[Epley Update] April 18, 2006 Update

[Russ and Flossie Epley]

Today was an encouraging day.

Russ was able to focus on my face with both eyes when I first got to 
the hospital. He seemed so pleased to have me there. I know I take 
great joy in being with him each day.

One time this afternoon when I leaned over towards him he lifted his 
left arm over my shoulder with his own power and volition to give me a 
hug. That's quite a little distance for his arm to move from the bed to 
my back! When I asked him to do it later he couldn't but if he's done 
it once, he can do it again.

I remember when Christie was  a baby and we were trying to teach her 
how to talk. It was a challenge since she was born deaf and never  had 
the experience of hearing words. When she would make a sound I would 
write it down on a list and say, "She said 'ah'. Maybe she doesn't know 
she said it, but if she said it once, she can say it again." Years 
later she learned to say words that are often clear. Russ has had the 
experience of speaking, swallowing, and moving his limbs. His brain 
will need to make new pathways to accomplish those tasks, but if he's 
done it once, I believe he can do it again.

For now we're mainly working on helping him get over his pneumonia 
which he has battled for two full weeks now. I can't really do too much 
about it in a physical way, but I can do the most powerful thing and 
that is to pray.

Russ is in God's faithful, gracious care. I can leave him in the 
hospital each night knowing God is with him.

Thank you for your continued prayers.
Flossie