Wednesday July 23, 2008

Ryan Update / Is That a Pledge Pin on Your Uniform?

Ryan Update 7-23
Ryan continues to progress and he continues to be in a great mood every day. Last night, Dr. Nelson stopped by to give us the news on Ryan's cast and wrist but she stopped to compliment him on his demeanor and attitude. She said that often times patients have issues where they are bitter and harsh. I can understand that but we are so thankful that Ryan is so pleasant to be around every day. I am biased so it was good to hear that from his doctor.

His wrist is getting better and they are encouraged about a full recovery there. Monday they took the cast off of his wrist and he spent the entire day without a cast on his left wrist yesterday. They will put a new one on today but it will be smaller. All of this is an attempt to straighten his wrist and it is working.

The doctors continue to tweak Ryan's medication and he is now on Ritalin. They are trying to increase his awareness and keep his brain working overtime in an attempt to bring the brain to its full capacity.

Ryan's long-term memory is amazing but he continues to have short-term issues. They call this TBI amnesia or traumatic brain injury amnesia. They still think his short-term memory will eventually come back.

He is talking a little better each day. It takes Ryan less time each day to respond and his words are quicker and clearer.

His days this week have been full of rehab for 5-6 hours each day. Yesterday he had cognitive classes followed up by recreational therapy where the therapist tried to play the card game like Uno with Ryan.

Yesterday's highlight came last night. In our normal life, Ryan and I watch the New York Yankees every night. Needless to say the hospital does not have the major league baseball package so we can't watch them now. So I got on cbssportsline.com and I did the radio play-by-play of the Yankees-Twins game for Ryan. I would stop about once per batter and ask Ryan questions about the players or the game in order to help with his long-term and short-term memory. At the end of every half inning I asked Ryan if he wanted me to stop or keep going to which he replied loudly each time, "KEEP GOING!" We got into the sixth inning before Ryan fell asleep. I never thought I this kind of bedtime story would benefit a 16-year old but like most of the days with Ryan, I think I benefitted the most.

God is in control and the only thing we can do each day is pray. Your continued prayers make a difference every day for Ryan and we want you to know that your prayers are felt all day, every day. Thanks again.

Is That a Pledge Pin on Your Uniform?
We had some fun the past two days on the morning radio show. Sometimes I think we all get too serious and I have not had a chance to let loose and laugh all that often lately but we had a great time again today.

The subject was proper apparel for college football fans. We played the audio clip from Sam Wyche's days in the NFL where told Bengal fans over the PA to stop throwing things on the field. He said, "You're don't live in Cleveland. You live in Cincinnati." I am sorry for offending some of you but you go to games in Clemson, you don't pull for UNC or Miami. So I came up with the following guidelines:
1. No Country For Old Men-For the male fans over the age of 25, please give up the jersey. It is acceptable to wear game jerseys if you live in the north. It is acceptable for pro teams. It is acceptable if you are under the age of 25. But if you are a 45-year old man you may want to consider heading down to Mr. Knickerbockers and getting a golf shirt, polo or t-shirt. There comes a time in a male's life where you turn from boy to man. Part of that transition means getting your jersey retired and graduating to an adult shirt. You pull for Clemson. You don't pull for Miami. Hang the jerseys in your Clemson room of your house.

2. Kissing Your Sister-They say a tie is like kissing your sister. The only thing worse than a tie in sports is wearing a tie to a sporting event. I understand you Frat boys have to do exactly as your superior tell you to but let's give up the tie. You will have plenty of time for sports jackets and ties later in life. Why not enjoy football during your college days? Ties are uncomfortable and cumbersome. Believe me young man, there will be a point in your life where you would kill not to have to wear one so why chose to wear one on a hot Saturday afternoon. Also they look really stupid with your croakie sunglasses holder and your ratty, stinky, smelly baseball hat that you have been wearing since your sophomore year in high school. Mr. Knickerbockers sells new hats too. On the subject of ties, if your boss (big brother) makes you wear one at least don't do the bow tie thing. Don't hand me the southern gentleman thing either. It did not work for Irvin R. Levine and it does not work for you. You don't go to school in Chapel Hill. You go to school at Clemson! Leave the ties for later in life.

3. Tricky Dick-I just don't understand grown men wearing Halloween style masks to games. Richard Nixon was funny looking and I know you want to get on TV but how can you see the game underneath that mask? Is it hot under there?

4. Green Eggs and HamI think Dr. Seuss was brilliant but come on. Don't you think the Cat in the Hat hat has run its course by now? It was a cute idea to have an orange and purple Cat in the Hat hat but do you have to wear it in the game? Seat equity has gotten expensive for many but it does not matter where you sit if all you see is the back of a four foot tall hat.

5. Court Fines-I know you want to draw attention to yourself but the Court Jester orange and purple hat is a little overboard don't you think? Nothing says look at me like that lid. The next step on the attention meter is to run on the field as a streaker. Maybe we should start handing out fines for the hats in a preemptive strike against future streakers.

I really don't have a problem with orange overall, orange pants, tiger paw pants, orange sear sucker pants, face painters, body painters or anything I can think of at this time. I am still undecided on grown men wearing orange crocs but I think they are still acceptable if that is your choice. At least they are comfortable.

Females have to tell us what is acceptable from a fashion sense but when it comes to football games I have one piece of advice. When in Rome do as the Romans. The first time I went out in South Beach in Miami I wore a polo and khakis but walked into the club to see everyone wearing silk black shirts, black pants and black shoes despite it being 97 degrees outside. I stuck out like a poo in the punch bowl. When in Rome. There is nothing wrong with the golf shirt/t-shirt, shorts, jeans, khakis, tennis shoes, cap or visor. Just keep your fanny pack from hitting me in the side when you stand up to cheer.