A week can be a long time in life as we found out 9 weeks ago. They don’t seem to drag by as much any more, in the main because Darryl is forging ahead making such positive progress now. I have almost found myself looking forward to the next day, where for so many weeks I dreaded each new day and in the beginning I was struggling to even face them.
Darryl has turned a number of corners in recent weeks, each adding to the last and building hope from the ground up like a skyscraper under construction. But the major corner turned in the last week has been his return to talking! He is back!
As with all in recovery from serious brain injury, the old nerve pathways have been severed and you have to find ways to re-start them. This is easier with limbs and extremeties as you can manipulate them and make them work, but how do you do that with a voice?! When someone has ‘forgotten’ (for want of a better word) how to speak, how do you begin to re-start this essential function? I tried massaging his face and neck and this helped him to murmur but it was not improving anything.
Last weekend I had an idea that laughing might help as when you do this, sound comes out automatically. All I had to do was get him to laugh! Bearing in mind Darryl has had no facial expression since this incident I knew just getting him to smile would be a task, let alone laugh. As I mentioned last week, I decided to show him a video of someone farting repeatedly, which he found amusing enough that he did start to smile. A breakthrough moment.
Over the course of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday I made as many jokes and wise cracks as I could, trying to encourage laughter. And slowly the odd, beginnings of a chuckle sprang forth. I worked with this as much as possible and by Friday night we had some genuine “haha” sounds coming out. Friday night I spent about an hour getting to him make two haha sounds then three, then four and so on. I also had him do morse code haha’s like hahaaaaaha. He was now effectively able to make sounds (albeit needing to be kick started with a joke) and realise that he was reponsible and in control of the sound coming out.
The breakthrough came at about 7.3o am on the Saturday when I was doing this haha practice while I was doing his stretches. Once he was up and running and the “haha’s” were flowing I said hahaha – how, he repeated it back. Then I just said “how” and he repeated it. I then said “how are you” sort of all run to together, and he said “how are you”, to which I replied, I ‘m fine Darryl, nice of you to ask, then promptly burst into tears of joy as we both laughed.
From there, it was like a switch had been flicked and talking was back in gear. Over the next half hour I thought of as many words beginning with ‘H’ as I could and confirmed in my own mind, and his I expect, that he could and was doing it. Within a short period he was clearly saying three or four word sentences and while speaking slowly and needing considerable effort it was clear he could speak relatively normally.
So it was that with a little coaching as Catherine , Brook and Brenna, my parents who were down staying with us for a couple of days, and my brother Len and his wife and kids, entered his bedroom they were greeted with Darryl asking them “how are you doing?” And for each new visitor he asked, he shed a tear or two of joyful relief as the recipent of the question stood, mouth dropped open with tears running down their cheeks. It was very special. Brenna was absolutely gob-smacked and giggled uncontrollably as she stared at Darryl with rekindled joy.
Since Saturday morning Darryl has taken some degree of pride speaking to all the staff at the rehab and even shared a couple of words over the phone. Improvement in his talking was made even within 24 hours. And what a moment of pure jubilant relief it was when I asked Darryl how he felt about being able to talk again and he said “I feel good Dad”.
So that is a major milestone ticked off but there have been many others over the week. Each day brings a new set of achievements and improvements. Some of these this week have included progressing from having a few sips from a cup to downing an entire glass of water, gulp after glorious gulp. He had his first coffee today(abeit cold) he really likes a coffee.
Once he started progressing with swallowing water we started to introduce yogurt to him. He has gone from a teaspoon or two of yogurt, to this evening having baked beans, a scrambled egg, half a banana, half a pot of yogurt and a cup of juice. This was on the back of having a fairly impressive and equally sizeable lunch earlier in the day.
He now brushes his own teeth, not only exercises himself in bed, but arranges his his pillows, sheets and his right arm which has been in a cast most of the week as we have been working to break the tone and straighten it out.
This week has also seen major improvement in the gym, Jim, but not as we know it. He has gone from being hoisted to standing in a sling to just being stood up from a seated position and then helped to keep his balance. He does a quarter squat and then stands back up from it. He shifts his weight from one leg to another and bends each leg and re-straightens it.
He has now been sitting upright on his own for over two and a half minutes, doing bicep curls, shoulder presses and chest presses. He bridges (lying on his back with his heels up to his bottom) he lifts his bottom and back off the mat. He will do sets of 10 of these at a time. He then does trunk twists, twisting his legs from one side of the mat, up and over to the other.
He is doing resistance activities now where he is not just being stretched or doing an exercise, they are applying resistance to his movements to build strength. Each day he improves his range of movement and increases his strength, physical and no doubt mental.
It has been a very good week of progress and re-gaining a lot of what is taken for granted in day to day life. He has been in the rehab facility for almost five weeks. I can only imagine what he will be like in another five weeks time. I can not speak highly enough of the terrific team of skilled, caring and compassionate individuals who have been working with Darryl. It is definitely a team effort and they all go the extra mile, every day. We are fortunate to have such an amazing facility in New Zealand and even luckier to have the people working there that are .
Darryl, it has been a huge week and it is hard to single out one highlight from another. There are so many. But of all you have done to date, hearing your voice for the first time and seeing you cry with relief, surprise and happiness as it happened, is something I will never forget and will always treasure. It has been a monumental struggle for you so far and you have come so far, back from the brink. There is a long way to go and many stones yet to move but the load gets lighter with every milestone you achieve.
To hear your voice, your feelings and your thoughts over these last two days has filled my heart with a new sense of joy and hope. It is a major part of you that I feel we have back. The parallel universe we have traversed together has now become one. And it feels so good. It just feels so damn good.
Love you mate.
Dad.
I turned up here with my Sunday lunch, looking forward to reading through your week’s progress – I arrived as a normal functioning adult and slowly regressed to a creature who was trying not to let tears slip down her face as I fought to keep eating my sandwich so that I didn’t have to explain what had undone me.
Congratulations on your incredible achievements. I should expect no less but I usually come in trying not to expect too much.
Take care
Di
Awesome news, once again Mike your creative thinking and determination has unlocked another door so Darryl can step back into the world of being able to communicate for himself.
Your joy and relief at Darryl’s progress is so tangible through your writing.
It is just so awesome that laughter has spurred the progress!
Keep up the laughter this week, you’re awesome (have i said that before??)
Well done team Sabin!
Holy Crap
Now that was well worth waiting for Dazzla
Well done D
Ah mate that is really special and really amazing
we are so very stoked for you
That is so flippin huge
cant wait to have a catch up
We are bursting with huge pride and joy
for you Dazzla, Your update came at the perfect time
It always does…!!
Awesome progress yet again – we are so thrilled.
Well done Darryl… and Mike, Catherine, Brook and Brenna and support team. This progress would not be happening at the rate it is without your love, courage and committment. You are all an inspiration.
OMG – What a week Darryl for you and your amazing family, so very thrilled for all of you. Keep up the hard work, love the girls from the National Bank-Kaitaia.xx
Darryl All I can its amazing that you have came so far .Mike you are amazing with all the thoughts and ideas to help you son.
I wish you both a great week look forward to next week update.
What a week buddy!!!!!
Keep up the good work guys!!!!
Kia kaha!!!!!
Bill Thurston
From team Clarkie to team Sabin
WOW!!!We’ve been hanging out all week to read how Darryl’s progressing, but didn’t expect such a huge leap. Well done all of you.
Watching Aaron go through this, we are so aware of how much effort has to go into each little step forward, both from you Darryl and your amazing team.
Darryl, you are a total star – Mike, a super-star.
I just know that Darryl is thinking that if Dad thinks I can do this, well then, I know that I can.
You’re a fantastic family and that’s what’s going to get you through this.
Much love
Raye
Ive had a great week turning 60 and all that goes with that, but it was really topped off by the great news of your progress Darryl. As Ive said I dont know you, or maybe that should be you dont know me, cos I feel I do know you and your very dedicated family. We are not meant to wish time away but I cant wait to read Mikes blog in about another 9 weeks. This would be so encouraging reading for other injury people. Well done Mike for sharing cos we do care.
God Bless You All
Pip
Hey Darryl,
Congrats!! Beating the odds again. Must be really cool to have your voice back huh??
Things are tough on the farm (as usual). Too much rain the last few days has left surface flooding. The cows are grumpy at having to put up with the yearlings in their paddock (we’re doing AI). The calves are gutted to be kicked out of their pens and into the big wide world and Dad is annoyed that his daughter is struggling with the heavy workload.
I miss having you around to talk about my farming dilemmas, you’re such a good listener.
Nevermind, Life’s tough. Wish I could help you move your mountain but I’ve got bridges of my own to build.
Take it easy and all the best
Magicalhugs from the wetandwintery Far North
Hads
Hi Daryl,
Great to hear that you are doing so well. I guess the family can now look forward to having the old Daryl back. Love your Dad’s writing – I hope you realise, and I’m sure you do, what an amazing person your Dad is – I don’t even know him (or you) but I see how much love, caring and respect he has for you.
Yay go you!!!!
Luv
Beth
Hey Darryl,
Not to sure whats happening with me computor. THIRD attempt at talking to you. So please excuse me if I’m repeating myself and the other two emails get to you.
Wonderful news that you are talking again. That’s got to be such a relief that you can now say what you want and need aye my friend.
IT WAS SO AWESOME TO SEE YOU AGAIN.!!!!! I smiled most of the way home after visiting you it felt good. You surprised me at how good you looked ,that tidy little beard you got QUITE CUTE haha. And when you took my hand and gave our special hand shake
WOW I knew you were back then.
IT has been a bit wet since I got home. I guess those frosty mornings and beauty days have gone. School holidays start on friday ; yay says Rob. We are getting quite excited about our trip to Oz, and can’t wait to see on our way to airpot.
Will talk to you a bit later in the week bud. We love you heaps.
Hugs and love
TRACEYXXXX
Wow….. Patch Adams was right !!!
Fabulous, moving, reading. What on earth will Darryl be doing next week? I can’t wait for the next episode of this amazing (got to be published) story.
#:>)
That was certainly worth waiting for Mike.Well done to you both.Looking forward to the next installment.
Woah Mike, Well there you have it.
no words needed, apart from the fact i cannot stop smiling.
laughter really is the best medicine, yea?
welcome back Darryl, you’ve passed the test.
the worlds now yours for the taking! go get em tiger!
will continue to send vibes and rock out the odd solo for ya!
nothing but the very, very best,
enjoy the view from your skyscraper Darryl.
Kristy Pearson
OMG – HI Darryl, HOW are you? HOPE your feeling as thrilled for yourself as we are feeling for you!!! Can’t imagine the doors that being able to speak for yourself are going to open now mate… just so incredibly in awe of you and the way you’ve fought back and your “drive”. Now I’m speachless!!!
Hi Mike – once again your parental instinct has served you well. Darryls doing all this because you’re there suggesting and encouraging – what an incredible family you are – if you think he can do it, he’ll believe in you and give it his best… you guys (ALL OF YOU) are truely inspirational…
BIG LOVE !!!
Fantastic news guys, so thrilled for you all.
Well done Darryl! You are an amazing and inspiring young man!
Can’t wait for the next update!
Love Laura
AWESOME!!! That is such great news.
You are inspiration to us all.
Will keep watching your progress.
All the best
Well, more tears!!
Praise God and so well done Team Sabin!!!
Congratulations and keep up the wonderful work.
Sue.
Followed progress from word go as so many strangers have, and was so super to see what Darryl has achieved in this last week.Really missed the daily reports, but worth the wait. Will be only one way now and that is up.You are all an inspiration for each other. Such strength and belief and hope within your family and close friends,[4 legged included] has been heartwarming.Started off with despair, heartbreak and hope, this long journey “we” have all endured with you.What a toll it has had for Darryl’s dearest, we can only imagine.Congratulations and all the best for a great week ahead for you all.
Wow that is such awesome news. Your daily blog is like a documentary where you wait anxiously for the next episode, so having waited a week and then reading about your progress Daryl has been absolutely amazing and worth the wait. You must be very proud of yourself. Keep it up, that pile of stones is getting smaller and smaller.
We look forward to further news of your progress.
Hey, Good to hear the latest, a week seemed a long time but it was worth it when it arrived. Great news about your voice now you just have to imagine standing on a windy hillside and yelling loudly as Jimmy gets further and further away out of hearing!! Or you could try yelling at the All Blacks! Trust this week sees more great progress and thought might try and come and see you as down in Auckland studying so will see if I can find your latest digs.
Regards Jane
fuck hell… I knew it, i knew it. I knew he would be back. I am so dam happy for that. you are come back Darryl. every night I just sat there and wait for your dad new post to know your progress. you are back now!! YAY!!!!
Hi Darryl
It is so good to hear the progress you are making week on week,especially now with the talking department back in action.
I have been away in Gisborne buying Angus Bulls for the station and of course caught the dreaded flu while there.
Ben Shultz arrived on Wednesday with his helicopter to fly on urea to the bull fattening unit and spray the scotch thistles out on the Burn area.
Good to hear that Eric and Taz then Merv and Jimmy caught up with you in the big city.
Had a real wet and windy week-end up in the Far north.
Keep up the long strides.
Regards Kathleen,Max, Deane, Latimer, Lewis, and Sandy.
Wow, i am blown away!!! What a huge week it has been for u all!! Mike, you have put in such an effort to get Darryl where he is and I am sure this is why he is going ahead in such a big way! Total committment. Keep up the great work!
Dear Sabin Family,
I was so ecstatic to read this wonderful news today!! So many of us from around the world have been monitoring your progress and hoping and praying for your complete recovery and I am soooo happy for you all that it is coming in leaps and bounds. I wish you all the best and thank you for sharing your joys on this roller coaster ride with all of us.
Best wishes always,
Kelly Corcoran
Great to get the follow up.Dog trials next year Darryl is now a reality. Im keeping you to your promise to be at Dennis OCallaghans mid Feb to run Jimmy at our club trials Jimmy is getting better each day now with me. Im sure the time you had with him was really worth it to both of you.Will see you at the end of the month
Joy to the whole Sabin team
Merv
Ahhhhhhh !!! Dazzla
You little legend. I didn’t know what to do with myself when I read that you have started talking. I am so excited for you!!!! Oh Dazzla, how exciting.
Isn’t it fit that when you finally start using words, I’m lost for words! (In a good way.) :0
This is just the best thing ever! Well done, I can’t begin to imagine how awesome you must be feeling about it, especially when you realized it was starting to happen. Ahhh, again no words ….. to describe how awesome it is.
Just like I said I suspected many weeks ago, it was going to be like waiting for Christmas day to arrive but 10 times better when it finally did.
You are so amazing for coming this far this quickly. I really would like to come over and see you soon.
Amazing work Dazzla, you just keep on Dazzling everyone!!
XxXx Lulu*.
getwelldarryl.com to GoogleReader!
Yay
I have been anonomously reading this blog since it started but openly join in the celebration. This is the very best news – laughter and communication. Incidentally keep laughing as the old saying goes a merry heart does good, like medicine for both of you 
Thanks for sharing this.
Hey Darryl,
Hope your weeks going okay. The weather has improved up here a bit. Yesterday Terry and I went fishing for the day it was a lovely day on the water. We caught a good lot of snapper, 13 keepers anyway.
Took Jinx (my rattweiller ), for a boat trip she thought about chasing the bait on a few of my casts, then got bored and slept most of the day.
Today we went to Kaikohe Sales, grabbed an Advocate on the way and who’s on the front page….. Yep you are still famous my friend. It was the best headline anyone up here has read for a while thats for sure!!!!! McGarry sends his regards and hoping to get down to see you soon warn those nurses aye….
Great to hear you are eating REAL FOOD again, have to see if we can get a fishing trip in before we come down and bring you a feed of fresh fish.
Well thats my news for now
Talk to you soon
Hugs and love
Traceyxxxx
HOLEY CRAP!
thats friken incredable!
cant wait to hear your voice again,like lulu said its like cristmas day,you open up a really cool present but you dont quite no how to explain to the person how much you apreciate it!that sort of feeling just 1000x better!
All i can say is the hospital better stock up on food because darryl sabins eating again and any one whos cooked for him will no he likes a good hearty meal,with no leftovers!
im sooo happy for you elvis,
thinking of you
love always bonxx:)
(mike&whanau your doing an amazing job!)
Great to see your ‘ugly mug’ on the front page of the Advocate. Good Looking dog though! Keep up the good work.
Kind Regards,
Murray Owen
Portland Farms
Lookin Great on the Advocate Mr Sabin – still a heart breaker when all is said and done!!! (The dog looked good too!)
Мебель киев, Тумба. ООО «Балтик Хауз». Салон. Представляем Вашему вниманию высококачественную корпусную и мягкую мебель, а именно спальни, обеденные столы и стулья, гостиные от ведущих производителей Литвы.
You are a LEGEND!!!
Every time we read this you make such huge progress.
Keep those milestones ticking over mate.
All our love
John, Danica, Grace & Jamie
Morning Dazzla
Hope you have another great weekend
must be nice to get to see all your family
Bet you have come so much further
When Lulu* comes over we will come down
so looking forward to that BIGTIME
So stoked you are eating again
Will bring down some of your favourites
170 Calves in another few weeks and calving will
be over – Well till next year that is
Boys Play the kaitaia pirates this morning
so should be fun, they whipped us the last game
thinking of you non stop and willing you the
strength and power you need to keep up the fight
Take care
Tubbs Family
Hi Darryl
we have had a busy week on the station. We started weighing bulls on wednesday from the bull unit and the Paua Flats.Ended up with a unit load (truck and Trailer) and they were shipped off to Dargaville on thursday.
The last of the wether lambs were mustered in from Fig and Tim arrived on Friday morning to pick what he wanted for the works.
Ended up with 575 which is another unit load.They are getting loaded out this afternoon at 4.30pm.Stu Desmond is taking both loads.
Kathleen and I went to the Vet club dinner last night.Had a good night out.Eroni Clarke was the Quest speaker.
Keep taking those long strides.
Regards kathleen,Max,Deane,Latimer,Lewis,and Sandy.
Hi Darryl and Sabin family. Have been following your progress and so pleased that Darryl is getting better. Will continue to pray. Lots of love from your neighbours 34 Bayside drive. Lloyd and Colleen
Hi Folks
Hope you had another good week of progress and the rock pile is smaller.
Good to see your progress highlighted on the Advocate front page, there are lots of people interested in how you are all doing.
Keep up the good work, look forward to hearing this week’s progress report.