The Chewing Party

We had Brian's "Chewing Party" tonight, with friends who came to eat Brian's favorite foods with him while he can still chew.  It wasn't exactly a balanced meal, but who cares?  We had lamb curry and rice, lasagna, pulled pork, a Gigantor pepperoni pizza from Minsky's (26" wide!), veggie pakora, pickled okra, and pickled asparagus.

Then for dessert we had Death By Chocolate, apple square, chocolate cheesecake, and golub jamon.  

After we all ate too much, Brian opened his "gifts," all things I'd read about on other people's jaw surgery recovery blogs:

a bamboo serving tray, gelato spoons for when he can't open his mouth very wide, and a sample pack of Shakeology protein shakes

a hot/cold pack that he can wrap around his face after surgery, a custom sleep mask and earplugs for trying to sleep in the hospital, baby toothbrushes for when he's able to TRY to brush his teeth, and drool towels

a mirror for feeding himself when his face is numb and he can't find his mouth, A&D ointment for swollen face, and a bell

a not-yet-finished bedside caddy for his phone, iPod, and personal-sized dry erase board for the hospital (it will hang on his bed railing once I finish it)

a "make your own flashcard" kit for when he can't talk and gets tired of writing the same answers, with a couple pre-made cards

Brian really enjoyed talking to everyone.  He's never really comfortable in a group of people, but I think this was the most relaxed I've seen him at any gathering.  I wish I'd taken photos of everyone, but I'm terrible as a photographer because I'm too busy talking!