I know that many of you are on Facebook, but I’ve missed posting on this board. It seems more familiar somehow; perhaps because you were all there from the beginning and reached out to our family. Maybe it is just easier for me here.
Pat continues to work hard to improve. Each day is a struggle that includes some joyful and equally tearful moments. Yesterday Patrick was bending his right knee in bed and trying to lift his head off of the pillow without being asked. His caregiver told me later that she had been asking Pat to do it earlier in the day. That’s classic Pat - doing things whenever HE feels like it!!
He has started smacking his lips. This is a huge improvement. He’s getting more control of his tongue and swallowing better overall. He has another swallow evaluation in May.
He is doing an awesome job using a buzzer. He will press the buzzer when asked to do it a specific number of times and will also follow patterns. He will press the buzzer to answer simple addition problems. He does get fatigued so easily though.
Patrick was given an iPad by a good friend of ours. There is a yes/no app that when pressed speaks the word. It’s a little difficult for Pat to get his thumb on it but we are working on it. He has been listening to music on it and currently is listening to an audiobook - Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter.
Pat turns toward us more often when we are speaking to him. His sense of humor still comes through when he blinks at things we say or actually turns toward us and gives us a funny look.
Mostly I still just miss him and can’t believe that Wednesday will be the third anniversary of his accident.
HI, SantoRuggersMom - It’s always great to get a Pat update. And know that you can hang around and talk about other things, if you want. There’s always someone else who needs consoling, or a joke to laugh at. You’re welcome here as you*, not just as SantoRugger’s mom.
I am so humbled by what you’re going through and your continued strength and optimism. Peace and health to you and yours. Please continue to let us know what’s going on and to vent whenever you need to.
Wonderful to hear from you again. Thank you for the latest. I don’t have the words to convey the emotions I feel reading your updates but I am so grateful to be part of a community that can provide support and love albeit vicariously. I’ll continue to follow Pat’s improvements - they’re small but they’re real progress - and cheer you all on from the sidelines. With bestest wishes.
I’m (along with every body else at the dope) happy to hear of his progress.
Tell him we said enough goofing off, it’s time for him to get it in gear and get his butt out of bed.
Yesterday SantoRuggersMom posted on SantoRugger’s Facebook page that “I’ve noticed that (SantoRugger) is moving his left hand up and down on command much more quickly. It used to take forever! Progress!”
I asked for her permission to repost here, and she agreed. It’s alsways nice to hear good news from clan Rugger.
Early today SantoRuggersMom posted on SantoRugger’s Facebook page that "Pat’s speech therapist was delighted yesterday when he answered math equations using his buzzer! (Simple addition - we ran out of time for square root questions). She and the summer intern were really impressed when he used his buzzer to signal that he wanted to listen to more Satriani, several times. We are now on track for a new phase of communicating with Pat and he with us. We are working on ways so he can be specific about what he wants as opposed to us guessing and asking him yes/no.
His swallowing continues to improve and as a treat we stopped at McDonald’s. When asked if he would like a strawberry lemonade, he very clearly pressed his buzzer for yes. Tomorrow is BOGO DQ Blizzards - I’ll have to ask Pat if he wants one…
P.S. - We LOVE the speech therapist. The intern was awesome too - I think Pat was trying to impress her with his charming personality and awesome math skills!"
I asked for her permission to repost here, and she agreed. More good news from the Ruggers!
I am delighted to hear your news! The Santo family is never far from my thoughts, I think of you often and wonder how you’re all making out.
Thanks so much for keeping us updated, it makes our day when you do! I hope you’ll tell Pat that we’re all still thinking of him, and are thrilled to hear of his progress.
Make him keep exercising that finger and soon he’ll be back on line with us. I know it’s the dearest hope of the whole community.
Cheers to the whole inspiring Santo family! Please know our entire community stands with you! We are inspired by you, wowed by your awesomeness, and continue to send you tsunamis of good wishes and healing vibes!
Yeah, I never had any interactions with Santo myself, but I’ve been reading along since the beginning. I’m really looking forward to that day when he posts again.
