So long no see...

Hi,

so, yes, I (Jerry) have taken over and I'm already late on my first posting. Sorry about that: life insists in taking over my free time. :)

First: we celebrated little buddy's birthday the other day! He turned 4. It was a happy party, with everybody there, and he got a bunch of presents and tons of love from everyone. He was sincerely happy, and I could not resist the fleeting thought that a possibility existed that we wouldn't have that party. How grateful we are to a loving Heavenly Father that allowed us the privilege of caring for Little Buddy longer!

Little buddy (LB from now on) is doing great. He's developing more strength and purposeful movement. He's now able to move both arms, wave goodbye, and (with some work) pass objects from one hand to the other. That is important because it means he's being able to manage two extremities simultaneously--big win there. He's also holding his head straight for longer periods of time. He remembered how to lock his knees, so he can stand for a few seconds with help for balance. And, lastly, he is now able to lift his bum from the bed when lying on his back: his hamstrings and gluts are getting stronger.

We have now (thanks for the idea, Uncle J!) a rudimentary system of communication: we ask him a yes/no question and he answers by giving us a thumbs-up if the answer is yes. He has added an element of emphasis to the thumbs-up: when he really wants something, his thumb comes up faster!

He has taken 8 doses of radiation and started his chemotherapy last week. He's taking one of four or five drugs right now, called Vincristine. This drug help the radiation be more effective, and that's the reason they give it along with it.

LB has been throwing up more than usual, but that's a known side-effect of the treatment. We're giving him a new medicine to avoid nausea starting today or tomorrow, so we'll see how he goes with that.

Also, he's taking his swallowing test today. If he passes (he needs a C+ or better.........just kidding) then we'll start introducing food by mouth. That's VERY exciting, because he'll start exercising those tongue/throat muscles more, and that might help his speech recovery too.

Most important: through this all, he's been happy. He gets frustrated sometimes, but besides those rare moments, he is our happy, smiley boy. He has been an example to all of us about how to be happy regardless of opposition. He is a living reminder that circumstances are what we make of them, and that we can decide how to face them and feel about them. Talk about lemons and lemonade!

Thank you all for your continuous support and prayers, your meals and your time, your sacrifices and empathy. Our trial has been more bearable because of you.

May the Lord bless you according to your generosity, sacrifice and concern in our behalf.

Us.