The Art Impulse Returns

I have been waiting for this moment…when my desire to paint is rekindled. While it is just a tingly beginning…I am certain it will continue to grow! I’ve especially wanted to revive my FACE Project so last weekend when Dave and I drove to the Methow Valley to visit his oldest friend (not in age but time), I made sure to pack right: FACE # 1, 27, 28 and 39 made it into my suitcase…the correct paintings for the exact players involved.

Dave (on far right) clutches the hand of friend Byron circa 1956. Sister Sandi in front

I originally painted Byron and his wife Wendy at their ranch in October 2010. Dave was my inaugural FACE while I am the Johnny-come-lately of the crew. Winter in the valley is breathtakingly beautiful and we had a fresh snow fall the first night. Before we left I had concocted several scenarios using our FACEs and loved every bit of it! We even traded FACEs for a group shot. 

Dave has had his ups and downs in the several weeks since I have updated this blog….but then so have I. The both of us are on the mend and we try to keep our chins up. Language continues to be a struggle yet progress continues. The thing that marvels me the most is Dave’s terrific attitude and how he perseveres in the face of these rough events. Most people would lose their temper more often or become a curmudgeon…not Dave! With courage he weathered last week’s low when the words issuing forth were nonsense then suddenly this week things smoothed out and he could feel success and reward by actually saying what he meant! 

One thing I have noticed the past couple weeks is that Dave has been logging onto Ebay, something he would often do pre-stroke but was beyond him until recently. He still cannot read emails but he can read just enough along with the visuals about comic books to keep him at the keyboard at least a couple times a day. This is encouraging!!! I am girding my loins for the point he progresses to bidding on comics again…sheesh! You would think he had enough of them already????

We are working towards total independence. Should I not be around to negotiate the pitfalls Dave needs to learn how to fend for himself and I believe it won’t be too long. The trick is for me to send him out on his own more often, forcing him to learn to navigate the world without his “Speaking-Mouth Guide”. If anyone has the mouth for it I am your gal! I realize I have been too protective of him at times but make no apologies for it. Time to cut the ribbon!

We are finding ways to keep him occupied and have set up a table by the front window for puzzles. We also recently bought some models for him to assemble, something he has wanted to do for years. We are looking into apps on an Ipad for Aphasics to help with his language skills that also can be entertaining. We watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and although he cannot follow it all I am amazed at what he can. I am hoping it won’t be long before he can listen to audio books and be able to follow the dialog. Right now it is too much for him. We have learned to celebrate his progress in increments.

I remind myself of how far he has come since September 26^th, the date of his stroke. He has had to learn how to stand, walk, eat, dress himself, use and strengthen his right side and drive a car. He now does these things with such alacrity that mostly one cannot tell he suffered a stroke. He takes daily walks (much to Homer’s delight!) and has lost 40 pounds. A good night’s sleep is still a challenge but it has improved. 

He has also spent countless hours learning how to make certain sounds and words then REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT!!!!!! Then REPEAT some more. The challenge is making this stimulating and not tedious. He is doing just FINE!!! There were even a few days not long ago that he was doing so well with his talking that I almost forgot he had Aphasia. We are told that these times will come more often as we continue to work and move forward in our life. We are settling in to a somewhat normal routine and feeling hopeful and grateful!