It's been four years since the terror attack. In those four years, Nathaniel has endured 115 days in the ICU, 7 surgeries, and 3 invasive procedures. He spent 19 months at in-hospital rehab and 24 months in outpatient rehab. Nathaniel has worked very hard to get to where he is today, and God has been a source of miracles.
It seems like Nathaniel is starting to use his right side. We are practicing writing. I gave him the marker and he tried to put it into his right hand! In music therapy, the therapist said that he tried to move his right hand onto the keyboard. When I play "thumb war" with him using our right hands, sometimes I think I feel some movement.
We were all playing the card game "War". After a "battle" I noted that I had all the aces (high card). A bit later, one of the players ran out of cards so I stealthily gave him some of mine so he could still play. Later, we each put our card down, and the other player's card was an ace. When Nathaniel saw that, he was confused. We had to explain that the other player ran out of cards, so I gave him some of mine so that he could continue to play. He was also following the conversation by looking at whoever was talking.
One of his caregivers was talking on the phone about another person who was annoying him. Nathaniel knew the person. After the caregiver hung up, it was time to brush Nathaniel's teeth. Nathaniel refused to open his mouth. The caregiver asked what was wrong. Then, he asked Nathaniel if he was angry about hearing the gossip. Nathaniel nodded. The caregiver apologized and Nathaniel opened his mouth to brush his teeth.
He loves his nephew. He proudly and carefully holds him, tries to give him high-fives, and watches him intently. The baby makes noises and Nathaniel tries to copy them.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers these past years.