During the war not everyday ends up in a firefight; I find ourselves in-between battles… which is not a bad thing…. but what do you do during this down time?
Any good Marine would want to take inventory of his gear, weapon, ammo and supplies. If you had the option you would change clothes; not the type of clothes changing that involves when Jones changes with Smith; Smith changes with Brown and Brown changes with Jones… You want a fresh change of clothes….you would want to get out of the elements and stay dry. Clean your weapon and get some dry socks on… with a little luck you might even get a hot meal.
Today we had some down time… time to take inventory of the situation, check our gear and re-evaluate our game plan.
Adam worked on a few areas today; Art, Speech and Eating. There was a volunteer in the hospital who is an artist… she works with the kids in the hospital by providing art therapy. Adam loves to draw and this sparked an interest in him. I wasn’t at the hospital at the time but Cindy tells me this was an enjoyable time for Adam; They worked at drawing a snake for over an hour and a half. I was able to see his work in progress: Attached is a picture of his drawing which is pretty darn good for a kid who just had two brain surgeries , who can not talk and is beginning to get his motor skills back.
Adam’s 1st Drawing
Shortly after the art session Adam’s speech therapist showed up and they worked on identifying objects and forming words. Slowly, Adam is making some progress… he still has difficulties in finding a word to associate with an object. If I ask him where the TV is he can point to it, but if I point to the TV and ask him what it is, he struggles to find the word to describe the object. This is a source of frustration for him… you can see it in his eyes and in his expressions. He works hard in hiding his emotions from us and the others… I really don’t know why he does this, but Cindy seems to think that it is due to the fact that he does not want to disappoint anyone. The harder he tries the more frustrated he becomes… We have found that by not putting too much pressure on him when working on his speech he does much better… so we attempt to ask our questions in a more causal way… this seems to work best for him when trying to find his word associations.
Yesterday was a good day… another down day and a good time to take inventory and put some dry socks on. Adam, Cindy and Lindsey went for a stroll outside the hospital. Adam had to put on some dry socks… literally he had to put on socks… and his shorts and his shirt. Dressing himself was a big step forward.
The three of them went for a stroll… Adam kept pointing the way which was further and further away from the hospital… eventually they ended up by the lake… Lindsey asked Adam if she should go get her SUV and take him for a ride… Adam was all over that by the look on his face and the few words he could express… unfortunately the rules don’t allow a joy ride off campus… wait a minute… I did not know we had to follow rules during the down time… oh well.
Cindy and Adam on the stroll
Adam with a smile… The right side of his face is a little droopy. It will get better
Adam & Lindsey… We’ll miss you
We spoke with Dr. Lee today and he remains optimistic for Adam’s recovery… I know he was giving a couple of distressed parents a life line..My prayers tell me it is going to be ok.. but my heart still has it’s daily aches… I hold on to any good news or optimism… toss me that line.
Adam was able to keep some food down today… which is a blessing. A little mac and cheese from Lindsey and some Chicken Soup from Natasha Tate… Thanks Gal’s
Revaluation of the situation: Adam will need intensive speech therapy… At this point he will not be able to start school with the regular kids… but miracles can still happen.
Dry socks, shelter and hot meals… things are pretty good here.
Adam enjoying the outdoors
Adam Hawkes 
What an awesome drawing! This post made me smile as I read it. Good days are treasures! We continue to think of you guys and pray for each of you daily.
Looking good Adam. Keep up the good work. :-D. You are all in our thoughts & prayers . Brother & sister Hawkes, please know that you are thought off and in the heart and prayers of many. May it served not just a line but a beacon of light on the dark days. May the good days be many and may it stay. God speed.
Great job Adam. May the good days be many and may it stay. God speed.
Keep it up Adam, you can do it! I loved your drawing. You’re in our prayers!
You look good Adam! Yay for some sunshine!(: I didn’t know you were such an awesome artist!
Wow Adam you are looking good. I love your drawing. It is so nice to see you smile and in your own clothes finally… I can not wait for you to be able to go home so I could visit you. Just know you are always in our thoughts and prayers. Love you
Taking some deep breaths, enjoying the sunshine, getting artsy, venturing out, and looking good !!!
Fabulous, Adam !!! Love from M.& S.
Adam i love you man! you were my very first friend and i value our friendship! you are in my prayers! Get well Soon
Love
Braiden Childs
being outside makes me feel like everything can and will get better..I know thats exactly what it will do for you, I could tell by the look on your face. So excited for you- before you know it, this will all be a distant memory and your new life will be all you know. Keep up the artwork- if anyone knows me, they know I love how healing art is- that and being outside- PERFECT therapy in my eyes
From down in the trenches you see things in real time. The perspective you keep is inspiring.
Out here the progress is miraculous. I see a strong young man who is fighting hard. I see a handsome young man who smiling, walking, doing leg lifts (wow!), and creating a very detailed drawing. From here is it like watching an Olympic athlete train for the gold. Yesterday we watched Missy Franklin swim 2 events within 15 minutes of each other. That has rarely been done in Olympic swimming because the athletes usually need time to rest between events.
The first event was to qualify for the final in the 200 meter freestyle. The 2nd event was the final 100 backstroke. Both events were endurance races and would drain her energy significantly. She was determined to do it.
She took the advice of coaches who said to 1) take it one event at a time and 2) to relax as much as possible between events. She did just that. She took one race at a time. She relaxed her body and mind in between. She ended up qualifying for the final in the freestyle and winning the gold in the backstroke!
This Olympian reminds me of you Adam! Except your events have much higher stakes and far greater rewards, and more far reaching effects on the people who know you. Just remember to take one event at a time and relax in between. You have a huge cheering section! We have so much confidence in you! Just keep swimming.
Love you!
Mike, as I read your comments of the battlezone, I have thought so often why do certain people have to suffer so hard. Why can’t it be me instead of them? Then reason kicks in and I remember that all of us has our certain trials to adapt us for the person we need to become even though it hurts the onlooker with so much pain and agony. Be uplifted and know Him and His purposes for His precious ones.
Adam,
You look fantastic — even when you’re sleeping! Your progress is amazing & you remain a constant source of inspiration. Keep up the miraculous work1 We love you & are so very proud of you.
Mark & Marylin
Thank you for posting these pics with Adam’s update – it’s wonderful to see him smiling and very encouraging to see he’s drawing again! Bless the many different people who assist him in his daily goals through his recovery. I was thinking today how we strive through life and sometimes don’t realize the “assist” we get many times with our goals… how many times we receive that crucial help and don’t see or hear our biggest fan, greatest coach, and the most important team mate we will ever have beyond our family and friends- our Savior. But is is apparent here, in Adam’s journey, that you all gratefully acknowledge that “assist” in your blog and record the many miracles and mercies bestowed to share freely with all who read this page. I find myself looking more closely at what is going right in life and recognizing blessings and “assists” that I might have missed before. And the blessing of sharing your journey and what you discover along the way is both inspirational and humbling. Thank you Adam, and Mike and Cindy. ❤