Monday, October 8, 2007

Hello friends,

Sarah, Everett and I had a very nice weekend with Kevin and a good family conference. Kevin is doing really well. We are still waiting for them to find a neuro-ophthalmologist for him to see. His eyes are really giving him a lot of problems and causing him a lot of frustration. His recent MRI of the brain showed his brain is continuing to heal. We are hoping and praying that as it heals his eyesight will get better as well.

An ENG should be performed this week. An electronystagmogram (ENG) measures normal eye movement and involuntary rapid eye movements called nystagmus. It also checks the muscles that control eye movements. ENG checks how well the eyes, inner ears, and brain help you keep your balance and position (such as when you change from lying down to standing). ENG is done to help see whether there is damage or a problem in how the inner ear, brain, or nerves connecting them work. These problems may cause dizziness, vertigo or loss of balance. Please pray that if any problems are found that they can be corrected.

Kevin will also be starting vocational testing and/or training this week. It looks quite good that he will be able to return to work. It is too early yet to determine what kind of work that will be. We're not sure if he will be able to return to the job he had before. It seems to us that the biggest drawback to employment will be his eyesight. Keep praying that he will recover sufficient eyesight. As Kevin said, he isn't looking for 20/20 eyesight again, but enough to let him drive and be gainfully employed.

Kevin has "graduated" to the next level of independent living. He will be given a key to his apartment and mailbox. He will no longer need an aid following him wherever he goes. His only limitation is that someone will have to watch him climb up and down stairs because of his balance issues. Other than that he can wander around the apartment complex all by himself. He is looking forward to taking walks by himself without someone tailing after him.

We were excited to hear that it is very likely Kevin will be home for good by Christmas. We couldn't ask for a better present. Each week as we see Kevin improve we can see God's hand at work. There are so many clients at the Centre for Neuro Skills who are not making the rapid strides Kevin is. Those that we are more aware of who have been there for as long as or longer than Kevin don't seem to be making much progress at all. We have a mighty and awesome God who answers the prayers of his children. As I write this paragraph tears come to my eyes because I am so grateful to my heavenly Father who loves and hears our prayers and takes care of His children. Thank you all again for partnering with us in prayer.

Love,
Tami