Update - 6/2/07
Great news! Matthew stood this past week and didn't grimace with pain and didn't hyper-extend his left knee. So far, the lack of pain and struggle to stand is a great indication that the surgery was a success for Matthew's left leg. He still has the cast and will for a few more weeks, but the fact that he can stand on it is wonderful! He is getting stronger following his surgery and we rejoice!
A few times recently Matthew has been dropped off at therapy by a family member or his personal assistant and told to drive himself in his power chair to therapy (after being given instructions on where to go). So, he was unloaded at the hospital door, went down the hall and turned to the right to therapy and got there just fine.
When he returns home, Matthew is able to back up the ramp in the garage, open the door and get in the house. These are the very beginning steps toward independence. In time we hope Matthew will be able to initiate the actions rather than needing someone else to tell him to do it.
Matthew's love for art is able to be cultivated with the Art Museum in Sedalia. He REALLY enjoyed a visit to the Art Museum a few weeks ago and drove around on his own examining the art work. He could spend hours there, sitting and studying each piece, then moving onto the next.
Matthew can play catch again! He will wear the baseball mitt on his left hand and Lucas throws him the ball and Matthew knew just what to do to catch the ball. They played catch for quite a while and Matthew did well catching the ball. Matthew's right hand is getting stronger. He now shakes hands with his right hand and his grip is pretty good!
In speech therapy, Matthew is given an open sentence with three options to complete the sentence. He usually picks the right and appropriate option. More progress! He continues to work with money and time in other therapy sessions and makes little steps forward in his abilities.
We congratulate Andrew on his graduation on May 20, 2007. He is a terrific young man and we are very proud of him!!!!! Matthew is also proud of his brother and was pointing to him when he spotted him in the line of graduates, saying, "Brother, Andrew"! Matthew did very well at Andrew's graduation and handled the noise level and number of people without any problems. He was happy to see everybody and enjoyed people coming over to talk to him. He was very attentive for the whole ceremony which is a tremendous improvement in his concentration level.
"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. . . I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:1-6, 14
Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother
A few times recently Matthew has been dropped off at therapy by a family member or his personal assistant and told to drive himself in his power chair to therapy (after being given instructions on where to go). So, he was unloaded at the hospital door, went down the hall and turned to the right to therapy and got there just fine.
When he returns home, Matthew is able to back up the ramp in the garage, open the door and get in the house. These are the very beginning steps toward independence. In time we hope Matthew will be able to initiate the actions rather than needing someone else to tell him to do it.
Matthew's love for art is able to be cultivated with the Art Museum in Sedalia. He REALLY enjoyed a visit to the Art Museum a few weeks ago and drove around on his own examining the art work. He could spend hours there, sitting and studying each piece, then moving onto the next.
Matthew can play catch again! He will wear the baseball mitt on his left hand and Lucas throws him the ball and Matthew knew just what to do to catch the ball. They played catch for quite a while and Matthew did well catching the ball. Matthew's right hand is getting stronger. He now shakes hands with his right hand and his grip is pretty good!
In speech therapy, Matthew is given an open sentence with three options to complete the sentence. He usually picks the right and appropriate option. More progress! He continues to work with money and time in other therapy sessions and makes little steps forward in his abilities.
We congratulate Andrew on his graduation on May 20, 2007. He is a terrific young man and we are very proud of him!!!!! Matthew is also proud of his brother and was pointing to him when he spotted him in the line of graduates, saying, "Brother, Andrew"! Matthew did very well at Andrew's graduation and handled the noise level and number of people without any problems. He was happy to see everybody and enjoyed people coming over to talk to him. He was very attentive for the whole ceremony which is a tremendous improvement in his concentration level.
"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. . . I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:1-6, 14
Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother
posted by Randy Asburry @ 8:22 AM
1 Comments:
At 9:49 AM,
Anonymous said…
Rachel -
We thank you for the continued updates as Brenda and I have not talked as often as I would like. Yes, we saw Matthew at Andrew's Graduation and he did wonderful. We are so proud of Matthew progress and pray for continued progress as well.
The Mehrens Family
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