March 2015 - Road Trips, TV & BYU

AJ & Alexis with Ivy-dog.

AJ felt like visiting home this month, so we hopped in the van and made the 10 hour drive!  It was a smooth drive with a few additional stops so AJ could get out of the car and move around. Sitting in one place for too long can cause pressure sores so he has to make sure to move himself often.  He also found that he doesn't sleep well in cars anymore.  Maybe that will resolve over time.  He also made an overnight trip to California with Alexis for a friend's wedding.  He loved being back in California and seeing special people that he hasn't seen since before the accident.  To go places overnight requires a lot of equipment or really strong people to help with moving him.  AJ was grateful to Alex's dad and brother who powered him around for the visit!

KSL, the local news station in Salt Lake City, UT, did a piece on Neuroworx, the physical therapy place AJ attends. In the news piece they told some of AJ's story and interviewed him.  If you want to watch the piece, just go to http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1010&sid=33725531#eHsuwTEAreUX82Ai.01.

This month AJ also registered for Fall classes at BYU and signed up for an online class -- a refresher in Calculus.  From the pic he took and sent to us you can tell he's excited to be back! He used a fine tip Sharpie that can be clicked on and off for this writing.  He has found that the small amount of movement in his left thumb and middle finger gives him a good enough control that it's worth becoming a lefty!

 BYU has an Accessibility Department where students go for assistance with their individual needs.  Before school starts, AJ will meet with them to discuss things like help with note taking and the type of software he may want to purchase for his schooling.  There's a lot to consider and get arranged.  Luckily, AJ has always enjoyed school.  Now there will be many new challenges for him to tackle!
We know he can do it!