Merry Christmas

We were able to visit Jason before Christmas! Michael, Lisa, Jake and I all went and had a great time with Jay. He was very excited to see us and smiled the whole time. We got to see him do occupational therapy and speech therapy. They said he did great and even better than he has because family was there. He was motivated! He really wanted to show us what he could do. He is doing great at his new facility. In fact, just last night they asked Jay if he wanted to go to the movies with the guys... and he said yes! So, Jason is finally getting a taste of the "real world" and back to the realities of life. His speech is getting better. Favorite word so far is "mom" and "home". He is experimenting with his voice more and more and can get  quite loud sometimes! His laughs are the best because you see him truly feeling joy. Jason had quite a few visitors over the Christmas break. The Conroys came, who are friends of ours from church. They are a great couple with two adorable girls and have been there for Jay. The best part of their visit was when they asked Jason if he remembered his home phone number. They had him point to the numbers and low and behold Jason remembered it! The Conroys wanted to call my parents but didn't know my parents phone number so when they called they said you will never believe who told us your phone number?!! Jason! The Dongs came to visit Jay as well, and the Nielsons. The Nielsons have never met Jay, but know us and my parents through church. They have been awesome in keeping up with Jason's progress and sending pics from her boys, and get well cards. I know Jason feels so much love around him. He really wants to come home and we know it will be sooner than later! The year 2009 is going to be a new year for Jason filled with endless possibilities! 

Jay with Mom & Dad

Jason with Mom & Dad on Saturday. I wanted to post some pics of Jay with Mom & Dad. Great pics! I am headed there tomorrow to meet up with my brother Michael and his wife. Pics to come! I am excited to see him!

Jay's New Pad!

Here is Jay's new place in Bakersfield. He has his own apartment with some other "roommates"! They are all in the rehab program and live here with a nurse on site to help. Jason had Whitney come visit him again! He loves visitors and friends coming!!! As you can tell by the look on his face, he is smiling and enjoying her visit! I have yet to see him at the new center in Bakersfield, but I hope to soon. He has a lot of encouragement from the staff and his roommates. Everyone feels Jason's sweet spirit and genuine personality. He truly is a miracle and I think he is going to be something special here on this earth. Firefighter or not, Jason can still be a hero. 

Jason's Address

Here is Jason's address in Bakersfield: 

2500 Gosford Rd. Apt #221

Bakersfield, CA 93309

He would love Christmas cards, post cards, pics, words of encouragement! Thank you! 

On The Move...

Jason is on his way to Bakersfield right now! He will be at a rehab center that specializes in neuro patients! We are so excited for this next step for Jason. He was ready and seemed pleased to be moving on. My mom and Aunt are with him to help him get settled etc. I will post some pics after my mom returns. I hear the place is awesome and is really going to benefit Jay and wear him out! We told him he is going to be "working out" for 3 hours a day! That is right up his alley if any of you know Jay he loved to work out! He will live off-site in an apartment with some roommates and a nurse will be present at all times in their house. The program is set up to help their patients get acclimated to "real life" and becoming more independent. I know this will be a huge change for Jay, but a welcoming one, and one step closer to home! 

Thanksgiving

Jason had Thanksgiving at my house on Saturday! He arrived around 11 and left at 5:30. A long day! One of his nurses came with him and we spent the day talking with him, asking him constantly what he wanted to do etc. We went for a walk around my neighborhood and spent most of the day in the backyard. It was such a nice day, thank goodness, because Jason really enjoys being outside! The holidays this year will be and have been somewhat different than years past. I am thankful for everyone's constant thoughts and prayers for Jason. He has a long way to go but has come so far. He is determined and really wants to get home and hang out with all his friends. He really enjoyed having his buddies come visit him. I am sure it was a welcoming sight to see some guys after being around women nurses, me and mom! I will visit with him today while my cousin Michelle comes and watches the twins. I try to have every Monday with Jay. It is addicting! I love hanging out with him because he is like a new child in a way. He is constantly learning new things. His mind is as it was before, but his body needs to catch up! I am so glad he got to feel laughter. Laughing makes me feel good and I was so glad to see that emotion come out of Jay. Scroll down and you will see a great pic of Jay smiling! Well it is December 1st and now we are on to bigger and better things. Jason is scheduled to move to Bakersfield next week and begin their rehabilitation program. Keep you posted!

Look Who's Smiling!