Positive Words

Yes, I'm writing two posts today.

Because of David's brain injury, he struggles with major depression and anxiety over the way he is and the life he lives now.  It's a daily battle.  He has a very hard time coming up with something he did well that day or recognizing when he is successful.

Today he surprised me.  He just started back up with his Occupational Therapist for work on being more independent with ADL's (activities of daily living) after a break for a few months of hard work at home.  The therapist worked with him on donning and doffing a shirt.  He surprised her by taking off his shirt all by himself in less than a minute!  Then he was able to put on his shirt with just a little help from her.  When he came home, he told me, "Today was a good day because of two things.  I learned that I was able to put my shirt on and take it off all by myself!"  He's actually excited about working on this and visiting his therapist.  He finally realized he was successful with something and it made his day! Instead of telling his caregiver to do it, he reminded her that he could do it and he was going to do it by himself.  He didn't even get frustrated with himself when it took him 7 minutes to put his shirt on.  Yes!!