Laughter is the best medicine!

I'm sure that most of you know that Daniel finally gave us a "sign"! As they say "Laughter is the Best Medicine"!

We were fortunate enough to start off the New Year on a good note. Alfredo, Daniel's brother, discovered that Daniel never lost his sense of humor. Daniel has been smiling and laughing consistently to jokes, videos (from pix messages, youtube, etc.), stories from the past and just about anything that is funny to him. Like today, during my visit I said to him "Gosh Daniel, I wish I had something funny to say so that I can see you laugh, but I'm not very funny". And then I started cracking up, which made him smile so BIG. We were both just sitting there cracking up together. It was so cool!

Daniel continues to receive physical and speech therapy. He's responding very well to the speech therapy. He mouths words and on occasion his voice may come through. He's gaining weight and of course still has that natural tan. He's looking good.

If you have the opportunity to visit Daniel, a journal has been provided to document any activity that you witness. It is crucial to note any and all of Daniel's progress.

Thank you all for your continued support in keeping up with Daniel's blog.

Take care.

Irene Lopez

Daniel's Presence is Strong!

I just read an article in the Los Angeles Times (February 4, 2010) about a biological test that showed brain activity in patients with brain injury. Patients imagined themselves playing tennis or walking in homes, and responded to yes or no questions as measured through brain activity.

I often wonder what Daniel would say if he could speak, or think aloud. I sometimes think aloud for him and I have deep discussions with him regarding this or that. My impression is that Daniel is conscious of his surroundings and is able to concentrate and focus his attention for longer periods! At times his attention seems to come and go however, and this may be due to energy levels or other factors/stimulus. But focus he can! With his eyes, his gaze and his changing expressions...

So the article made me think that although the outward, visible evidence of Daniels "awareness" is subtle, there is more to his brain activity than meets the eye. I am sure that Daniel "remembers" and is able to "imagine" many meaningful people and events in his life. Judging from the stories we hear of Daniel's reaction to his friends his presence is strong.

Please stay tuned for new authors coming your way soon. When we started the blog I was under the impression that we could only have a limited number authors. I've since found out (better late than never) that you could have many more writers posting to the blog. I've invited several others to help out and hopefully get the blog going again...."breathe new life into it" as they say.

Thanks for your support and understanding!