Update on Andrew April 21st 2007

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2007 08:26 AM, EDT

Andrew is doing well. He is really enjoying having a bit more independence at the Mologne House. He was measured for his C-Legs yesterday! That's very exciting. After one masters the "stubbies", they are fitted for the final leg, the C-Leg. They are very high tech and expensive. I believe I heard that they even come with some sort of remote control. As I receive pictures and more information on all of this fun technology I'll let you know. A couple days ago, they allowed the knee joint to function on his stubbies. This more accurately simulates our walking. So, there's a definite process of building up strength and balance when it comes to prosthetics. Andrew's next surgery will be on tap the beginning of May. This will put him back a bit. Please continue to pray for physical strength and endurance for him. I know his body is just so exhausted. We're nearing close to the six month mark since his accident. Thank you all so very much for your prayers! ~Katherine

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2007 09:54 PM, EDT

Andrew is continuing to surprise me. He took two steps today without holding on to anything! For the past few days, he has been practicing walking on the parallel bars( a few hours each day). Building up the strength for this is the real challenge. Mom said it's like us spending our day literally jogging nonstop for Andrew to choose walking as his mode of choice. He asked that we pray for his strength. He is just so worn out and exhausted. He is encouraged and content with where he is. I just think that he is extremely taxed physically. The PT is really exhausting. He has officially moved to the Mologne House today. He's been spending the night there for the past fews days and is getting along just fine. For those of you that don't know, it is an outpatient facility on the campus of Walter Reed. He has a short distance to wheel to the hospital for therapy each morning. I really think he's very happy with his progress and where he's at right now. God is just giving him a real peace about where He has him. God's grace to my brother is truly amazing! We are all just so thankful for what he does have and what he is able to do. Thank you all for investing your hearts in my brother. ~Katherine

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2007 07:44 PM, ADT

Andrew's doing great. He did practice walking again a few days ago and did very well. It is absolutely so exhausting that he can only do it every so often. He is basically using his core and stomach muscles to propel his legs. That has to be a work out! It's been nice to have the weekend as a break. Thank you all for your prayers! ~Katherine

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2007 11:42 PM, EDT

Andrew is continuing to do well. I have not heard whether or not he has practiced walking again or not. I do know that he's in the process of moving over to the outpatient house right now, so that may be keeping him busy. Please lift up all of his doctors in prayer as they are working on making decisions regarding his surgery schedule. He has at least two large surgeries that will be coming up in the next weeks and months. These will definitely stall his progress for a while. It is awesome to see how God has been providing for Andrew and my family day by day. God has provided and provides still! I think I have really learned that we don't have to know the future or even what will happen tomorrow. He gives us enough strength and grace for each day. And, no matter whether it's a praise report or a prayer request, I know God has Andrew in His hands. ~Katherine

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2007 05:28 PM, EDT

You guys will not believe this--Andrew was able to walk on his prosthetics holding on to the parallel bars for 30 whole minutes! Mom said his physical therapist was blown away. Apparently, they fit him for prosthetics for both legs and they were a really good fit. Usually it is a very long process to find the right fit. They fit him into 'stubbies', which are shorter legs used for practice. He'll move up as he masters each stage. We were told it would be exhausting for him to walk (even with support). When you think about it, it makes sense that so much energy is being expended. When I spoke to Andrew on the phone this afternoon, he about fell asleep on the phone. He is exhausted! The other good news is that he'll be moving to outpatient in a few days. He'll move in to the Mologne House on the hospital campus. He'll probably move back and forth as he has several major surgeries to go. I'm just so thankful to God for the progress that he has made thus far. Andrew sounds excited about this walking process. Thank you all for your prayers! ~Katherine