We hold up the sheet for Thomas to see, then for each letter we go, "Column 1? Column 2?" and so on until we get to the column containing the letter he wants. Then we read down the letters in that column until we get to the letter he wants, and write it down. It's sort of a combination of Hangman and Charades. Since he can't shake his head, he raises his right or left hand (R for "yes" or L for "no").
Tonight we're going to add two more sheets: one with common medical words (swab, pain, etc.), another with common words (pronouns, articles), so that he can indicate at once without having to spell exactly what he needs. For example we can show him the sheet, and go down the columns until we hit the word he wants, and he could indicate the word "Cold", for example if he needs a blanket.
Thomas also knows sign language, but it looks like his breathing tube will be out before he regains dexterity in his fingers. In the meantime, Natalie is working on learning some basic medical signs.
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Very creative. Sounds similar to the "tap code" Vietnam POWs used to communicate between enclosed cells. Just goes to show where there's a will, there's a way. As mortals, God gave us the power to creatively solve problems. I forget this sometimes, so thanks for posting this. For nothing, is impossible with God's help. I'm drawing so much inspiration from you all. Prayers and Blessings for this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteYou might enjoy watching "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly;" it's a very similar story. Prayers for a full and speedy recovery! We miss you at CatholicVote!
ReplyDeleteIf he can move his hand accurately (even if not his fingers), it might be better to give him a Morse Code chart and hook up a switch for him to press. I don't know where his hospital is, but I'm sure that any pro-life ham radio operator in the area could help with this. (I would, if I were in his area.)
ReplyDelete--de AA6MH
I'm a ham operator as well. It's easy to build a tone oscillator (beeper), and a beeper and key could be sent as a gift. Still it might be difficult for Thom to press a morse code key to sound a tone.
DeleteInstead, show him an enlarged version of a International Morse Code chart. Let him press the morse characters into another person's palm with the tips of his fingers. A second for a dot, two seconds for a dash. There are many characters in the code alphabet, but only a few are absolutely needed [Y, N, ?, BT ("wait"), AGN ("repeat"), etc.]
Prayers,
--de AB2T
My dad recently had major surgery and was on a breathing tube. I think that was the hardest part for all of us 8 children. He was able to write his thoughts on paper which we kept and are able to giggle over now. My dad doesn't remember anything about being in ICU which is probably a good thing. We will continue to pray for all of you, including the doctors and nurses!
ReplyDeleteI am praying so hard for Thomas to keep taking these little steps which will lead him down the road to future health and well being. How wonderful that he is surrounded by so much love and help and prayer. I invite Thom to think of the prayers of all of us out here beyond the hospital, in all our many states and countries, like thousands of sparkling fireflies going up to the Good Lord on Thom's behalf! They really are! God Bless You!
ReplyDeletePlease request a speech-language pathology consult ASAP. SLP's are specialists in communication and can certainly help.
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea!! you could carry it a little farther and also number the rows and then use a type of Cartesian coordinate system, Column 1, Row 2 for example would be F. God Bless you as you recover and your family!! May the angels surround an protect you and the Lord above guide the hearts, minds and hands of the medical team!
ReplyDeleteHave the speech therapist come in for a consult with Thom (if they haven't already)-- they have a lot of these communication devices ready to go!
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