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This is the tribute to Bryant's full life. We miss him so much.
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Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
From Nate
The following few entries are from Nate, Bryant's teacher. They really say everything about Bryant I can't find the words to express right now and he does it so well. I will post more "notes about Bryant" later.
Lessons from Bryant
Bryant loved music. He loved to listen to music but he truly loved any opportunity to make music. He had many favorite instruments. He loved his drum and maraca. He would constantly choose songs to listen to on his piano. Bryant's favorite instruments were ones which he could play through his trach. He liked to play notes on his recorder but when I would bring my harmonica, which was every time I came, Bryant would ask non-stop to play. He liked to listen to me play the harmonica, but to see him "cough" (big H's Bryant) into the harmonica was exciting. The size of his cough he would make in order to play some music was far beyond his normal cough. Once again, this is just another example of Bryant doing anything for a little bit of a laugh.
Lesson: Laughter!
In these last few days, I have been trying to figure out not only what I was able to teach Bryant, but what Bryant was able to teach me. There was so much he offered me. Most importantly though, was teaching me the power of laughter. Often we are told to live life in certain ways. These methods and techniques often sound great in theory. However, they rarely transition to real life. They are just impossible to enact. Of all the things that Bryant has taught me, above all he has taught me to laugh. To always laugh. Of the importance of laughter. Bryant always found laughter. If he wasn't laughing, he was planning his next joke. I think that Bryant would want all of us to laugh. After all, if we can't laugh at something, what is its value? If something isn't fun, spice it up. Wear that silly hat or giggle glasses. Throw in a few notes from a harmonica. Whatever it takes to enjoy life. Enjoying life. With everything that Bryant endured, he was a poster child for how one should live in order to enjoy life. He wasn't always doing something enjoyable, but he was always, always, finding a way to enjoy it. He surrounded himself with people would laugh with him and allow themselves to be laughed at. Bryant understood the importance of good friends. Their importance is simple: provide that laughter and love that we so desperately crave and need. Let us all remember to laugh. It may not be as easy to laugh as it was for Bryant and it certainly won't be as easy to laugh without him. He was a catalyst of laughter a constant joker and it may take more work for us to be as happy as he was. But Bryant would want us to know that it is worth it.
Lesson: Laughter!
In these last few days, I have been trying to figure out not only what I was able to teach Bryant, but what Bryant was able to teach me. There was so much he offered me. Most importantly though, was teaching me the power of laughter. Often we are told to live life in certain ways. These methods and techniques often sound great in theory. However, they rarely transition to real life. They are just impossible to enact. Of all the things that Bryant has taught me, above all he has taught me to laugh. To always laugh. Of the importance of laughter. Bryant always found laughter. If he wasn't laughing, he was planning his next joke. I think that Bryant would want all of us to laugh. After all, if we can't laugh at something, what is its value? If something isn't fun, spice it up. Wear that silly hat or giggle glasses. Throw in a few notes from a harmonica. Whatever it takes to enjoy life. Enjoying life. With everything that Bryant endured, he was a poster child for how one should live in order to enjoy life. He wasn't always doing something enjoyable, but he was always, always, finding a way to enjoy it. He surrounded himself with people would laugh with him and allow themselves to be laughed at. Bryant understood the importance of good friends. Their importance is simple: provide that laughter and love that we so desperately crave and need. Let us all remember to laugh. It may not be as easy to laugh as it was for Bryant and it certainly won't be as easy to laugh without him. He was a catalyst of laughter a constant joker and it may take more work for us to be as happy as he was. But Bryant would want us to know that it is worth it.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Telling time and horses
Bryant's Timing
We all have varying abilities to tell time without a clock. Bryant's seemed spot on. Whether he used his surroundings to figure out time or he just knew, I know not. What I do dkow is that despite his love of school, when school was over for the day, he got to watch what he wanted. What motivation! It seemed as if everday when school time was nearing completion, he would start to let me know that he wanted to lie down and watch a movie. Of course, I would tell him to wait a little bit longer. His next move was to back away from me and move closer to his bed. Of course, his bluff was normally called. When I asked him to come back to the computer, he would laughingly come back to finish our book, word, or song.
Meeting Horses
As I mentioned earlier, Bryant had become fond of taking walks last fall. Most of these walks were limited to the driveway. If we were adventurous we would make it all the way to the nearby cul-de-sac, a new road with few houses and even less traffic, the construction workers were it. However, one day, Christine and I decided to extend our trip a little bit. Instead of turning up the road, we would head straight a little ways longer and reach a horse farm. Our walk started out as usual, Nate acting like a fool with Bryant in tow, running as fast as possible down the driveway. Bryant was having a blast. That is, until, we "forgot" to take the right onto the cul-de-sac. Bryant became instantly nervous. What's going on guys? Christine! We missed the turn! He was ready to turn around so we could get to the new road. Of course the three of us persevered. We continued straight and on our way toward the horses. All the way there, Bryant was wondering what was up. Why we weren't where we were supposed to. He was suspicious. Then we rounded the corner. It was in sight! The horses were in front of us. It took a little while for Bryant to realize that we were at a a farm, and that there were horses right in front of us. As soon as he did, he made a B-line to the electric fence, stoping just short of it. An extremely large horse was staring him down, but with kind eyes. I was shocked. Shocked that Bryant flew over rough ground at near top speed. Shocked that he stopped just before the fence. Shocked that this horse had come right up to him. And shocked that the horse and Bryant were on such friendly terms. What happened next shocked me most of all. As Bryant reached his hand out to this behemoth of a horse, the animal bent his neck down towards Bryant. They both had the same idea; reaching out for a touch. Unfortunately, the fence kept the horse from bending his neck in the right position for the two to touch. But it was clear for any tos ee the desire that each had. Bryant had made another instant connection.
We all have varying abilities to tell time without a clock. Bryant's seemed spot on. Whether he used his surroundings to figure out time or he just knew, I know not. What I do dkow is that despite his love of school, when school was over for the day, he got to watch what he wanted. What motivation! It seemed as if everday when school time was nearing completion, he would start to let me know that he wanted to lie down and watch a movie. Of course, I would tell him to wait a little bit longer. His next move was to back away from me and move closer to his bed. Of course, his bluff was normally called. When I asked him to come back to the computer, he would laughingly come back to finish our book, word, or song.
Meeting Horses
As I mentioned earlier, Bryant had become fond of taking walks last fall. Most of these walks were limited to the driveway. If we were adventurous we would make it all the way to the nearby cul-de-sac, a new road with few houses and even less traffic, the construction workers were it. However, one day, Christine and I decided to extend our trip a little bit. Instead of turning up the road, we would head straight a little ways longer and reach a horse farm. Our walk started out as usual, Nate acting like a fool with Bryant in tow, running as fast as possible down the driveway. Bryant was having a blast. That is, until, we "forgot" to take the right onto the cul-de-sac. Bryant became instantly nervous. What's going on guys? Christine! We missed the turn! He was ready to turn around so we could get to the new road. Of course the three of us persevered. We continued straight and on our way toward the horses. All the way there, Bryant was wondering what was up. Why we weren't where we were supposed to. He was suspicious. Then we rounded the corner. It was in sight! The horses were in front of us. It took a little while for Bryant to realize that we were at a a farm, and that there were horses right in front of us. As soon as he did, he made a B-line to the electric fence, stoping just short of it. An extremely large horse was staring him down, but with kind eyes. I was shocked. Shocked that Bryant flew over rough ground at near top speed. Shocked that he stopped just before the fence. Shocked that this horse had come right up to him. And shocked that the horse and Bryant were on such friendly terms. What happened next shocked me most of all. As Bryant reached his hand out to this behemoth of a horse, the animal bent his neck down towards Bryant. They both had the same idea; reaching out for a touch. Unfortunately, the fence kept the horse from bending his neck in the right position for the two to touch. But it was clear for any tos ee the desire that each had. Bryant had made another instant connection.
Nate and Bryant meet
Our First Meeting
Bryant and I first met in February 2008. He and his family had moved back from Florida. Hana was working with him 3 days a week. However, he had needed academic enrichment for one more day per week. Another tutor was lined up, but (un)fortunately she was sick for a few weeks and ws unable to work with Bryant. I was chosen as a short-term substitute until his other tutor was healthy enough to work with Bryant. On day ONE, I truly didn't know what to expect. Linda Henry (his speech therapist) and I went to Bryant's house together. Since they had just moved back to NH, the Paquette's were living in a rental house until their current house was completed. Bryant's room was what I would call "full". He had so much stuff; there simply wasn't room to fit it all in. After Bryant and I were done with our introductions, the true fun began. He told me "I need a tissue". Taking this moment to 'start a bond', I found the box of tissues sitting on the desk in front of us and held the box within his reach. Bryant pulled a tissue from the box, and I was thinking how great this working relationship would be. He promptly threw the tissue on the floor. I figured he had dropped it on accident. Quickly, Bryant asked for another tissue. I complied, again bringing the box within reach. He pulled another tissue, which made its way to the floor quicker than Tigger could hide from his reflection. Now, I must have been clueless, because I figured that it must have been an accident again. Bryant asked for a third tissue, and I obliged. After this one made it to the floor, Bryant started laughing at me. From the very first moment we met, Bryant has been making jokes with me. They never stopped. Bryant, I truly thank you for the many laughs and smiles you have given me.
Bryant and I first met in February 2008. He and his family had moved back from Florida. Hana was working with him 3 days a week. However, he had needed academic enrichment for one more day per week. Another tutor was lined up, but (un)fortunately she was sick for a few weeks and ws unable to work with Bryant. I was chosen as a short-term substitute until his other tutor was healthy enough to work with Bryant. On day ONE, I truly didn't know what to expect. Linda Henry (his speech therapist) and I went to Bryant's house together. Since they had just moved back to NH, the Paquette's were living in a rental house until their current house was completed. Bryant's room was what I would call "full". He had so much stuff; there simply wasn't room to fit it all in. After Bryant and I were done with our introductions, the true fun began. He told me "I need a tissue". Taking this moment to 'start a bond', I found the box of tissues sitting on the desk in front of us and held the box within his reach. Bryant pulled a tissue from the box, and I was thinking how great this working relationship would be. He promptly threw the tissue on the floor. I figured he had dropped it on accident. Quickly, Bryant asked for another tissue. I complied, again bringing the box within reach. He pulled another tissue, which made its way to the floor quicker than Tigger could hide from his reflection. Now, I must have been clueless, because I figured that it must have been an accident again. Bryant asked for a third tissue, and I obliged. After this one made it to the floor, Bryant started laughing at me. From the very first moment we met, Bryant has been making jokes with me. They never stopped. Bryant, I truly thank you for the many laughs and smiles you have given me.
Bryant's World
The following was written by Bryant's tutor, Nate. It is an amazing colllection of moments in Bryant's life that are so vivid and so brilliantly written. Please take a moment to read through, I promise you will be captivated. Thank you Nate from the bottom of my heart.
By Nate Bracy
Adult Humor
We all know of Bryant's love of laughter. But I think it's important to note how sophisisticated Bryant's sense of humor was. Hopefully this memory will help to queue all of us in:
In November or December of last year, Bryant, Christine and I decided to go for a walk. Bryant had really taken a liking for the brisk air of late fall and early winter. I think the wind probably aided in this, as he loved the way it felt. Anyways, even though Bryant really wanted to get outside, Christine, Cheryl and I felt that it was a little too cold for just his T shirt. He wasn't a fan of jackets (sleeves were evil) gloves or hats. Needless to say, Christine was in for a battle to put his gloves on. The golves were the thin, stretchy cotton ones. We were hoping that they would be thick enough to provide warmth while being thin enough to allow Bryant to use his dynavox with them on.
As Christine attempted to put Bryant's gloves on, he kept his fingers curled and together. As you can imagine, those gloves were goingt o have a hard time getting on. Christine jokingly mentioned to Bryant, Cheryl and me that putting those gloves on was much like putting nylons on for the first time. They kept getting caught and wouldn't slide easily. Of course, I took this moment to quip back that I had never had that opportunity.
My joke was for Christine and Cheryl and both got it. But more importantly, as soon as the words left my mouth, Bryant was cracking up. With no direct reference to why it would be funny, he had understood the joke. Of course Nate wouldn't have tried on nylons. And Bryant couldn't pass up an opportunity to laugh with (or at) me. Yes, Bryant loved to laugh and would find any reason to do so. But I tink it's important to note that his range of humor was from slapstick comedy all the way down to more mature comic though.
By Nate Bracy
Adult Humor
We all know of Bryant's love of laughter. But I think it's important to note how sophisisticated Bryant's sense of humor was. Hopefully this memory will help to queue all of us in:
In November or December of last year, Bryant, Christine and I decided to go for a walk. Bryant had really taken a liking for the brisk air of late fall and early winter. I think the wind probably aided in this, as he loved the way it felt. Anyways, even though Bryant really wanted to get outside, Christine, Cheryl and I felt that it was a little too cold for just his T shirt. He wasn't a fan of jackets (sleeves were evil) gloves or hats. Needless to say, Christine was in for a battle to put his gloves on. The golves were the thin, stretchy cotton ones. We were hoping that they would be thick enough to provide warmth while being thin enough to allow Bryant to use his dynavox with them on.
As Christine attempted to put Bryant's gloves on, he kept his fingers curled and together. As you can imagine, those gloves were goingt o have a hard time getting on. Christine jokingly mentioned to Bryant, Cheryl and me that putting those gloves on was much like putting nylons on for the first time. They kept getting caught and wouldn't slide easily. Of course, I took this moment to quip back that I had never had that opportunity.
My joke was for Christine and Cheryl and both got it. But more importantly, as soon as the words left my mouth, Bryant was cracking up. With no direct reference to why it would be funny, he had understood the joke. Of course Nate wouldn't have tried on nylons. And Bryant couldn't pass up an opportunity to laugh with (or at) me. Yes, Bryant loved to laugh and would find any reason to do so. But I tink it's important to note that his range of humor was from slapstick comedy all the way down to more mature comic though.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Bryant will be missed
Bryant passed away on Saturday. I miss him so much my heart seems to be missing from my body.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Visit with Governor Lynch
Well we had a good day, visited the State House and got to visit with the Governor of NH for about 20 minutes. He was very nice and listened to Bryant's story :)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Computer Shopping
Well we went out to the MAC store for the new 17" Mac Powerbook. Not sure if this will work, it's so new, but soooo nice. Bryant was bored with all the technical chatter and seemed to prefer shopping at the Disney store. Christine bought Bryant and Nate matching Mickey shirts :)
Spring walk
Bryant went out during one of the "nice" days last week (meaning above freezing!) and met a new friend. Cute dog, huh?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Hockey Game
We had fun at the lively Fire versus Police Departments' Hockey Game to benefit the local Childrens Hospital. Bryant got to meet the really big fireman (wow, no elevator for that guy, thankfully they have stairs!) and Max the Mascot!
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