Addesa Family Update, July 2007

A course correction is in order here. Our professional rehab associate and her friend, Betsy and Nancy, hail from Alabama (as opposed to Texas as I previously mentioned). My mistake. As far as we are concerned, they may as well have come from Heaven. They were like messengers from The Father in both information and ministry to my family. My understanding is that someone paid for their airfare here so their major cost was their sacrifice of time. Whoever you are that paid for those tickets, I pray God will multiply back to you sixtyfold what you have given to us.

First of all, what I mentioned in the 6/25 update concerning taking Noah to a very specialized brain trauma rehab facility has moved ahead significantly. We should know this week if Noah has been accepted.

Betsy and Nancy brought a whole new perspective on Noah’s care that this brief synopsis could not adequately cover. Being raised in a medical environment, I am very aware of the great diversity that exists in treatment strategies for specific conditions. That is the case here. CHKD is a wonderful hospital for many childhood diseases, but Noah’s circumstance is extremely unique. As a result of our time with Betsy and Nancy, we have become aware of numerous things we can do even now to stimulate Noah’s neuro recovery that heretofore have been absent. We are implementing them as I write this.

Since yesterday, Noah has performed some functions that we have not seen or heard before. On Saturday, Betsy taught us how to get Noah to swallow. That may seem mundane to you, but actually it is a very complex neurological scheme. She began by talking quietly with Noah, and eventually putting small ice chips in his mouth. It wasn’t long before Noah was chewing and swallowing! Another teary moment for us.

Today after church I spent the afternoon with my family at CHKD. It was a beautiful day out in the place I call the “patio”, a room offset from the floor facilities that has an open roof to the sky. It is here where we are apart from the noise and bustle of busy care giving. It was here in this calm environment that Noah began to (seemingly) try to talk. He would exhale and make noises while appearing to try to form sounds with his mouth. It was another powerful moment for us. I perceive a breakthrough is close. Please press through with us in prayer for that to happen. Love… Pastor David

PS. Thank you Betsy and Nancy for the clear vision of recovery you have imparted to my family. May the Lord my God return to you one hundredfold what you have given to us.

Last Updated: July 2, 2007 at 11:58 a.m.
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I have so many thoughts whirling through my mind as I try to condense them down for you all to capture. Let me give it a try. My family and I have asked that God would not allow us to take Noah to any facility, regardless of its stellar reputation, if it is not in His plan for Noah’s recovery (you will note that in the June 27th entry). The visit from Betsy and Nancy convinced us that Noah’s unique condition was such that he would not receive that kind of rehab jump start except in one of three special rehab centers here in the East.

In addition, we have faced some resistance regarding the implementation of new rehab strategies for Noah while he is still residing at CHKD. There is no ill intent on their part, rather it is simply a matter of hospital policy they are committed to following that conflicts with our desire to implement more aggressive measures. Noah’s attending physicians have nothing but the best interests of Noah in mind when making these decisions. They are treating him in a Pulmonary Unit. However, Noah needs to be in a Brain injury unit. These are two completely different treatment strategies).

That being said, Lisa and I have perceived in our hearts that going to Kluge Children’s Rehab center (Connected to University of Virginia) was the best “next step” for Noah. Yet we understand that these things take time. We were told to expect that it would take weeks to finalize the process because of insurance approvals, bed space availability, assessment profiles, and a plethora of paperwork that is necessary to send to them.

Yesterday morning I shared with my ministry team that Lisa and I were committed to God opening doors for us, while at the same time we had a new vision for Noah’s rehab burning in our heart. At the close of our meeting, one of my leaders said: “Why don’t we pray for a specific time period for God to open the door.” He asked me this, “Would a week be a goal you would like to agree on?” I said, “Wow, that would be great to have happen in a week.” I knew that it would require God’s help because of the aforementioned things that had to occur.

About five hours after that prayer was offered up by my leader, Lisa called me and said: “David… (there was a pause) they are going to transfer Noah to KCRC on Thursday morning.” I was stunned. One other note worth mentioning, there was no indication that transportation for Noah would be provided so we were looking at trying to hire someone to drive Noah (it’s a three and one half hour drive) or even trying to do it ourselves. Noah’s caseworker told Lisa that complete ambulatory transportation would be provided to Kluge by CHKD! Thank you, Father for your amazing grace and love toward us. I love telling God stories… for your sake and for mine. We continue to press together with you in intercession for Noah. Though I know God will restore Noah, I don’t want to miss any lessons along the journey. I hope you don’t either. Love… Pastor David

P.S. If you are interested, the link for Noah’s place of blessing for the next three to four weeks is: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/pediatrics/patients/KCRCFAM.cfm

Last Updated: July 4, 2007 at 4:45 p.m.
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This is Thursday evening and it was the day that Noah made his three and one half hour trip to Kluge Rehab at UVA. I did not go with Lisa, but am planning on driving up tomorrow. All went well for the trip. Lisa’s first reaction to the surroundings was, “I love the peaceful, quiet surrounding Noah has. It was what he has needed for the last eight weeks.” Beyond that, Noah is sleeping and Lisa is settling in for the evening. I will have more to report to you after I return Friday night. Noah is where he is because you have prayed! Please do not stop. Love, Pastor David

Last Updated: July 6, 2007 at 9:45 p.m.
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My first trip to Kluge (UVA) was wonderful to say the least. The team of doctors and therapists spent the better part of Friday going through individual assessments of Noah to begin to formulate a strategy for his recovery. Please remember that my absolute trust is in His Kingdom provision for my son. Noah is approved by insurance to be there for four weeks. Whatever duration of time Noah needs to be there is completely in His hands, I trust Him.

Having said that, we were overjoyed with the atmosphere and vision that the staff at Kluge has for Noah. About three o’clock Friday afternoon the Rehab team met with Lisa and I and said that in their professional opinion, Noah should not have a trach tube in his throat. It would impede his progress. They said they needed our permission to remove it. Lisa and I looked at each other and said, “Of course… we trust your opinion.” With us right there in Noah’s room, they proceeded to simply remove his trach and place a small piece of sterile gauze over the hole in his throat and said that it will close and heal within a week! As the respiratory therapist was going to dispose of his trach tube I said. “May I have that as a trophy for my son to remember this event by?” He smiled and said, “ Yes, of course. It will make a fine one.” I have it here in my room as a reminder of the moment nine weeks ago when Noah lay lifeless on the ground next to our tulip tree in the backyard. I have the utmost appreciation for medical science. However, I am compelled in my heart to give thanks to the One who gave His breath of life to my son. It is ultimately His triumph. Lisa and I just happen to be the ones He chose to share that moment with.

Monday morning Noah will begin his very busy rehab schedule. Each therapist has a specific part of Noah’s brain function to work on with him. For example, one therapist will work on the area that is affected by the brain functions from his eyes down to the base of his throat. Another will work with the area of his throat to his abdomen. Another will work with arms and legs and so on. He has, I think, a total of six individual one-hour sessions each day Monday thru Friday. The weekends are restful and relaxing. My hope is to try and have two visits per week; one on Wednesday and one on Friday. I will do my best to keep these updates going in the manner they are right now.

I spoke with Lisa last night and Noah is continuing to show increasing awareness, alertness and peace with his temporary home. He is making more vocal sounds now that his airway is getting back to normal.

I thank all of you who take the time to read of Noah’s journey to the Promised Land. Those of you who have been praying for him have an eternal stake in the Triumph of The Kingdom of God. Jesus said: “Pray this way. Our Father who is in Heaven, Holy is your Name. your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

There are no brain injuries in Heaven. There are no wheel chairs there either. There is no sickness or disease. None of those things can stand in the Presence of The King who died to set us free of all such things. I ask you to stand in agreement with me that Noah’s body and life will manifest the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven. Therein lies my faith. I love you… Pastor David
PS. I am asking that God would supply some form of transportation for Lisa during this four-week stay. The Kluge facility is about two miles from the main campus and is in a rural setting with very little facilities for food shopping and simple day-to-day needs that arise.

Last Updated: July 9, 2007 at 9:45 p.m.
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Thank you to all who offered to help us with transportation for Lisa while she is staying at UVA Kluge. A family in our church has given us a vehicle to use so that I can leave our Highlander with Lisa. My plans are to travel up there tomorrow morning. Lisa has been involved in every session of Noah’s first two days of rehab. Tomorrow, we are having a meeting with the Rehab team at 3:00PM to cover the re-assessment strategy they feel will maximize Noah’s recovery.

As of today, Lisa said he has done well in the preliminary sessions. For example, in one session they hold up two name cards, one in each hand spread apart. One card says “Noah” the other card says “Nick.” The therapist then asks Noah to look at his name. He locks his eyes on the card that says “Noah.” She then repeats this while mixing the cards from hand to hand and he picks the “Noah” card each time. That is wonderful. Then they would have a card that would say “Yankees” and another card that would say “Mets” and ask Noah to look at the Yankees card. He like his dad is a Yankees fan. Again Noah would lock his eyes on the Yankees card even after they mixed them up.

Physical dexterity is a challenge for him at this stage, yet there are positive signs that his brain is connecting to purposeful responses. One therapist put a small ball in Noah’s hand and asked him to put it in a basket next to his wheel chair. He struggles getting his arm there, but eventually did and then had a difficult time releasing it. The key is that his understanding is there, but he has to figure out how to get his body to synchronize with his thoughts.

Next is the very important swallow response. This therapist was attempting to get Noah to swallow yogurt. Unbeknownst to her, Noah does not like yogurt. So Lisa went back to the room and tried one of Noah’s favorite treats, Peppermint Patties. She placed some of that soft substance on his tongue and well you guessed it… he began to taste it and swallow it over and over. All good indicators of things to come. There have been no problems with his breathing and they have stopped all respiratory therapy because it is not necessary any more. The hole in his esophagus is healing very well. I’m told that it looks like a small blister that is healing, but is still slightly red. I am excited about going to see Lisa and Noah. Thank you all for sharing this literal journey with the Addesa’s. The destination is restoration. The pathway is filled with signposts that keep pointing us back to The Father. He is good, His love endures forever. Love…Pastor David

Last Updated: July 11, 2007 at 12:35 p.m.
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It’s early morning Friday and I hope to finish this before the sun arises. The sunrises are beautiful here in the mountains of Virginia and it reflects more of His amazing glory.

Yesterday, Thursday, was week one of Noah’s stay here at Kluge. However, the weekend is really leisurely therefore he has only had four actual days of rehab therapy. Noting that, Lisa and I have not waned in our conviction that this is the place The Father has set aside for our son.

The proverb that “a picture speaks a thousand words” is one that I agree with now more than before. The first picture you see is simply Noah sitting outside Kluge during one of the many times we sit outside with him to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. (Pardon the “scrunched ear.” J) Notice the absence of his trach tube!

The second picture captures what has become a frequent occurrence in Noah’s journey. He is trying to talk. In this scene Lisa is coaching him to use his breath to activate his vocal cords to make sounds. They are captivating moments. He did it one time yesterday while I was with him in his school session. The therapist stopped what she was doing and immediately began to encourage Noah about talking. It was exciting to her as well!

I will allow these pictures to speak for me this time. Once again, though we are very grateful for this wonderful facility and staff, please pray that The Father would allow us to be examples to others that “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” By that I mean that Noah’s recovery would become a “sign and a wonder” to those around us who need His grace and power in their lives. Thank you for praying in unity with us. Love… Pastor David

Last Updated: July 11, 2007 at 2:05 p.m.
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Weekends at UVA Kluge are somewhat serene primarily because the rehab specialists only work there Mon.-Fri. If the weather is exceedingly hot and not tolerable for Noah to sit outside, it can be somewhat monotonous for Lisa by herself. However Emma decided to stay with her mom and it is turning out to be a wonderful time for them as mother and daughter while being with Noah as well.

Friday I let pictures speak more for me than words and since then Noah has been increasingly and persistently opening his mouth and making noises in what appears to be his attempts to talk. Please do not misunderstand the next remarks because we are very grateful for Noah’s progress and efforts.

Lisa and Emma shared a “light” moment with me. Emma told me at one point that Lisa said to Noah: “ Noah…you have had your mouth open all day long….the flies are going to land in there if you don’t close it once in a while.” Emma and Lisa looked at each other and in a moment of much needed levity; they both realized how goofy Lisa’s statement was and broke out in spontaneous gully washing laughter.

Apparently Noah understood what was taking place because Emma said: “dad…he looked at us with a smirk on his face and even formed a small dimple in his cheek like he used to have… and he appeared to be trying to smile.” They think he was caught up in the “ moment” as they were. I guess it’s one of those times you had to be there so since you were not, I hope you can grasp even a small portion of this time of laughter.

One of Noah’s physician’s came by to see him today and Lisa was discussing this and other emotions he has been exhibiting of late (mostly through distinct facial expressions and head movements). The doctor affirmed the fact that these are great indicators that Noah is finding his way back to us.

He is, and as he does, my trust is completely in the One who is a “ lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path”. (Psalm 119:105). Noah my son, we wait patiently as you walk with Him back to us. Love …dad

Last Updated: July 16, 2007 at 8:57 a.m.
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It is early Wednesday morning and I wanted to take a moment and brief you on Noah’s status. Pastoral ministry has it’s ebbs and flows with times of high demand that whittle away some of my desired time connecting with Lisa and my family. I will be traveling up to Kluge Thursday and returning Saturday. Because of the aforementioned, I have had limited time interacting with Lisa. One of his Tuesday rehab sessions worthy of your attention involves muscle movements “on command” to further his flexibility, dexterity etc. It was “eventful” yesterday. Lisa said the therapist was preparing Noah’s arm with a pre-designed technique that positions Noah’s hands to isolate his attempt at simply moving his fingers.
Apparently his therapist was only expecting slight movement when she asked Noah to move his fingers. The therapist’s words were this: “ Noah…you just made the hairs on my arm stand up”. Apparently there was minimal expectation on her part of what Noah’s response would be. His actual movements exceeded this considerably and caused this amazement to affect her in that manner. I wish I could have been there. However I can tell simply by Lisa’s voice intonations those moments like this flood her soul with joy. It does mine as well. I pray you receive the same blessing as well.

For those of you who are praying for Noah please refer back to the July 4th entry. We earnestly desire to only walk in the things God has ordained for Noah. I preface this prayer request in that exact manner. A member of my family has done extensive research on a medical therapy called Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber treatments. You can go online if you are interested in more info. It has shown to be very beneficial in various brain injuries. UVA has a center like this on campus. I agreed to personally look into it. I would ask that you pray with me that God would make it unquestionably clear through “open doors” that Noah should receive this therapy. Or conversely, that he would “seal every door shut” if this is not His provision. I will once again report back to you upon my return from Kluge. Thank you for your investment in Noah’s destiny. Love… Pastor David

Last Updated: July 18, 2007 at 3:22 p.m.
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Today I had the opportunity to accompany Noah on his rehab sessions. Lisa spent the day with Emma off campus. Tomorrow should be similar. There were no new "milestones" to report today. However, Noah is showing steady measurable progress in his physical and mental capacities.

He is opening his mouth so much that we wondered why. The chief physician overseeing Noah explained that people with hypoxic injuries sometimes go through phases like Noah is exhibiting. In his case he is trying to figure out how to talk and when he finally figured out how to open his mouth "at will" that one significant breakthrough can cause him to fixate on the newly discovered capacity so much so that he keeps repeating it over and over.

Again, no one knows for sure, but it is his experience that patients like Noah will keep repeating. We are working with Noah to "coach him" through this phase, which leads me to my thought about Noah's progress and our spiritual journey. Paul said this in 2 Corinthians 3:18, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." Each day we have the opportunity to become more like Him. Each day Noah is being restored in the same way. Day-by-day... "As by the Spirit of the Lord." Thank you Father. Love.Pastor David

Last Updated: July 20, 2007 at 1:17 p.m.
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It is Sunday evening and I had the unusual opportunity to come back up to Charlottesville after doing a wedding on Saturday morning. We had a special ministry team from Youth Challenge ministering in both morning services on Sunday so I was free to return to spend some much needed alone time with Lisa and Noah. It was a great blessing.

The medical chief-of-staff talked with Lisa and I today about Noah’s progress. After a lengthy discussion with his team on Friday they have come to some specific conclusions. His words were, “Noah is there… it’s simply a struggle for him to synergize his intentions with coordinated muscle movements.” In layman’s terms, he does not consider Noah in a coma any longer. He is “there”; we just need to help him figure out how to carry out his desires.

Some notables for us were once again subtle, yet significant. Noah has begun to exhibit some control over his right hand and right leg. I watched him, while in his wheelchair, lift his right leg up from the knee down upon our request. He did it a number of times for Lisa and I. On Friday afternoon, in one of his rehab sessions, he began to move his head left-to-right like when you’re signaling “no” to someone when the therapist asked him if he wanted to continue with what they were doing. Also, in that same session she asked Noah to raise his eyebrows for yes. He did it.

Noah has for some weeks now been grasping things with his first three digits on his right hand. We were informed that is a reflexive response and not voluntary. It is when he actually releases the object that determines a voluntary response. Friday he began with determination to “drop” things he has grasped. You can watch his face grimace as he gets frustrated… but when he persists… he is successful.

This afternoon the three of us had to find a different place to hang out because one of the children here had a birthday party and occupied the patio we usually lounge in with Noah. We walked around the grounds and found a nice quiet cove with a much needed shade tree and a wooden bench. Before I sat down I noticed a small silver plaque on the back of the bench with the following inscription: (Remember this is a secular institution.) Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." I wept as I read this and heard the voice of my Father. I will wait. Love… Pastor David

Last Updated: July 23, 2007 at 9:40 a.m.
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I broke my 3rd toe last night and it is still swelling. The Doctor has said that I am not to walk on it so I am unable to back to the room and type out an update. I will be home Friday and will give a thorough update at that time. Love... Pastor David

Last Updated: July 25, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.
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My apologies for the lack of an update Wednesday. The barking of my dog roused me Tuesday night and I went down the stairs rather quickly forgetting that 15 year old carpeted stairs can become very "smooth" and devoid of the traction necessary to navigate safely. I slipped and grabbed the rail while my foot slammed into the base of the staircase. Ouch! My middle toe looks like a purple rainbow today, but I am on the mend.

In an effort to take Noah to the "next level" his chief physician decided to send Noah over to the UVA Medical center to have an EEG done on his brain to determine if his jerking motions had any association with seizure activity. That determination is critical in their next phase of strategy.

The neurologist came by today to give us the results. The first determination was specific for my understanding. Noah has no evidence of any seizure activity. Needless to say that is wonderful news. The second part required some explanation for me. The doctor said: "His brain activity is normal." When the assessment given to us was complete, he asked if we had any questions. I said, "When you said Noah's EEG was normal did you mean normal for someone with his brain injury?" He said, "No, normal in the sense that his brain waves are that of a normal eleven year old boy." The doctor said to us, "Once again, this further indicates that Noah is 'in there'. We need to re-evaluate our medications and maximize what his brain is already doing." The word "normal" never meant more in all my life.

When the doctor walked out of the room I had a difficult time seeing Lisa through the wash of tears streaming down my cheeks. We both partook of another moment of unspeakable joy. For those of you who are fighting for my son through your intercession, with gladness of heart and great appreciation, I share this moment of triumph with you and my Father in Heaven. Love... Pastor David

Last Updated: July 27, 2007 at 10:41 a.m.
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I spoke with Lisa tonight and we remain full of faith and expectancy. Hebrews 11:1 says that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for… the evidence of things not (yet) seen.” I can “see” Noah out of his wheel chair walking, talking and fully functional, yet it has not yet manifested to its fullness. With that in mind, we have faced challenges along the way. Friday was another day of tremendous encouragement with the EEG results. Over the weekend the medical team decided to do some further endocrine investigation with tests for Noah’s thyroid gland and other growth hormone organs. Lightening strikes along with brain injuries in general can produce what is termed “precocious puberty.” We noticed Noah starting to exhibit physical characteristics of a transition into the beginnings of his manhood.

The results came in yesterday and once again all systems are “go.” No evidence of any endocrine problems. Thank you, Lord. This next concern requires some context for your understanding. Noah has been on a drug called Valium for the duration of his injury. Initially, I was not concerned with administering this to him in the early stages of his trauma. As time went on however, Lisa and I were very concerned that this could lead to an unintended “dependency” (and slowing his progress in regaining his physical and mental abilities). In simple street lingo, I was concerned that Noah would become addicted to this drug. Valium has very addictive properties. Unfortunately, this has occurred. In Noah’s case it became obvious to us on Friday that withdrawing was causing significant physical symptoms in particular with facial muscles. The doctors are consulting on a daily basis to try and sort this out.

This is a twist in the road for us; however, I refer you back to my opening comments. Over the years I have prayed for people with various addictions and God has set them free. Noah need’s the power of God to deliver him from this drug. Please pray for that as you intercede for his complete restoration. Thank for caring enough to do so. Love… Pastor David

Last Updated: July 30, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.