Random Thoughts from Day 2

Here we are, the end of day 2 at "The Institutes" and we're still not sure what to think about this place. It is all very different from anything that Angel and I have ever experienced in the world of raising a kid with a hurt brain. This course has been as advertised; very strict, regimented and taken VERY seriously by everyone here. Everyone except Ang and I. We, up till now have remained cautious and somewhat skeptical. We are keeping an open mind and have every intention of giving this our best shot while trying to stay realistic. We are but 2 of 60 people in attendance here and I think we are the only ones not "drinking the kool-aid." There are folks from four continents, 11 countries and 18 states.

The course has several instructors who do a fine job and are all very organized. It was a surprise to us yesterday when we came in from one of our 10 min. breaks and found in the front of the auditorium a very old man with a white beard. It was Glen Doman, founder of the institutes. We read his book before coming and he wrote it so long ago we assumed he was dead. He's not, he's 90. It was obvious that he is a very bright man. He is a pioneer in the Physical therapy field for brain injured kids. And while there are many who don't agree with his methods, you can't deny that his methods have produced positive results. Needless to say we were all surprised to see him and hear him lecture as part of his course. The staff here is also loaded w/ extremely bright people from countries all over the world who also share Mr. Domans religious like zeal for the institutes and the program. Angel and I have, however come to the consensus that the folks at "What not to Wear" need to come and treat the staff here to a bit of there therapy. Most of the outfits and hairstyles are straight out of "Dynasty" and "The Love Boat."

We've had a few chances to get to know some of the other parents and their stories, which are all very sad yet inspiring. There is a couple from New Jersey who's daughter suffered from anoxia at birth and is now severely handicap and O2 dependent. There is a father here alone from Sweden who has a son w/ CP. A father from Pennsylvania who's wife took the course prior and has a 22 yr. old daughter that was struck by a car and now has the mental capacity of a 1 year old. Two sisters from Israel who have a niece w/ a rare genetic brain defect and they are here taking the course for the mother who doesn't speak english. Then there is Mr. Pope, Angel's favorite. When and if you see here you'll have to ask about him because writing about him will in no way do justice to the joy that he has given my sweet bride.

We have learned many things about the brain injured child and Charlie's condition. We did a detailed evaluation of Char and we are glad to report that Angel and I are the proud parents of 28 month old boy with the Neurological capacity of a 2 month old. Believe it or not this is a bit more advanced that we though he'd be. We also learned that his injury is now diagnosed as a "Profound Bilateral Difuse Midbrain and Cortical Brain Injury." Say that 10 times fast. Apparently this is common among the kids that are treated here at the institutes and many of them improve to varying degrees and some of them even get better, completely better.