Update - 10/27/07

Praise the Lord! More good news!

Matthew's feed tube was removed this week!!!! He has been eating solid food consistently for several months and is asking for food and water, so the doctor decided it wasn't necessary to leave the feeding tube in any longer. What a blessing!!!

The length that Matthew is able to walk increases daily and weekly. Matthew has now walked over 300 feet at one time with the walker. What an incredible accomplishment!

I don't have any negative news to share - only good news. Matthew's speech and vocal abilities continue to progress and he's doing a great job of speaking in sentences. His mother said there are times when they can almost carry on a conversation with him, rather than just give directions and get responses.

I'm glad to hear from the comments on the previous blog message that people continue to check the blog for Matthew's updates. It is most encouraging to know that Matthew and his family are still in people's prayers and on their minds. I totally agree with one of the comments - that Matthew's parents are doing a wonderful job of taking care of him. He gets incredible daily care from his family and they will never give up on this child of God.

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother

Update - 10/12/07

Good morning!

Matthew continues to progress and it's such a joy to hear each new thing he can do. Last Friday Matthew took a couple steps WITH HIS RIGHT LEG!!!!!! As I have mentioned before he needed assistance moving his right leg forward when he was walking with the walker. This time he managed to move the right leg on his own. It was VERY hard to do. He was sweating from exersion and all the effort and concentration, but he did it. He isn't able to completely lift the right left off the floor and make a step like you or I do, but he can raise his heel and then slides his foot forward. It was a major accomplishment for Matthew and we are proud of his effort! I'm sure the therapists have been encouraging him to do it more this week.

There is a special brace that will assist Matthew in continuing to progress with walking. He was recently fitted for this brace at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. This brace fits around his waist with bars that go down the sides of his thighs. The brace works to keep his legs evenly spaced apart and will help him with balancing when walking and assist his ability to step with his right leg. Matthew also will have a platform under his left foot that helps with the balance issue as his weight is shifted from the stronger side to the weaker side.

Matthew's right hand and arm are also getting stronger. He is able to wash his face and comb his hair with his right hand. This is incredibly positive considering how his right hand and arm weren't mobile for quite some time.

And in case you're wondering how his brother is, Andrew is doing extremely well in college and really loves the collegiate life. He recently had a break from college and was home for several days. The family enjoys having him home!!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother