June 2008
Brett has had a good couple of months since I’ve last written. He has had no major sicknesses and a “clean nose”. He continues to be a quiet, and easy-going little guy. I am very thankful for this, since I am in the midst of “hurricane season” with his little brother Joel. Ulrike, Brett’s PT, was here for several days this past week. She was encouraged with several “reactions” that Brett manifested as she worked with him. I used the camera and did several short videos of her working with him, and then put them all together. It works great for us to use as a guide for exercising him.

Ulrike and Tini working with Brett. We are touched by their love for him.

Some of the things we are working on with him are weight bearing on his legs and sitting. If Brett is in the right mood, he can sit on the floor between my legs for a short time with hardly any help from me. My help involves holding him around the waist while he tries to balance himself. If I would completely let go, he could sit for a few seconds before he’d fall over because the auto-reflex to put his hands down is missing right now. But at least his torso is getting stronger and his head control is improving to the point of sitting and looking around for a short time. I also use the walker with his arms on the tray to help him work on head control. He tolerates it for 20 minutes or so. In the past month we have been able to get braces for his feet to help keep his foot from dropping so much that it shortens the tendon in his calf. We wear them at night and still use the ankle shoes during the day, giving him a break for part of the day.

Brett "hangin out" in the hammock swing.

Putting weight on his legs.

Brett is learning to tolerate his little brother Joel. Joel has pulled his feeding tube out, yanked his hair and flopped on him with all his weight. Brett is surviving. One day he might just give a swift "kick" back?! Sometimes I notice Brett make a smirk when Joel is around him and making lots of noise. A few times Joel has laid his head down on Brett and just loved him up.

A "forced" photo on Joel's first birthday

"The BOYS"

Again, we covet your prayers and say thanks for your long distance care for one of God’s special children. When I get discouraged I remember that this life is for such a short time compared to all eternity. Brett will be able to communicate, walk and share life with us on those heavenly shores someday. What a day that will be! Are you ready? If Jesus Christ returned today, would he find you faithfully serving Him? “Oh Lord, grant us Grace and Mercy to faithfully walk in your will.”