A Taste of Chocolate

Since the blood clot incident, Kevin has had several positive experiences at Santa Clara. He is starting to do things on his own, such as call the nurses himself and tell them what he needs. Up until this point, we would try to figure out what was wrong, call the nurse and explain the problem. For Kevin to do this himself is one important way for him to regain independence.

Kevin is also growing more comfortable with using his voice, now that he has the trache out. Last night, Kathlin put on some music, and Kevin started singing along to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Back when Kevin was first diagnosed with cancer, he didn’t want to hear any music he’s familiar with because it brought back too many memories and made him depressed. Now, his mental state has improved to the point that he doesn’t just want to listen to the music he knows and likes, he also wants to sing along!

This shifting attitude—of no longer being afraid of things that might bring back good memories—is also playing out in the items that Kevin wants to decorate his room. We’ve had the “WE MISS YOU KEVIN” poster from the Colgate Geology department on his wall for a couple weeks now, and the other day, he asked us to re-read out loud all the things people had written. He even started reading one message himself, so his eyesight is dramatically improving along with his attitude.

Kevin received a new treat today from the speech therapist. Kevin tried to swallow applesauce a few days ago, and today he got to try swallowing chocolate pudding. It must feel wonderful to taste chocolate after tasting nothing for weeks!

We truly appreciate everyone sending your love and support to Kevin. Please keep posting your wonderful, inspiring messages to him; he might soon be up for reading them himself!