Here is a picture of Chris and Mom out on the patio in the Trauma Unit.

It was pretty exciting for everyone because this was the first time since the accident on Wednesday April 11th that he’d been able to be outside.

The big trunk like looking thingy attached to his nose is his feeding tube that goes down into his stomach, and it’s held in place with a ginormous bandage.

I know this picture isn’t the clearest, but we just wanted to let you know that Chris still looks exactly like Chris, only he appears to have a trunk.

It’s amazing to see him, and to be so thankful that he looks so good, and to know how serious the accident was, and to just be so thankful that he is alive and getting better and better each and every day.

Dad just called me, and told me a bit about Chris’s day today.  He is allowed to eat and drink now.  He passed the swallow test, and that means that he can have liquids and mushy foods.  Dad visited him earlier today, and told him that he’d be bringing back a 4 L jug of water with him, and Chris was thrilled.  That’s something that he’s been asking and asking for……just a stinkin’ drink of water.  Dad also said that he was able to actually “EAT” dinner tonight.  He had mashed potatoes and soup.

The trach will be coming out very soon, and the feeding tube will follow fairly soon after that.  He is on the mend, and we keep hearing positive reports about Chris.

He seems so clear at times, and at others he struggles.  Yesterday, when Mom and Dad were visiting him, they mentioned that they needed to stop at Superstore to pick some stuff up.  Chris casually mentions that they can just stop at the one on 12th, and that it’s convenient as they have to go right past it to head home.  No one had said anything about that, it’s just information that up in there…….pretty good recall, if you ask me.

Mom sent through a list of things to pray and praise about:

Things we can give Thanks and Praise for…

1. Chris is alive
2. Chris’s lungs have no infection
3. Chris has movement in his left fingers and toes
4. That the skin grafts and new flaps were done and are healing well
5. For the progress we see of God restoring Chris’ mind and memories
6. Well here is an answer before you got to pray… He has passed the swallow test and is able to eat and drink.. Praise the Lord.
7. Praise God for the progress and the speedy recovery His is working in Chris’ life.

A prayer list of things that can be taken to the Father today:

1. Chris has been exposed to the mumps virus. We are praying that God will intervene and He will not be affected negatively by this.
2. Nina and Karen were also exposed to the mumps. Pray this will be resolved quickly with a good report – That Karen and Nina are all Clear!
3. Chris lungs are still clearing. Pray the fluid will clear quickly and continue to be free from infection
4. His new flap on the left leg is looking good. Pray it will continue to heal without complications
5. Chris left arm has the new skin grafts. Pray these will all take well and that healing will come quickly.
6. Pray the donor site where they took the muscle and the skin graphs will heal up quickly also
7. Pray for Chris’ mind and his memories to be whole.
8. Pray his throat muscles will work properly so he will be able to pass the swallow test to be able to eat and drink again(he wants water so badly, even said melons would taste real good about now.)
9. Pray God will encourage Chris and he will be aware of God’s presence and His voice
10. Pray for strength in his right leg, foot and toes.
11. Pray for patience, endurance, and a spirit of Joy.
12. Pray for Nina for peace and complete healing of her thyroid.
13. Pray God will meet all their needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus