Paul's Update - 07/04/06

Dear Friends:

Dad & I are back from our weekend away. We had a great time at visiting with Ann, John & my Mom. It has been a busy weekend for Paul. I hope you enjoyed Bobby's message on Saturday. Sunday turned out to be a quiet day. Paul rested most of the day. They watched movies and recovered from the busy day they had Saturday. Monday Bobby & Tabby took Paul to the matinee movie showing of Superman. He seemed to really enjoy it. There were a couple of food challenges. He didn't do real well with nachos or popcorn. He also had an incident with trying to put his soda down onto the floor and he ended up spilling it. He is actually trying to stretch his arm when putting the soda down though. So this activity is actually a good thing! Otherwise he keeps his elbow bent all the time which makes it pretty stiff. Any opportunity for him to stretch it out is good. Today we celebrated Independence Day as a family. Dad & I got home around 1pm and Dad headed right over to Paul's. He was watching movies. Bobby was preparing to do a 4th of July BBQ. He makes the BEST steaks!! Paul was using his arms a bit more today. Tabby has some spring loaded hand exercisers that he can squeeze to exercise the upper arms. He does great with the left hand but he is trying to squeeze more with his right hand too. He can't completely squeeze the exerciser with the right hand but he tries!! He is learning more sign language as well. Tabby has a friend that is teacher her some signing to work with Paul. We are still waiting to hear back from the doctor on the most recent blood tests. We should hear something by the end of the week and then possibly we can start reducing the Depacote. We are praying that the elimination of this medicine will encourage even more recovery! Each day we seem to have something to be thankful for ... and encouraged by! Thanks for continuing to pray. God has continued to be faithful in Paul's recovery!

Have a great day! Lynne & Carl

P.S. Please continue to pray for Matt Gittings. His health is dangerously frail and he is in the ICU in Parkersburg WV.