Gillian here.  Thought an update on Matthiah Patrick, our son, was in due order; so here goes ...

As you know, back in December (three months ago, nearly four), Matthiah was badly injured when he ran his head into a tree during a sledding accident.  He was in a coma for two months; it's only been in the last month where he has awakened; he is now at the rehabilitation hospital, receiving daily doses of hydro, speech, occupational, and physical therapies.

Surprisingly, he didn't sustain any permanent damage to his brain; that alone, is worthy of thanking God above!

He is home now for the weekend; he is doing so well, the doctors there gave him a weekend pass!  It is so good to have our child back home, where he belongs!  It is hard seeing him sitting in a wheelchair, but hopefully he will regain his strength to where he will be able to walk again.  We aren't without hope for Matthiah; he has always been a very strong-willed child who doesn't let life's bumps knock him down.  (He's just facing one of the biggest, but if I know Matthiah, it won't be long before he is taking his first steps!)

Matthiah has some surgical scarring and missing hair upon his head, but it's nothing that a hat can't fix (or cover).  Otherwise, he looks just the same:  a little boy who happens to be recovering from a terrible accident. 

I still have nightmares of that day back in December; I don't think I will be able to shake the images out of my head for a very long time to come.  I am seeing a counselor to help me deal with this; hopefully it will help, because for now, I am an emotional wreck, and I am scared to let Matthiah out of my sight!

Later today we will have the Christmas that Matthiah should have had before he'd gotten hurt.  The tree is still up and decorated, and the presents still sit there, waiting to be opened.  We even have the outside lights still on the house!  I know people must think we're weird (or lazy), but I told them that until we have our Christmas (and/or our son back home), they aren't coming down, even though it is nearly Easter now!

I hope Matthiah will love the gifts that Santa Claus left him!!  I just hope he won't be too disappointed by the new, shiny bicycle or the new baseball ball, bat, and catcher's mitt!  I know he will want to play; I will have to tell him, "All in due time, Matthiah, all in due time; just be patient.  One day you will walk again, and you will be able to play baseball or ride your new bike!"

Well, I will go now; Matthiah has been sleeping all morning; it's nearly one in the afternoon.  Time to get my little guy up and feed him a late breakfast; then it's time to have Christmas!!!! 

Take care and God bless!  Keep those prayers coming; they are greatly appreciated!  Thanks in advance!

~Love, your friend, Gillian P.  :)

*to be continued.*