21 January 2025

On the Hebrew date of the 6th anniversary of the terror attack, Nathaniel's yeshiva hosted a celebration. They do this every year. A lot of his friends come as well as his rabbi from the army. It is really special. This year, with the help of his caregivers and with thanks to God, he was able to stand (being supported) and dance with his rabbis and friends.

The occupational therapist and the speech therapists recommended that Nathaniel get a smart phone so that he can correspond with his friends with WhatsApp and play games. The games should help with eye-hand coordination and logical thinking. Perhaps even more important, they should be fun. He seems to like Tetris and some game connecting pipes so that the "water" can flow.

Nathaniel is practicing standing without help. It will take him some time as he learns to do so with guidance from his physical therapist and occupational therapist, but it's a great start.

We are making a plan to remove the stomach PEG (feeding tube). It will take time because his swallowing reflex must get stronger. We also have to work on having him swallow his medicines. Still, it's a start.