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!
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Will write on one of my adventures w/ Daniel soon.
ReplyDeleteEscobedo
Victor,
ReplyDeleteI read the same article and immediately thought of Daniel. He's sensing what's going on around him. It may be brief moments to us that see him but to Daniel its probably much longer.
On a separate thought, it was an honor to meet you and the rest of the familia at RCC Norco. To hear Cathy and you speak helped many and myself included, to reconnect with Daniel. As Daniel's colleague and friend, he continues to be on my mind and in my prayers.
David Payan
Hey Victor,
ReplyDeleteHe's in there, all in there for sure.. I have no doubt in my mind that he will soon be able to communicate with us. I have not read that article you mentioned but I am pretty sure they must have used a FMRI. I know UCSD has one, but I don't know how we can get him in there? Regardless just the way he responds to Fredo and Nestor's jokes lets me know he hears us and it all computes.. He laughs at funny stories from the past.. He does focus when you talk to him.. I have also seen him mouth words to his speech therapist and to Fredo. It's gonna all come back!
Si se puede!
Fern
I thought of Daniel today. I know Daniel from Fallbrook and he invited me to speak once to his class. My mother got an aneurysm about a week or two before Daniel did, but she did not survive. I am hopeful that Daniel will be ok. My thoughts are with Daniel, his friends and family.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for your very supportive comments. John, I hope to hear your story soon.
ReplyDeleteVV
Victor,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting something man' I for one need to get back on here. I realize I have been emotionally absent of late when it comes to Daniel, it is time to knock that shit off and be present with him.