Update - 2/27/07

Good news!!!

Matthew settled in at Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, MO on Monday, Feb. 26th. The current plan is that he stay there for four weeks and at the end of that time they will evaluate his progress and determine if he can stay longer. He's in the same room as before (except he's not by the window this time). The staff at Rusk was happy to see Matthew and he was all smiles to see them. He showed signs of recognizing them, especially Everett who was his nurse on the trip to Cole Camp for graduation last year.

Today (Tuesday) is a big day of evaluations and testing. I'm sure Matthew will be exhausted at the end of the day. Dr. Ruppright and others will be documenting his current status and chart out a plan for his therapy with the goal of Matthew leaving Rusk VERTICAL!!!! Let's pray that becomes a reality!!

Matthew would love to receive your cards and letters! Please send them to the following address:

Matthew Kurz
Room 234
Rusk Rehabilitation Center
315 Business Loop 70 W.
Columbia, MO 65203

And the funnier the card you send him, the better. It's pretty clear to those around Matthew that he can read his cards. He will follow along with his eyes and when it's a funny card he laughs at the appropriate time (without any clues from anyone). I think that's incredible! So, let's give Matthew lots of opportunities to laugh.

One more bit of good news, last week at therapy Matthew was asked to draw a snowman just like the one the therapist drew. And he was able to draw the snowman all on his own with his left hand. We pray the artist in Matthew is able to re-emurge!

Have a wonderful day in the Lord!

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother