VEEG, School, and Christmas

  • Post category:EEG / Holidays / School
  • Reading time:6 mins read

VEEG

James had been doing annual VEEGs (video EEGs) for many years as a way to look at seizure activity in his brain to see if there were any changes to his meds or VNS that should be made. VEEGs are usually done in the hospital, but we skipped 2019 because of his spinal fusion surgery, and due to Covid, we opted to do an at home VEEG last year. A couple of weeks ago he did a VEEG in the hospital for the first time since 2018.

 

James sits in a hospital room with multiple EEG electrodes attached to his scalp, held in place with gauze and adhesive pads. Thin colored wires trail from each electrode, indicating he’s undergoing a neurological monitoring procedure. He wears a red‑and‑white patterned neck pillow and a shoulder harness. In front of him are cabinets, a countertop with medical supplies, and bright square artwork on the wall, giving the space a mix of medical and personal touches. The scene centers on careful monitoring and calm support in a clinical setting.
Getting the EEG leads put on his head

 

James lies in a hospital bed wearing dark pajamas decorated with Christmas trees and red vehicles. His head is wrapped in a white bandage, with medical electrodes attached for monitoring. He rests on a folded hospital towel with blue, pink, and white stripes. Beside him are wires and monitoring equipment, and the room includes chairs, a medical cart, and other hospital furnishings. The scene reflects careful neurological observation and a quiet moment of rest in a clinical setting.
Head wrapped in gauze to keep the leads in place

 

Nothing major to report. He does have these little twitches in his hands from time to time, which we thought may be seizure related spasms, but they are not. We’re not sure what is causing those twitches, but I guess if they’re not seizures, it’s a good thing, right?

While he was there, the neurologist took a look at the status of the VNS and it showed that the battery had between 11 and 25% life left it in, which means he will need to get it replaced in the near future. They didn’t see much seizure activity on the EEG, so the neuro decided to reduce the numbers on the VNS a little bit so make it last a little bit longer. If we see any increase in seizures, we can always have those numbers put back to where they were. We really haven’t seen much, if any, visible seizures since his spinal fusion over two years ago.

The worst part of the VEEG is probably taking the probes off.

 

James lies in a hospital bed wearing dark festive pajamas with a holiday pattern. His head is free of the EEG leads now, with only a few remaining wires near his neck and a nasal oxygen canula resting close to his collar. A white towel and a blanket with red designs cover part of his chest. Medical equipment sits beside the bed, and hospital furniture — a chair, a cart, and monitors — fills the background. The scene reflects the quiet period after EEG removal, with James resting calmly in the clinical setting.
Messy hair after the EEG leads were removed

 

 

School

In early December James had a rough day at school with some respiratory issues. Stacy decided to keep him home the following day for a “mental reset” as she called it. That must have been just what he needed because he’s been fine ever since. I think we all need days like that. A day to just take a step away from the normal hustle and bustle of our busy lives to just sit back and relax. I know that it’s something that I should do more often.

A couple of weeks ago we got this letter in the mail from his school:

 

A printed school letter dated December 8, 2021 announces that James earned a place on the Junior High Straight “A” Honor Roll for the first trimester. The page explains the GPA ranges for each honor‑roll category and lists James’s name under the 4.00 GPA section. The letter closes with congratulations from the school’s faculty and staff and includes the principal’s signature. The document is formatted in a simple, formal layout on white paper.
A letter from school notifying us that James made the Honor Roll

 

While I am extremely proud of his achievement, I am a bit curious as to how someone like James gets straight “A’s”. He can’t do much without the assistance of others. He can’t read or write, and therefore would be unable to take a test without assistance. What exactly are they grading him on?

Is this like when they started giving out participation trophies in kids’ sports. What lesson is that teaching the kids? That you get a trophy just for showing up? That is not how life works. I can’t just show up to my job and expect to get paid. If I don’t do the job I was hired to do, I get fired.

Don’t get me wrong. I am so proud of James for all of the obstacles that he has overcome. As a matter of fact, I am inspired by him. He has taught me that the excuses I sometimes use as reasons why I can’t do something are invalid. I am just questioning how he is graded and how he made the honor roll. That’s all.

 

 

Christmas

Sometime in November I was scrolling through Facebook and there was one of those Amazon sponsored posts of “things you might like.” Most of the time there are things that would either be cool to have, but don’t need, or “why in the world would you think I would like this”. This time though, it was a Cars movie Christmas advent calendar. That would be something that James would like. I was about to order it but had to see if there was such a thing as advent calendars for dogs. I had to be fair, you know. There actually are advent calendars for dogs, so both of our kids got advent calendars this year.

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner with a small stuffed dog resting on his shoulder. He holds a tiny red toy car in his hand. In front of him sits a Disney Pixar Cars advent calendar decorated with Lightning McQueen, Mater, and other characters, along with numbered doors for each day. The box includes bright holiday colors and cheerful graphics. The scene feels festive and cozy, capturing James enjoying a holiday countdown with familiar characters and toys.
James’ Cars Advent Calendar

 

Our dog Maggie lies on a carpeted floor wearing a red patterned bandana, resting comfortably beside a person holding a festive dog advent calendar. The calendar shows a snowy holiday scene with houses, a Christmas tree, Santa, a snowman, and several illustrated dogs along the bottom. Numbered flaps run from 1 to 25. The moment feels cozy and playful, highlighting a holiday tradition adapted just for the family pup.
Maggie’s Advent Calendar of treats

 

Every day from December 1st through December 24th they each get to open the corresponding door of their calendar. James’ Cars Advent Calendar was kind of like a puzzle. Each morning James got a piece (a car, a part of the racetrack, tool chests, tires, etc.) and we put it together as the days went on. On Christmas Eve it was complete:

 

A small toy racetrack sits on a wooden surface, shaped like a rounded rectangle with several miniature Cars characters positioned around it — Lightning McQueen, Mater, and others. The setup includes tiny accessories like colored flags, traffic cones, tires, and pit‑stop boxes arranged around the track. A “Piston Cup” scoreboard stands at the back, completing the look of a playful, detailed racing scene. The whole setup feels bright, organized, and full of the movie’s energy in miniature form.
The completed Advent calendar “puzzle” on Christmas Eve

 

Each day of Maggie’s advent calendar contained a couple of small treats that I would give her when I got home from work. She is a good dog and probably wouldn’t get into them when we weren’t looking, but I kept her calendar on top of a bookshelf in our living room, just in case. It didn’t take her long to learn the routine, and as soon as she saw me come in, she’d come and greet me, and then go sit or lay by the bookshelf and wait for the goodies.

 

Our dog Maggie lies stretched out on a carpeted floor in the foreground, relaxed and facing the dining room. Behind her is a couch covered with a dark patterned blanket, with pillows and extra blankets piled on top. An IV pole stands beside the couch with a gift bag hanging from it. Two framed panoramic city‑skyline photos are mounted on the wall above. A large black arrow has been digitally added, pointing from Maggie toward the top of a tall book case inside the doorway. Soft daylight filters in through a window with blinds on the right, giving the room a calm, lived‑in feel that blends home comfort with medical care.
Maggie waiting for her Advent calendar treats

 

 

On December 5th we took James to visit Caring Santa at the Mall.

 

James sits in his wheelchair with a red frame, black seat padding, and footrests secured with straps. He wears a gray long‑sleeve shirt featuring a red‑and‑black plaid dinosaur graphic, blue jeans, and a colorful cartoon‑patterned neck pillow. The background is a winter scene with artificial snow on the ground, cool blue lighting, and a mural of snowy mountains and a frozen lake. The moment blends adaptive mobility with a festive, themed environment, giving the scene a bright, inclusive winter feel.
Waiting to see Santa

 

James sits in his wheelchair beside someone dressed as Santa Claus, who has a hand on James' shoulder in a friendly holiday pose. James wears a gray sweatshirt with a red‑and‑black design and blue jeans. Behind them is a winter backdrop with snow‑covered trees, giving the scene a bright, festive feel. A red banner at the bottom reads “2021,” marking the year of the photo.
Merry Christmas Santa

 

A week later, Santa stopped by our house. James was chosen as one of a handful of kids in our town to get a special drive-by parade with Santa being escorted by the police and fire departments.

 

A black‑and‑white police SUV drives down a residential street, decorated for the holidays with a large red bow on the front door and red‑and‑white accents on the rear window. Suburban houses and a tree sit in the background, with patches of grass across the lawn. The scene blends everyday neighborhood life with a cheerful, community‑focused holiday touch.
Santa’s police escort

 

A red pickup truck drives down a suburban street decorated for Christmas with bright red and green panels, ribbons, and ornaments across the back. A person in the passengers seat wears a Santa hat. The truck has markings on the side, including the number 36, a 311 sticker, and a sleigh‑and‑reindeer graphic, suggesting it’s part of a holiday parade or community event. Houses, bare winter trees, and a clear sky frame the background, giving the scene a cheerful neighborhood holiday feel.
Hi Santa!

 

A red fire truck drives down a residential street with the number 52 displayed on the front and side. A holiday wreath hangs on the front grille, adding a festive touch. A firefighter sits inside the cab. Houses, bare trees, and scattered leaves on the lawn set a late‑autumn, early‑winter backdrop. The scene blends everyday neighborhood life with a cheerful community holiday moment.
The firetruck was part of Santa’s escort

 

Here is a video of the police and fire departments, and Santa stopping by to wish James a Merry Christmas:

 

 

Christmas Eve we spent with my mom and step-dad at their new condo. Their building management really goes all out with decorations.

 

James sits in his wheelchair indoors, wearing a plaid shirt, jeans, and a colorful face mask. Behind him stands a large illuminated snowman decoration with a black top hat, red scarf, and simple stick‑style arms. Beside the snowman is a woven basket filled with pinecones, greenery, and decorative snowflakes, adding to the winter theme. The room is softly lit, with warm tones and wooden flooring creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.

 

James sits in his wheelchair with medical support equipment attached, wearing a plaid shirt and jeans. Beside him, Stacy, wearing a green shirt and red‑and‑black plaid vest, kneels and smiles, while Jeff stands behind them in a red sweater. The group is gathered near a festive holiday display featuring a decorative sleigh filled with plush snowmen, wrapped gifts, greenery, and artificial snow, all set against a stone wall. The scene feels warm, cheerful, and full of holiday care and togetherness.

 

A detailed Christmas village display features colorful gingerbread‑style houses decorated with icing‑like trim and candy accents, all set among artificial snow and small evergreen trees. A model train labeled “Disney Dream Express” and “Merry Christmas” runs along a track in the foreground, its red and green cars adding to the festive feel. Nearby, a tiny horse‑drawn wagon carries barrels, and in the background more small houses and a sleigh with reindeer complete the whimsical holiday scene. The whole setup feels bright, nostalgic, and full of cheerful winter charm.

 

A long indoor hallway is decorated for the winter holidays, with polished wooden floors marked by a geometric pattern outlined in blue‑green tape. Two Christmas trees stand near the entrance, lit with white lights and silver ornaments, with artificial snow gathered at their bases. Large white snowflake decorations hang from the ceiling’s wooden beams, creating a bright, festive canopy. Glass doors line the corridor, warm wall‑mounted lights glow along the sides, and potted plants sit farther down the hall. The scene feels elegant, cozy, and full of winter cheer.

 

Eight people sit around a large rectangular dining table in a warmly lit restaurant or dining room. The table is neatly set with menus, folded white napkins, silverware, and glasses of water. Wooden paneling, patterned carpet, and framed artwork create a cozy, formal atmosphere. The group appears gathered for a shared meal or special occasion, with a relaxed, festive feel in the room.
Had a nice Christmas Eve Dinner with family

 

 

Christmas Day it was just the four of us at home relaxing and watching Christmas movies.

 

A festive Christmas card shows James wearing a red shirt with green sleeves. The shirt features a cartoon moose in a striped scarf with the word “Moosletoe” underneath. His pants have a repeating pattern of moose and trees. The card has a green border decorated with white snowflakes and stars. At the top, bold text reads “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” and at the bottom, “LOVE JAMES.” A cheerful cartoon moose wearing a red‑and‑white hat and scarf appears on the right side with the words “BE MERRY” on the scarf. The overall design is bright, playful, and full of holiday cheer.

 

James’ gifts included clothes (because he doesn’t have enough already), a few DVDs, a Snoopy stuffed animal, and a different Cars Advent Calendar that he’ll have to wait until next year to open.

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner, covered with a blanket decorated with Snoopy and Woodstock. He has a nasal oxygen tube and holds a small brown stuffed dog close to him. On top of the blanket sits a Snoopy plush wearing sunglasses and a blue hat, holding a blue guitar, along with a tiny golden dog figurine nearby. Behind him is a gray couch, a bag filled with toys, and a blue gift bag with white patterns. The scene feels warm, personal, and full of familiar characters that bring comfort and cheer.
Snoopy blanket, Snoopy stuffed animal, and a dog ornament

 

James rests on his cushioned recliner, covered with a blanket. He has a nasal oxygen tube and a small stuffed dog tucked near his shoulder. Two festive socks lie on top of the blankets — one red‑and‑white striped with a Santa design, the other light blue with white snowflakes and a sloth face. Behind him is a gray couch with a few toys and items nearby. The scene feels quiet, warm, and full of soft holiday touches.
Cozy socks

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner with a camouflage zip‑up jacket draped over him. He has a nasal oxygen tube and a small stuffed dog resting near his shoulder. A blanket with cartoon monkey designs is nearby, and part of another person or animal is just visible in the background. The scene feels calm, homey, and centered on rest and care.
Comfy sweatshirt

 

A collage shows two side‑by‑side photos of James resting on patterned blankets with a small plush dog near his shoulder. In the left image, a black T‑shirt is laid across his chest featuring a red cartoon car and the phrase “I WAKE UP AWESOME.” In the right image, the plush dog remains beside him, and several items are arranged nearby: a toy monster truck and two illustrated children’s books titled “JOEY the SUPERSOCKS HERO” and “JAKE Travels Back In Time.” The overall scene feels warm, personal, and centered on comfort and small gifts that bring joy.
Shirts and books

 

Two items sit on a carpeted floor. On the right is a Disney Pixar “Cars” advent calendar featuring Radiator Springs characters in a snowy holiday scene, with numbered doors and bright winter decorations. On the left is a DVD case for “PAW Patrol: The Movie,” showing the animated PAW Patrol characters in a bold, colorful layout. The pairing feels cheerful and kid‑friendly, full of familiar characters and holiday excitement.
DVDs and a new Cars Advent calendar

 

For dinner we had smoked ribs, grilled sweet potatoes, and Stacy’s famous corn casserole. Okay, maybe it’s not exactly famous, but it’s a hit around here. I look forward to it every Thanksgiving, so this year when I got to have it for Christmas, too, it was a bonus.

 

A stovetop holds several finished dishes. On the right, a baking sheet carries two racks of ribs with a dark, glossy glaze. On the left, a white rectangular dish is filled with halved sweet potatoes topped with a line of melted marshmallows. Behind them sits a square glass dish of corn casserole with a golden crust. A few containers sit off to the far left. The scene feels hearty, home‑cooked, and full of comforting holiday flavors.
Christmas dinner

 

Well, I guess that puts a wrap on 2021. Pun intended. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and have a safe and happy New Year. I can’t sign off on 2021 without saying thanks to all of you who had a part in our lives this past year. Even if you’re not local but follow James and keep him in your thoughts and prayers, that counts, too. Thank you all.