Thursday, January 31, 2013 - One Step Closer

This morning Marc and I had what is referred to as a “linking meeting” at the hospital.  We met with a team from Community Care Access Centre, CCAC, along with Catherine, Marc’s physiotherapist at the hospital. 

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss what Marc will need once he is back home in terms of therapy and support.  The waiting list for physiotherapy and OT on an outpatient basis at the hospital is several months long, so in the meantime he will be receiving both services at home, probably once a week. 

Catherine was able to let the CCAC members know about his progress while at RVH and where he is now in terms of programming.  This allows a more cohesive and seamless transition to his therapy at home. 

These linking meetings take place before a rehab patient is formerly discharged.  It means we are one step closer to having Marc back home full time. 

The next step is for Marc to have a day pass.  He is going to come home on Saturday afternoon for a few hours and then he will come home all day on Sunday.  If all goes well during the visits, he will be allowed to come home for an overnight stay one night next week. 

As you can imagine, we both had huge smiles on our faces. 

Marc asked when he could expect to be discharged but there is still a bit more work they would like to do with him before they feel safe sending him home for good, so we were just told, “Soon.” 

Soon is good.  Soon is very good!  And Saturday can’t arrive fast enough. 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 - Overcoming Obstacles

When I arrived at the hospital this afternoon, Marc was already in the therapy room.  I wandered in to find him with Shannon, manoeuvring around various obstacles with his walker.  He had to not only avoid bumping into the obstacles but he also had to demonstrate proper and safe use of the walker. 

He then had to manoeuvre through the room around obstacles while locating six small cones that Shannon had hidden.  They had a lot of fun with it. 

After, Marc worked at completing a puzzle he’d been working on before physio while in OT.  He had apparently become frustrated with it and declared it a “bulls&*t” puzzle.  Karen, his OT therapy assistant, had found that quite funny and said, “We’ll, at least you’re human.”  The “bulls&*t” puzzle became the joke of the afternoon. 

I guess Marc rarely complains about the tasks he is given.  I know he never complains to me.  He loves physio and OT, knowing they are helping him get back his normal function, or at least as close as possible.  In fact, I’ve never once heard Marc ask, “Why me?”  What he talks about instead is how much better he is getting and what his goals are for recovery. 

While Marc was doing the puzzle, his physiotherapist, Catherine, pulled me aside and asked, “Did Marc tell you what I caught him doing yesterday?” 

I hadn’t heard a thing.  Mr. Innocence was too busy singing "Soft Kitty" and "Happy Birthday" to me.

“I happened to be walking past his room and instead of calling a nurse to remove the obstacles in his path to get to the bathroom, he had his walker sideways and was pushing it past some equipment that was in the way.  When he saw me, he pushed the walker through and quickly turned it.  He had it backward at this point,” she said. 

Despite myself I started to laugh, “I’m surprised he didn’t just lift the walker over his head and sidle past sideways.” 

I honestly don’t know how Catherine and Shannon put up with him.  Talk about making someone’s job harder.  They try their best to keep him safe and give him some freedom and he keeps crossing the line. 

Now I realize that there was more to the obstacle lesson than met the eye today.  If you can’t beat him (and I’m sure at times they’d like to) join him and at least try and teach him some safety along the way.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - Musical Serenade

During music therapy today, I was serenaded with two songs.

 And a little birthday surprise.    

 

Today is all about videos.  I wanted to demonstrate some of the skills that music therapy teaches people who have suffered a stroke.

I love how it ties in cognitive, memory, math, listening, physical dexterity and so many other skills.

 After some instruction,

I can really see the value of music therapy in stroke recovery and I think that Marc is so fortunate to be able to have it as part of his healing journey. 

I’m becoming his biggest groupie! 

Monday, January 28, 2013 - Balancing Act

Good news and continued successes seem to be the trend these days. 

Today’s new success was the 30-second balancing act that Marc did in physio under Shannon’s supervision. 

That was just the part I videotaped.  The rest of the session was very impressive as well.  His balance and muscle control has improved yet again.  It’s so exciting to see day after day. 

Marc asked Catherine on his way out if he could use his walker by himself to go to the bathroom from now on.  He got the walker in his room last week but could only use it with myself or a nurse with him.  Or at least that was what was supposed to happen.   

Catherine asked, “Is this to make it legal?”

Turns out that a nurse had reported to Catherine how well Marc did all weekend walking around the unit on his own with the walker.

Busted.  Again.  Oh, Marc. 

Marc had to do a demonstration for Catherine before she would grant permission. 

He won.  He is now allowed to use the walker on his own but only to go to the washroom.  As she explained, it is not without risk.   He is allowed to use it outside the room only when I am with him or he's with a therapist.  She also told him that I have the power to revoke his walker privileges if he breaks the rules.  Maybe that will scare him into behaving himself. 

Catherine and I were talking about how well Marc is doing and I asked if that was due to his positive attitude.  She said it was in part but she also told me that stroke patients who have a hemorrhagic stroke (bleed) tend to heal a bit differently from those who have had an ischemic stroke (blockage).  Those who have a had a bleed tend to do have a slow start but will then take right off and heal quickly. Everyone heals at different rates, depending on the severity of the bleed, location of the bleed and other factors.  She said that Marc is healing very quickly right now, which is so noticeable each day. 

I really can’t believe how well he’s doing in only seven weeks.  Marc balancing on a half ball even last week was unthinkable, in my mind.  Today he managed it without a problem. 

I think the real balancing act in the next few weeks will be allowing Marc to do more on his own without supervision, while still ensuring his safety. 

Let’s see how Marc balances that.

Sunday, January 27, 2013 - Marc's Thank You Message

Marc was very proud that he found Facebook on the computer yesterday.  He decided that his first status update had to be a message of thanks to everyone.

Typing is still a bit of a struggle but Marc noted himself that writing the message helped with his left neglect. 

I’ve been telling Marc since he woke up at Sunnybrook about all the support we’ve been receiving in the way of prayers, healing energy, good wishes and financial donations.  It chokes him up to talk about it.  It chokes me up, too. 

I realized that unless you are friends with Marc on Facebook, you wouldn’t have seen this message and it is really for everyone.  He asked me to share it on the blog today. 

I, too, am overwhelmed by all the support and the outpouring of love throughout this journey.  I post a link to the blog every day on my own Facebook page and on The Marc Gratton Project  page that my friend Violet started for us when this first happened. Most of the wonderful comments end up under the post on my own page, so Marc and I wanted to let everyone reading this blog know how much we treasure your support.  I hear over and over again how some of you can’t go to sleep until you’ve read the day’s update.  I got this one done early for you today, so pleasant dreams!

I’ve had a lot of requests to make this story into a book and I believe I will do just that.  If our story can help others facing a similar situation, then it was all worth it. 

Marc and I talk often about the much needed financial support that has been coming our way.  You have no idea how much that has helped.  It’s still a rough road ahead in that regard but so many of you have made it much easier and a little less scary. 

Marc and I have talked a lot about how we wish we could repay everyone for all the kindness shown us during this time.  One day we will get our chance to at least pay it forward, I’m sure.

Until then, please know how grateful we are to all of you. 

Saturday, January 26, 2013 - Marc's New T-Shirt

My daughter, Ashley, texted me a couple of weeks ago to show me the t-shirt she found on-line for Marc.  She gave it to him yesterday afternoon.   

Today is officially seven weeks since Marc had his stroke.  That first night while in emergency waiting for the ambulance to whisk him away to Sunnybrook for neurosurgery, Marc turned to me at one point and said, “Sandy, can you sing Soft Kitty for me?”  

When he woke up at Sunnybrook a week after his surgery, he asked me to sing it again.  That’s totally worthy of a t-shirt. 

With no physio or OT happening this weekend, it was pretty quiet today.  Marc did get a visit from his niece, Natalie, who came in from Toronto. 

Natalie and her husband are expecting their first baby this summer, so we got to see an ultrasound video of her.  One more thing to look forward to this year.  I can just see Marc holding the new baby in his arms. 

Maybe if she’s lucky, Uncle Marc will sing Soft Kitty to her. 

Friday, January 25, 2013 - Starting to Exhale

Every day seems to bring more good news lately.  Not that I’m complaining.  Far from it.  These days I feel like I can finally exhale.  Until now I felt like I was mostly holding my breath. 

Just after midnight tonight will mark seven weeks post-stroke.  That was the night I took a deep breath and waited to see what would happen.  I was mentally prepared for the worst but hoped and prayed for the best. 

And as I let out my breath seven weeks later, I realize that the best is becoming a reality. 

I can see Marc’s physical improvement on a daily basis.  His physiotherapy is normally at 2:00, just as visiting hours are starting so I get to see what he is working on and experience those improvements for myself. 

His occupational therapy is usually earlier in the day so I only get sporadic updates about that part of his therapy.  Things had been a bit slower and bit more challenging in that area, from what I could understand. I really wasn’t sure what to expect as far as recovery. 

With his physiotherapy happening at the pool this morning, his OT session was moved to 2:00 this afternoon. His occupational therapist, Angela, had completed some testing with Marc this week and had her results.      

I held my breath. 

Angela gave us some very good news.  Marc had done very well in all areas of the test, far surpassing her expectations.  One week ago he most definitely would not have done that well.  She said there is still room for improvement and the deficits are to be expected but she believes that Marc will be able to meet more goals going forward. 

I exhaled. 

Maybe it’s just me, but I can really see Marc improving so much every day this past week.  It’s like things are starting to click.  It feels like he’s relearning at a rapid rate.

And I’m learning to breathe again. 

Thursday, January 24, 2013- Things are going Swimmingly, Thank You!

The conversation with Catherine in physio the other day went something like this:

“So, I hear you have a swimming pool here at RVH, “ said Marc.

“We do,” said Catherine. “It’s down in the outpatient physiotherapy.”

“Well, I have a bathing suit at home,” said Marc. 

And that was how Marc finagled his way into having his physio in the pool every Friday morning for the next four weeks.  I know. He’s smooth. 

Catherine agreed that he’d be a good candidate for swim therapy and put the wheels in motion to make it happen. 

When I arrived at the hospital today, his roommate and the nurses were joking about Marc’s pool party tomorrow morning.  I brought in his bathing suit but left the pina colada mix at home. 

He’s pretty excited.  I know how much Marc loves swimming and I imagine that this workout will go a long way to strengthening not only his muscles, but also his spirit. 

“I really like this resort,” said Marc this afternoon. 

I’m glad he’s looking forward to the swimming.  It also reminded me how badly we could use a vacation.  To a real resort. 

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 - He's Got Legs...

Watching Marc work with Shannon today in physio, I couldn’t get ZZ Top’s song, “She’s Got Legs”, out of my head.  Maybe it was the subzero temperatures or perhaps just lack of sleep, but I heard this song over and over during their session. 

I think it’s because I’m amazed at the amount of muscle control needed for us to walk, or to simply stand, for that matter.  We don’t think about such things until they are gone. 

Marc did the stairs again in the library and I noticed even more control than last week.  It was only the second time on the stairs but it looked like he’d been practicing every day.  Come to think of it, I wouldn’t put that past Marc...

Back in the therapy room, Shannon had him work at the bars and put him through a variety of exercises designed to build up this muscle control. 

I love the look of concentration on Marc’s face when he’s working.  Attitude is everything.

Speaking of attitude, it’s little wonder that Marc has come so far so quickly.  I watched him today when Shannon walked away to get another piece of equipment and told him to sit and rest a minute.  He glanced sideways quickly to make sure she wasn’t watching and did a few more reps of the routine he’d been working on.   

We joke and say, “Give him an inch and he takes a mile.”  We have to warn him constantly about the dangers of doing too much or taking risks. 

Part of me loves that he is so willing to work and to push himself, but part of me worries that he will hurt himself.  There’s a fine line and Marc has a tendency to want to cross it on legs that aren’t quite in control yet. 

I’ll be so relieved when we get to the point in this journey where I don’t have to worry.  That’s why these seemingly mundane and boring exercises are so very important.  I love them because I know that they are going to make Marc strong and capable and not so likely to land on his head. 

I thank Catherine and Shannon for working so hard every day with Marc.  Because of them, one day he will walk proudly by himself once again. 

He’s got legs and he’ll know how to use them.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - Music Therapy Begins

Marc had a very busy and productive day. 

He got a wheeled walker that he can use, when accompanied by a nurse, to go back and forth to the bathroom and to go to physiotherapy.  That’s it for now until Catherine is confident that he is able to safely use the walker with less supervision.   

In physiotherapy Marc worked on balance and coordination. It looked like he was practicing his dance moves.

Give him a few more weeks and we can sign him up for Dancing with the Stars. 

To go along with the remedial dance lessons, today was Marc’s first day of music therapy.  This was a generous gift from our friend Susan.  Her son’s girlfriend, Rebecca Wright, is a music therapist who currently works at Baycrest in Toronto.  Susan thought that music therapy would be a wonderful addition to Marc’s rehabilitation. 

Unfortunately, RVH doesn’t offer music therapy at this time, so we had to get permission for Rebecca to work with Marc.  I hope that the benefits of the music therapy will be obvious enough in Marc to at least get RVH considering it as part of their rehabilitation programming. 

Rebecca lugged in a djembe drum, a guitar and a bag full of instruments.  For one part of the session, she had Marc follow her pattern on the drum.  This helps with his cognitive skills and coordination.   

Everything that Rebecca did with Marc during the session really supported what he’s been working in OT and physio, as well as helping with relaxation. 

The best part is that Marc thoroughly enjoyed the entire session and is really looking forward to next week. 

We can’t believe what a thoughtful gift this was can’t thank Susan enough for providing this therapy.  Rebecca is a sweetheart and a welcome member of the team. I have no doubt that it will make a big difference to Marc’s healing.     

Monday, January 21, 2013 - Taking Care of Business

Rehabilitation isn’t all fun and games and exciting video clips of Marc walking and doing other brilliant things.  Some days are more mundane. 

Today was one of those days. 

Today was about paperwork for Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits.  I started the process over a week ago with the help of Janet, the social worker on Marc’s floor.  We had to wait until the doctor finally finished his portion of the paperwork.  He did his part and we are just finalizing the last of the forms. 

Just when you think you are done, you realize that you have to also apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and you wonder how life brought you here. 

If there is one thing I could recommend to people in the wake of this, I would say, “Be prepared.”  Marc and I thought we were.  We have great insurance in case one of us dies.  We were all over that. 

What we failed to recognize is that neither of us is invincible.  Accidents happen.  Illness happens.  Strokes happen.  Even to people like us. 

We didn’t prepare for disability.

Imagine not having disability insurance and having both partners being self employed.  One of you goes into the hospital for an extended period of time and the other is left trying to figure out how to pay the bills and the mortgage in the interim, all while trying to be there for their partner in the hospital.  You’re trying to cope with the situation at hand and wonder if you are going to be able to pay your bills next month. 

It’s scary. 

So if we can pass on anything from this experience our advice is, be prepared.  It’s never too early to think about this kind of thing.  You owe it to yourself and your family to make sure you have disability insurance.  Sit down with your insurance agent and discuss your options. 

We wish we had. 

Sunday, January 20, 2013 - Memories

Marc realized this weekend how very little he remembers of his time at Sunnybrook.  We had a lot of spare time with no visitors other than his parents the past two days, so we talked about his memories. 

We were talking about his progress over the past six weeks and I mentioned his first OT session at Sunnybrook.  Marc looked puzzled as I was describing it.  He has no memory at all of the session, the occupational therapist or that he was in the patient lounge on his floor during the assessment.    

What Marc remembers vividly and talks about quite a bit are the dreams he had while sedated at Sunnybrook.  Those seem absolutely real to him and make up the bulk of his memories of that hospital. 

Marc doesn’t remember waking up the first time.  He doesn’t remember squeezing our hands for the first time.  He doesn’t remember his first time in a wheelchair. 

We remember.  Those memories are etched in our minds but not his. 

I scrolled through the pictures on my phone and found the photos from his first trip to the patient lounge, sitting beside the Christmas tree.  We talked about the changes in his appearance and I reminded him that on that day they had to lift him into a wheelchair using a mechanical sling.  Even sitting up was difficult as he had no balance. 

We looked at pictures of him on Christmas Day at RVH.  He was so excited to be back in Barrie.

It was at this point that Marc pushed the phone away and said that he didn’t want to look at any more pictures. 

“Why not?” I asked.  “Are the pictures starting to upset you?”

“I’m just not ready to see them,” he replied.  “I don’t recognize that guy.  That’s not me anymore.” 

He’s right.  That is not him anymore.  That Marc was struggling very hard to do the most basic of human functions.

This Marc, the Marc he is now, has surpassed all of that.  This Marc is on a new journey and is reinventing his own life. 

Saturday, January 19, 2013 - Just a Swelled Head

Today was a restful day with no physio or OT, other than what Marc and I did together.  His homework, if you will. 

He did get some good news, however.  His doctor came by with the results of a CT scan that they did yesterday and reported that his initial bleed has healed very well.  The reason for the CT scan is that the size of the swelling on the right side of Marc’s head has been up for debate for a few days.  The swelling is his body’s way of protecting his head while it is missing the bone flap, which was removed during his initial neurosurgery.  It will be replaced in a few months, once all the swelling has subsided. 

We’ve been assured that this swelling is just fluid that will be absorbed through the skin over time.  The debate came when Marc asked a student nurse the other day if she thought the bump had gotten larger and she passed on his concern to his nurse.  It became quite a discussion point.  Some of us thought it had, some thought that the shape changes frequently so it’s hard to tell and some thought it had gotten smaller.  I personally think that it has just shifted downward a bit.  I started teasing him that he now looks like Gumby.    

Clearly we needed to find out for certain. 

After monitoring the swelling by measuring his head daily for a few days, it was decided that a CT scan was in order.  We weren’t expecting an issue as he is not showing any neurological signs of a problem.  In fact he is improving neurologically. 

Turns out he just has a swelled head which must be from all the applause he’s been getting for all the successes he’s had this week. 

So even though the weekend is quiet and more restful, Marc continues to get good news.  I could get used to this. 

Friday, January 18, 2013 - A Step in the Right Direction

This accomplishment actually happened two days ago.  When I realized what was about to happen, I was fumbling with the video on my phone and accidently turned it off right after I started filming.  I started to cry and everything got blurry so I didn’t notice until after it was all over. 

This afternoon he did it again. 

Marc walked unassisted and this time I held it together and captured it all on video.  He did even better today. 

He mentioned to us that he can feel pain in the joints of his toes on his left foot.  It’s a “good” pain and all it means is that his foot is starting to feel more sensation. 

Marc was really tired by the end of today.  I think a week of huge accomplishments has taken its toll.  He took his first steps unassisted and climbed his first set of stairs.  Add to that all the practice he has put in between therapy sessions and you realize that the fatigue is justified. 

I saw this quote today and thought of Marc because I believe he has embodied this throughout his journey:  "It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome." - William James

Thursday, January 17, 2013 - Stairway to Heaven

Marc is fixated on learning to climb stairs.  It’s been his biggest goal since starting physio because our house has stairs and he knows he can’t safely come home until he can climb them.  Stairs represent freedom to Marc. 

Imagine his surprise this afternoon when Catherine took him into the library at the hospital. 

I was at the top of the stairs to videotape this newest accomplishment and backed right into group of medical professionals who were discussing something undoubtedly important.  I’m pretty sure they understood.    

The stairs from another perspective:

At the end of last week, Marc said his goal for this week was to do stairs.  He was cautioned him that it was too soon but that when the time was right, it would happen. 

Marc has worked non-stop on his foot exercises this past week, strengthening his left ankle in order to gain the control over it that is necessary to walk safely and correctly.  It wasn’t exciting work but Marc never complained.  He just did what needed to be done without any prompting. 

Today Marc made his first ascent up a small flight of stairs.  Most importantly, he made his own goal for this week and he made that goal before any of us thought it was possible. 

If stairs equal freedom, then Marc is well on his way.       

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - Baby Steps

This is not exactly the gift you think of bringing a grown man in hospital.

The ball is for us to play catch and strengthen Marc’s left arm.   In OT Marc is working on mazes and word searches to help with the left neglect and because they don’t have maze books for grownups, we have to make do with some SpongeBob SquarePants fun.   It could be worse.  It could have been Dora the Explorer. 

I just had to video today’s physio session.  Marc has been working really hard on strengthening his left ankle to gain control when placing it.  It used to have a mind of its own and kind of landed wherever it felt like.  He was shown exercises to do while sitting during the day, involving turning the sole of his foot to either side.  Little movements we all take for granted were almost impossible for Marc a week ago.   He took those exercises and did them over and over again. 

All that hard work paid off.  Today was the first day that foot went where Marc wanted it to go. 

First, supporting with the right leg and stepping forward and up with the left foot. 

Next, supporting with the left leg and stepping forward with the right.

 Finally, side steps supporting with the left leg until it had enough. 

Physiotherapy post-stroke isn’t easy.  It takes concentration and focus that is difficult for someone who has suffered a trauma to the brain.  It’s all about convincing a side of your body that once performed movements and tasks effortlessly and unconsciously that it needs to step up to the plate and figure it all out all over again.  It takes effort that most of us can’t imagine. 

Marc is proving over and over, day in and day out that he’s up to the task.  I’m so very proud of him. 

Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - The Slow Return

The past few days I’ve noticed a change in Marc.  It’s subtle but it’s almost like he is back.  I’ve started thinking of him as less of a patient and more like my partner.  I can’t quite put my finger on it but he seems more like himself. 

The physio is still plugging along and I’m noticing little improvements every day, as I have been all along.  I notice little changes in this left neglect, as well.  It’s all improving daily in small ways that will lead to big changes in the future.

But that’s not it. 

I noticed yesterday that I’ve been talking to him more like I did before the stroke.  I’m even teasing him more and he is teasing back.  He and I are merciless with each other when it comes to teasing.  That’s slowly coming back.  I didn’t realize how much I missed it.

I’ve been having real conversations with him about things that are important.  Things that are important to us, at least.  I asked his opinion about something I planned to do in our kitchen and he gave his input. 

I realized today that until just a few days ago, we’d been talking about medical things and recovery and why he can’t come home yet.  And yesterday we talked about kitchen cupboard doors. 

It’s nice.  It feels like real life.  It feels like he’s ready for some real life.  He hadn’t been ready before, but now it feels like it’s time for real life to start creeping back in. 

Just over five weeks ago, our world changed.  I haven’t dared to think about what might lay ahead or what this new world might look like when all is said and done. 

I’m still not sure exactly what the future holds but today I realized that an important part of our old life was still there for me. 

My love, my partner, my best friend is still in there. 

Monday, January 14, 2013 - Surprise Visit

I think we’ve found the secret of connecting with friends and family we haven’t seen in a while.  Just get yourself hospitalized. 

In addition to visits from local friends and family, Marc has had visits from his sister and brother who both live out of town and today he had a real surprise visit.

Marc’s cousin Richard dropped into RVH on his way to Toronto from Timmins. 

Marc & his cousin Richard

Richard is the son of Marc’s father’s sister.  He has an appointment at Toronto General Hospital tomorrow and thought he’d pop by on his way through. 

Marc's parents & Richard

Richard’s story is very inspirational.  He had a kidney transplant a few years ago.  After eliminating family members as a possible donor, it turned out that his friend from childhood was an almost perfect match.   She apparently didn’t hesitate in her decision and donated one of her kidney’s to Richard.   As Richard said, she’s his best friend and now she’s always with him. 

He told us about his own healing journey and I can see where Marc gets his positive outlook and determination to heal.  It seems to run in the family. 

Marc was so happy to see Richard again after so many years.  I think Richard was impressed with Marc’s healing, as well. 

Who knew that hospitals could be such a great place for family reunions?

Sunday, January 13, 2013 - The Email

I got a phone call from Marc this morning. 

“Did you get my email?” he asked. 

“I’ve been painting and I haven’t checked my emails in a while,” I replied.  “Why?”

“I sent you an email this morning,” Marc said.

And sure enough, he did. 

I cried when I read it.  I knew the kind of effort that must have taken.  The t.v.’s at RVH are on extension arms and include a telephone and internet.  So far Marc has mastered the t.v. and telephone but the computer has been too difficult for his vision up until now. 

“I’m glad you got it,” said Marc.  “I can’t see the screen very well and I figured if you didn’t get it then I just sent a really nice note to some lucky person.”

I did get it and it was so welcome.  I haven’t had a love note in over five weeks and I missed them. 

The “firsts” just keep on coming and the things already relearned just keep improving.  Today I noticed that his left arm is remembering to keep moving the wheel of his wheelchair for longer periods of time.  I also noticed that he turned his head over his left shoulder when I waved to Ashley who was walking along the second floor balcony overlooking the food court.  He saw her immediately and waved. 

It’s the little things that count.  The little things add up until they become big things. Like writing “I love you” in an email.