Gladiator Luke-Believe!

Luke's New Ride

2011-12-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from our Christmas! We had a great time celebrating with family and friends! Luke got a new Dune Rider and LOVES it! He is really good at driving it too, and very determined about where he wants to go:)

Proof that Santa came!

Scooting over to check out his new ride!

Sis helping him opening up a gift

Trying to stand up

Out for a ride

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

Neuro Feedback

2011-12-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

So sorry for the lack of updates once again! Some exciting things to report though...

We started Luke getting neuro feedback a few weeks ago. I actually started the process for it many months ago. We originally met with this doctor back in July, but Luke needed to have a EEG that was seizure-free before he would start the neuro feedback.

A short explanation of what neuro feedback is: Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses electroencephalography to provide a signal that can be used by a person to receive feedback about brain activity. Basically, it is using the signals, to hopefully retrain the brain. So Luke has had three sessions so far, and we have already noticed some improvements. His behavior has been so much better!! Huge praise God for that!! Honestly, if we see nothing else, if his behavior could just change it would be worth it:) However, we have also noticed he has been attempting to say words once again a lot more. His teacher has also noticed this at school. In fact, yesterday she reported he said hot hog clear as day! He just overall seems to be more focused and more aware. I am excited to see what the remaining appointments will bring. He will do a set of 10 sessions, then be re-evaluated. Typically though, with TBI we are looking at 20-40 sessions. Please pray we continue to see improvements with this!

If you are interested in learning more about Neurofeedback, here are some great sites:

More in-depth explanation of neurofeedback: http://www.behavioralmedicinebc.com/neuro.html

This is the closest I could find to someone like Luke. This person was also very aggressive, Luke is not this bad yet, but I fear as he gets bigger. I pray we have the results they have seen. Luke's injury is also very similar to this person's.

http://www.joanfabian.net/roshijournal.asp

Luke is seeing Dr. Alberto Texidor in Mesa. Ironically, when I first started looking, he would not have been my first choice, he was on vacation for like 3 weeks, plus he doesn't have a web site, which turned me off. However, all roads kept leading back to him, and I am so thankful. He is amazing and Luke really gets along well with him!

Here is a pic Luke's teacher sent me of him using his new scooter at school:

Here is a pic of Luke recently. You can see how big he is getting. I love this picture of him standing by himself. His new record is now 30 seconds.

Thanks for continuing to follow along on Luke's journey. As we approach the five year mark from when he got hurt, I pray there are great things on the horizon!

Halloween!

2011-11-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Luke's favorite part, taking out the guts!

Love to see this kid smile.

Lacey off in the corner, she was aftraid of Luke's mask.

Luke the ninja, Lacey as Tinkerbell, and Lynsey with her last minute costume, football player.

More carving fun!

Thank you!

2011-10-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you SO much for all of the letters, postcards you are sending for Luke. We greatly appreciate it!!

Here is a picture of Luke at the mailbox. I have a video of him walking, but thought I had turned off the volume and hadn't. I don't think you want to hear me talking the entire time, so I will get another one soon and post that!

Seizure Free!!

2011-10-13T16:27:00.001-07:00

Mr. Luke had an EEG last week to follow up on the episode he had a school a few months ago. We were thinking it could have possible been a seizure, and he had not had an EEG since August of 2007, so he was due. I called today, and the results are in...Mr. Luke is seizure free!! This is amazing in itself with the injury he has!!! Praise God!

Thanks so much for the letters you are sending also, he is loving them!!

Checking the Mail!

2011-09-30T11:03:00.001-07:00

Luke has had a great few weeks!! We have seen fewer behavior issues, praise God!!! I had his conference at school this week, and he is doing a lot better there behavior wise also. His teacher is impressed with the amount of words he can identify by pointing to the correct word when given a choice of four words. Yeah Luke!!

Yesterday he was showing off at home. He walked (with me helping from behind, but doing very little) all the way to our mailbox and back inside. I am guessing it is at least 100 yards total. I am thinking if he does this every single day, he will get stronger and stronger, and hopefully able to do it with less and less assistance. So, here is how you avid Luke followers can help us out. I would love to fill that mailbox with letters, pictures, postcards, whatever for him when he walks out to check it, to keep him motivated. If you want to help out by mailing him something, send me an email to cmcsmg@aol.com if you do not have our address, and I will get it for you. Thank you so much for helping support Luke on his journey!! We appreciate it more than you will every know.

Too Long..

2011-09-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the lack of updates lately, it seems like life is just passing by in the blink of an eye. It seems like just yesterday we were laying on the beach in Coronado, now fall is upon on us, and before we know it Christmas will be here. We have been super busy!! Here are some pics of Luke at our annual blackberry picking event:

We also had to have sort of a surprise IEP meeting for Luke. He had an incident where he was grabbing another student, and has also continued to grab his teacher and aides. By the Grace of God we had met with a new neuro-psychologist just a week prior. He told me he is very well versed in dealing with school behavior issues should the need every come. He attended the IEP meeting via phone conference and had some great suggestions that everyone on Luke's team agreed to try out and implement some changes. Please pray they work and Luke will no longer have the behavior issues at school. Here is Luke's recent school picture. I think it turned out great!

Other than the behavior issues, things have been great. Thanks so much for checking in! I hope to be better about updating in the future!

Scare at School

2011-08-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Luke had a bit of a scare at school. I received a call mid-morning from the school nurse telling me Luke was unresponsive. So of course I freak out. I asked her if he was breathing and had a heart beat, she said yes. She said he would just not wake up no matter what they tried. It happened at lunch. His teacher could not get him to respond at all, so she brought him to the nurses office. The nurse was concerned enough that she was going to call 911. The bad part was Tuesday I was at work in Gilbert, so it would take me awhile to get there, the good news was Mike was also there so he could drive, as I was a mess. On the way there I calmed down a bit, and called the school back. By this time the Fire Dept and Paramedics had arrived. The Fireman told me Luke was still unresponsive, and they were going to go ahead and take him to the hospital, where did I want them to transport him to? I start freaking out again, then he says, "Oh wait, we think he is coming around." Sure enough I could then hear him doing his Lukey yell in the background, huge sigh of relief. So they said they would check his vitals and decide what to do when Mike and I got there. I told Mike we were going to get there and Luke was going to be so excited to see all of the fire men there for him. Sure enough we walk into the nurses office to find Luke sitting up, hamming it up for the firemen. They had the stretcher there ready to transport him. After checking his vitals though, they found everything to be normal. All this to say, the only thing we can think it may have been is a seizure. Luke has not had seizures before that we are aware of. However, the doctors told us from the beginning seizures are very common in cases of TBI, especially as kids start to enter puberty. Luke has the same teacher he had last year, so she knows his mannerisms, knows him, and knows when something is not right. We fully trust her. I also know from experience he does not like to be woken up, and will hit and fight you. So for him to be completely unresponsive is not normal at all. After this, he slept for almost two hours straight. Please pray he is not having seizures, and that is was just an isolated event.

Back To School

2011-07-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Luke started back to school this week. Thankfully, he is at the same school and with the same teacher and aides he had last year. The only difference is, this year, he will be going all day every day. So far his first three days, he has had good reports from school. Pray this continues. He has also not had near the behavior problems he had been having at home. Thanks for the prayers and pray this continues. Here are some pics from the first day back (sorry they are so small, not sure why that was:)

Showing us six fingers for sixth grade

With his sisters before school

This week we will be adding Physical Therapy to Luke's schedule, one day before school, and one day after. Please pray this will not be too much for him, as he really needs the PT too, he has been making some great progress here lately.

Thanks!

2011-07-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the prayers yesterday! Luke did great! In fact, probably the best he has ever done:) The worst part of the trip was the drive there and back with a crazy driver, and of course the wait to get back into the states. Thanks again...God is Good! Now we pray for healing and restoration from these cells!!!

Prayer Request

2011-07-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

Luke will be getting another round of stem cells this Tuesday at 12:00. Please pray for this procedure. Pray it will bring more restoration for Luke. Also pray Luke will be well-behaved on the flights and while we are gone. Thank you so much for continuing to follow us on this journey:)

Thank you!

2011-07-12T09:05:00.001-07:00

One of Mike's mom's friends has a grandson that plays for the Ranch Cucamonga Quakes. They are part of the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system. She had asked her grandson to sign a ball for Luke for his 11th birthday. He went above and beyond and had the entire team sign the ball. Thank You Vera and Steve for this kind gesture! The ball is proudly displayed in Luke's room now. Go Quakes!!

Happy 11th!

2011-07-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of Luke's 11th birthday:

We have a couple prayer request:

**Luke has had HORRIBLE behavior lately. Look at any of our arms and you will see the scratches he has left from pinching us. That kid is STRONG!!! We can not really attribute the change in behavior to anything. Please pray we can find an answer to it SOON though before school starts again!!

**Luke will be going back for another Stem Cell treatment in Mexico on July 19th. Pray we see results from this. The same Dr in Mexico will be doing the injection of the stem cells, but a Dr in the US, who has taken us across once, and who we really liked, will be getting the stem cells from the US.

Thanks so much for checking in and have a Happy July 4th Weekend!

Vacation Time!

2011-06-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Warning: Long Post:)

We just returned to this wonderful AZ heat from a great vacation in San Diego. We had such a good time. We stayed in a house on Coronado, so we were able to go to the beach, and do a few other things. Check out the pics!

We toured the USS Midway Naval Ship. Here are Luke and Mike looking out from the ship.

Pap and Luke getting some ocean therapy.

Mike and Luke checking out a deer at the zoo.

Luke rockin' his aviators.

Luke with his shell collection.

Feeding the ducks that came to the house from the golf course across the street.Luke loves playing (and sometimes throwing) the sand.

Now onto some other Luke news...he has been showing off lately. Sunday night we had a Father's Day dinner at my grandparents house. Luke was showing off his standing up skills. Everyone was clapping for it so I told him to bow. He thought that was funny:)

Here is what we caught him doing the other night. This is the first time he has reached up like this. Now he thinks it is funny to go over the turn off the TV. Notice how lefty is helping out.

We are gearing up for a busy week of birthdays around here. Luke turns 11 on the 27th, and Lynsey will be a teenager on the 13th!! Where has time gone? Look for some bday pics next week. Thanks for continuing to check on Luke:) God Bless!

Summertime!!

2011-06-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Summertime is here! We made the decision earlier this year to let Luke have a break from the intense therapies we had been doing ever summer, and hopefully let him have more fun this break! So, we have two girls that are each helping out with Luke's therapies/lessons 6 hours per week. I am hoping he will show just as much progress. It sure beats driving an hour to and from therapies in the AZ heat, and also worrying about shuffling the girls out somewhere. He is also getting 2 hours of PT a week, and will be starting a karate class this Friday that I am excited about. So, at least we don't have to get up early and go somewhere, but the days are still pretty busy for him! Pray we see only improvement this summer and no regression:) Here are some recent pics of our hero at his end of the year school performance:

Here are some words Lynsey wrote about her little brother:

when i look at him, i see hero. i see never giving up. i see love. i see what i cant describe into words. i see strength. i see inspiration to all. i see little brother.

Here's to a great summer filled with progress and great times!! Thanks for continuing to follow our journey:)

Our Rockstar!

2011-05-16T14:25:00.001-07:00

I had Luke's annual IEP (individualized education plan) meeting last week, and let's just say that kid is a ROCKSTAR!!!! I have been following a lot of blogs of families who dread these meetings every year because of the fight that usually results with the school district regarding the results, etc. I have said all along, we could not be more pleased with Luke's transition back into school, and I think his IEP shows the direct results of that. Luke, for the most part, met almost every single goal that was set for him this year!! To take it back a few steps, when Luke was originally evaluated to go back to school, which I believe was in 2008, some of the things they did to evaluate him were have him throw a ball, try to sit up, blow bubbles, stick is tongue out, my how far he has come since that original evaluation. Note: We did not send him back to school after that original eval, we waited two years, to concentrate on therapy. Here is a breakdown of what/how Luke is doing:

Occupational Therapy- He has been busy drawing shapes, learning how to use scissors again (with his left hand). Some of the main goals he met here were drawing various shapes, and integrating lefty into more tasks, which he continues to do great on!

Physical Therapy-He has been working on standing balance and walking with minimum assistance. I am pleased that next year, we will be working with Luke using his walker more at school during the school day to get around the classroom instead of his wheelchair.

Speech-The therapist was very pleased with how Luke is doing. She said he is ready, willing, and able to communicate his needs. Some of the future goals for Luke include, saying more than just yes/no, using a communication device which will speak in sentences for him, and sequencing more sounds. We are going to start working on really having Luke say hi/bye for the next words he will hopefully say by mouth, along with yes/no.

In Class goals-Luke is able to read some basic sight words when they are presented to him. He is also matching words with pictures, and beginning to learn to even spell some simple words using letter cards. He is doing great in math using a ten frame to count up to 12, and even scored 100% on the addition problems that were presented to him. Next year he will begin to work on word problems involving real life situations (money,) subtraction, spelling and using more words, writing his first name.

So, I am very excited with how Luke has progressed this year. A HUGE thing for next year, is he will be going all day every day, instead of this year only go for a full day on Monday and Friday. Way to go Luke! We are so proud of you and so thankful for your amazing teacher, aides, and the wonderful team that works with you everyday at QCMS!!!

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." -Christopher Reeve

He is Risen!

2011-04-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

He is Risen...He is Risen Indeed!!!! Happy Easter everyone!

This morning as Luke was going thru his Easter basket using both hands, I thought to myself there is no way he was doing that last Easter. So, I went thru the pics from last year, and look at the difference:

Last year, not using his left hand at all, in fact it is contracted up against his body.

This year, using lefty to help rip open the package. In fact, we call him shredder in our house because he loves to rip and tear up stuff.

Using both hands to open up his eggs.

Sunday is coming....

2011-04-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Today is probably the darkest day in the history of man kind. The day that Jesus died on the cross. It was no doubt the most darkest, most painful, most horrible, most discouraging, most awful day of His life. It was the day he died, and to many it looked like the enemy had won. We all know that was not the case, for God had other plans. They may have put him in a crave, blocked it with a stone, but as we all know, Sunday morning was the beginning of a better story!!

The Easter story teaches me that no matter how frustrated I may be when Luke seems to have reached a plateau, or is really acting out, or just frustrated by what he should be able to do and should be doing, or how long it has been since he got hurt, there is a greater plan. We will not be stuck on Good Friday forever. Someday, our Sunday is coming. We know He will have the final say in this story, and it will be good. God bless you all this Easter weekend...I am excited because Sunday is coming, and HE IS RISEN!!! Death could not hold him!!

Frustrated

2011-04-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

We finished up this week with all of Luke's appointments for awhile, hopefully. He had an MRA for his aneursym, and it is stable. Now, he will not have another one for three years, which makes me nervous. We also tried out a few different therapy places to try and find a good one for Luke to do some intense work this summer. I found one yesterday, that I like and am cautiously-optimistic about. We also visited yesterday with the BEST neurologist ever, Dr. Cardenas, at St.Joe's. I honestly have not had a doctor take as much to talk about Luke with me in a long time, he spent almost an hour! He recommended a "mood-enhancing" drug for Luke to hopefully address some of the behavior issues we are seeing. I am very against drugging him, but after talking with Mike's cousin, Shelly, who is a dr herself about it, am willing to give it a try to see what we notice. Hopefully it will be positive:) Dr. Cardenas is also going to talk with the team at St. Joe's that is doing the deep brain stimulation there to see if they feel Luke may be a candidate for it. He tends to think not, but is willing to at least check, which I am thankful for. The bad news came at the end of the appointment when he said effective June 1st he will no longer be able to see Luke, due to a contract he signed since St Joes is merging with PCH, Luke will now have to see a neurologist at PCH. I have not found one neurologist at PCH I like or one who truly understand TBI. Dr. Cardenas did. Honestly, Luke does not have to see a neuro, but I just really liked him because he understands Traumatic Brain Injury A LOT!!! So back to square one on that front. Luke's neurosurgeon, Dr. Manwaring, whom we love also, I found out a few weeks ago is also no longer at PCH. I am guessing now, that is due to the merger too. I am trying to track him down though:) I was really stressing about it because I feel like everything is two steps forward, ten steps back. I found this in my email box last night. I have not gotten on of their emails in a really long time, but this one was right on time, funny how that works! So we are pressing toward the Promise:)

Press toward
the Promise

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“...Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised”
(Hebrews 6:12, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you facing a challenge today that seems overwhelming? Through faith and patience, you will see God’s promises come to pass in your life.

Understand that the enemy always fights the hardest when he knows you are closest to your breakthrough. He’d leave you alone if he thought you were going to live in mediocrity. If you keep pressing on toward your promise, through faith and patience, you will get there. Don’t be like the Israelites in the Old Testament who were right next to their promised land when they talked themselves out of it! They said, “There are giants in the land. It’s too difficult.” No, today, don’t look at the obstacles in your life. Lift up your eyes because you serve a supernatural God! Follow the example of Abraham who believed God even when his circumstances looked impossible. Remember, God always rewards the people who seek after Him. Stand in faith and keep believing because God will take you places that you never dreamed. Keep pressing toward the promise so you can live in the supernatural victory He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I come to You today choosing to believe Your promises. Fill me with Your faith and patience to press through to victory. I give You all the glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

blessed.

2011-04-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today's post is by Luke's big sister, Lynsey. It is something she posted for her friends. Lynsey's world was rocked upside down four years ago when Luke was hurt. She is amazing though and has made us SO very proud by adapting and accepting the "new" Luke and this new way of life with a brother that requires a lot of our attention! This writing certainly makes us proud...enjoy! And side note: she is a straight A student, so not sure what is up with the grammar/capitilization/punctuation things, just one of those cool "teen" things I guess??

well, i guess today i just feel the need to post something, well powerful? if you could say that. but, most often, every body finds themselves in such a wreck, and they think their life is going terrible, for all the wrong reasons. maybe, no money, or maybe bad luck. but, what we all don't understand is what really matters in life, what God's plan for you is, not YOUR plan for you. most of us dwell on all the negatives in life, and are too depressed or too sad. but what none of us understand is that, everything happens for a reason maybe you don't like that reason, but everyone needs to find a way to deal with it. OPTIMISM IS KEY. if you don't like the path you are going down, its as easy as getting yourself out of it, as it is getting yourself in it. don't dwell on the negatives in life, because half of the time, its only you feeling bad for YOURself. there are people out there who may not have the money to even have a home, or may not get to eat anything at all, and then here we are complaining because our house is too small, or we have no "good" food?! think about it. EACH and EVERY one of you, is blessed.

XOXO.

Special Olympics

2011-04-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well...he did it! Luke competed in the Special Olympics on Saturday (despite the 100 degree weather!) There were no other participants that showed up for his event, but he competed anyway and WON:) Yeah Luke! We are proud of you! Here are some pics from the day:

The face of a winner...getting ready to compete!

Ready, set, GO! Thanks to Papa for helping him!

Luke's fan club!

Getting his medal.

Love the message on the back of his shirt.

Special thanks to Luke's cheering section: Nana, Papa, Kaylee, Tyler, and his teacher, Mrs. Alaniz, who gave up her Saturday to come and cheer him on. Also, thanks to our neighbors, the Riggs, for the yummy peanut butter protein balls they made for him. Yeah Luke!!

Lots of appointments!!

2011-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

It seems as though Luke's busy time with appointments is here!! I don't know how they all seem to happen at once. We started today with his MRA, which checks on his aneurysm. This is the first time they have tried it without sedation. Luke did great!! Tomorrow, he has a speech evaluation, at a new therapy place I found on the east side. In April he has an evaluation at a new kind of therapy place (NDT certified OT and PT's,) an evaluation with a new neurologist that specializes in Traumatic Brain Injury cases, and an evaluation with Bob from NACD. He is also participating in Special Olympics on April 2nd. He is going to be walking with his walker:) Pray these appointments are successful and lead to insight into anything we can try/do to bring more healing and restoration for Luke. Thanks so much!

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen." Ralph Waldo Emerson

4 years

2011-03-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Four years ago today was the most horrific day of my life. I hope ever! Four years later, the future has never looked brighter, and for that I am blessed! When Luke was hurt four years ago, the doctors told us to expect Luke to recover for about two years, after that, well you get what you get, according to them!! They sure were not very optimistic either about the recovery he was going to get. If there is one thing I have learned in this journey, no one is control but God, and well, there is NOTHING he can not do. I mean, how can a person be shot at point blank range in the head, and first of all survive, but a month later be making an amazing recovery. Or how about this little boy who was born without part of his brain, http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/12/chase-britton-boy-without-a-cerebellum-baffles-doctors/?icid=maing%7Cmain5%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk3%7C43665
Or what about the article in the paper a few weeks ago about an umpire who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and six years later he woke up and his eyes worked again!! Amazing miracles!!

Four years later, Luke continues to improve. In July he was using his hands to tell us yes or no, today he uses his words to say yeah and no! We will NEVER give up on that kid! As long as he has the fight in him to continue to work hard every day to improve we will be right there holding his hand (and not just so he doesn't pinch us:) We will continue to put our hope in God, the one who made a blind man see, made a deaf man hear, cured a leper, and performed many other miracles. I know He has bigger and better plans for our son than we could ever imagine. That much I believe! We will wait for His guidance, and where he leads us we will follow.

Yes, we lost a lot that day in March 2007 when Luke was hurt. We lost our son as we had known him for six and a half years. However, what we have been given is so much more. We were given a second chance with our son. We were given the chance to have ringside seats to an amazing story of healing and hope. We were given the chance to see what perseverance really means through a now ten year old boy who perseveres every single day in everything he does. We were given the understanding of what grace and mercy is really all about. We were and still continue to be humbled more than words can say by our family, friends, and everyone who has never left our sides throughout this journey. We have seen the healing hand of God. We are blessed BIG! Here is to another year of progress for Luke!

"People could view this as a tragic story. But that depends on how you look at life. You can be angry or you can appreciate what you have been given," she said (quoting the mother in the story above.)

"Motherhood is about raising and celebrating the child you have, not the child you thought you would have. It's about understanding that he is exactly the person he is supposed to be. And that, if you're lucky, he just might be the teacher who turns you into the person you are supposed to be." ~The Water Giver~ (Thanks Julie for the great quote!)

Story of the week

2011-02-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have had a cute Luke story of the week, but we got one at church this morning...here goes:) Luke has a helper that goes with him. Bobbie is great with him. She said this morning a boy in Luke's class was asking her what happened with Luke, and she told him Luke's story. He was asking Luke if he liked to eat, and do different things. He then made a face where he opened his eyes really wide and opened his mouth, and told Luke, "Do this." Now, Luke's eyes do not open due to nerve damage (although the right eye has been surgically opened some.) Luke in all of his smartness used his hands to open both of his eyes and made the face the boy was showing him! Where there is a will there is a way...go Luke, you make us proud!

I am VERY happy to report, Luke had a great week at school last week, and was awarded with a morning away yesterday to a friend's ranch where the animals roam. Here is hoping for another great week:)

Rockin It!

2011-02-19T12:53:00.001-08:00

Well Luke has been rockin' it in his Physical Therapy sessions. His therapist said his last 5 out of 7 sessions have been great! He has started back to horse therapy, one day a week, and he is staying up a lot longer on the horse than he was last year when we stopped. In his weekly PT session, he has been busy doing lots of walking around (with assistance of course) the cul-de-sac at my in-laws house. This week at school he also had another great accomplishment, eating his entire lunch one day with a fork instead of his hands. Let's just hope he finally has the drive to work!!

This week we have also seen the ugly side of Luke. He has had major behavior issues at home and at school. It has been awhile since he has been this much of a challenge, so pray it goes away soon!! Thanks for checking in:)

Off for now....

2011-02-07T12:05:00.001-08:00

Just a quick post to let you know, our stem cell journey is off for now. Hopefully we will be able to re-schedule it in the upcoming months. I will keep you posted. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers:)

Stem Cells

2011-02-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to let everyone know that a week from today we will be leaving for San Diego for Luke to get another round of stem cells. He is actually going to get the stem cells next Wednesday, February 9th in the morning. We are asking that you please PRAY we see amazing results from this infusion! We had already prepaid for this treatment as part of the treatment plan when we went in June. However, the doctor is going to give Luke three times as many cells as he got last time. So next Wednesday, please pray, that if it is God's will for Luke, amazing things are to come:) Thanks so much!!

Saddened and Sickened...

2011-01-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

As I watch the news coverage of the horrific events that occurred in AZ over the weekend, I continue to be both saddened and sickened!!! Just another reminder that we are all just a phone call away from being on our knees. I will admit, watching the neurosurgeons and trauma surgeons talk about Congresswoman Gifford's condition, hits way too close to home. I wish I had no idea the things they were talking about, but the reality is, I can understand and comprehend everything they are talking about with her condition. She is very blessed to have survived, and her prognosis so far seems good. I am sure not many people can say they have survived a bullet thru the brain...amazing!! My thoughts and prayers are with all the injured and the families of those that passed away, especially the family of that sweet nine year old girl.

Luke has started back at school and now goes all day on Monday and Friday and half days on the other days. He continues to move around the house more and more in search of what he wants. The other day he was scooting into the kitchen, and I asked him what he was going in there for. He said "drink" plain as day!! We have no real plans for 2011 with him, I am going to continue with my motto, where he leads me I will follow! We are going to go back for his stem cell booster in Feb, it is too good of a deal with the booster to not do it.

I was reading a free book the other day on my Kindle. Honestly, it was an awful book, but I got sucked in and had to know the ending. When I got to the last page, I knew why I had stuck it out. In the last paragraph of the book were these words, "Don't give up before the miracle happens." So that will be my motto for 2011...we will never get up until we get the miracle we believe is coming!

Thanks for continuing to follow Our Gladiator!! I know Christmas is over too, watch for a new design coming to this page soon!

"...we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance." Psalm 66:12

Great Christmas!!

2010-12-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas!!! So sad that it is already over. Looking forward to hopefully going up to play in the snow this weekend though:) Enjoy the pics!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

This week Luke had his school program. It was a really cute program called "The Little Snowflake." Basically the message was all snowflakes are special...quite the appropriate message for his class:) So Luke, in true Luke form was trying to be the program clown. He was quite amusing to watch at times. Here are some of his crazy antics: shining the flashlight in the eyes of those next to him when he was supposed to be shining it up, moving the parachute up and down really fast so all the snow would fall on him, and at the end deciding it would be cute to use the bird! Luckily, he did not do that yesterday when they performed for the school. As I watched him though, I couldn't help but be amazed at how much he used his left hand, and how far he has come there. Here are some pics of the program:

He did really good with this song carrying out the motions..above he is doing love.

Then here are some overdue pictures from Luke's bowling in the Special Olympics tournament. He has been lucky at school because about every other Friday he was been able to go bowling. He loved it too!

With his medal after the tournament.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas. Remember it is not about the gifts we open or the jolly man in the red suit. It is about a baby born in a manager for us. Because of Him I know that even if it never happens on Earth, someday my son will be healed in Heaven! Thank you again SO much for following Luke's journey this year!

On the Move!

2010-12-13T13:35:00.000-08:00

Time for a funny Luke story! This weekend my in-laws were in town to visit. They had left to do some shopping and Mike and Lynsey were gone to softball practice, so the house was pretty quiet! I went out front to take their dog to the bathroom, I turned and looked at the front door and there was Luke! He had scooted from our family room and was making his escape out the front door. I brought him back into the family room, and went into the kitchen to put away dishes. I heard the garage door open and walked to see who was there. Well....it was Luke!! He was sitting there opening the garage door. I asked him if he was trying to run away, and he just laughed. I brought him back once again to watch TV in the family room, the next thing I hear is paper ripping. He had made it to the tree and was opening gifts. Little stinker! So, I brought him back to the TV, and told him to sit still until I was finished. Never thought that would be something I would be telling him:) We always like to see him wanting to get somewhere though, so not complaining one bit!

The craziness of the holidays has begun, now if the weather would just cool down a bit. This week Luke's class has a Christmas program at school, so hopefully I will have some pics to post of that. Thanks for checking in:)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you that continue to follow us on this journey! We are so thankful that Luke continues to progress, glory be to God. His left hand has been doing some great things lately. We are thankful for our family and friends who help us out so much. We are thankful for Luke and his amazing fighting spirit. We are thankful for all of Luke's therapists and teachers who believe in him! I have reached a point in this journey where I can truly say, ""Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." [1 Th 5:18]. While I would love for Luke to be healed tomorrow, I am thankful for all this journey has both taught and brought to us. I know this is right where God wants us all to be, and I know he has a plan that is far greater than any I can imagine or fathom. I just thank Him for continuing to bless us with Luke and ask that He would continue to guide us in His will for Luke. Thank you all for sticking by us these last three and a half years...may you all have a Blessed Thanksgiving day!!

Thanks to Tami Proffitt Photography for the great pics:

Love that smile!!

Our three blessings!

With their cousins from my side, minus Baby T who made her debut just a few days ago (congrats to Rusty and Allyson!)

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

Oct Happenings

2010-11-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

October is out like a flash, and November is already here! Busy, Busy, Busy continues to be the theme in our house, and I am not sure when (or if) I want that to change:) We had a great Halloween weekend...here are some pics of Luke in action!

Trick or Treat

Loves animals!

At Schnepf Farms raising his hand to be chosen to yell at the pig races.

These next few weeks we are asking for prayers as we are sending in Luke's medical records to see if he would be a candidate for two relatively new and experimental procedures in the brain injury world. Pray that God will lead and direct us if it in his plan that Luke have either one of these done. Hopefully we will hear back from the doctors in a timely manner if he qualifies. Thanks so much!

At Peace

2010-10-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

I started reading a new book last night by Karen Kingsbury called Unlocked. It is about a boy with Autism. One of the lines in the book really spoke to my heart. It was this: My child, you don't have to fight this battle...stand firm and you will see the deliverance. The battle is mine, not yours. I have been thinking for sometime now how for the last three years I have spent so much time searching for the next best thing that will make Luke "better." Some things have worked, some have not. I think I have come to the point in this journey where it is time to hand it all over to God. I know in a second if it is His will, He can chose to make Luke better. He knows the plans he has for Luke, and I have said from day one of this journey...they are GOOD! There is no doubt in my mind there was a reason that gate fell on Luke that day, and someday I will know why. So with that being said, I am done searching out the next best thing, what is meant to be will be, and if we are meant to do something with Luke then we will be lead down that path. Now this does not mean I am giving up all the therapies, but we are going to slow down somewhat. Luke loves going to school, and I know his teachers and aides believe in him, despite some behavior issues he has every now and then. So we will let him go to school like a normal kid, and concentrate on the speech and water therapy for now a few days a week. I am excited to say, we also have someone coming in a few afternoons a week to do some "homework" with Luke. I am very excited to have her coming, and think she will be great for Luke. So many people that look at Luke say he has everything it takes as far as mechanics go to be walking and talking. More than anything, Luke has to want it for it to happen. I can want it until I am blue in the face, but until he does we are getting nowhere. I have followed many, many kids on this journey with brain injuries. Some make miraculous improvements, others not so much, in the end, I can't really say I can attribute it to any one thing other than God's will. According to Jeremiah 29:11, He knows the plans he has for each of us, they are plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. May God's will be done in Luke. Thank you for continuing to follow his journey and pray for him!

Update

2010-09-24T09:36:00.001-07:00

Once again...sorry for the lack of updates. Time just goes WAY TOO FAST!!! I seriously can not believe it is almost October!!! Anyway, Luke is doing great! He is still loving going to school. He gets to go bowling every other Friday, and I think this may be his favorite day:) He does still have behavior issues on occasion, but they seem to be getting better. We met with his speech therapist earlier this week, and she had some great suggestions for how to help Luke when he goes into what we call Luke #2 mode. The majority of his frustration seems to be coming from his lack of ability to communicate what he wants, and the fact that I do too much for him. So, we are working hard on giving him more of a say and also letting him do more. He is still going to the Aqua Therapy. We are going to try it for another few weeks before making a final decision on that. He did have his best week ever over there this week, so that was good:) Thanks for continuing to check in!!

Thanks Summer for the great quote:

"This mountain was not placed in front of you to defeat you, but to show you the great heights you can rise to!" -Margaret Byars

Brain Injury Assoc. Fundraiser

2010-09-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to pop on real quick to put something out there for Luke's Physical Therapist.

This is what he posted on facebook:

Hey everyone, I’m in a fundraiser for the brain injury assoc. most of you know that my mom suffered a brain injury and I work with a bunch of kids who also for fall into this category. click on the link and search for my name or team name if you would like to help out. the team name is “The Jive Turkeys”. if evryone one donated $1.00 it would be awesome. thanks a lot!
August 19 at 9:46pm · Like

PLEASE everyone! HELP this guy out! The team needs to raise $500! So easy to do if we all donated $1! Ummm… You will see I have not donated… Yet… And ummmm… Well… You have to have moola in the bank for your debit card to work… So He will get the change from my couch! =)

The funds raised goes DIRECTLY to the Brain Injury Association… Here is the direct link to his team… PLEASE donate to THE JIVE TURKEYS or they will not get the credit…
https://app.etapestry.com/fundraiser/BrainInjuryAssociationofAZ/bowling2010/team.do?participationRef=725.0.209509408

Please copy and paste this in an email and spread the word! Must be done SOON!

Thanks for supporting a Non profit that helps out people like Luke!

Remember...every little bit helps so please help out if you can:) Greg has been great with Luke and lots of other kids too like: www.prayforsantana.org.

An update on Luke next week:)

Time Flies

2010-08-29T21:26:00.000-07:00

The saying,"Time Flies" for sure applies this month! I have no idea where the month of August went other than it just flew by!!! We have been busy, busy, busy. Luke continues to like school, although he is still having some behavior issues. He does not like having to do the work that comes with school. I pray he learns he has to do it, and will be nice for his teachers and aides. He had a little better week last week, but not perfect. He ended the week with a field trip going bowling. They actually do this as part of Special Olympics every other Friday, and Luke seems to really enjoy it.

We are going to be switching up his therapy/trying new things for the month of September. We are going to try a therapy place that is right here in Queen Creek that offers water therapy. I took Luke for an eval a few weeks ago, and the PT there really felt Luke could benefit from it. He said one hour of water therapy is the same as doing 5-10 hours of regular therapy. Pray we see great gains from this, as it would help out so much if we can find a good place that is close to home. This place is 10 minutes from home verses the 45 minutes we now drive. We will be going three times per week for an hour a session, starting after Labor Day.

We had a great weekend up north picking blackberries! Here are some pics:

Luke and little Sis in the kids cabin.

Mike carrying Luke to go pick blackberries.

Luke picking berries and eating them!

Most favorite thing to do...dig in dirt and throw it.

Picking a flower for mom.

Follow up appt

2010-08-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

Today Luke had his follow-up appointment with Dr. Manwaring to go over his MRI. He said Luke's shunt is working great! He continues to be impressed with the improvements Luke is still making to this day. He was amazed to hear Luke say, Hi, Bye, and Yeah to him. He said he has come a long way from when he first met him over 3 years ago in bed 7 at the Copa!! So to that we say, God is good, and we are surely blessed. You see, most of the medical community will tell you that when you have a brain injury, you can expect to see improvements for about two years, and then they will stop, you pretty much get what you have at that point. Here we are almost 3 1/2 years later and still getting improvements. Praise God!! I think this just shows that Luke is proof, that there should be no limitations set on what the brain can do because in the end, faith, determination, perseverance, and just plain old hard work will ALWAYS win out...no matter what!

Luke continues to love school, and put up quite the fight today when I had to put him in the car to go to the appointment. He was having some behavior issues last week, so I pray those will go away. Honestly, I think he is realizing school is not going to be all about fun, there is going to be some work involved too:) Thanks for continuing to follow along and believe with us that there are great things in store for this boy!

Luke LOVES school!!

2010-08-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well it is official...Luke LOVES being back in school! So much so, that he hates to leave school. We put him half day at school, so that he can still get all of his therapies in the afternoon. Well...he does not like leaving school one bit, and I have the pinch marks on my hand to prove it! So, this week we are starting with a big step (for me, not for Luke,) and he will be going to school all day on Mondays. In addition, he is now staying at school thru lunch on the other days. I am so happy that he loves school so much, and hope that it continues. I am hoping it will motivate him in other areas. Luke is the only student in his class in a wheelchair. I had recorded a video of Luke walking with his walker at therapy, and Luke was watching it with us. I asked him if he wanted to use his walker at school and he replied a loud Yeah! right away. So, we have made a new rule for Luke, no more wheelchair in the house, it stays outside. He is only allowed to use his walker in the house to get around. He did great today, pray that continues. Then hopefully he will become strong enough and his balance better so he will be able to use the walker at school. Thanks for your continued prayers!

First Day of School!

2010-07-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well I survived the first day of school. I know I was more nervous than the kids. Lynsey started Junior High and Luke was back to school for the first time since he was hurt. We went to meet the teacher night last night and I loved his teacher and all of the aides in his class. That helped to calm my nerves. This morning I stayed with him in class for a few hours to show them what he can do and how he moves/gets around when not in his wheelchair. I must say, it takes a special and very patient person to be a special ed teacher. God bless all of you that do this!! When I went to pick him up, he grabbed onto the table with both hands and did not want to leave. So, so far he loves it, and I really think it is going to be a positive thing for him!
In his desk at school, he was so excited to see this!

First day pics!

MRI Time

2010-07-21T19:46:00.001-07:00

Luke had his annual MRI on Monday to check to make sure his shunt is working properly and his aneurysm is stable. He did great for the procedure. I always hate it because they have to put him to sleep to do the MRI. We have heard back from Dr. Manwaring, who monitors his shunt, who said all is well with the shunt. Now we just wait to hear from the other dr that monitors the aneurysm.

We are busy getting everything ready for Luke to go to school. He will meet his teacher on Tuesday afternoon. As it gets closer, the pit in my stomach gets bigger. I just pray it is a good thing. It is so hard to know how he is going to react knowing what school and the kids he was with before he was hurt was like and then how school and the kids he will be with now. I just hope he is accepted and not laughed and stared at by the kids who knew him before he was hurt. I received this email that sums up just how I want Luke to be accepted. I appreciate all your prayers for this transition, that it may be positive, and bring more restoration in Luke. Thanks!

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities,
the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten
by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he
offered a question: 'When not interfered
with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay,
cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.
Where is the natural order of things in my son?"

The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. 'Ibelieve that when a child
like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity
to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat
that child."

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay
asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" I knew that most of the boys would not want
someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were
allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence
to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could
play. The boys looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game
is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to
bat in the ninth inning."

Shay struggled over to the teams bench and with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I
watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at
my son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few
runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a
glove and played in the right
field. Even though no hits came his way, he obviously was ecstatic just to be in
the game and on
the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the
ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded,
the potential
winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, do they
let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was
given the bat.
Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to
hold the bat
properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate,
the pitcher
recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in
Shay's life, moved
in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first
pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps
forwards to
toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and
hit a slow
ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over. The pitcher picked
up the soft
grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have
been out and
that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right
over the
first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and
both teams
started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!' Never in his life had Shay ever run that far,
but he made
it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone
yelled, 'Run
to second, run to second!' Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second,
gleaming and
struggling to make it tot he base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base,
the right
fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance
to be the
hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the
tag, but
he understood the pitcher's intentions so he too intentionally threw the ball
high and far
over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base as the runners ahead of him
circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him
in the
direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators,
were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home!
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam
and won the game for his team. "That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling
down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity
into this world."

Thank you Chloe for sharing this with Lynsey!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-07-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

These pics show just a little of what Luke has been busy doing!!

Cousins in town visiting from New Mexico!

Swimming with Cousin Dylon. He wanted Mom out of the pool and for Dylon to help him around.

Opening presents during therapy! What a great motivator they were.

Luke with all of his cards...SO MANY OF THEM!!! A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that sent Luke a card on his birthday! He loved them:)

Opening the cards from the kids at Rockpoint Church.

Birthday Cake....Jimmie Johnson cake and Jimmie won the race on this bday to top it off!

Sparkler fun on July 4th

Playing with little sis!!

Luke has been doing GREAT in his therapies! My father in law took him yesterday and said all of his therapists were gave glowing reports on how good he is doing, especially with using his words. The speech therapist also called me and told me how well he did. She is very happy with the progress he is making and said he is right on target for slowly regaining his speech. This weekend he stayed with my in-laws. Nana asked Luke if he wanted Milk. He said, "yeah," but then took it one step further by sounding out "chocolate!!" So of course, chocolate milk it was and I think a banana split too for the good work:)

The countdown is on for school...three weeks from yesterday. I think as it gets closer the larger the pit in my stomach gets and the more nervous I get. I just pray it will be a good thing for Luke and his progress with continue to amaze us! Thanks for sharing this journey with us.

Happy 10th Luke!

2010-06-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago today,
A precious baby boy was born.
His parents named him Luke.
We never knew how much of an influence,
this little guy would have on each and every one of us.
He has changed many lives in so many ways.
What a blessing he is!
(Thanks to my grandma for the great poem above.)

A HUGE THANKS to everyone that has sent Luke cards...he has enjoyed opening them all. I think he has received over 100 so far...amazing!!

So today we will celebrate 10 incredible years. We will celebrate the fighting spirit and perseverance this boy has. We will celebrate the miracles we have witnessed along the way. We will celebrate answered prayers, and family and friends who have been there thru thick and thin. We will thank God for the 10 years we have been given, and pray for many more with lots of continued progress and restoration. Happy Birthday son...we love you more than you could ever know!!

IM

2010-06-22T20:29:00.001-07:00

Here is a video made of Luke (and his buddy Santana) getting Interactive Metronome from Dr. Compton:

www.youtube.com/neurorehabaz

Goodbye Tom!!

2010-06-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Today was a sad day for us...one of Luke's most favorite therapists is moving to Montana. Tom has played such a HUGE part in Luke's recovery....especially with good old lefty. He has also made a difference in Luke's crawling, balance, writing, throwing, eating....and I could go on and on. Needless to say, we are very sad to see him go, but wish him well on his new endeavors in Montana. One of the last things he said to me today was in his client breakdowns he wrote for the person taking over for him, he told them no matter what, to always believe in the person they are working with. That was Tom, he believed in Luke, and it paid off. In the process he became Luke's friend. He would always say, "yeah," when I asked it he wanted to go see Tom. So to Tom we say..

One hundred years from now
It won't matter
What kind of car you drove
What kind of house you lived in
How much money you had in the bank
Nor what your clothes looked like
BUT
The world may be a little better
Because, you were important
In the life of a child.....our child...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

Busy

2010-06-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! I didn't realize it had been so long since I have posted!! Luke has been one busy boy! They say lots of therapy after the stem cells, so no summer break here:( In addition to all of his normal therapies, we have added going to speech three times per week now and also a new therapy for Luke through his neuro-chiropractor called interactive metronome. Luke has only had five sessions of this so far, but I am amazed at how much better he is at doing it than the first time we started. Basically he just claps his hands and feet to a music beat. This stimulates new pathways in the brain. That of course is my very non-scientific description, but I think it is going to be great for him. You can read more at www.interactivemetronome.com Dr. Compton is very knowledgeable and has TONS of ideas to help Luke. He is really working on his balance and core strengthening after the IM portion is done. Please pray all of these therapies and stem cells will bring more healing and restoration for Luke!! Mike's mom told me Luke had his best walking yet today at therapy, and his other therapists have been commenting on how much more vocal he has been lately...so we are on the right path!! Now if we could just move down this path a little faster. This was just what I needed to see yesterday...

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise…"
(2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

The Creator of the Universe is not only fighting your battles, but He is lining up the right people, the right breaks, and the right opportunities to move you forward. You may be facing a situation right now that looks like it's never going to turn around, but I believe that you're going to see some changes quicker than you think. You're going to come out of debt quicker than you think. You're going to accomplish your goals much quicker than you think. That relationship is going to be restored quicker than you think!

Remember, God is not slow in keeping His promise. I believe we are entering into a decade where we're going to see the hand of God move like never before. He is going to open up doors that no man can shut. He is going to turn impossible situations around and take you places that you never dreamed. It's time to get ready for more of God's favor because that breakthrough is going to happen quicker than you think!!

Couldn't have said it better myself!!!

Stem Cells!

2010-06-03T14:11:00.001-07:00

All went well today, and Luke is now the owner of 14 million stem cells. All went with with the injection, and now we just wait and see and pray. Pray these stem cells go to to the damaged areas in Luke's brain to bring on healing and restoration. Thanks for praying with us!

Pics from our visit to the San Diego Zoo. Luke had some close ups with the animals.

Dr. Ramirez injecting Luke's stem cells via IV. He has very small hard to find veins, so getting the IV in is always the worst part. Today they only had to stick him once.
All of the cousins at Del Mar beach.

Catching snails at Legoland.

Riding the Bionicle ride at Legoland.

Good Reports!

2010-05-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

Luke's therapists all said he had a great week in therapy this week. His therapist is thrilled with the progress he is making and wants to start seeing him 3 times a week. We are going to try to work that in as much as we can this busy summer. Then on Wednesday he did some great walking at the Neuro-Institute. His therapist there wants to put him in full body armour and let him try it on his own. On Thursday in OT his therapist was working on writing and he moved his pen from the right to left hand on his own. Then in music therapy, his therapist was playing the guitar and he moved the pick from his right to his left hand also. It is good that he is starting to want to use it on his own!

This coming week is a busy week! We are going to San Diego on a vacation, and to get Luke some more stem cells. This time he is going to be part of a new protocol they are doing. They will be using fresh cells this time instead of frozen with an added preservative. He will also be getting more cells than the previous times. The web site that gives more info on this protocol is: www.mexicostemcellproject.com. So, we ask for your prayers on Thursday, June 3rd, as he gets these cells. Pray they will bring more healing and restoration!! Thanks for your continued support of our son and this journey he is on. I will post again Thursday afternoon after he has had the procedure.

But Lord, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble. Isaiah 33:2 NLT

Some have asked for an updated pic, not the greatest. This was taken at my cousin's wedding on Sat. It was great to see you Tiff, you were beautiful! Congrats!!

On the Mend!

2010-05-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Well after my last post, everyone in the house except for me, got the nasty stomach bug. Thankfully we are all on the mend!! It sure hit us hard though, and on top of that the washer decides to break at the same time. Not fun!!

This week I had the last meeting with the team for Luke to start school in the fall. He is set to attend Queen Creek Middle School in fifth grade starting July 29th. It is bittersweet as he will be in the same school as all of his friends before he was hurt, only he will be in the "special class." I pray when these kids that remember him and see him at school that they will embrace him as he is and accept the new Lukey we have. I pray it is a positive experience for him. He will only be going half days to start with for three hours. The school and staff seems very willing to work around any requests we have, and for that I am very grateful.

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

—Romans 15:7

Turkey Hunting Therapy!

2010-05-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Last week Luke "ditched" his regular therapies on Thursday and Friday for some turkey hunting therapy with Mike, Pap, and cousin Tyler. The word is...he had a blast!!! He loves being outdoors with the guys and not stuck at home with mom, that is very apparent this morning. He is not happy to be here! It doesn't help that he is "ditching" his therapies again this morning as both sisters have a nasty stomach bug. Pray Luke does not get it! This Friday I have a meeting with the school to get everything set for next year. Pray all goes well. Thanks for continuing to follow Luke's journey!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish all of you moms a very Happy Mother's Day!! Special wishes out to my mom and mother-in-law who help us out SO much with all of the kids!!! We appreciate you both more than you will every know!!! Thank you! Thank you!

Luke continues to do great in his therapies! As part of his speech this week, he has to use his words to tell us "yeah" or "no." He has been doing very good doing this!! I am very proud of him!! Here are some other things he has been working on.

Practicing his crawling

Riding a "hand-pedaled" bike

Luke also had his last meeting with the school this week. I was reminded once again how important it is that Prop. 100 passes here in AZ. The future of all of our children is at stake. So, being a very non-political person, I am urging all of you here in AZ to Vote Yes on Prop. 100. Regardless of what you think of our government and the spending problems, our children should not have to pay the price for the crisis we are in!! I know the outcome of this vote is going to have a huge impact on where Luke is next year....so go out and vote Yes on 100....Every child is worth a cent!

Getting ready for school...learning to write again.

Spring Pics

2010-05-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well the exciting thing for this week is, Luke pulled out his own tooth the other night, so we had a visit from the tooth fairy! As for therapy, his speech therapist is happy with the progress he is making. We are also noticing a lot more speech at home. This week is the last of the evaluations for Luke for school. He will have the academic evaluation on Friday, please pray he does great on this one! Now for some Spring pics of the kids....Thank you Tami for your patience during the session, and for the AMAZING pics...I LOVE them all (and hard a time choosing the five to post here!!)

The pics were taken in a field of lady bugs. Here is Luke checking one out.

Frustrated!

2010-04-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well last week was a good, positive post on how hard working Luke has been....this week not so much! Luke is being stubborn Luke this week not wanting to perform at all. He is given speech homework to do, and since Thursday absolutely refuses to do what she sends him homewith . The bad thing is HE CAN DO IT!!! Then, yesterday I took him for his evaluation with the PT/OT at school. He was totally out of sorts, not himself at all. He would not even point to his eye, nose, etc. when asked. I was one frustrated mother walking out of there because once again, I knew HE COULD DO IT!!! So, for whatever reason this week he is just not wanting to perform. He has had a lot of evaluations lately, so maybe he is just sick of doing it, who knows. I just pray this week is better, and that when he does start school in 3 months, they will be blown away at how much he can really do! That is what I love about Mondays, a fresh start, hoping for a good one:)

Rethink Possible!

2010-04-17T08:51:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Mike was watching the Masters Golf tournament. I noticed the At&t commercial with a new slogan....Rethink Possible! How great is that! Well this week has been an awesome week for Luke. He is using his voice and words (although hard to understand) A TON more this week! Cute story...there is a commercial for a new movie coming out called "Kick A$$," (who thinks of a title like that??) Anyway, Luke totally latched onto it, and as soon as the commercial was over was saying the word-albeit very laborious as it comes out sound by sound. He was so excited when Mike asked him if he was talking about the movie-so happy to be understood!! I think he is for sure rethinking what is possible with his speech!! We will give him time to get it all together, but I gotta feeling this boy is going to be talking our ears off by the end of this year!

He has also been moving around so much more. In a way this is bad, as we have wood floors throughout a lot of the house. The wood floors are good for him to practice on as the movement is easier, but bad when he gets there and falls. This morning he is not wanting to stay on the carpet. He has been scooting into the pantry, and trying to go down the hall. He also reached a major milestone this week in OT when he crawled three feet by himself. In addition to all of this, he has decided the last two mornings that when it is time to get up, he doesn't need to wait for me to come and get him, he will just get out of bed by himself by scooting down. All this new movement just means we have to watch this kid like a hawk. It is a good thing though. It just shows that when we rethink possible we can reach new heights, break boundaries that were set, and reach goals we (or more like they) thought were unreachable. By rethinking possible, great things are on the horizon, and Oh the places this kid is going to go!!

I almost forgot to add, I had the meeting with the school about Luke going back in July. The meeting went great! I feel confident he will be put in the appropriate spot. The other good news was, if we just want him to go half days to start that is an option too.

Follow Up...

2010-04-13T10:18:00.001-07:00

Luke had a great week of appointments last week! We met with the new speech therapist last week, and I just know she is going to be great for Luke. She really feels there is no reason he should not be talking other than his muscles are very weak, and it is a lot of work for him to do it. He has gotten into some very bad habits and just does not want to work to get this words out. She wrote in her evaluation that the prognosis is very good for improved speech, language, and cognition. She told me yesterday that she would really like to see Luke for two hours at a time instead of one so he will be seeing her for four hours a week. Then, she sends him home with "homework" to work on. He really likes her too. The only downside is it is an hour drive from our house, but if it means he is talking it will be worth it. She did tell us it will be a slow process, but in the end it will all be worth it.

Then on Wednesday we met with the NACD from Utah. Mr. Doman was very thrilled with Luke's increased strength, focus, reaction time, so that was a great visit too.

On top of all this we started a new therapy called Chronologically Controlled Developmental Therapy. Luke seems to really like it. We will give it a few months to see if we are noticing any changes. You can read more about it here: http://www.futuresunlimited.com/tbi.html

You can probably guess Luke's days are packed with therapy. Please pray we continue to see improvements. Another huge prayer request, I have contacted the school to get the ball rolling for Luke to start out back in July. Please pray he gets where he needs to be to continue to improve the most. If anyone has any suggestions here please let me know! Thanks for continuing to follow Luke's journey!

Here we go...

2010-04-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

My dad reported Luke had a great day crawling today in therapy. The therapist commented that he is so close! Then we got home and Luke had received some Easter cards in the mail. I gave them to open, and he was super excited to find some money inside. He then proceeded to tear the envelopes into about a million pieces. Despite the mess it was making, I let him because he was using lefty so good to help him!! I guess therapy comes in many forms!

Next week is super crazy! Luke has a new therapist that will begin seeing him at home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am very excited about some ideas this guy has, and I could tell Luke liked him right away. When I asked him after he left if he wanted him to come back and help him he showed me a big yes! On Monday we also have an eval with a new speech therapist. Please pray for great visits with amazing results and continued progress. God is good! Have a blessed Easter weekend!

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... (NIV)

Home Sweet Home!

2010-03-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

We made it home from the Napa Center. So glad to be here! Luke did great his last week. His steps are getting better everyday. It is amazing to me when I look back at pictures from the first time we went, less than a year ago. He is sitting so much straighter and taller. The therapists this time commented how much stronger he is, how much better "lefty" is, and also how much more mature he seems. This time he never complained once that he had to go work. That kid is amazing! Here is a little video Lynsey put together of all of Luke's trips to Napa....

If the video does not work you can see it here also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMXZhZTO5mI

Thanks for your continued prayers!

What Luke has been doing...

2010-03-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Balancing while standing...he was able to get up to 23 seconds standing my himself!

Tall Kneel walking

Crawling...look at that left hand!

Walking in his walker...taking great steps and practicing walking heel to toe.

Climbing ladders

So far Luke has done great...only really having one day where he didn't want to work. So, we are in our final week here in California! Thanks for checking in.

Sorry!

2010-03-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

I know I have been slacking BIG TIME on the updates. Luke is doing really good at his intense therapy! Today he took the best steps I have seen him take...moving his feet and legs perfectly. So....I promise a better update soon with pics too:) His lead therapist, Mr. Raf, has been sick all week. They said he is pretty bad...so we need prayers he will get well soon! Luke loves him!! Better update soon.....

Three Years...

2010-03-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

Three years ago in the blink of an eye our lives were forever changed when Luke was hurt. I can not even imagine what Luke has gone thru...going from a life of independence to a life of total dependence. He is such a trooper, and I am always in awe of the way he perseveres through each and every day. This week in Phoenix there was a tragic reminder of just how fortunate we are that Luke survived his accident. A young man lost his fight after suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury as the result of being hit by a car. He was set to graduate high school in just a few months...our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We are certainly feeling very blessed.

I could let my mind wonder to all the what if's...what if Luke hadn't been hurt what would he be doing now, would he be starting baseball like all the other boys, would he be going turkey hunting in a few months with dad, would he still be outside riding his bike up and down his ramp, who would his friends be at school? I could ramble on about all that I miss...hearing his voice..seeing him walk and run, hearing him tell his jokes, all things that have not happened since March 6, 2007. There is no doubt that someday we will look back on this journey and see at times only one set of footprints in the sand. It is then we will know He carried us.

There is a George Strait song called, "I Saw God Today." These past three years I have seen God in SO many places. In a world where there is so much bad, I can say goodness is everywhere, if you just look around. I have seen God in all of you who continue to follow our son's journey still today and pray for his healing and restoration. We can never say thank you enough for that...he is here because of you so please do not stop, he needs your prayers now just as much as he did on the day he was hurt. I have seen God in the peace within me telling me all is well. I have certainly seen God in the persevering spirit of my son. I have seen God in our sweet blessing from above, Lacey, who just turned one yesterday. She has brought so much joy back into our home. I have seen God in our daughter Lynsey whose world was shaken that day, yet she is so flexible and understanding in all we do for Luke and such a great big sister for Luke. I have seen God in the therapists that work with Luke...they care so much about him and more importantly to me, they believe in him. These therapists bake Luke cookies as a reward because they know he likes them, they bring in boxes for him to crawl though because that is something boys like to do. I have seen God in the servant hearts of our family and friends that help us out SO MUCH!! From my parents and Mike's mom and step dad who take Luke to therapy or help out by watching the girls, to my sister and the Purdys who help us out so much with Lynsey while we seek therapy options out of state or are at other appointments with Luke. We could never do all that we do without this help! This week we are leaving to take Luke to California once again...my mom, aunt, and Mike's mom will each spend a week with me to help with Lacey...thank you! Another added bonus is my cousin is coming for a few days to do some interning at the Napa Center...I am excited for that. Prayers for a successful trip are appreciated.

While some days we may be sad at what was lost, today we will celebrate our son and are SO thankful for where he is at. I took him to the doctor yesterday for an ear infection. His pediatrician (whom I love) actually teared up when looking at him and told me how happy she with where he is at. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for continuing to follow our son, our hero, as he climbs this mountain. We are all just a phone call away from being on our knees. We got that phone call three years ago today, and because of all of you going to your knees, our son is here beating the odds he was given on that fateful day.

While I would do anything and everything to hear my son talk, see him walk, ride his bike up his favorite ramp, see his life not be filled with therapy appointments, see him play like the nine year old boy he is, I have seen God first hand with such awe. Today for that I am grateful because..."I Saw God Today." May God Bless You All!

"...and so we celebrated because the Lord has indeed worked miracles for us." Psalm 126:3

Great Reports!

2010-02-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Today both of Luke's home therapists gave me great comments on Luke. First, his PT, commented on how great he was using his left hand. He also had Luke climb the stairs three times. The first time it took him 20 seconds to come back up, second time 23 seconds, and the last time 14 seconds!! Go Luke! Then a few hours later, his OT came. She also commented how great Luke is doing with his left hand:) Love getting good reports. We also just got back from the neighborhood park. Luke kept pointing to the slide. So, up we went. I was amazed how good he walked up the stairs (all this with assistance of course.)

Yesterday I went with him to the Neuro-Institute to watch him in therapy. He did great there too. It was so neat for me to see the interaction between him and Makenzie (he also had a TBI and was at PCH the same time as Luke.) Luke gets there a few hours before him, so they have therapy the last hour together. Makenzie is SO good for him!! He tells Luke, "We gotta work hard bro to get better.," and "we are tough dudes Luke, we are survivors." Yesterday they played table hockey, had a sit up challenge, and also had a walking race. Luke was all smiles as Makenzie was cheering him on.

Here they are playing hockey:

Great Week!

2010-02-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that everyone tells me Luke has had a great week at therapy!! I have not taken him at all this week thanks to my dad and Mike's mom and Step-dad taking him. My dad reported that today he did his best crawling and walking that he has seen. I am excited to see him in action on Monday. I will say, I had him crawl across the room yesterday a few times. It has been awhile since I have even tried, but usually he refuses to get in crawling position. Yesterday, however, he truly amazed me when I had him crawl across the room, and he did it three times!!! Go Luke!!

Those of you that came to visit Luke when he was at PCH may remember an older boy, Makenzie that was in the next room over. He also had a brain injury as the result of a car accident. Well...he is now at the therapy place Luke is going to. He says he wants to be Luke's big brother. Luke says ok to that...very cute. Anyway, today Luke and Makenzie had a walking race. My dad said Luke was very fired up over that, and did great!

Tonight I give thanks for a great week....that kid never ceases to amaze me with his perseverance and drive!!!

Some Pics!

2010-02-12T10:12:00.003-08:00

Tall kneeling throwing the ball in the bucket

Crawling to the boxes where a cookie is inside...bribery always works right!

Horse therapy...Luke is sitting up so much better on the horse!

He has been working on crawling and tall kneeling a lot this week. There is a theory that in order to walk...you must first crawl. So, we have shifted the focus for the next month or so to really get Luke crawling more and hopefully he will start wanting to crawl around the house. Huge prayers that this will happen would be greatly appreciated:) We are only three weeks from our next trip to California for an intensive round of therapy.

Here's a cute story...my niece said to me last week..."Stace, remember you said when Luke is better we could all go to Disney World ..well I think he is doing pretty good." So cute...the funny thing is before she said this I saw her really checking Luke out. Yes, Miss K Luke is doing pretty good...but a few things he must do before a trip to Walt Disney world is planned:)

I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living"
(Psalm 27:13, NIV)

Far and Beyond

2010-02-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

For whatever reason last week I started getting Joel Osteen's daily messages in my email inbox. I never signed up, but thought it was a great thing to see in my inbox every morning. I LOVED this one from this morning and thought I would share...great inspiration for everyone. I know of SO MANY people who are hoping this will be a better decade than last...I think it will if we just believe! First a Luke update. I continue to research different therapies/methods to try with Luke. Some doors are opening there and hopefully in the coming weeks things will come together. There is just so many different things out there, if only there was 10 more hours in a day, which isn't really realistic either, because does he really want to be in therapy 10 hours a day...I think not. So please continue to pray that God will guide our steps with Luke for his glory. I am excited about what the next 4-5 months will hold for our Gladiator...more details in the coming weeks...stay tuned:)

Far and Beyond

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever"
(Ephesians 3:20-21, NAS)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

I feel strongly in my spirit that it’s going to be an Ephesians 3:20 decade! God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all we can imagine! Let that take root on the inside. It’s going to be a far and beyond decade. Here’s what that means: you’re going to come into opportunities that will boggle your mind. You’re going to see your career take off like a rocket. You’re going to meet the right people who will help further your dreams. You’re going to accomplish goals more quickly than you imagined. You’re going to come out of debt and pay that house off even though it looked impossible. You’re going to get well even though the medical report says there’s no way. Things may be dark and gloomy around you, but keep your head held high. You have an advantage. You are a child of the Most High God. His face is shining down on you. God is saying it’s not going to be an average decade. It’s not going to be a barely-get-by decade. No, you need to get ready because it’s going to be a decade of favor, a decade of increase, a decade where you accomplish your God-given dreams!

Great Days!

2010-01-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that Luke has been having some great days with therapy. All of his home therapists this week have told me how hard he is working. He walked up and down the stairs both days with his PT, and I must say...his walking has been looking really good lately!

I am sitting here at his therapy place now listening to his OT brief a new OT student on Luke. It does my heart good to hear him speak so highly of Luke and how far he has come since he has started coming here in July. Praise God for the amazing progress this kid is making!!

We started him back at Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy last week, and he seems to have made the adjustment back to that fairly well. There is an older boy there. Luke loves to go see his friend Jordan there, and Mike said the kid really seems to enjoy being with Luke in there. Of course Luke loves to give Jordan "knucks!"

Short but sweet...I promise more pictures next week!

Back to the grind!

2010-01-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

Well after talking a few weeks easy for Christmas...Luke is back into the swing of things and is BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!! He is doing his three hour therapies three days a week at the neuro institute as well as his home therapies. Plus, Mike is taking him to oxygen therapy in the afternoon for the next four weeks five days a week. No rest for the weary around here...we've got big goals for that kid!!! He was able to go javelina hunting this weekend and had a good time! So it is not all work and no play...I promise a better update in the coming weeks. There are a few other therapies I am researching for Luke, so pray God will lead the way if it is meant to be. Thanks for checkin' in!

I got a feeling....

2009-12-31T11:03:00.000-08:00

Luke with his best buddies...D and T shootin' guns!

Santa came...yeah!

Luke loves his lil sis!

Luke going snow tubing all by himself...he held on, put his feet up, and leaned back!

I got a feeling 2010 is gonna be a great great year!!!! So today is the day we say goodbye to 2009 and welcome in 2010!!!!! I told Mike I have BIG HOPES for this year. In fact, my mantra is...drum roll please....Luke will walk and talk again in 2010!!!! It is going to take A LOT of prayers and a A LOT of hard work to make this happen, but we have all ready seen that with God ALL things are possible. It never hurts to dream big right?? I am so thankful for all of the amazing things we have seen in 2009. I just hope we can carry this positive momentum into the new year. We start the new year off with a bang next week with lots of appointments. Luke will go to therapy M, W, F and in addition to that he has an appt with the Neuro-Chiro, his eye dr, the evaluator from the NACD, and also an evaluation for possibly getting an augmentative communication device...whew, makes me tired just thinking about all of that. For 2010, our goal is to keep up with Luke going to the neuro-institute for 3-4 hours a day three days a week, plus his usual home based ST, OT, and PT twice a week. Then I would like to take Luke back to Napa Center three times, most likely in March, July, and October. Finally our goal is for Luke to go back to school in July, this is going to be a huge decision and I pray the school will have an open mind and really be able to see all that Luke is capable of before jumping into where they think he should be placed...the very thought of this whole process makes me sick to my stomach! So we will most likely start the evaluation process in Feb or March so all is in place for when school starts again in July. My prayer is that Luke will have the stamina, perseverance, and drive to make this happen! The thing is I KNOW he can do it, and I can want it all I want, but he has to want it, and he is getting there. He gets a smile on his face every morning I tell him he gets to go see his therapists Tom and Jim. I think he knows it works. So to Luke...I say (from a song)...

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

So, here is to a great 2010...the same as last year, may we all have more faith and less fear, more gratitude and less greed, more love and less hate, more joy and less sadness, more giving and less wanting, more peace and less stress, more enjoying and less complaining. May God Bless each of you in 2010!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-21T08:18:00.001-08:00

Wow! I can not believe that Christmas is already here. Where has this year gone?? We are so thankful for the progress Luke continues to make as he moves this mountain of a brain injury. We are so thankful for all of you that continue to follow and support us on this journey. We would never want to walk this road alone, so thank you, thank you!! I can tell Luke is more aware and engaging this year over last. Last night we had Christmas with my mom's family. After dinner and dessert, I said, "Who is ready to open presents?" Luke was the first to respond with a loud yell and his hand going right up in the air. Love that kid!! Another thing we have found out about Luke this season is....he loves egg nog!! I think him and Mike have already gone thru 4 bottles this year! He can drink it really well with a straw too. He will continue with his therapies twice a week. I truly think he enjoys the work he does here, and I think he can tell it is helping him. In fact, as I am typing this, one of his therapists just came over and told me, "He is really impressing me today."

I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas spent with family and friends.

Remember...it really is all about a baby that was born to save....“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”- Luke 2:6-7
So...go tell it on the mountain...Jesus Christ is born!!

What Faith Can Do..

2009-12-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

Just got back from picking up Lynsey and I heard a new song I just LOVE!! Here are the lyrics....my favorite line...Impossible is not a word, it is just a reason for someone not to try.

What Faith Can Do

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Proof of what faith can do:

Take you from this....

To this...

Today Show!!

2009-12-03T17:27:00.000-08:00

I heard about this segment from the Today show from many people today. It is very interesting...I have a call into the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to see if Luke qualifies for the Locomat research they are doing. On their web site he does meet all of the qualifications. Pray this can help him:) He really needs exactly what it says this machine does! I hope the link works:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/34255416#34255416

2009-12-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

Well Mr. Luke has been a busy boy! Last week at therapy they started constraint therapy with him. Basically they restrain his right arm and hand forcing him to use his left hand. A week later, he is doing great! I will admit though, the kid is quite a houdini and will find a way to get his right hand out to use. Pray he gets full use out of his left hand over time!

Luke eating lunch with left hand.

A picture he colored with left hand, the therapist helped him write his name.

We also took Luke to see a new Neuro-Chiropractor this week. He gave us some exercises we can do with Luke to try and get his eyes working better, as well as the left side of his face hopefully getting some movement. Pray these exercises work also!!

Here is a great quote they have posted at Luke's therapy place, "The quality and number of gains obtained during a person's rehabilitation after a life altering injury is in direct proportion to their committment to excellence and determination to succeed despite any odds." By the grace of God, Luke is getting the drive to succeed and works so very hard day in and day out. We could not be more proud of his determination. Thank you for your continued prayers. Believe!

His trademark Thumbs up sign!

We went to cut down our Christmas tree this weekend in the freezing snow. Luke liked this Christmas tree!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! We have so much to be thankful for this year! So this Thanksgiving we give thanks to God who continues to pour out blessings of healing and progress on Luke (although I will admit sometimes I wish they were pouring out just a little faster.) We are thankful for Luke who works so hard day in and day out. We are thankful to all of our family and friends who help us out with SO MANY things...taking Luke to therapy, watching the girls, words of encouragement at just the right time, the list goes on and on. Please know how much we appreciate everything you do...I know Luke would not be where he is at without all of you! So I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Our greatest blessings!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

ER

2009-11-19T16:52:00.001-08:00

Well last night I had to make a trip to the ER with Luke! Three stitches later...all is well! Not exactly sure what happened, as I was right there. He was sitting on the carpet looking thru his backpack when his head hit the coffee table. He didn't fall, so my best guess is he went to sneeze and slammed the table. It looked a lot worse than it was, as it was bleeding pretty bad (in fact my first thought was 911.) The doc said he got it right in the spot where his skin is pretty thin. So, now he is sporting three stitches in his left eyebrow. I gotta say that kid is a trooper once again. They were able to do the stitches without sedation and overall we were in and out of the ER in less than three hours:)

Now for an interesting article on stem cell research happening right here in AZ...in fact at the very hospital I took Luke to last night:

Gilbert Stem Cell Research Programs are Making Healthcare History

At a Town Hall meeting on October 6th, 2009, residents of Gilbert Arizona listened to medical advances being made in the area of adult stem cells for heart failure. Stem cell pioneer Dr. Nabil Dib, Director of Cardiovascular Research at the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has been one of the first physicians in the United States to use a type of stem cell called myoblasts, for treatment of patients with heart failure. Since those early studies which began in Phoenix Arizona in 2000, thousands of patients have been treated with their own stem cells for heart failure.

Dr. Dib explained how after a heart attack the injured heart muscle produces chemical signals that attract stem cells from the bone marrow, as well as activate stem cells that are resident within the heart but usually not active. Unfortunately, the repair response after a heart attack is usually not very strong, and as a result, after a heart attack the heart continually loses function until heart failure can occur.

One of the techniques being performed at Mercy Gilbert is administration of stem cells within several days after the heart attack. When the stem cells are administered in the blood, they can "sense" that there is something wrong with the heart and try to repair it.

At the meeting Dr. Dib received many commendations for his excellent work. "Dr. Dib's work for Mercy Gilbert rivals that found primarily in university and research hospitals, so we are proud and honored to have him working here in Gilbert at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center," Councilmember Joan Krueger said. The Mayor of Gilbert stated "History is being made in our town of Gilbert at Mercy Gilbert Hospital."

In addition to the advances in the use of myoblast and bone marrow stem cells, Dr. Dib explained how the hospital is opening up a public cord blood bank. Cord blood is a rich source of stem cells that have several unique properties because they come from tissue that is not mature. Traditionally, cord blood has been used for transplantation of patients with leukemias because the cord blood is capable of making a new blood system when given to patients who have been previously treated with very high doses of radiation and chemotherapy. The use of cord blood without radiation and chemotherapy was reported in many situations but until recently has not been used in the United States.

Researchers at University of Florida and Duke have started using cord blood for Type I Diabetes and Cerebral Palsy as part of clinical trials. The creation of a public cord blood bank at Gilbert will allow for researchers to conduct similar clinical trials.

Ode To Luke!

2009-11-16T18:20:00.000-08:00

This post is a poem that our wonderful neighbors The Riggs Family wrote to Luke. He loved it and so do I...you all will too:) Thanks to the Riggs Family!!

Ode to Luke

Luke, Luke, grand high duke!
Ode to your masterful way
You try and you try
And you aim so high
Each and every day.

You have come so far
We're so very impressed
You teach us so much.
Be strong, happy, and such.
Even when you're stressed:)

You're amazing and smart.
We admire and love you!
You're a hero for sure
For all you endure
So to you we give ode to!

His famous Thumbs up sign!

Here Luke is trying to make his smile work for the pictures!

Loves his little sis!

Thanks to Tami Proffitt for the great pictures she took of our family....Loved the moments she captured! (www.tamiproffitt.com)

Check this kid out!

2009-11-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

Here is what Luke's therapy consisted of today, and this is not supposed to be the hard part of the day! I have to say...he always loved the monkey bars. Looks like Mike needs to get the welder out! Luke has been so pleasant the last three days (knocking on wood as I write this.) He has been very smiley, laughing, and joking...Love it!! Let's pray he keeps up with this good mood!

Yeah...I did it!

This is what Luke does when he wants to tune out the ladies yapping!

Finally!

2009-11-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

So sorry for the lack of updates! We made it thru our first week at Napa Center and Luke is doing AWESOME!!!!! It is always good for me to get the opinions of other people who haven't seen him in awhile as to how he is doing, as we see him everyday. So things they have noticed since the last time: his left hand is a lot looser and more functional, his posture is better, his reaction time is faster, and he seems more aware. Baby steps,,,but steps forward indeed! This session we are only here for two weeks so we added an extra hour onto the day, so Luke goes 8-3:30. I must say he is working like a champ....never complaining at all. Yesterday his therapists all said it was his hardest working day yet. I think he understands all this work is paying off and can see his body getting stronger and he can do more. We flew home this weekend, and had landed back in LA on Sunday. We were waiting for everyone else to get off the plane,and I look over at Luke and he was grabbing onto the seat in front of him bringing himself up to a standing position. Guess he was sick of sitting down....gonna have to watch him a little closer now I think!

In other exciting news, I have been following the blog of a little girl from Show Low who suffered a brain injury after being accidentally run over a year ago. She is similar to Luke in that her entire left side of her face is paralyzed due to nerve damage. The doctors will tell you after six months, it can no longer be repaired. Well....obviously in Luke's case the doctors have been wrong WAY too many times! So I check this girls blog this weekend and back in October she started seeing a Chiropractor Neurologist (in Gilbert no less) for nerve stimulation. She is now moving her left side slightly including eye movement she did not have before, all this after just one treatment. I called the office the next day. They were very nice, want to see all of Luke's medical records, they even have a research grant for the work they are doing! The thing that makes me mad is there is a test called a nerve conduction test that has NEVER been done on Luke or even recommended for that matter to see where the problem is for sure. Who knows maybe they will do this test and find out the nerve is severed, in which case it can not be repaired, but better to know for sure instead of just speculate right? So we have that appointment for Nov. 30th. I am very anxious about it...pray these people can help wake up his left side. The thing is Luke knows it does not work right. We had family pictures a few weeks ago and kept telling Luke to smile (even if it is only a half smile.) He was getting frustrated and finally put his hand to his mouth to form a smile. The best part is...she got it on film, I will post it when I get the pics back. Smart kid he is I tell you. Now here are some pics of the hard work he has been doing. Thanks for all your prayers....and a huge thanks to our great neighbors, the Riggs, Luke LOVED his special delivery...made his day after a hard day of work on Monday!

Working barefoot on walking

Playtime in the balls after a hard day's work

Weight lifting time

Crawling Practice

In the Spider Cage.

Sorry!

2009-11-09T10:36:00.003-08:00

Sorry for not updating sooner...and this one will be short. Maybe a longer with pics tonight. Therapy is going great and Luke is working SO HARD!!! Thanks for all of your emails and messages!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say...Happy Halloween!!! We are leaving tomorrow to take Luke to two weeks of therapy at the Napa Center! I will post updates while there and also an update coming soon about the great family conference we had yesterday with his therapists at the Neuro Institute. It is always great to hear, "amazing progress," and "bright kid," when they are referring to Luke!!! Have a great time trick or treating tonight!

Luke as Optimus Prime!

Our Super Hero for sure!

Busy Boy!!

2009-10-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

Luke has been one busy boy lately. We are finally getting him into a set therapy schedule, just in time to leave for Napa for two weeks, but we will resume therapy here once we get back. So here is what he does each week:
Monday-3 hours at neuro institute
Tuesday-PT, OT, and starting when we get back ST at home each week with home bound therapists
Wed-3 hours at neuro institute
Thursday-horse therapy, OT, and ST
Friday-3 hours at neuro institute

So...he will be getting 3 hours of therapy each and every day...Go Luke!!

Here is the cute story of the week: On Monday Luke had a new speech therapist come out and do an evaluation on him. I am showing her different ways we communicate with him. So I say, "Luke show Ms. Erica how you tell us no." (I expect him to put up his hand in a stop sign.) Instead the little stinker says, "No," plain as day with his mouth 4 times. I think she was as shocked as I was. He has not been wanting to talk at all lately. I am excited for Ms. Erica to work with Luke. She seems like she is going to be great.

Now for the heart warming story of the week: I was ordering lunch at Paradise Bakery earlier this week when the couple in front of me asks how Luke is doing. Now, I did not have Luke with me, so I was sort of shocked. I said he is doing good, and they asked about our trip to Disneyland. Then the guy proceeds to tell me he was there the night Luke was hurt (on the second truck that arrived.) He told me he was certainly surprised by the progress Luke is making. Just another reminder that God is good and answering our prayers everyday! Now, I did not get his name, but it certainly touched me that he is still following Luke to this day. I know him and his wife read this so thanks again for continuing to follow Luke's progress and for the part you played in saving his life that night.

Disneyland!

2009-10-18T07:42:00.001-07:00

Well we had a great trip to Disneyland. Luke's favorite ride was the new Toy Story Midway Mania ride and of course Buzz Astro Blasters...he loves anything you can shoot! He also won a large prize at the fishing game...another highlight for him. Here are some pics from our trip:

Our group at the entrance.

Luke gets to hold his little sis for a bit.

This little boy made Luke's day! He indulged in Luke's many knuckle givings throughout the parade. It warmed my heart to see another kid actually interact with him instead of just stare at or ignore him. We ran into his family the next day at CA Adventure. His dad told me he was glad he ran into us again because he wanted to let me know they were praying for Luke. I made sure to tell him how happy his son made Luke and I. The world needs more folks like that:)

Standing time with mom.

Dressed in our costumes for trick or treating at the park. Luke is Optimus Prime Transformer this year.

When we got back Friday night, I sat Luke down for dinner and he did the most amazing thing....started eating his food with his LEFT hand. Good old lefty has been very SLOW to wake up. The amazing thing about this is, I never told him to do it (not that he would listen anyway:) I just looked over and he using lefty. Not sure what made him do it...but we will take it! Go Luke, way to persevere through once again!

Therapy...

2009-10-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Luke continues to work super hard in therapy...have I mentioned lately how much this kid amazes me!! He did great everyday this week at therapy at the Neuro-Institute. They have been working on walking with a walker, walking up stairs, drawing, using lefty, riding a bike and a scooter, and many other things! Next week Luke will be rewarded with a trip to Disneyland! I think he is excited about that. Then therapy here for 2 weeks...then onto the Napa Center in California for two weeks. Then, when we get back the therapists at the Neuro Institute wants to try constraint therapy with Luke to get him using his left hand more. I can't believe this year is almost over...where has time gone? Anyway here are a few pics of Luke in action this week...thanks for continuing to follow him on this journey....

Practicing his crawling while pushing a dump truck.

At home playing his Sponge Bob Video game.

Let them do their job....

2009-10-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

We made it home safe and sound...now let those stem cells do their job and make their way into the damaged areas in Luke's brain. All went well with the IV infusion of the cells. Luke is such a trooper and did not even make a peep when they stuck him with the needle various times to get the IV started. He was very curious as to what the nurse was doing and did not take his eyes off her while she was sticking him. So, now we wait and see what those cells will do. Pray we see AMAZING things.

Dr. Ramirez injecting Luke with the stem cells.

Stem Cells

2009-09-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day we leave for Stem Cell therapy!! Luke gets his injection of umbilical cord stem cells via IV on Thursday! Please pray for safe travels, and GREAT, AMAZING results from these cells. Thanks for your prayers...they are greatly appreciated! Will update after his injection on Thursday.

Happy Fall!

2009-09-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Happy first day of Fall...although here in AZ it sure doesn't feel like fall yet! Luke continues to do good in his therapies. Yesterday one of his therapists at the Neuro Institute made the bold prediction that Luke would be walking with a walker by Christmas. Now, I have had myself disappointed way too many times by predictions, but this kid has been working Hard....so you never know.

This post is mainly to ask for prayers next Thursday, October 1st. We are taking Luke for his third round of stem cells. Pray for great results from this treatment! Thanks for sticking with us on this journey and for spreading the word for lots of prayers on the 1st!

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

Psalm 17:6 NLT

East Valley Sol!

2009-09-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Last year at this time, East Valley Sol, had a fundraiser for Luke to raise money for Stem Cell Therapy. We are SO thankful for them!!! This year is Fiesta Del Sol IV! It is a SUPER FUN night put on by a GREAT group of people! I promise you will not be disappointed! It really is a blast. Here is the info and if you can not attend but would like to donate something for a giveaway you can contact Shawna at shawna@shawnareeves.com. You can also go to the web site at:

www.eastvalleysol.org

Gone Hunting!

2009-09-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Well...we are slowly but surely recovering from the nasty bug that seems to be going around. This weekend we made a trip up North for Luke's favorite activity...hunting! Mike and I both drew an Archery elk tag this year. Well I got lucky and had a great guide too I guess you could say and we found Mr. Elk on the second morning. I just happened to be in the right place and right time (and my prayers were certainly answered for a quick hunt,) and well as for Mr. Elk....I say it's the circle of life. Anyhow, two months before Luke was hurt he went on his first real hunt with Mike for javelina. He LOVED it and talked about it so much. Everyone was amazed at how good he did walking the mountains and keeping up with the big boys then as a six year old. He is for sure Daddy's hunting buddy. So it was only fitting that we bring Luke and let him get Mr. Elk too...made his day and ours too!

Drawing back and aiming...

"Luke's Elk," with just a little help from mom (and dad's expertise guiding too)

Got a Bug!

2009-09-11T20:25:00.001-07:00

Well nothing exciting to report because Luke has been sick. Apparently there are a lot of sickies out there now and lots of different things going around! He started getting sick at therapy on Wednesday, so he missed therapy the rest of the week. The good news is...next week is a new week and hopefully he will not have regressed any this week while being down. I am thankful this is the first sickness he has had in a long time, so hopefully it is the last one for a long time! Thanks for your continued prayers. Hopefully more exciting updates next week!

Another accomplishment!!

2009-09-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Luke continues to amaze me!!! Tonight he rode his bike to my sister's house and back!!! Go LUKE...You ROCK dude!!! She lives the next street over from us, so I would say it is maybe a quarter mile there and a quarter mile back, so probably a 1/2 mile total?? Might be a little less than that...anyhow he did it! Right now his cousin Tyler is sleeping over with him, and they are watching Coraline. Luke is watching it very intently, and showed me no when I asked if I could change the channel. He has certainly come a long way...praise God!!! I looked at older posts and it was only about 2 years ago that he started following commands again, and was just starting to eat baby food by mouth. Certainly puts things into perspective....they told us from the beginning this was a marathon and not a sprint. I can't wait to see where he will be in another two years, we can look back and say, "remember when you had just started riding your bike and were scooting across the family room!" We are grateful for every bit of recovery we get, and know the best is yet to come...our God is an awesome God!

I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (Acts 27:25)

Great Reports!

2009-09-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

I have been getting great reports from Luke's therapists this week on the progress he is making! They are thrilled with the progress he is making in many areas such as using his left hand, reacting faster when asked to do things, walking using the walker, going from standing to sitting. The therapists at the Neuro Institute have switched up his therapy this week due to his progress! My dad took him to therapy this week and called me once and even texted (something he NEVER does) to tell me how hard Luke was working and how impressed he was with him. He sets the bar high, so I knew he must have been doing great things! This morning when I took him, every therapist came up to me to tell me how great he is doing and how impressed they are by him. GO LUKE!!!! He is going to the Neuro Institute at least 2 days a week for three hours each time and also gets 2 hours of Physical Therapy and 2 hours of Occupation therapy at home each week...so he is certainly busy. Here are some pics of the Gladiator in action:

Luke thinks it is funny when his PT walks him down the hall to his room to grab as many hats as he can off his hat tree. This day he grabbed 3; I think the most is 5.

Walking down the stairs with his PT.

Luke scoots to the Entertainment Center and empties out his toy drawer many times a day now!

Scooter

2009-08-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

Haven't done this in awhile..so here is the Luke story of the week. He is continuing to scoot around. Last night I asked him if he was hungry, he showed me yes. So I told them to scoot into the pantry to show me what he wanted to eat. He did it! It is probably about 25-30 feet into there from where he was, and he had to make the transition from the carpet in the family room to the wood in the kitchen. Once he gets in the kitchen it is easier for him to move on the wood. I need to get a video of him scooting because it sure does amaze me. If nothing else, for when he starts walking to show him how far he has come! Go Luke! Thanks so much for checking in on him:)

News Story

2009-08-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to send a shout out to watch a news story tonight on an amazing lady, Trish Stressman, getting ready to leave for Stem Cell therapy in Costa Rica this weekend. Her kids go to school with Lynsey, and I was put in touch with her via a mutual friend. Anyhow, today I get to therapy with Luke and the news is here filming a story on her. So, watch tonight at 10:00pm on channel 15 to hear her story. Her blog is http://tstressman.blogspot.com, and I know she would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Home Sweet Home!

2009-08-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

We are home! First, thanks so much for the prayers for Luke. He calmed down right after I posted that...praise God. He certainly is still having some "episodes," but so far none that bad. More than anything I think it is Luke just wanting his independence back and wanting to do things himself...wanting to be treated like a nine year old boy. Can't really blame him for that!

I am happy to say, the therapists at Napa were thrilled with the progress Luke made during the time we were there. His head therapist, Mr. Raf, said he felt Luke gained so much this trip verses last trip. I know one thing, this afternoon I set him down on the floor in the living room, and he scooted himself all the way across the room, and pretty fast too! He even went over a little "bump" we have that separates wood from carpet...GO LUKE! Here are the accomplishments his therapist put on his "diploma"

*Luke only needs contact assistance with crawling!
*Luke is taking independent steps in a walker safely!
*Luke climbed a ladder with reciprocal movements of his arms and legs!

Luke playing the drums...he loves this!

Luke walking in the walker. They worked on him pushing it himself.

This was very interesting to me. As part of the Tomatis therapy he gets here she did this assessment of him. On the first day of therapy, she had him draw a house, tree, and person on the right. Then on the last day, she had him draw them again on the left. You can see the improvement! I found this to be amazing! If you look at the person, he even drew some circles.

Luke climbing the ladder.

Luke's great therapists...Mr. Raf, and the PT aide, Kelly.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support!
I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (Acts 27:25)

Prayers Needed

2009-08-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

We are still here in LA for therapy...which is going good. However, Luke is having major anger management issues and is being HORRIBLE after therapy. This afternoon is really bad. Please pray for him to calm down and these issues to go away.

More days like today

2009-08-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

What we need from Luke are more days like he had today at therapy. His therapist said he was very focused today, and working very hard. Go Luke!! They also added on an extra hour of occupational therapy to his days on Mon and Wed! Here are some pics:

On the treadmill walking with the walker.

Climbing up the ladder-working on bending the knees.

Fun Fridays...Luke got to ride the bike.

Only in California is riding on a surf board part of therapy! Look how good he is standing up with minimal support.

Tired after a busy day!

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?...Isaiah 43:19

Stem Cells

2009-08-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

This article was emailed me to on a Stem Cell group I am on. I thought it may be helpful for someone. These people took their child to the same place we took Luke. We are hoping to take him back the end of September for another round. It is hard to coordinate because they say you need to wait 4-6 weeks after getting the cells to do an intense therapy.

Cerebral Palsy Child Improves After Adult Stem Cell Treatment

Posted 5 August, 2009 in Cerebral Palsy |

Cerebral Palsy Stem Cell Treatment

Caleb Turner, a 2 year old boy from New Zealand, with severe cerebral palsy has made many improvements in his quality of life after his stem cell treatment using adult stem cells from cord blood 7 months ago in Mexico. Yes, the Turner family had to fly from New Zealand to Mexico for this stem cell therapy.

However, they are very happy they did make the effort as the adult stem cells helped Caleb immensely. Caleb has severe cerebral palsy as a result of a massive brain bleed days after his birth.

Before the Stem Cell Therapy in Mexico

30-50 seizures per day
Showed no emotion- couldn’t tell if he was happy, sad, sick etc.
Choked when he ate
Couldn’t walk, talk, or roll over

After the Adult Stem Cell Treatment

Down to 4-5 seizures per day!!
Laughs, cries, smiles- Mrs. Turner says “to see a smile on his face is priceless”
Now has an easier time eating
Now can clap his hands, roll over and has better trunk control

Going Back for a Second Helping of Adult Stem Cells

The Turner family was so happy with the changes in Caleb after the first stem cell treatment, that they are planning to go back to Mexico again for a second stem cell therapy. To do this, they are holding an art auction to raise the money needed (approximately $30,000 US for treatment/travel).

Back in the Saddle

2009-08-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Luke has not missed a beat with working hard here at the Napa Center since we left a short 6 weeks ago. The therapists were impressed with how strong he is, not seeming to have regressed any since we left. Monday he did great at therapy, but after he was horrible. The worst I think I have ever seen him!! He was so mad, not sure what about, but I thought for sure the hotel was going to come knocking on our door he was yelling so loudly. The last few days...all is well, except for some pinching and hair pulling now and then (although most of it is directed right at good old mom.) Here are some pics of him in action so far this week:

Standing in the spider cage

Luke's favorite-knee walking

Walking in the walker

Luke's favorite part of the day...Ms. Geni, he hates to be in a crawling position. She got him to hold it all by himself for 27 seconds. The big thing is he did it...he fights us so bad when we try to get him in this position.

Sorry!

2009-08-01T20:34:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates...life has been busy, busy, busy. Lynsey started school this week...always bittersweet for me. In all honesty, the first day of school is probably worse for me than holidays with Luke. Mostly because he should be starting fourth grade as a normal child. Lynsey started middle school and loves it. My nephews (Mike's brother's kids) were also here for a week. They are so great with Luke. It warms my heart so much to see them playing with Luke as much as they can, including him, pushing him around, and Dylon even helped load Luke in and out of the car. What great boys they are! Luke was also fitted for a new walker this week (www.taoswalker.com) I am excited for him to get it. They are awaiting final approval from insurance, but hopefully by the end of August he will have it.

Another reason we have been busy is.....we leave for LA tomorrow for Luke to attend therapy again at the Napa Center for another 3 week session. Please pray for amazing results this go around. I guess this is Luke's "school" for now. I promise better updates while we are there.

On the Move!

2009-07-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Luke continues to amaze us with the strides he is making. On recommendation from the NACD, we ordered Luke a recumbent bike off Amazon.com. He loves to ride it. It is really good for him. I only wish it weren't 110 degrees because there is only a short window of day that it is not too hot for him to ride. He continues to do his "scooting" to get somewhere, little Lacey is a big motivator for him, he loves to come and hold her. Things have been going well at the Neuro Institute for Therapy. I think they are starting to see what Luke is capable of. This week they had him up and walking, and have been doing some great things with lefty. Luke is starting to bear weight on this hand when sitting down...huge step in the right direction. The countdown is also on for our next trip to Napa. We leave a week from Sunday...pray for great things to happen during the 3 weeks we are there. Luke also has an MRI in the morning to check the aneurysm and shunt...please pray for positive things here also. We appreciate all your prayers and support so much!!! Here are some pics of what Luke has been doing:

Giving the thumbs- up he wants to scoot.

Testing out his new bike after dad put it together...doesn't he look great on it!

Working lefty in therapy.

Walking with the walker in therapy.

Dust

2009-07-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well...there is a saying...some days are diamonds and some days are dust. Let's just say for Luke, this week has been dust. I have mentioned many times before how I am always surprised Luke does not get frustrated more with his "situation." He definetly has his days where he is mad, but this week so far he has been horrible. He has been angry, pinching, hitting, kicking, you name it he has done it. One example...today after I dropped Lyns off at my sister's to bring him to therapy he decided he was not going to leave his seat belt on. Luckily I was close to home so I was able to get something to keep his good arm restrained so he would be safe. I have read a lot on brain injury, and in cases of traumatic brain injury, the patients will become very angry and hostile. I have seen this too while sitting with Luke and observing other patients at therapy. Who can really blame them? I mean one day they are fine, and the next they are trapped in a body that will not work like it once would. I would be frustrated too. So, please pray that he will use all his "angry energy" and put it to good use, let his frustrations serve as a motivator to bring his healing to the next level. The good thing is, I have not seem him "act out" like this in therapy. I will grin and bear it if he only does it to me, I will be his punching bag, as long as there is healing on the other side.

"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." Romans 12:12

Gladiator Luke-Believe!

Luke's New Ride

Merry Christmas!

Neuro Feedback

Halloween!

Thank you!

Seizure Free!!

Checking the Mail!

Too Long..

Scare at School

Back To School

Thanks!

Prayer Request

Thank you!

Happy 11th!

Vacation Time!

Summertime!!

Our Rockstar!

He is Risen!

Sunday is coming....

Frustrated

Press towardthe Promise

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

blessed.

Special Olympics

Lots of appointments!!

4 years

Story of the week

Rockin It!

Off for now....

Stem Cells

Saddened and Sickened...

Great Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!

On the Move!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Oct Happenings

At Peace

Update

Brain Injury Assoc. Fundraiser

Time Flies

Follow up appt

Luke LOVES school!!

First Day of School!

MRI Time

Busy, Busy, Busy

Happy 10th Luke!

IM

www.youtube.com/neurorehabaz

Goodbye Tom!!

Busy

Stem Cells!

Good Reports!

On the Mend!

Turkey Hunting Therapy!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Spring Pics

Frustrated!

Rethink Possible!

Follow Up...

Here we go...

Home Sweet Home!

What Luke has been doing...

Sorry!

Three Years...

Great Reports!

Great Week!

Some Pics!

Far and Beyond

Far and Beyond

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Great Days!

Back to the grind!

I got a feeling....

Merry Christmas!

What Faith Can Do..

Today Show!!

Press toward
the Promise