Best 2 days yet!

Emotionally & physically, Thursday was one of Matt's best days to date. The trip to the mall really boosted his spirits, and seemed to make him realize that there is life outside the hospital. We think he now wants to be part of it, and so he's making a more concentrated effort towards his physio and communication with people. Dad has never seen him eat like he did yesterday - almost continuously. Dad was feeling like a server at a restaurant, but with only one customer, and no tips!!! Also, Matt is no longer being reserved around other patients, but is actively engaging them in conversation. Praise the Lord for this change in outlook! Psalms 139:14"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Matt sat in his chair for 8 hours (a new record), and was able to hold 300 ml in his bladder without leaking. As well, Matt is being more conscious of doing his own exercising in his room (strengthening his neck muscles), and is really just trying a little bit harder. They are really working on his transfer from the chair to the raised mat, and they are trying different techniques to see which works best.

Today, he had another really good day. Because he's feeling better (pneumonia seems to be gone), he's more upbeat. He was in his chair for 8 1/2 hours - which is better than yesterday, and he also had a great day at physio. Dad said they put him on the tilt table today which is something they haven't done in a while (reminder - this table takes a person from lying down to standing up). They gradually increased the angle to 70 degrees, which is the highest he's ever gone - Way to go Matt! He only had one dizzy spell which is pretty good as his body is still adjusting to being upright. Once he was in his chair again, the therapist had Matt hold a substance similar to putty/playdoh in his right hand. He is able to squeeze this quite tightly and make fairly significant indents into the putty. The therapist than asked Matt to try squeeze the putty in his left hand. Matt was rather skeptical as he feels his left hand has no strength at all. But he tried anyway. Dad said he worked so hard he was sweating, and wouldn't you know, there was a little imprint in the putty! Thanks so much for your continued prayers for Matt's recovery and may God continue to restore his spirit.