Gus's Hunger Games

The hospital schedule describes this time as rehab participation. Curt and I call it 'Gus's Games.' The games consist of three categories: eating mastery, physical endurance, and problem solving. Gus's Hunger Games is the first category, where eating and swallowing are the tasks. He practices eating in his room during every meal. However, a special game is set up for Gus to challenge his best attribute. The game host has mapped out a special task force for Gus to digest today. The challengers are crunchy cereals, mushy breakfast surprises, and dissolving treats. 

Gus is always ready to start the games. He chooses ideal weapons: his very lippy tongue and his fantastic teeth. The first challenger.... Fruit Loops. "Oh!" Gus threatens the purple colored food, and picks it up with his fingers. He looks at me to make sure it is alright.  The only time I let Gus have Fruit Loops was on vacation this summer. Thought I was being a good mom, now he can eat whatever he wants. Being no match for Gus's chompers, the round cereal is crunched between the force of his teeth. Gathering several more game cereals into his belly, a level is passed on Gus's Hunger Games!

Another contender steps up to the plate, or on a plate.... cheesy eggs! Winner of the people's vote, cheesy eggs may be the best match. A fork is granted to the playing field and Gus hits the play mode. The yellow player is suddenly stabbed and pushed to the pool of goodness. "Dip, dip, dip" Gus cheers as he covers the duo team with ketchup and moves it to his mouth. Chewing and mushing with his tongue will be the winning mechanics. It's a close call and the inspection committee is called in for a closer look.  After finding no traces of cheese or eggs on the playing floor, Gus is declared the winner again.  Level passed. 

Advancing a level, the plastic heat cover is lifted off the hot plate.  The dissolving tower of silver dollar pancakes looks intimidating. This major mushy food might be more than Gus's mouth is stacked up to. Gus adds the best part, one of the four major food groups, the syrup. I open the packet and help him cover the cakes with the sugary bonus prize. Gus's hand dives in and tackles a piece of the cakes. Syrup strings from the plate to his mouth before the game host can even tell him how to play! "Ummm!" Gus describes the taste as he devours the last challenger for the session. His tongue wiggles around to find the last hidden piece. "Ah," Gus sticks out his tongue and only the appearance of victory is left.   

Today's hunger games are passed after washing it all down with a sip of milk.  When all levels are complete a major reward will mark his success, the feeding tube out!  

We would like to say thank you to our speech therapist for all the attention and help she gives to Gus everyday. His improvements are encouraged through your efforts:)