Matthew Kurz - Updates & Prayers

Periodic updates on Matthew's condition and ongoing prayers and words of encouragement for Matthew and his family.

February 22, 2010

Update - 2/22/10

Even though I haven't been keeping up with updating Matthew's blog on a regular basis, you can be assured that Matthew is doing well and continues to progress.

Last week Matthew shook hands with Missouri Governor Nixon and had his picture taken with the governor. The occasion for this important event was the signing of a proclamation for the recognition of Brain Injury Awareness week in Missouri during the first week in March. There were several representatives from different agencies there for the occasion, but Matthew and his family were the only ones attending that were living and dealing with brain injury. Apparently everyone seemed stiff and uncomfortable as they took their turn greeting the governor for a few seconds, but Matthew broke the tension when the governor stood with him for the picture and asked Matthew if everything was alright. Matthew turned to him and said, "your tie is crooked," and then after that was fixed, he said the governor should fix his jacket. Then the governor asked if that was better, and Matthew said "Oh yeah, you look good now." Leave to Matthew to make everyone at ease and laugh with the governor.

The most exciting news we can share with you that has occurred in the last few months is Matthew walked at Christmas with his cane up the altar rail for communion for the first time ever. He was so thrilled (as was his family and all those in church that day) and when he turned around to go back to his seat, he smiled and gave a big thumbs up to everyone. His walking continues to get stronger all the time. He still has to work on his balance, but with time as the brain continues to heal, that should improve.

Matthew is engaging in conversation on his own more and more. This is a huge step and shows evidence that the frontal lobes of his brain are healing.

Matthew received a wonderful gift of a year's worth of water therapy! This is worth so much because Matthew shows so much progress has been as a result of water therapy. He can now walk down into the pool and walk out using his cane and with assistance from his therapist. He can also walk around the sides of the pool without the cane. He used to put his arms out to balance himself, but he now does a much better job of balancing with his hips.

Another terrific gift that Matthew received is custom-made therapy steps that have handles made just for Matthew to practice going up and down steps. When the weather warms up, he will be using this on a regular basis.

A friend of the family found a drafting table for Matthew and he can drive his wheelchair up to the table and does so several times a day to draw. Matthew used to say, "I don't know what to draw," but now he is coming up with ideas of his own. His attention to detail is improving and he draws all sorts of things from cartoons to stills. Matthew got to go shopping for art supplies with a gift card and he now likes to used colored pens. His eyes can focus better and the color is easier for him to see.

Another blessing is Matthew is using his right hand more naturally for things such as holding his plate, getting dressed, pushing buttons, etc. He now uses his right hand without thinking when before he used to say "I can't do it." He also reaches out with his right hand more often.

Hope your 2010 is off to a good start.

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother