Over the months I have kept this update going, in my mind I knew the reader audience would slowly diminish because truth be told people… even people who love us… have very busy lives and face many of their own personal trials. I am grateful for a remnant that not only reads these updates, but continue to pray for Noah’s healing.

My reason for prefacing this update in this manner is to acknowledge the information I am about to share can be construed as “inappropriate” or “too personal.” Maybe. However, I am willing to take that risk realizing that you the reader will work past the potential personal embarrassment to rejoice with us at the next steps of progress.

Even though Noah has demonstrated great progress… throughout… He has not been able to use bathroom facilities in the same manner most do thus requiring large diapers 24/7. This week we will be taking delivery of a “portable commode.” That will allow us to help him become able to transition into the use of toilet facilities. This is another major step forward for him and us. We are excited.

From the pen of therapists Lisa & Emily:

Noah’s progress continues. His ability to sit upright in a wooden chair is improving once again. The combination of keeping his head upright and his “trunk” stable for several minutes improves.

In addition he is using his hips and lower back to stay up

Today Noah had another breakthrough moment in the photo below...

You will note that Noah is being raised and lowered from  90 degrees to a 180 degrees (laying down and sitting up) position. “Not so special,” you say. “After all.. haven’t you been doing that for months?” Glad you asked. 

Notice Noah’s head. He is holding it “upright” while being lowered up and down. Until today his head would droop backward much like an infant who needs assistance holding their head up when lying the down to change their diapers. Before we used to have to support Noah’s neck. Today… I heard one of those “Addesa cheers” from the other room as he held his head up on his own! It’s a biggie folks… one worth cheering for. The picture you see is actually Noah repeating his great feat for the camera.

It reminded me of Psalm 3 “But you, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.” It’s funny how declarations like this can seem so mundane… but for Noah it is the fulfillment of a promise God made to him from the foundation of the world. There’s more where that came from. Until next time… love, david

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Last Updated: November 7, 2008 at 3:25pm
Next update will be posted November 14, 2008 by 6:00pm

Because we as a church are hosting a conference this week by Global Awakening (http://www.globalawakening.com/Group/Group.aspx?id=1000013422) Pastor David is unavailable to provide an update on Noah this week. He will be doing so next week.

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Last Updated: November 14, 2008 at 9:30am
Next update will be posted November 21, 2008 by 6:00pm

WOW…as I am writing this update we are having a snow squall. Very odd for this early in the year in these parts. Temps should be bouncing back up to the 60’s soon. At least I hope so… to keep the big rock fish (Striped Bass) in our waters for a while.For some reason Therapists Lisa & Emily were on the fly today and didn’t leave us notes to work with here. In that case let’s see what I can glean from the Addesa ladies.

Noah’s therapists redesigned “hand splints” for Noah because he has grown considerable. These splints are put on Noah’s hands to keep them in a more natural position to fight against the dystonia. For a while we could only keep them on for two hour because his hands would have red marks from the resistance of his muscle tone.  Yesterday Lisa said: “it made my heart sing because I left them on for five hours and there no marks on his hands. Evidence that his tone continues to improve.  

We were noting that Noah has some days when Lisa sits him up and he sits erect for ten or fifteen minutes before seating him in his chair. Other days he seems to be tired and slumps a bit. That tells us that when Noah sits up…it’s because he chooses to...not because his dystonia makes him rigid in that position. Another good sign. 

One other motherly observation. When we brought Noah home last year..he would often sleep with only a sheet on even in the winter months. Regular blankets would cause him to sweat. His metabolism seemed out of sync because of the brain trauma. Wel,l Lisa is delighted because Noah is back to being Noah. Before his lightening strike, Noah would use heavy blankets at night and often use a quilt when sitting around the house during the winter months. He is back to that routine. Loves dressing warm and snuggling under a fleece blanket while sleeping at night.

Well there you have it from the lips of my ladies.  

Funny how something as simple as blankets can warm the heart of doting mother. And while she tells me…it does the same for me. I hope yours is as well. With Thanksgiving coming… it only adds to the list of things we have to thank Him for.Paul probably knew as well as anybody how this works. Note his words to us from Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”  

I think I’ll take his advice. Until next time… our love to you all… david

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Last Updated: November 21, 2008 at 9:30am
Next update will be posted November 28, 2008 by 6:00pm

The office will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday so there will be no update this week. Pastor David will have an update next week. Please check back then. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you all!

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Last Updated: November 26, 2008 at 10:30am
Next update will be posted December 5, 2008 by 6:00pm