U*P*D*A*T*E

Lisa and I were talking recently about how people handle things so differently...some people tell every detail and others keep everything quiet. We've been pretty private about all that is happening for a lot of reasons. But since so many have been asking and since it's been a while since I've updated about Mike, I'll get you all up to speed.

I think I mentioned that Michael was moved to his third facility in May...he's in a nursing and rehab facility. That was a depressing and difficult move for me but it has turned out to be a blessing. He is being well cared and the staff really seems to like him. Not only that, but they get excited about every new thing he does. The physical therapist who works with him is fabulous and has mentioned several times how much progress he sees. He is very hopeful. Last weekend, he came in on a Saturday and spent 2 hours with Mike and his friends as he taught them some of the things they could do to help him. There were about 6 of them who have committed to coming in and working Michael in addition to what the PT does. He felt that an extra work out would really move Michael forward. I'm so grateful for his friends who have been so consistent with their visits and friendship.

Michael's eyes have been fully opened for about 5 weeks. The last few weeks he has been tracking with his eyes, following movement, and more recently, really focusing on specific things. I took some family photos in a few weeks ago and showed him each one and reminded him of what we were doing at the time. He really seemed to enjoy that and paid attention for a long time. Lisa suggested we get a hand mirror so he could look at himself and he spent a lot of time studying his image. We also got him some flash cards and showed him a set of 2 pictures at a time such as a lion and an umbrella over and over then held them up together and asked him to focus on just the lion. Repeatedly, he could correctly look at the right picture.

His legs move voluntarily but his hands and arms are still mostly reactive, not responsive although we are beginning to see some change in that regard.

He has a tracheotomy and is beginning to be weened from that so he can begin to use his voice. I will be very anxious to get that removed.

He is being tube fed.

Physically, all of his injuries have healed and he looks good, really good. He has lost a lot of weight but still is in a range that works for his height...maybe he looks more like he did in high school rather than how he has looked the past 5 or 6 years.

So, there's a long, long way to go but we feel hopeful. He is really fighting to get back. We appreciate all of the love and concern from each of you and of course the many prayers that have been offered for him.