Update - 4/25/06

Matthew just came out of surgery! They inserted the pump and began administering the medication for relaxing his muscles. Everything looks good so far. Later today they hope to see some results from the medication. If all goes well at the hospital in the next few hours, Matthew should be able to go back to Rusk this afternoon. Thank you for your prayers!!!

Matthew has been holding his head up more each day. Yesterday he lifted his head, looked out the window and with his head relaxed on his pillow he rested for 15 minutes before his head dropped back down.

You may recall one of the therapies that Matthew goes through is laying on the tilt table and then they raise it to see what degree of angle he can handle. This has been difficult for him to do lately because of the pain and discomfort from the wound on his foot. He would get very aggitated because it hurt to put pressure on it. Yesterday the therapist put Matthew's put in a position that kept the pressure off his foot and Matthew handled the tilt table very well (sorry, I forgot to ask what degree the tilt table was at).

It has been determined that the ulcer/wound on Matthew's foot is not going to heal on its own so the staff at the hospital is recommending that a plastic surgeon take a look at it and perhaps they will have to scrape the dead tissue off and fix that area of his foot.

Matthew's parents are pleased with little things that Matthew is doing that seem so natural and require some cognitive awareness. When Matthew is full and doesn't want any more food, he gently holds on to his mother's hand and pulls the utensil in her hand away from his mouth. One thing that Matthew's godfather, Randy witnessed was Matthew will grab a towel or napkin and wipe his own mouth while eating or when the drool on the right side of his mouth bothers him. He doesn't do it all the time, but it's good to see when he does.

One time Matthew didn't want to Brenda to brush his teeth and he pulled her hand away from his mouth. She told him he must have his teeth cleaned and asked him to help her. So she put his hand on hers and they did it together.

From preliminary reports that I have received, the fundraiser dinner last weekend went VERY WELL! There was a great attendance and a long line that went out the door and around the building for a long time. Those that organized the meal planned for 800 people and when it was over there wasn't much food left. Someone with firsthand involvement can give us more specifics. Thanks to all that contributed with silent auction items and helping hands!

Andrew is doing much better. He is back to school and trying to not over-exurt himself (Mom's orders as well as the doctors!). He is pale, but has returned to his chipper self.

Guide me ever, great Redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but you are mighty;
Hold me with your pow'rful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
Feed me now and evermore;
Feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain
Where the healing waters flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliv'rer, strong deliv'rer,
Shield me with your mighty arm;
Shield me with your mighty arm.

Lutheran Worship Hymn #220

God's blessings on your day!

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother