In occupational therapy Nathaniel is learning how to put on tefillin. He is really motivated to be more proficient at it. Since the attack which caused him to lose control of his right arm and hand, he has become a lefty so he is putting them on his right arm and hand.
It has been a hard time with friends not being able to visit because of corona. Last week some friends visited and it clearly boosted Nathaniel’s spirits.
Nathaniel is relearning how to swallow. This action may seem trivial, but without swallowing, there is no eating (just feeding tube) or talking, yet lots of drooling. So, we are trying all sorts of tricks and therapies to get him to swallow automatically as well as on command. On Thursday a close friend from the army came and Nathaniel made a facial expression which seems to say, “What’s going on, where have you been?" I hadn't seen that expression before. However, after a bit he seemed relaxed and happy to hang out with his friend.
On Shabbat his good friend came to visit. As soon as the friend walked into the apartment, Nathaniel smiled and didn't stop for a while. He was really happy. It is one of the few times I have seen him show emotion. With the corona vaccine being administered and hopes of the pandemic being behind us, we looks forward to a return to regular visits from friends since these visits clearly lift Nathaniel’s spirits.
Keep it up, Nathaniel! It's wonderful that Nathaniel is able to have friends visit. Davening daily for continued improvement! Thank you so much for these remarkable updates.
WE continue to pray for Nathaniel, for your continued improvement. So so nice that his friends are able to visit, even on a limited basis and that Nathaniel enjoys the visits.
All the best, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you for the inspiring updates! Keep up the great work Netanel Ilan and family! Refuah shelemah amongst all the infirm of Am Yisrael - Amen!
What heartening news. Brought tears to my eyes. May he continue to go from strength to strength.
It has been a long rough haul for the whole family.
with love and sympathy- no tea - and much admiration.
ron and Ada
כל הכבוד, נתנאל, חזק ואמץ!