Here is an update on Josiah as of Saturday, December 18:

Today was a day Josiah and I had been looking forward to all week!  Jennifer got to come and visit today! She got here early enough to be able to see him go through all of his rehab sessions.  He did a great job as he showed off for his mother today!

Here are some highlights of the day:

• Though it is the weekend, there is no rest for those here in Mary Free Bed.  They have sessions scheduled every day of the week, so Josiah got his workout in.
• Josiah started doing his laps without holding on to the handrails today.  The therapist says that likely by the end of next week he will be able to walk on his own!
• Josiah did a great job on some tests that the speech therapist (really more of a “thinking therapist”) gave him today.  There are some things that he has to relearn, but that all will come with time.
• He had a visit today from an eye doctor and had a full blown eye exam.  The doctor said that his eyes can see fine on their own, but the head injury has made it difficult to work together. It will take some time, but the doctor says all should return to normal.
• The boy has been a big show off for his mother today.  He has made us laugh at nearly everything he has done, whether it is in therapy or down in the cafeteria.

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

• We are still waiting to hear when he will have the test on the nerves on the right side of his face.  Hopefully it will take place in the next day or two.  We are praying that the nerves will heal on their own, and that there will be no need for surgery.
• Jennifer will be traveling back in the morning.  Please pray she has a safe trip.
• We have decided to have Christmas up here in Grand Rapids.  It is the best for Josiah, and will allow the family the most time together during the holiday.  I certainly will enjoy having everyone, including Daniel, Jordan and my grandbaby here for the holiday.  With that in mind, we still have a few details left to finish up.  Pray that Daniel and Jordan as they travel.  And pray we find some time to finish getting the Christmas shopping done.
• Pray that we can live out Matthew 5:14-16 and shine our lights before men here at the hospital.  We would have never chosen this path for us, but God has, and we certainly trust in His sovereignty.

By the way, Josiah wanted to to thank everyone for the prayers and support.  He loves you all very much, and would like for you to continue praying for him as he heals.

Psalm 16:7-8 “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”