Paul's Update - 07/22/06

Dear Friends:

Dad arrived around 7am. Paul was feeling pretty good. Today was Starbucks day. He always enjoys that. Audrey wasn't going to be there until 3pm. Paul stood up from his bed by himself today. He hasn't done that since before the last seizure. He also walked just holding Dad's hands while Dad was in front of him to catch him when he would start to lose his balance. He did this several times today and his balance got better each time. Tabby & Audrey even did this while Dad was gone today. He stood up from the toilet by holding Dad's hands. He even squeezed Dad's hand with his right hand in order to have a good grip to pull himself to a standing position!! We are excited to see his strength come back a little. Later Tabby gave Paul the toilet paper roll in his left hand he threw it on the floor. She gave it to him again and he threw it down again. She tore a bit and balled it up and gave it to him ... he threw it. She balled it up and gave it to him in his right hand and he took his thumb and flicked it out of his hand. As funny as this is he actually used his right thumb for the first time since the accident. He has been opening his right fingers a bit but this is the first he's used his right thumb. He also held a Nutrigrain bar in his right hand today and put it to his mouth then took a bite then used his left hand to pull it up some to be able to eat more. What great progress!! Dad said he believes that today is the best day Paul has had so far. Paul said "hey" to Dad today. Last night when Audrey left he said "bye". Tonight is the first night with the increased Dilantin. He had 600mg tonight and he will have 400mg tomorrow night. I pray that this will not stunt his progress. He was pretty tired after getting meds tonight. Tabby spent the first night alone in the house with Paul and Max on Friday night. She was a bit nervous since nobody was around to rely on if there was an emergency. Carolyn & Alysa will stay over tonight and keep her company. Carolyn, Alysa, Billy & Jen (Bobby's girlfriend) came over today to stay and help with Paul until Audrey came. Sunday everyone will be in church together ... except Bobby since he is out of town. It will be nice to have our family in worship together. We have much to praise God for!

Blessings, Lynne & Carl