Well folks, I've gone on a long journey but I'm happy to say "That's the end of that chapter...". My parents have been keeping up with this blog since the very beginning of it all those months ago, and frankly, they're tired. It's a constant worry on their minds; mostly my Mom's... sorry Dad. I guess I can say now that I'm home, it has been a long journey, but I am currently writing this from my basement at my house: I'm home.

Now that I say that if you ALL came over for "just a short visit" I'm sure I would be entertaining you all until I actually left this house. And then of course you would all feel that you needed to welcome me in there and we're back at square one. The specialists at the rehab center also warned me about over-stimulation. They said it would slow down my healing process. So I need to make this very clear, DO NOT stop by without asking us. Not if you had a new car and you wanted to take me for a super-fast drive, NO. Not if you were getting married and for some reason you felt as if you needed my blessing, NO. Not if you had a new baby and you just wanted me to meet them for a quick bit, NO. Keep in mind that if I met everyone who read this blog and learned just one thing about them, I'd be old! That's not to say that we are annoyed that the blog has gotten this much attention, in fact we are positively gleeful that I'm that important to you. That being said what began as being a tool for the destruction of lies about my situation has been turned into really serving your needs. It had to be said. Now I'm sure bad things will happen to me at some point in the rest of my life, but that kinda stuff happens in life, we ALL have to learn to pull our belts tight, hitch up our packs and move on.

That being said I'm sure the memory of Brandon will never leave us, it certainly will never leave me. Sometimes I am quite sure I can still hear his laugh, or see him smile... he's keeping me safe now, I can say that I have my own personal guardian angel. Not many can say that, not many can say they survived a brain injury either. The point is as my parents often tell me, "He's got your 6", and it's true! I can go happily through the rest of my life never afraid 'cause I got someone up there who's pulling for me. Brandon, he'll be close to us for the rest of time, there constantly when you're all alone I know... he'll be there. When you are surrounded by friends... he'll be there. And when I finally graduate, and it's my turn to walk across the stage and get that diploma... well I'm sure he'll be there. So really he'll never leave us, he has made himself immortal... and I, we, will NEVER forget him. So as a final message to him: Brandon, thank you for pulling me through that. It will be hard to go on without you but that's what you'd want, you'd want me to have a happy life full of good memories and as Mom always says, "he's up there kicking our asses!". Finally thank you Brandon, for teaching me so much about life, and sadly death, I'm pretty sure you'd have to look pretty far to find a 17 year old with as much life experience as I have. Thank you Brandon, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

So I am very sorry to say this, but this will be the last entry for a very VERY long time. Now I was a bit distressed when my parents told me this, but they're right, it's time for us all to get past this and leave it as a memory. I'll write on this the odd time, but take this as a farewell, time to get on with my life. And thank you for being involved and reading this blog and keeping up to date. This is my last chance to thank you all at once so, THANK YOU!!! (And my Mom and Dad thank you too) Well my friends, this is the end of this chapter and at camp we'd probably sing 'Lean On Me' or 'Will Our Friendships Be Unbroken'. So whenever you hum those tunes think of me, and how you are a good person because you helped, you really did. Well I won't say goodbye, I'll say see you later......

Your friend,
Jared

Yesterday was very hectic as there was a lot of activity with the different disciplines in updating and setting new goals, schedules, appointments for when Jared will be able to continue his healing at home. Jared was extremely proud that yesterday was the first day that he was able to complete his morning physio by memory and didn't have to check with his binder to see what exercise came next!! Wahoo!

Jared was also glad that he remembered to bring his camera this week and was taking pictures of people that have become a part of his healing team. Along this journey we have met some wonderful people. With today's blustery snow falling, Jared shared the joke that he had heard about the four seasons: ALmost winter, winter, still winter and then.... construction. Drive safe.

Jane and Gary

I want to apologize for what my father thought, I meant SPIDERMAN, not Superman... sorry Dad ;). I had a regular day with the exception of OT being cancelled. My therapists keep saying that I'm coming close to leaving, but my past history has taught me to not assume anything lest I be disappointed. Because of this, I decide to "not hear" everything they say about leaving. I won't believe I will have left until I'm outside that door, I think that's the safe way of playing it.

My Mom was back in today and as a little time-killer before supper we played some pool. Let's just say things didn't go too well, and it took us quite a while to get ALL the balls. But really, I can't move my right arm very well, at least I have an excuse! All I'm saying is if you were in a pool match for one million dollars; don't call on my mom. Sorry Mom. This is Jared saying once again that your continued support of myself by reading this blog is VERY much appreciated, thanks.

Jared

Jared had another great day accomplishing all his activities. The rehab computer was repaired so he was able to check and send some emails this evening. He then played pool with the recreation coordinator.

Jared completed the evening by watching his Superman 2 DVD. We will update again tomorrow night.

Jane and Gary

Happy Easter everyone !

Jared got to go home and sleep in his own bed this past weekend. He was able to put in his contact lenses using his right hand. His highlight was attending church on Easter Sunday. ALLELUJA ! At the conclusion of the service Jared was presented with his vigil candle which our church congregation has been lighting every Sunday since December 2007.

As a family we express our sincere thanks for your many forms of support and your daily best wishes. Jared is back at the rehab centre reflecting on his most enjoyable weekend.

Jane and Gary

Hi everyone,

Sorry there was not a post yesterday, but my Mom went back to the apartment very tired. The plan for the Easter weekend is to go away and again we won't be taking the laptop, sorry to all you who religiously look at this blog, I hope you'll understand it's another thing thats always on my Mom's mind. Anyways, I hope you have a very Happy Easter, and that I can tell you how good my Easter weekend was soon.

Bye for now,

Jared

Jared had a full day which included his first session of relaxation training. He said he almost fell asleep! At the end of the day he shared The Remembrance Day Ceremony 2007 at KES home video with some of his therapists. He was hoping that viewing this vedio would enable them some insight into what being a cadet entails.

The evening consisted of listening to Great Big Sea while playing cards. To bed earlier then usual as he was tired tonight.

Jane and Gary