” He looked at me with a gentle smile and replied, “No, why are you sad?” I hesitated, then answered, “Because I want you to be free and live the life you dreamed of for yourself.” Tobias, without missing a beat, said, “I am free!” This response caught me off guard. I pressed on, “But with all your disabilities, you’re so restricted. It makes me sad.” Tobias, with his calm and unshakable spirit, simply replied, “I don’t let my disabilities ruin my life!”  His attitude towards life is unlike anything I’ve seen before. His peaceful acceptance reminds me of a monk’s quiet wisdom. He doesn’t dwell on what he has lost; instead, he embraces each day with gratitude and an unbreakable spirit.  When I asked him how he can feel this way, he answered, “Our Father in Heaven loves me, and I love Him ...