Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I Found It...

This blog must have been lost somewhere. That’s my only excuse for the non-existent updates, pictures, &c. Where to begin? It’s only by my own indolence this question is asked. So much has happened/changed since our cyber family was last made aware of Charlie’s well being. Left up to me I’d give a brief account of Char’s newly attained faculties but that would leave me in a less than amiable place w/ my dear Bride.

First let me offer our continued thanks to all of the “Charlie’s Angels” who w/o you none of Charlie’s progress would be possible. When Char’s sweet little body was neurologically devastated Angel and I were unsure how we would handle our straightened circumstances, but now after seeing the Herculean effort undertaken by over 120 of you “Angels” a way has shown itself. Every week 114 man-hours are devoted to helping Charlie’s circumstances become less narrowed. Our thanks will never be enough to show you how grateful we are for your labors but sadly it is all we have to offer.

We have been working w/ Charlie for just over two months and to appraise his progress one needs to understand his developmental progress/state before we started. His evaluated neurological age was 2 months old. His physical competence was non-existent w/o any movement that could be interpreted as meaningful. Vital responses to pain, sound or light were a no-go. Char basically lay around, cried and writhed in discomfort, which was invariably related to his extreme boredom. Those who have been gracious enough to assist Charlie in his convalescing have been able to experience first hand his marked improvements. He is now responding appropriately to tactile stimulus, his vision has become his most keen sense, he is using his arms a and legs in a meaningful manner and can motor down his slide pretty quick (should he be in the mood) and when he lays on the floor he’s gotten pretty good at holding his head up for short bits of time. His hearing is still a concern but a couple of weeks ago he started responding somewhat consistently to really high pitch noises. However all this aside Angel and I are most impressed w/ one thing. His awareness. All you have to do is spend a brief period of time with him and you can tell that the light is on. Smiles, grins and long sustained glances have become commonplace. But the funniest thing is that when he gets sad he’ll cry a bit here and there, then when he sees that your there he lets go with the most cute/pathetic cry that actually sounds like a normal kid crying w/ his little bottom lip all pouty. It’s awesome.

Our plan is to continue w/ the program until we meet our 6-month goal where upon completion we will evaluate whether or not the progress Char has achieved is worth the inconvenience we have selfishly imposed on you all. Our hope is that the benefits we see will merit continuance, and that as we continue you will press on w/ us in attempting to rescue any of our little boys native endowments that the Almighty sees fit to allow.

Below is the page from our families annual memory book that my eldest sib felt would be apropos for all of Charlie’s faithful following. (Click on it for easier reading.)


14 comments:

linds said...

love you char!

Meghan said...

i'm telling you, he crawled down that slide last night - 3 times - with gusto. i never thought i would see him do anything like that. if anyone thinks therapy isn't worth the hassle, inconvenience, loss of personal space.... watch him climb down that slide. and smile huge when the patterning is over. its amazing and so are all the people who come week after week to do it. they are angels.

Kristin said...

Totally made me cry! Love that kid... I'm predicting that we continue well beyond 6 months!

summergibbs said...

That makes me so happy! I think about Char and your sweet family often...I always wonder how his therapy is coming. I wish I lived closer so that I could help you out with his therapy...I know that it would be a most rewarding experience. Congratulations, Charlie!!!!

Megs said...

It's been more of a blessing to me to be a part of this, than it has to anyone....which sounds so selfish, I know. But I am so grateful to have Charlie in my life and to feel his sweet, divine, spirit when I come into your home. Thanks for letting me be apart of this amazing experience! Love you guys!

Unknown said...

Char, It takes a lot to make me cry, but this entry did it. I love this little guy with all my heart. Sorry we missed you today. Our family has had a little bug. We didn't want to bring it to you. I love this family! The spirit in there home is amazing. My girls look forward to coming each week and seeing his progress. Rob thanks, for saying they can come anytime. Brooklynn is ready for the gun war. You and Angel give me so... much strength as we have some similar trials. I know with ought a doubt that Charlie couldn't have come to a better home or better parents. You two are the best. Thanks, for giving our family this opportunity to serve and love CHAR as well as Britton. He loves his Brother and his actions show it. He was suppose to come fist so, he could help with Char. Love you guys so much. We will be on the mend and see you Saturday!

Tamara, Brooklynn and Kaitrynn Harris

Unknown said...

This is so amazing to hear. I can't help in your home, but I do remember to keep your sweet family in my prayers. What a miracle boy he is. So great to see the Lord's work so full at work from one of his "silent" servants! I will continue to check in on the blog for more amazing updates and you can count on my continued prayers as well!

Unknown said...

Oh my....tears flowing over here in LA. I always check in on you guys and I never leave without feeling inspired. You guys are so incredible and although I can't help out with that sweet boy's miracle therapy, many prayers have been lifted into the heavens in Char's name. Keep up the incredible work....I am certain there is not one angel who thinks the benefits aren't worth the time. His progress sounds amazing....thank God for his angels!!

Leane
Dave and Karen Duzy's friend....

Suz said...

I am so glad someone finally did something I told them too!

TravandNat said...

The progress he has made is incredible! He was moving his arms up and down last week as we were paterning, and he would get mad if we tried to do it! I am so glad that I can play a small role in helping Charlie each week. He helps me far more than I could have ever imagined! Love you, Charlie!

Thanks Rob, and Angel for letting us come and love your son! And thanks to Britt for keeping Addi entertained with Mickey Mouse while we are there! We love Tuesdays with Charlie!

Ginny said...

crying here, too. love you, char.

Gillian said...

I've been following Charlie's amazing story since my daughter was diagnosed with meningitis/encephalitis in Nov 08. What an incredible group of angels he is surrounded with - wow! We've been on a similar journey - and Lola has gone from g-tube fed/not able to hold her head up to walking in less than a year. I just wanted to say thank you for giving us hope in very dark times, and to let you know we're cheering Charlie on from Canada.

Marilee said...

Amazing! So glad to hear about his progress and all the angels that are helping him. Also happy to see that you are doing what Suz says. Scary in't she.

Roxey said...

Thanks for the cry Susan, and for such a blessing char, ang, and rob.