Three Month Update!

Today is Ethan's three month AVM milestone and what a journey this has been. Looking back on photos from early February, it's hard to believe how far Ethan has come in his recovery. There was a time we were so thankful he could move parts of his right side, now he is walking on his own, mostly without his AFO. He is spending time on the treadmill and other leg extension machines at the Y.  He is actively walking around he block with Pippi and at times is even walking faster than her, although that is not saying much. Anyone who knows Pippi, knows she is the slowest dog ever.  While he still has weakness in ankle, he is gaining strength and control more and more everyday.

Ethan's right arm continues to improve.  He is diligently works on exercises to retrain his brain to make the necessary communication with his arm. There is so much to learn on training the brain to make the necessary communications to muscles in the body. In conjunction with exercises Ethan's therapists have used tape to increase the brains communication with the hand and arm. There are so many tools all his therapists have been using to enhance the neuro connections. 

As we look forward to the week of therapies ahead, it is hard not acknowledge the reality that Ethan would have graduated college May 12. At times we know it weighs heavy on his heart, but attitude remains positive. I included one of today's daily devotions Jeff and I read this morning, and once again it seems fitting to share. 

A Strong Foundation

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock" Mathew 7:24-25

The storms of life can come from any and every direction. It is during these storms that our foundation is tested. The stronger the storm, the greater the test. 

Jesus painted a picture of a storm that hit from all angles. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house. But the foundation was solid and the house withstood the storm. The foundation was not built during the storm; it was build before the winds picked up. It was not made by the storm; it was made for the storm. 

Jesus explains that the foundation of our faith is built through actions. It is not built on hearing God's Word, but being obedient to it. It is built by taking the words of Christ and putting them into practice. Before you go through difficult days, you need to build a strong foundation that can weather the storm. 

Lord, help us to rely on you before the difficult day's. Guild us as we build a strong foundation of faith in you. When the rain comes, help us stand with courage and confidence. 

Once again we continue to thank everyone who has prayed for Ethan, his family, and his friends.