Monday, August 20, 2007

Get Better Uncle Jake!


About three weeks ago my brother suffered a seizure and a stroke, which left him with what is called an "anoxic brain injury." He suffers from short term memory loss. I was in Utah last weekend offering him love and support. It's hard to be in Texas when there is so much going on at home that I'd like to help with. Right now I'm just working hard doing research on brain injuries, therapy, and the different resources that can be available for him. Brain injury is life altering. We are hoping that with the right therapy he may have a degree of independence in the future, but right now he needs to be cued on what to do all the time. Despite his injury, he is very sweet and pleasant, but is confused most of the time. He is a lot like an Alzheimer patient.

Here is Jake with his little niece Samantha. Sadly, he couldn't remember her name, but on my last day he did ask me how "Little Caroline" was doing. I told him Caroline was in Texas and cued him that this little one's name started with an "S." He immediately said Samantha. That gave me some hope. Brain injuries take time and patience. Through therapy he can develop routines that will help him become more independent. Please keep him and my family in your prayers. We will be in Utah in a week and a half to visit Jake and go to my sister, Megan's, wedding. Sorry the blog has been slow.

6 comments:

Mk said...

Our prayers are with you and your family Laurel- best wishes with everything and please know that we are here to help with anything we can...Love & Hugs

vickstergram said...

Luke 15:24 and 15:32. Thank Heaven for difficulties, they make us grow, even when we don't want to. They make us aware of our weaknesses and then, through time, they make us stronger. These things are, in fact, blessings in disguise. We just need to be aware of God's ever prescence in our lives. When the going gets rough, sometimes we forget. It is good that we are blessed with good friends,family and the healing love of our Father in Heaven and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We would surely be lost without them.

Unknown said...

Thinking of you and your family my dear!

THE WITHERS FAMILY said...

Hope all is well with your family and your brother. We are thinking of them and they are in our prayers.

Me said...

All of us Jankoviches are thinking and praying for you guys! We love you, and we love Jake!

critts said...

Laurel, I'm so sorry. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.