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The next day was moving day for Ryan. Sandy and Kirsten let Seth out of school so he could be with the rest of the family as they brought Ryan to Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital in Carson, California. Although the drive was a good hour, it seemed to go by so quickly. They only had one full day and two half-days with Ryan and it seemed like a tease. But, the doctors and therapists at St. Francis did say that Ryan wouldn't be at Weldon for too long, provided he continue to improve at his amazing rate.

"You visit?" Ryan asked as the car pulled into the Weldon driveway. He was like a kid nervous on his first day of school.

"Of course, bro. Trust us. We're not leaving you. We'll all be together again," Seth replied, touching Ryan's right shoulder. Seth had no idea how much that meant to Ryan. "And plus, when I visit, it will give me more hard evidence for the blog. Right?"

Ryan laughed. "Rightt."

Sandy helped Ryan out of the car while Kirsten and Seth took Ryan's belongings out of the trunk. The therapists encouraged street clothes as opposed to hospital gowns because it helped simulate a normal environment. The Cohens made sure Ryan had all his 'normal' things he needed.

"Hello! You must be the Cohens," a nurse at the reception desk greeted with a genuine smile. It was a bit of déjà vu from last month when they brought Ryan to the St. Francis rehab department.

The doctors wanted to meet with all four of them before Sandy, Seth, and Kirsten left for home. They all headed for the private conference room.

"Ok, as I mentioned, we would like to discuss Ryan's goals for his time here. Obviously he has progressed remarkably well for someone with his injury in such little time. They must do great work over there in Venice! What did you think of Italy, Ryan?" one doctor, Dr. Mingo, asked.

Ryan thought for a moment. "No English," he decided matter of factually. Everyone laughed.

"I heard about the blog your brother started about you. What do you think of that?" the doctor continued.

Ryan laughed. "Blog good. Funny. They all tell me get better, so I do and they like. They talk to me when I'm not there."

"That's great! We're all going to start to read it, too. You've got some great friends out there," Dr. Mingo smiled.

"Yesss. I know," Ryan answered and laughed.

"Ryan are you still having headaches?" the other doctor, Dr. Lartigue, continued after the chatter stopped.

Ryan nodded. Noticing Kirsten's look he elaborated. "Here and here," Ryan continued, pointing to his left ear and the bridge of his nose.

Dr. Lartigue nodded. "We are going to fit you for glasses tomorrow. That should help you with the headache between your eyes. Has your vision been blurry?"

"Don't see nnice here," Ryan replied, pointing to his left eye.

Dr. Lartigue smiled softly. "I'm sorry about that. How do your right arm and right hand feel?"

Ryan looked at the doctors for a minute. They actually seemed interested in him. Why? Ryan looked at his left hand and clenched and opened his fist.

"Honey, your other side," Kirsten gently reminded Ryan as she patted the brace on Ryan's right hand.

"Yesss. Arm slow…hand no flat," Ryan decided was the best way to convey his feelings. It was true that his fingers would always have a bit of a curl, but his hand dexterity was getting better at St. Francis and the therapists were eager to continue his training.

"Ok. The therapists in Italy say you are getting better, though. Do you feel like you are improving?" Dr. Mingo contributed.

"Yesss."

"Why? What makes you think you are getting better?" Dr. Mingo was interested in seeing what Ryan made of the situation.

Ryan thought for a moment. "No wwheelchair."

"That's right. You're doing quite well with the walker. Do you notice anything else?" Dr. Mingo coaxed.

"I do reg thing. People say good. Say talk mmore is good, so I do and they like. Write nnice," Ryan replied with a shrug. He was just doing normal things and everyone was telling him he was doing well, so why not continue?

"That's great. Everyone is right. You're doing quite well," Dr. Mingo smiled.

"We are hoping that Ryan will use a cane when he leaves us at Weldon. We want him to be as independent as possible while being safe and not a fall risk. He will have balance issues as you have heard before, but we will get him to adapt the best he can. Balance is part practice part confidence," Dr. Lartigue continued, addressing Sandy and Kirsten. "His case file also says that his stuttering has lessened. That is obviously apparent, but in speech therapy they will focus on grammar and usage and de-jumble his brain so to speak. His right side is clearly affected and he will continue to strengthen it. Our goals are strength, safety, and getting him to as close to his previous abilities as possible. Do you have any questions?"

"How long will he be here?" Sandy asked right away. "The other doctors said not very long."

"That depends on his progress. If he continues at the impressive rate he is, I'd say were looking only at a few months, two maybe," Dr. Mingo answered.

"What about school?" Kirsten asked hesitantly. No one had even touched that subject.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Dr. Lartigue spoke. "Lets see how he progresses."

"When are visiting hours?" Seth asked as soon as he could. "Cuz now that's he's like, an hour away, trust me, people are going to be banging down the door."

Everyone smiled. "Visiting hours are from eight AM to eight PM. Just be quiet and you can let them all come in," Dr. Mingo answered laughing.

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ATWOOD AT LARGE

Where Seth and Luke get an A and We Tell You About Ryan's Day

January 18

West Side

So we know we've been offline for a few days…but never fear, we are back with a bang. We would like to first announce that Mr. Winslow gave us an 'exceeds expectations' on our first checkpoint for the computer project. We were talking and that was probably the first time we've ever exceeded anyone's expectations in school…so we thank you, Ry. We got extra for those pictures of you!

And yes, as we're sure you've all heard, Ryan Atwood is back on the west coast and he looks great! He remembered everyone and was very well oriented as well. He's doing great with the walker, too which makes him happy to move around freely. He's happy, we're happy. Some visitors came by Saturday and he was glad to talk with them and everyone commented on how positive he seemed. He was at home until Sunday and went to Weldon in Carson on Monday morning. There are some more pictures below of Ryan at home and at the rehab center!

Weldon, Weldon, Weldon. Where do we begin? We think Ryan might have landed on the psych ward (he didn't, don't go crazy). Down the hall is Buddy, the Vietnam vet who challenges people to races down the hall with his wheelchair, despite the nurses' scolding. Ryan just stared and then rolled his eyes at the guy when they met. I think Buddy got the hint. A few hours later, we saw a thirty-year-old patient named Jerry wandering the halls, passing out pamphlets about MS from the front desk. It's going to be an interesting couple of months, dear Ryan.

Ryan has a big day tomorrow. He will meet his roommate first of all. We can only hope he's an improvement on Buddy and Jerry! Secondly, he is due for some glasses. We can't wait to see what his reaction is. In all seriousness, we hope it helps his headaches and eases the strain on his left eye, but we also can't wait to see Ryan The Studious. We promise pictures soon. All part of the process.

We now have a special update: From The King himself!

Hellooo..!! to all of you nice people out there......So people there are so many of you out there reading!!! but thanks....Kirsten reads every! Blogggg is very FUNny and makes me get better!! Won't be long!! THANKs for messagesss! goodbye for now all of my computer friends
LOVE ME RYAN!!

Well, there you have it. Ryan may have improved verbally, but his computer skills…lets say he needs to take Computer Concepts with us!

Keep on getting better, Ryan and we'll see you soon!!

Until next time, this is Cohen and Ward, signing out.

---Click here for Photos---

Posted By: Seth and Luke at 3:21 PM---Click to comment---Links to this post---