thumb war

Last week, my dad attended a doctor's meeting on Aron's behalf. It was a generally positive meeting - Aron is in good physical health, he is healing from the cranioplasty, and is improving with therapy. He will continue to receive therapy five days a week.

Yesterday, Aron had an appointment with an ENT regarding the trach. For several reasons, it will remain in for the time being, however my parents have begun "plugging" it, or putting on a speaking valve, which will hopefully stimulate his vocal chords and get that part of him working again. He is able to breathe through his mouth and nose, however, not unsupervised.

Therapy happens each day - Aron is asked to identify things, reach for objects, and hold up his head. Positive highlights include him being able to correctly identify 6 out of 7 cards and hold his head up for almost three minutes. The therapists are working on stabilizing his body from the head down, so that he can better participate in different exercises.

Today Aron is being evaluated for acute rehab. My family is unsure if he is ready for this yet or not. Please pray for wisdom and guidance, and that Aron will be in the best place for his treatment.

To explain the post title - we've been trying different things to get through to Aron - coffee beans, dog chew toys, a wrench, his cologne - and of all things, he will participate in a thumb war. He's done this several times with my dad. I can remember doing this a lot as a kid, and even more memorable is "hot hands" - the hand slapping game. Aron isn't quite there yet, but I look forward to writing a post someday with that title.

Please continue to pray for Aron's progress. He is certainly moving in the right direction, just slowly. I saw my brother for the first time in several weeks this past weekend, and I am struck by the improvement he's made. I was reminded of something Amy mentioned in prayer one evening way back when all this was still very new. She asked God to help us love Aron in whatever condition he was in. Through all the ups and downs, the frustration, the sadness - I can honestly say that we love Aron just as much, if not more, than ever before.