Here is an update on Josiah as of Friday, December 10, 2010 at 8:00 PM.

Josiah has had a very busy day today.  In fact, it was so busy that he did not really get a nap in until about 4PM.  By this time of the day, he has usually had 2-3 naps, so I hope that this will help him to have another great nights rest.  They have done physical, occupational and speech therapy today and he did very well in each session.  He is also eating like a PIG!  He needs the extra calories right now as his body heals.  He fed himself for the most part, which is another one of those little miracles that we have seen.

Here are some highlights from the day:

• I would say one big highlight for the day would have been that he had a really decent night’s sleep.  He has had some moments of agitation during the nights (usually 3-4 a night) that last for about 30-40 minutes each time.  Last night, Jennifer said that he only had two, and that one lasted about 20 minutes and the other lasted about 5 minutes.  I hope that it was a trend being started, as he needs to have that good, uninterrupted rest (and so do we!).
• The eye doctor came back in today and said that his vision is great.  He may still have some issues with his peripheral vision, but most of that should clear up as he heals.  Great news for us today!
• We also heard from Josiah’s manager at Starbucks.  She let us know that the shift that he worked right before the accident was the very shift that qualified him for his benefits like paid family leave and short-term disability. This is a huge blessing!
• We got the news today that he will be moved to the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids on Monday.  We still have no idea how this will be worked out financially, but we are trusting God to take care of those details so we can focus on Josiah.  I will be going up and staying with Josiah during this time.
• He walked a greater distance today (with help still) and he sat up in a chair for a longer time.  He is getting his strength back and gaining greater control over his body each day.

Here are some specific and very important things to remember in prayer for Josiah and our family:

• Please continue to pray that confusion and irritation will be minimal, and instead that he will keep that peaceful and quiet spirit.  His roughest time is during the night. Pray God gives us wisdom as we try and sort out the things that bring peace from the things that irritate him.
• Pray for Jennifer and I during these times of irritation.  They can be discouraging and frustrating at best.  We know that he is healing, but it is in these times that we are really at our weakest.  I hope that is not being overly transparent, but this does weigh on us and it hurts so bad to see him at these times.  We are told it gets better and we are counting on that!
• Michigan Medicaid is his health coverage. With my job loss at the beginning of the year also came the loss of my insurance.  When we got here, the first thing we did is see if they qualified, and they did.  They are giving us issues right now, so please pray that it gets sorted quickly and completely.  This is obviously not as important as his life, but the financial concerns do weigh on me.  Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids gave us some very encouraging news today.  We are not getting the cart before the horse, but we may find out tomorrow how this will all be handled.
• The doctors are still looking at the right side of his face that is not totally doing everything quite right; like raising eyebrows and such. They are leaning towards as a pinched nerve, which will heal as the swelling in his face/head goes down.  Please pray that there will be healing in that area of his face.
• Pray for our family as we are apart.  Jennifer will visit as she can, but she needs to be here most of the time for the kids. Pray that the kids will be understanding at this time.
• Pray for Jennifer and I to have patience.  We know God is in control, we count on that, but we want to see him healed!  Also, pray for strength, endurance and the ability to rest as fatigue is a great enemy right now.
• Pray that God’s Kingdom work will be accomplished through is during this time.  God know exactly where we are headed and what the outcome will be.  We count on that!

Psalm 71:1-3

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.