Psalm 139:13-18 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.

We had a discouraging Wednesday.  We found that our insurance company had denied coverage as of Monday. Also, David’s muscle tone is so bad that he was in danger of being discharged within the next few days.  Last week, before David was so sick, he got good results from the external baclofen pump.  It was discontinued last Wednesday and within a few days he seemed to be back where he was several weeks ago.  Dr. Toma and David’s whole treatment team is recommending that he have the permanent baclofen pump implanted.

Good News! Dr. Toma called late yesterday to tell us that the neurologist would be able to schedule the surgery for early next week, so David will not be discharged.  Thanks to our good friends at Summit Place who were holding a place for David just in case he was discharged!!!  Please pray that the surgery goes well and especially pray that the interthecal baclofen provides great relief for David's tonality (rigidness).

On Thursday, David’s speech therapist, Jennifer, called us excitedly to tell us that David was “vocalizing” more than he ever did before. As she was feeding him, he was saying "Mom", "Mom", "Mom" - so the therapist said "What's your name?" And he said (according to her) very distinctly, "A-vid."  As far as we know, this is the first time since the accident that he has spoken a 2-syllable word. We are looking forward to more soon!!!!

Today, David’s occupational therapist, Tonya, said that he “helped” with his personal care: shaving and brushing his teeth.  He also vocalized again with Jennifer during lunch.

For those who are interested in other family news:  First, Daniel, David's brother graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He plans to pursue a career in various aspects of home building!! (after he helps us to complete David's room!!)  Rebekah, David's next older sister, turns 21 tomorrow.  Oh, how the years fly by!!  And Katie, David's older sister,  just started a new job with a Christian Scholarship Company (much fewer hours than her previous job, and no weekend work).

David's room is coming along well - the walls and ceilings are painted, the ceramic tile is down and grouted (thanks to a bunch of friends who came by when our arms were about to fall off!!)  The doors and trim should be up by tomorrow (Lord Willing!!)  We hope to have the room ready for David to come home in 2 weeks!! (though there is still a great deal to be done!! and we are waiting for delivery of some items.  Thanks so much for your prayers, notes, cards, support, and help. “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”