Right place for Matt

It has been just over three weeks since Matt arrived in Atlanta and the Shepherd Center to begin his rehabilitation. It was apparent from the first day that we are in the right place for Matt. Within an hour of his arrival they had him working his TV and had a nurse call button using sip and puff technology - establishing independence for him. The next day he was up in a powered wheelchair and can control his sitting position and drive it himself using the same technology. The staff of doctors, nurses and therapists have been great and Matt said he likes it here.

He is settling into a daily routine of physical therapy and occupational therapy, as well as diet, speech and counseling. The focus is healing both his body and his mind and they do it well. These last three weeks have been an emotional ride for Matt. The enormity of his situation has hit him and being away from friends and family has been tough. Those are the toughest times for Sue and me, where he is struggling emotionally and as a parent you want to make him better. But he bounces back and continues to show great strength each day and is working hard. He is up each morning at 7:30, gets dressed and up in his chair and starts his work. He was up in his chair for 10 hours yesterday, a new personal best!

Some exciting news from last week - during PT the therapist felt slight muscle movement in his left bicep and his left wrist! Slight but definitely there! They will continue his daily sessions and we hope to report more good news in the coming weeks.

Matt also had 7 of his friends come down from Boston this weekend and it was a huge pick me up! We left the boys together and they talked and laughed for almost 4 hours - nothing like your buddies to pick you up!

I'll update again shortly and thanks to all for you prayers and support!

Michael