Another good day.  I arrived earlier than usual, because I knew that lunch would be unpalatable for David, so I brought some of the chicken parmesan with me.  I got there in time to catch some of his speech therapy, and it is always interesting and often entertaining.  Siobhan said that earlier, she gave David the opportunity to use one of his favorite words – bacon – but when it came time to use it, he couldn’t.  Today, it was a word that sounds like bacon – bake.  She has started some work with phrases and rhythm and tone, and we talked about music and singing and the effect it has on speech.  She says that while it certainly isn’t harmful to sing and use music, there is very little proof that it helps improve spontaneous speech.  The method she is using is similar to what Liat did with tapping out the rhythm of words, and adding a little tone.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.  I have to say, the speech therapy is what I find most fascinating.  Why do some words come back, and other don’t, and why are there some words that he will repeat over and over again on one day, and not be able to use when called on?

Oliva Truland visiting DavidAnyway, I ordered a new sling for David’s arm that will be better for keeping his shoulder in place when he is out of the wheelchair.  He hates the slings that the Jewish Home provides, and I think he will not like this one either, but it is important to keep his shoulder from separating from his arm.

We had a terrific visit from Burke Alum, Olivia Truland who gave some great chocolates and macaroon from Godiva.  A terrific visit, thanks Olivia!