It was a month ago today that we lived through a nightmare. And today, four weeks later, we have the very best news to share. 

Last week Beckett and Ellia were cleared by doctors on all pertinent medical fronts!

Beckett was seen by the eye doctor and she didn't see any signs or indicators of damage to his optic nerve, or any other impairment to his vision or the bones around his left eye. Praise God!

Both kids were seen by the pediatric neurosurgeon  - this was an appointment we were eagerly awaiting  - and he said they both looked "solid" after a physical exam. But he ordered an x-ray for both of them before giving the all-clear.  Quite surprisingly, they were able to get in for the x-rays and the neurosurgeon was able to read the images all in that same day.  That afternoon he gave permission for both kids to remove their neck braces. Praise God!  

I teared up when Davin sent the first picture of them without their neck braces.  We have tasted and seen God's goodness and healing power in countless ways throughout this journey, but the removal of the neck braces felt like such a tangible expression of that mercy and power and goodness that I just welled up with emotion and gratitude. 

The first thing the kids did when they got home was take a shower. Thankfully, unbathed toddlers don't get as stinky as unbathed grown ups ... but an unhindered shower for the first time in more than three weeks was some kind of good. =) 

The next appointment was Beckett's ENT. We had heard from several docs in the hospital that there was real possibility for Beckett to have some hearing loss or damage to his inner ear because of the force of the impact in that area. First, he passed his hearing test. [Side note:  what is the magic that enables an ENT tech to administer a valid hearing test to a 2 year old?] Then, the ENT doctor examined him for any signs of continued leakage of spinal fluid (he had been experiencing that for many days in the hospital), or damage to his inner ear. The doc said he didn't see any signs of damage or impairment in any way, and noted how resilient young bodies are but also how lucky we are for what seems to be a comprehensive and complete recovery for Beckett. I suspect it's much deeper than luck, though.  Praise God!

We celebrated a week's worth of amazing medical reports by going to the pool for the first time! Ellia has been desperate to swim all these weeks, and she took full advantage of her new-found freedom by spending the entire time swimming on her own (without a floatie) to a parent several feet away -- she all of a sudden took the first huge step in learning how to swim! And Beckett happily swam with a floatie on for the first time! Previously, he has been hesitant to be in the water with a floatie by himself and just wanted to be held be a grown up instead. Apparently all the weeks of being sidelined made both kids eager to explore the water in new ways. 

As we move forward in trying to re-establish some normalcy we see at least two primary ways we need to care for the kids in this journey. The first is to make ample space for Ellia to process falling out the window whenever she wants to bring it up. We have learned from psychologists that the matter-of-fact recounting of events is actually the very best way for kids to process experiences like this. 

We also need to be careful with Beckett to avoid another concussion, especially over the next 6-12 months. Those who know Beckett know how very active (and clumsy!) he is, so this feels like a challenge. You can pray for wisdom for us in knowing how to parent a boy whose favorite things are to climb, jump, and swing bats and sticks. We want to give him some freedom to be active while also taking the necessary precautions to keep him safe as much as we can. 

We have noted at almost every turn how surrounded we have felt by the prayers of the people of God, and that your love and care have sustained all this way. That continues to be true, as we know you are rejoicing with us! And I do hope that our kids' story can be a testament to the mercy and power of God, and the care of the community.

Gratefully, and in the deep shalom of God,  

Heather and Davin

p.s. a few new pictures will be shared in the Gallery