A long awaited update

James is doing very well. He has been going to physical and occupational therapy three times per week. Physically, he has gained much of his strength back. He can transfer in and out of his wheelchair without assistance. This makes getting in and out of bed and in and out of the car much easier and a lot less painful. He can stand up using a walker and actually walk with the aid of a walker – an amazing sight! He won’t be running any marathons soon, but he jokes that he is in training for the Olympics in London in 2012! Occupational therapy works out his upper body and most significantly works on his hands and dexterity. As you may know, his hands and foot were the most severely affected by his long sedation. They are the last to come back to full strength and use. Even so, his hands are much stronger. He can, for the most part, dress himself, shave, brush his teeth, make a sandwich, open bottles, and other small tasks. His handwriting has improved tremendously as well. It’s still a long haul ahead, but he is making great progress.

You may recall that James’ complication in vision had been a mystery to the doctors. Everything was blurry. While James was still in the hospital, our optometrist friend made glasses for him, but to no success for clear vision. A new eye test was performed with another prescription and still no success. Visits with the eye doctors, an MRI, and test after test left no understanding of why James couldn’t see clearly, not even clear enough to read large print. The next course of action was a specialist at UCLA. The only problem was that James had to wait to see this new specialist until he was much stronger. About three weeks ago James found the glasses our optometrist friend made and put them on. He could see! What joy! He only needed a minor adjustment to that prescription and now he is seeing and reading clearly.

To watch James through this trial is a testimony of God’s grace. I am amazed at his heart of forgiveness and his determination to walk in God’s will. He recently began working with the Jr. High students at church. Some of you may already know of his heart for this age group and his ministry in the past. Well, I can tell you he is even more on fire today and excited to serve the Lord in the ministry. The Lord has blessed him so much in providing this opportunity to serve.

In all these things we give the Lord glory and praise. It is He who has accomplished these great things and He alone is to be praised. May the Lord’s greatness, His mercy and grace, His faithfulness, His sovereignty, and His great love minister to you through the testimony of James. All glory to God!

James's Homecoming at Copperhill

On Sunday, 10/26, James visited Copperhill Community Church. Many people from Copperhill have been part of James's life before and after this incident, and it was an emotional and joyful homecoming. Enjoy the video!

Day 315 - October 28th

After ten months and ten days, James was released from the hospital today. His trial run over this past weekend proved that he could get around safely. He was able to go to a wedding and attend church without any obstacles. He was blessed to be among so many friends and worship the Lord together. Now he is home and as you can imagine he is extremely happy! He thanks God for getting him through to this point and gives the Lord all the praise and glory for his life and recovery. For the next couple weeks James will not be going to the hospital for therapy, but will remain at home to enjoy his family. He has been given a routine of exercises until he begins formal outpatient rehabilitation therapy. Thank you all for your faithful prayers. God has done and continues to do an amazing work in James' life. All praise and glory to Him!

Day 311 - October 24th

The results from James' eye tests did not fully explain the cause of his vision problems. The doctor stated that it is complicated and has ordered an MRI which will be performed today. Please continue to pray for wisdom to understand and resolve this issue. James gets a pass from the hospital to go home for the weekend. He will be attending a wedding on Saturday and going to church on Sunday. He is beaming with joy and can't wait to be back at home with his family and visit with friends! Please pray everything will go well for him this weekend so that when the doctors evaluate his practice trip home, they will be pleased with his progress and give the final okay for release on Tuesday, October 28th.

Day 304 - October 17th

The doctors have pushed James' release date forward a few days to October 28th. This has nothing to do with his progress, but that they want him to have a "practice day" at home followed by an evaluation. James is not discouraged knowing that it is in his best interests. He continues his therapy and is doing very well. He had an eye doctor appointment earlier in the week for further testing. These results have not come back yet. The remodel at his home is moving along with great speed thanks to the efforts of many men that are helping out. Blessings to you all! Please continue to pray for healing and stability of the plastic surgery and for all the things that are coming together to bring James home.

O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah
to Him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, He sends out His voice, His mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies. Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel—He is the one who gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God! Psalm 68:32 - 35

Day 298 - October 11th

James had the angiogram of his eyes done yesterday. Unfortunately, the test did not reveal why his vision is blurry. More tests will be performed on Tuesday. Please continue to pray for this. James is working very hard in physical and occupational therapy and counting down the days as his release date approaches. Many things need to come together to get ready for James' return. In particular, please pray for construction that is underway at his home to make it more accessible. Many thanks to go out to everyone who are volunteering their time, talents and materials to make his home comfortable. Thank you for your faithful prayers.

Day 294 - October 7th

James' release date has been moved up to October 24th. He has been working very hard in physical and occupational therapy to meet and exceed the goals set for him. He continues to astonish the staff with his focus and determination. He is able to put weight on his right leg and stand for about a half a minute with assistance. He has feeling in his leg down to his ankle which is a big improvement. The dexterity in his hand is improving, too. Those small tasks we take for granted can be extremely difficult for James. Pulling a zipper used to be impossible, but now he can hold the small metal piece and pull it. This Friday he will have an angiogram of his eyes to help determine the cause of his blurred vision. We haven't talked about lab values in a while, but they are good. His white counts are well in the normal range and have been for quite some time. Please pray with thanksgiving for the continued healing of the plastic surgery work, for strength and endurance, and wisdom for the doctors for Friday's tests.