Update - 6/22/06

There have been alot of positive things happening this week to share with you. The week began great on Father's Day. The whole Kurz family was together, as well as the Asburrys and dear friends in Columbia, the Thiemes. We spent most of the afternoon and dinner time outside and it was easy to see that Matthew was content and enjoyed the outdoors. We had an impromptu picnic under the gazebo and Matthew ate well. It was enjoyable to be together and the dads had a great day with their children.

A couple days later Matthew got to stand! Now, Matthew wasn't able to make any effort to stand on his own. The staff was working to get him upright and held him up with great assistance. It took alot of effort and there was pain for Matthew because of the tone in his legs, but he was upright for a few seconds and when they sat him back down, Matthew had a pleased look on his face.

Yesterday, they took the bandaid off of Matthew's foot because the wound has completely healed. He is now wearing a shoe on his left foot for the first time in a long time!!!

Matthew was given a marker to hold in his left hand. He adjusted the marker in his hand like he used to do and then made a mark on a piece of paper on his lap. Then, with his mom's help assisting him, he drew a circle on the paper. It wasn't an even circle by any means, but it was a circle!

Matthew's eating has improved some more. He is now eating from a spoon (with someone else feeding him). Previously the food had to be inserted in his mouth by someone else's fingers. He is opening his mouth a little wider and making it easier to get the utensil in his mouth.

As of this writing, Matthew is still scheduled to be released from Rusk Rehabilitation Center on June 30th and will be moved to his grandparents' home temporarily.

The Lord be with you!

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother