My Birthday Boy

Today is Mike's birthday. I asked Lisa to post something on his Facebook page so his friends would have an update on him. This is what she came up with:

It's mikes birthday today so I thought I would write a little something about him and how he is doing. When the accident first happened many people commented about how Mike is a fighter, which I knew, but it is amazing how much fight that boy has in him. He has been fighting every day and is slowly progressing. Here are some highlights of what he has over come thus far:

He is alive, this is no small thing; it can be considered a miracle.

He breathes on his own

He doesn't need a trac

He has both his eyes open and he can track with them

He can squeeze your hand

He can grab things

He can blink yes and no

He can cuddle (this improves every day)

He can lift his arms

He can stick out his tongue

He can thumb wrestle and beat me half the time

He can shoot you with a nerf gun

He can take sips of water

He can eat soft things (like ice cream or yogurt)

He can chew ice (next step hamburgers)

He can push your hand away when you're annoying him

He can shave with his electric razor (don't tell him but he isn't very good at it)

He can almost catch a football (it's quite impressive)

He can go on field trips (farthest so far is to Heraman Utah. Funnest so far-- the movies)

He can smile

He can smile when you say something funny (it needs to be very funny)

He can wake me up when he thinks I'm napping too long (he is a hypocrite he falls asleep on me all the time)

He can give hugs (slightly awkward but I'm not complaining)

He can make his helicopter toy fly (just keep it away from Lauri)

He can let me know he loves me

He can try to talk (no actual words are formed but he is getting closer)

He loves when people sing or play instruments for him

He can play head shoulders knees and toes (it has to be slightly modified to head shoulders stomach and legs)

He is happy even though things aren't ideal for him

He loves when his mom comes and visits; he always does his best when she is around

He enjoys looking at pictures and videos of his nephews

He loves visitors and talking about nerdy stuff (just like before)

He still doesn't like Macs despite Lauri's best effort with her cool ipad

He loves his aunt reading to him and misses her when she is away

He knows how to cheer me up when I'm having a bad day

He can do more things all the time

He can still fight and does

I hope this gives a picture of where Mike is at. He is doing very well--he is happy and working hard and will continue to improve. Some of these things may seem simple but for Mikes injuries each of these are huge milestones and simply a miracle. Thank you to all who have prayed and thought positive things for Mike. He is where he is at because of the Lord and all the faith around him. This is not the end of his journey and it is cool to watch this all unfold, it would be a little cooler if it was faster but I won't complain (much).

A great list from a great woman about a great man.

Happy Birthday, Mike!!!!