Update - 1/26/07

Yesterday marks the one year anniversary of Matthew and Andrew's accident and we thank the Lord that both of them are alive and well and that Matthew has come so far and made wonderful progress in a year's time!

A year later and Matthew is driving again!!!! An electric wheelchair, that is!!! Friday he got to do it for the first time and he was very excited and not really focused. He ran into quite a few things. Monday he had another shot at it and did really well. He was very intent and serious as he drove the wheelchair this time and did much better. He maneuvered around obstacles, took the wheelchair into the elevator, did some tight maneuvering around poles, went through handicapped accessible doors, etc. It took lots of concentration on Matthew's part, but he did very well.

Matthew is now using his right hand to shake hands with people. It is wonderful that he is working with his right hand more and more. Another improvement that is great to see is his body strength. He can sit up in bed, holding himself up completely without support from others for 15 MINUTES!

This week was a busy week with several visits with doctors. On Monday two new neurologists working with Matthew's case met him for the first time. They had only read Matthew's file and seen the notes on Matthew's history and progress. So, when they saw him in person they were amazed. The young man in the files didn't seem to fit the responsive, happy young man before them. A CAT scan was done and there is still a little bit of fluid on Matthew's brain but it has reduced a great deal.

The other doctor visit this week was with Matthew's primary physician, Dr. Rupright in Columbia. He was so pleased with Matthew's progress and says Matthew is doing beautifully! Because Matthew is showing such great improvement, Dr. Rupright is recommending that Matthew come back to Rusk Rehab Center in Columbia for more intensive therapy. At Rusk they would use the auto-ambulator which gets Matthew up and standing and then walking. This device moves the legs for the person and gives a "wake up call" to the brain in how to walk again. Rusk would also spend more time strengthening Matthew's right arm as well as work intently on his speech. And hopefully in time Matthew would have his own electric wheelchair. The daily regimen at Rusk would be geared to enhance and spur Matthew onto even greater improvement, building on what he's already accomplished.

The computer arrived yesterday!! It will take a little time for Matthew and parents to learn how to operate it fully, but he did do some puzzles on it already and he's "soaking it up"!

Matthew's voice is getting stronger and stronger every day. His chuckle has become a deep laugh. While I was on the phone getting the report about Matthew, I could hear him in the background blowing on a tonette and it sounded like he was enjoying making noise. Blowing helps to strengthen his muscles in his throat and esophagus.

Matthew's come such a long way. We give thanks to our Lord and Savior for all the healing and recovery of Matthew's brain.

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy."
Psalm 92:1-4

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother