"Allow me to explain in a manner that Adam can understand," Dr. Coykendall said, turning the paper over on his clipboard. He drew a picture of the brain and held it for all to see. "When the brain is injured in an accident, it actually bruises and then sometimes over time it will develop scars so to say. These scars interfere with the brain cell's abilities to talk among each other. This causes a misfiring of all kinds of neurons. This can basically lead to a small seizure that may last seconds like spacing out to a full two to five minute seizure that takes over the whole body," Dr. Coykendall explained as he drew pictures to illustrate his point. "Most people with traumatic brain injury or TBI like your brother do not have seizures at all, but a few do. That is why he was put on anti-seizure medicine."

"But is it working since he is having them?" Jason asked. This was the first time that anyone had really explained what was going on with his brother's condition.

"Usually medicine stops them from having a second seizure, but if it doesn't, other methods need to be considered," Dr. Coykendall replied.

"And those are?" Laura said, listening to every syllable.

"We can use a combination of two medications to see how that works. Another thing you must take into consideration is that Adam has come a long way in a short period of time. He does not have many of the problems so many others have and we are still learning more about Adam's condition as we go. This could be something he will simply grow out of or something that is just starting," Dr. Coykendall said with a sigh.

"So what do you think we should do? You mentioned talking to this neurologist," Laura pointed out.

"Yes, he suggested two methods of treatment. The first treatment is the combination of two drugs or we can do a more intensive procedure--- brain surgery," Dr. Coykendall said with a stern voice. He looked to the Kramers for a reaction. All three of them were speechless, so he decided to continue speaking about the surgery.

"Dr. Cross is a well-known neurologist in Los Angeles. He has an experimental surgery that works with the theory of taking out the scars that keep the brain from working properly. It has also been known to help TBI people regain some of the things that they may have lost. It is an approved surgery, but he has only performed five operations like this so far," Dr. Coykendall explained. Adam's eyes grew wide when he heard of the surgery. Jason and Laura took every word in at this point. It was the one thing they wanted they wanted their old Adam back. "I have talked to Dr. Cross and he has agreed to take Adam on and the hospital has agreed to allow him to use our facilities. It will be a remarkable opportunity for our neurology staff to learn more about the procedure."

"How are the other people he has done this operation on?" Jason asked. The part of it being a new thing sort of made him uncomfortable.

"Three of the five are leading successful lives. One person remained unchanged and one person suffered more debilitating problems. He had a seizure while the operation was taking place and had complications. So it is a controversial surgery, not everyone opts to take that option. They have been under observation for ten years in some cases so Dr. Cross is sure of the procedure. However, there are risks to this surgery. I faxed Dr. Cross all of the information and scans that I have on Adam. He said that Adam's surgery would be a little more complex, but it is well within his range."

"What are the risks?" Adam finally spoke up. He had been taking everything in. Dr. Coykendall's drawing helped him to understand what was going on with his brain.

"Well, you could still have seizures. You could lose more abilities because the brain is not perfectly mapped. You could also lose memories and in a worst case scenario, you could have to learn everything all over again. As in any surgery, you could also die," Dr. Coykendall did not spare any of the details. "But the positives are a seizure free life, improve memory and cognition, and better motor skills."

Jason could not believe his ears. He felt like he could jump up and down with joy right in that emergency room. This surgery meant that he would have his brother back. The one who did not have to study with color codes and attend special education classes. He would be able to work on his car and could remember more things without having to write everything down. Adam would be Adam again. He looked over at his mother. It was apparent that she had the same thoughts racing through her head. It was a chance to erase history and the accident. Alyssa was going to walk again and Adam was going to be normal again.

Adam, though impressed with the idea of the surgery, was scared out of his wits. That meant that he would have to have his head cut open and go through therapy again. It would mean going into the hospital for God only knew how long. It meant that he would have to put his life on hold. But he really did not have a chance to speak.

"Schedule it," Mrs. Kramer said with an excited look on her face. Jason literally jumped up with excitement.

"He will have to go through some pre-op testing and a consultation with both parents with Dr. Cross personally, but that will be done a week before surgery. Let me call him. I told him I was going to speak to you immediately," Dr. Coykendall said turning and walking out of the area.

Jason turned to Adam. A new look was in Jason's eyes. A look of hope.

"Can you believe it Adam! This surgery is going to be the beginning for you little brother!" Jason said, grabbing Adam, who was still lying in the bed.

Mrs. Kramer reached over and took Adam's hand. "This is going to be great. My baby is going to be better!" Tears started to fill her eyes.

It had been a long time since Adam had seen the look of hope in his mother's eyes in a long time. Then he looked over at Jason. Jason seemed like a new breath of life had been absorbed into his body. But Adam could not get past his own thoughts. He did not like the negatives of the surgery. He did not want to start all over. But he could not bring himself to say anything. It would have been raining on his family's parade.

"I will just talk to them later," Adam thought to himself. Instead of showing his real emotions about the surgery, Adam decided to just remain silent. He laid back and closed his eyes while his mother called his father and told him about the surgery. She caught him just as he was about to call her from the main office. Jason, meanwhile, nearly ran out to the waiting room to tell Chuck the news.