The next session Roy was scheduled to have with Dr. Druthers, he and Joanne decided it would be best to meet together considering the lengthy talk between the two of them and their kids last night as they tucked them into bed. So, after peaking in on and Johnny to see how he was doing, Roy and Joanne made their way up to the eighth floor office. After explaining why they felt it would be easier to at least start out the session together, Karl quickly agreed.
"So, why don't you two just tell me what was discussed last night and we'll go from there," Doctor Druthers suggested once Jo and Roy were situated next to one another on the sofa with him sitting kitty-corner from them.
Glancing at one another, Jo took the lead.
"Well, I'm not sure how receptive or cooperative our kids were with everything yesterday," she began. "It seems they weren't real sure of things, not just with how to react around you, but I guess it didn't really hit them until they saw Johnny how bad things really were. It wasn't until then that it dawned on them that this wasn't just a normal type of injury for him and the impact might last longer than usual."
Nodding, Karl agreed, "It's hard on kids of any age to fully understand things until they see the effects themselves. It probably wouldn't fully hit them just what the issues Johnny has to deal with and the impact it will have on everyone until they interact with him more. They likely will continue to think things are just temporary until things are figured out one way or another. You two may have issues with that as well."
"I think I might be having more issues with the whole accepting things as they are," Roy admitted hesitantly when he felt his wife squeeze his hand gently. "Medically, it's one thing to know what's going on and the possibilities, but…well, it's still hard, you know?"
"It's completely understandable," the doctor reassured him. "And as Joanne pointed out, even though she is struggling a bit, considering all she deals with as a firefighter's wife, it helps her accept things as they are a bit easier and take things one day at a time. So, what did you tell Chris and Jenny about what they saw?"
"Well, I explained the medical side of things in a way that they could. Or at least, I hope I did. I mentioned to them that they could always ask one of Johnny's doctors or even you if there were things they didn't understand or needed more information about that I wasn't clear on. I also reassured them that I and Joanne would do our best to answer whatever questions they had and find out answers if we didn't know them," Roy explained. "I think it was a bit harder than we both expected since a lot of their friends had heard what happened and were asking them questions about they had about Johnny. Supposedly, one of Chris' friends asked if he was a vegetable or not."
"I'm a bit surprised at that," Karl Druthers admitted with slightly wide eyes. "How did so many of their friends find out about what happened and what was taking place with Johnny?"
"A lot of their friends have parents who are firefighters, police officers, or are in the department in some capacity," Roy told him. "Gossip gets around kinda fast and I'm sure that couples talk about what are going on and of course, the kids overhear even when the parents don't think they can."
"Yeah, that can be tough to deal with," Dr. Druthers acknowledge. "Were you able to give them any guidance to deal with these situations?"
"Well, both Roy and I just said that we knew it might be upsetting to hear what others say. In fact, sometimes, we hear rumors too about Johnny that hurt or upset us, but what we have to do is remember that those rumors are just that-rumors. For Roy and I, we need to listen and focus on what the doctors tell us, not the other people and inform others what is actually is going on to stop the spread of misinformation," Joanne piped in. "I let Chris and Jenny know that if something upset them too much, to let their teachers know and if needed, to call here and someone would find us. Then, we would listen to what they had heard and answer any and all questions they had, as well as let them know how Johnny was doing. If they could wait until after school, we'd respond to the rumors or what others were telling them. But I guess, we mainly made sure that at any time, they knew they could go to their teachers as we had let them know what was going on and we would be there for them."
Smiling, Karl was pleased at this. It seemed that both of these two people before him were concerned about their children and made sure that the proper people were informed. The couple also made sure the kids knew they were also available and were they would be if the need to reach them came up.
"I think what you did there was wonderful," he praised. "The most important thing a parent can do is make sure that their children know that not only they are loved and wanted, but can talk to them at any time. To make sure they know how to reach you is beyond great. It will help provide a sense of security during a time when I'm sure Chris and Jenny are feeling a bit unsure considering the situation."
"We also let them know that if Johnny came home, we might need them to help out a bit more with chores at first, besides their regular ones that is," Roy said, blushing a bit and trying to ignore the doctor. "We made sure that if John is allowed to come home, he'd be assigned chores, but at first, it might not be much considering his injuries. However, as he could do more, the chores would be divided up more evenly."
"I also made sure that they knew there'd be a chore chart on the fridge now to help everyone out and we'd be eating supper at a semi-regular time. It all depends on activities and stuff though," Joanne laughed a bit. "Sometimes, I just prefer waiting a bit longer until everyone is home so we can eat together. Oh!
"We," she glanced at Roy. "Made sure that Jenny and Chris knew that none of their activities would be canceled. It's important to all of us that they keep doing what they love. We just let them know it might be a while before Johnny trusts us enough to allow us to introduce other people into his life and then trust those people. Until he can trust someone other than us, we may have to get help from one of their other uncles if their activities begin or end at the same time."
"I think we got an eye roll from both of them at that," Roy smiled. "It's not an uncommon thing to happen when I'm working, although it's typically another parent from that activity."
"Sounds like you four covered a lot," Karl was impressed.
He had expected that this family desired to do what they could to ensure that John Gage would be allowed home with them, but he had never expected them to work this hard. Even with the kid's short therapy sessions due to their unease, it seemed as those last night the parents got through to them fairly well and if fact, if he was truthful, did some of his job for him.
Considering how well things went this session and knowing Roy would be joining his crew this evening, Dr. Druthers asked Joanne if there was anything further she felt she wished to discuss, either with or without Roy present.
"I don't think so," Joanne said, shaking her head of shoulder length auburn hair. "I guess after last night, talking over things with everyone helped a lot for me. I just feel, well, less alone and more able to handle this, considering Roy is pretty much where I am. I believe I can deal with how the kids are handling things and their emotions.
"Even if Roy isn't always so good at that part," Joanne smiled as Roy rolled his eyes. "Well, you're not! But anyway, he tries and he is able to discuss the medical part. By combining our strengths or whatever you wish to call it, as long as we know what might happen and how to deal with it, we might be okay. I'm not saying we don't need to talk things over, as I know if we don't, it'll just be too stressful, but I think we might be okay."
Smiling at the two of them, the doctor offered his thoughts, "I have a feeling you're right on the money Joanne. And as far as what to expect after Johnny wakes up, after visiting New Horizons tomorrow, I'll have a list of some things you might expect. A few things you might have been told about, some you might now have been, but I figure having a couple of copies to go over with your kids will be a good idea."
"Thanks," Roy said, standing up and shaking his hand.
"Yes, thank you Dr. Druthers. Hopefully after the talk last night, they'll be more comfortable talking over things with you today," Joanne said.
"Not a problem, and I'll see you with them in a few hours," he said smiling as he escorted them out.
Joanne's prediction about her children being more at ease proved true. Although both kids wanted to attend the same session, it became quickly clear why. Not only was it easier for both of them, but they also had a lot of the same fears that they had discussed.
"See, we both are just scared of what will happen if we slip and call him Uncle Johnny," Chris began.
"Yea," Jenny chimed in. "Won't he be confused and scared?"
"That is a very good question," Dr. Druthers said with a sigh. "And right now, I can give you a few guess on what may happen, but I can't tell you for sure since everyone reacts different."
Looking at his sister and seeing her bite her lip, a sure sign she was nervous and scared, Chris knew he had to take the lead.
"Can you tell us," he asked quietly, grabbing onto his sister's hand.
Noticing the subtle movement, Karl smiled inwardly at the show of support.
"The first thing is whether or not Johnny will recognize himself in the mirror. He may see himself as a seven year old child, or he may see himself as you two see him, as someone who is around thirty years old. Either way, since he doesn't know you, he would be confused why you are calling him uncle. If you are lucky, he might not notice and think you are asking for someone else," seeing the looking of confusion, he explained. "I say lucky, because if he believes you are talking about him, it may upset him. I don't want you to worry about that, but it is a possibility. It is even more likely to happen if he sees himself as older than he thinks he is in his mind.
"If he sees himself as older than the seven year old he believes he is, we can help Johnny deal with it," Doctor Druthers reassured the two children. "I will be talking with him anyway to help him accept things and I would try to find a way to help him deal with that problem as well. As to how I would, I do have to admit that I am not sure yet."
Seeing their crestfallen faces, he told them, "There is another doctor, one who deals with more cases like Johnny's than I have ever dealt with that I can always ask for help. I can also ask for help from many different places. This may be a challenge, but trust me, if it happens, I won't give up, alright?"
Shaking their heads yes, Jenny and Chris looked up at the doctor, seeing his sincerity.
"What other questions do you two have?"
"How do we help him when he comes home?" Jenny asked boldly, not willing to think about the possibility that Johnny wouldn't be allowed home.
"If he is allowed to go home with his family," Karl cautioned. "Then you can help by doing what your parents and you two discussed last night. A lot of that will help. You can also help by letting your parents know if you feel like you aren't getting enough attention from them, if they aren't listening to you, or making you deal with more than you can handle. If neither one are listening to you, then I'm told you have four other uncles from your dad's station you can call. Is that right?"
"Yea," Chris said morosely. "But they're not the same as Johnny."
"Unfortunately, no one will ever be able to take the place or be who Johnny was to you, unless Johnny recovers fully," the doctor told them truthfully.
"What are the chances of that?" Chris asked.
"I'm not sure, as I don't have the same type of degree as Dr. Early, but from what I understand it, I believe there might be a forty-percent chance he will heal from the bruises and the age regression."
"So, then he'd be back to normal?" Jenny asked excitedly.
Holding up his hand, Doctor Druthers said sadly, "No, not exactly. In the off chance he does recover from it, he could still develop other problems, such as memory issues. It all depends on where the bruises are, how bad they are and how long they take to heal."
"Yea, mom and dad said something like that I think," Chris said. "I guess we didn't listen."
"It's okay," he reassured them. "Considering everything, I think you two are doing well and are handling things at a level of maturity above your age level."
"Thanks," Jenny said shyly, blush.
"You're welcome," Karl said when it was obvious Chris was too embarrassed to speak. "Tomorrow, I'll be giving a list of things that Johnny may be dealing with when he wakes up and as he recovers. I'll be giving it to them after we all visit New Horizons. Your parents will have a chance to look it over, then go over it with you before meeting with me again. Does that sound good?"
The two of them nodded yes, before Jenny spoke up and asked why they were going there again.
"New Horizons is a new place, just about a year or so old, that is for people with brain injuries or who have mental disorders that don't allow them to live on their own. It's different than an institution, as these people are fairly normal, except for the age they act or the difficulties they have. Some, are like Johnny and can't take care of themselves, who don't have family that can take care of them, or have too many problems to live in a typical home. Others, have too many memory problems, but are young that they don't fit into a nursing home and a mental institution isn't quite right for them either as they still can do some things. Those with mental problems tend to be in the minority. These people tend to have the same issues as the others, but may have occasional outbursts. Typically, many of these people need medication and/or therapy, as well as close supervision, so that is what is available at New Horizons. It's a bit of a drive, as not many of these centers are around, but considering the resources available there, it is worth it.
"I want you two, as well as your parents and the station 51 crew to see this center and the people in it. I am hoping that Johnny will be able to go home with your family, but if not, I want all of you to know how the center is run, the type of people who run it, the staff and the resources available in the center. I mean, they have a gym, therapy room, private rooms and more. Anyway, I mostly want you to see the other people with brain injuries so you have a clearer picture of what Johnny might be dealing with. Each injury is different, but hopefully, this might prepare you a bit, even if it might be a bit scary. Does that make sense?"
Chris looked at Jenny and saw the terror behind her eyes. Giving her a hug, he whispered that it would be okay. When she calmed down, he released her, but held onto her hand.
"Anything for him," Jenny said with a quiver in her voice.
"Same," Chris said as he took a deep breath. "I'll make sure to take care of Jen."
Smiling brightly at the two brave siblings willing to go above and beyond what anyone would expect of them, the doctor felt a small ball of tenseness leave his stomach that he didn't know he had. Karl knew he had his concerned about releasing someone who would need a high-level of care such as Johnny into a family home with two preteens, but after seeing how these two supported one another and were thoughtful, he believed that this family would more than likely be the best place for him.
Especially if the station 51 crew is as dedicated to one another and their families as I have heard from so many people, Karl thought to himself.
Feeling as though this had been an unprecedented successful session, despite the still being hesitant and the caution he felt from the children, he decided to end the session.
"Is there anything you two want to discuss?" Dr. Druthers asked, wrapping up. "It can be with each other or separately if you'd likely."
"Not me," Chris said after a minute.
"Me neither," Jenny said a bit later, shaking her long, blonde hair.
"Alright than, I think your parents planned on taking you to see Johnny, than going home for supper. Then, you dad has an extra session with the crew tonight," he said, standing and walking to the door.
Grinning, Jenny and Chris both said, "Watch out for the phantom!"
"Who?"
Laughing the two of them exited, leaving a confused doctor behind them, as well as a puzzled mom in the waiting room.
I'm not even going to ask, Jo decided as she herded them out the waiting room.
"We'll see ya tomorrow, Doctor," Joanne said, trying not to laugh. "I better get the giggle crew out of here."
Smiling himself, he waved to the three of them before settling himself in his office to make notes on the most recent session. Yes, this family was definitely one of a kind.