Well it has been awhile, but here we go with the first post of the new year. We had a wonderful holiday and hope you did as well. We spent Christmas Eve at my brother's house. His wife, Amber put together a great spread with the help of her mother, Marsha. After eating, we headed straight for the gifts (we have always opened presents on Christmas Eve in our family) Sherry received a wonderful locket and two great cookbooks from Amber, who had drawn her name. The girls big gift this year was an iPod Nano. I think they were both pretty happy. I am planning on posting some video soon, so keep your eyes open for that (if you are at all interested) This year's Christmas was made even more special because it was Brian and Amber's son, Caleb's first Christmas. Peanut was certainly the star of the evening (again, look for video soon) He seemed to have a great time opening presents and taking in all the attention her received.

Christmas day was spent at our home with Sean's family. We also got to talk to Eric in Chicago and to thank him and Kelly for the wonderful gifts that they sent to us. Overall, it was a great Christmas although I will admit to being glad it is over. This time of year always brings it's share of extra stress, as I know it does for most families. I want to thank Brian and Amber for a great time. This was the first time we had been anywhere other than our mother's house on Christmas Eve.

After the break, Sherry began her speech therapy again. We were sad to find out that she would not be working with Kelly anymore due to scheduling conflicts. That is a drawback, to be sure, of receiving therapy at the University. Sherry will have to get used to changing therapist from time to time. However, there are advantages as well. We are charged a very reasonable rate, one that we can afford. Sherry is seen for two hours a week, more than when she was being seen at Sacred Heart. I also feel that working with students is good for Sherry (and the students as well.)
Before the holiday break (and during the break, at home with Gayle) Sherry was working on exercises meant to improve her attention abilities. I feel like they are really beginning to pay off. Sherry has a computer program that asks her to, for example, click on a shape and move it to a certain location relative to another shape. As an example the computer will say (through the speakers, this is an auditory exercise) "put the square to the right of the star." Before Sherry began the therapy at the U of O she could only retain the first part of the instruction. She could usually click on the "square" but then she would "lose" the second piece and not remember where to move the shape. Now, she can usually complete both parts of the task with confidence. It takes her much less time, and she doesn't have to have the instructions repeated nearly as often. I know it does not sound like much, but it shows me that she is still continuing to improve and that her brain, despite the damage, is capable of adapting.

It is getting late, I am not going to spell check, so please forgive any typos.

enough for now,

I love my wife......tomorrow we move forward

Dean