Over the last several days, great changes have taken place for Tommy. First, the wound on Tommy's back has all but disappeared. Only a red spot remains. The nurse who examined him this week was truly amazed at the completeness of the healing of this wound. No doubt God has heard and chosen to answer our prayers through healing in this situation! Also, Tommy reports that he is doing much damage to the walls at Craig via his new wheelchair driving skills :) Tommy is learning to maneuver the wheelchair by a system of commands made by blowing and "sipping" into a tube on the chair. This has obviously given Tommy the ability to travel around the hospital instead of being confined to a room. Praise God for the amazing progress! Please pray for healing of the phrenic nerve which will determine Tommy's ability to breath independent of the ventilator. Also, please pray for strength and encouragement for Robyn. And, continue to pray for wisdom, rest and encouragement for the staff at Craig. -- My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Psalm 57:7

Yesterday, I had the great privilege of hearing more encouraging news straight from Tommy's mouth! After weeks of not being able to take even one bite, Tommy is now able to eat real food with few restrictions! Tommy reported that this advancement has given him much more energy and made him feel considerably better. There also seems to be hopeful signs in regard to Tommy's breathing. Tommy feels encouraged by his progress with the breathing exercises and is scheduled for diaphragm testing soon. And, Tommy's doctor has said he will be able to start more intense therapy next week, beginning with being placed upright in a wheelchair. Up until now, Tommy has been strictly in bed so this is an amazing progression. It will be somewhat difficult as the body and its functions have to adjust to being upright. There has been significant improvement on the wound on Tommy's back allowing for the move to an upright position. In our conversation, Tommy and Robyn again wished to wholeheartedly thank everyone for their prayers, cards and support! Praise God because He is simply good, loving and The Great Physician! Please pray for continued healing of Tommy's wound and for healing and strength of Tommy's diaphragm. Also pray for God's hand to guide the upcoming therapy. Lastly, please keep the staff at Craig in your prayers. -- "But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, you are my God! My future is in your hands." Psalm 31:14-15

Good news arrived earlier this week from Craig. Tommy's wound on his back is continuing to heal nicely! The doctors are hopeful that within 2 weeks Tommy will be able to start physical rehabilitation. Also, Tommy showed encouraging signs of independent breathing during a breathing test! One of Tommy's kind and dedicated nurses made many arrangements to facilitate a trip outside for him. Other than the move from Fayetteville to Denver, this was his first opportunity to be outside. Praise God for His healing power, constant encouragement and the provision of nurses and staff that care for Tommy. Please pray for continued healing of the wound on Tommy's back as well as the strengthening of Tommy's lungs and diaphragm. -- "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13