August 2011, Yonkers, New York~

Hello!  This is Edna Grace Younce writing; sorry I haven't written in so long, but so much has happened.  Let me fill you in ...

My husband, Ray, had a heart attack back in March; it was a bad one.  He can no longer work; he is waiting to get on disability.  He has had to change his eating habits and is on a strict diet regimen, thanks to his doctors.  He is doing a little better, but he will never be like he was before he got sick.  It was a very scary time, but thank God he made it!  It was nothing short of a miracle!

Our son, Michael Patrick, who is now 21, still lives with us, where I take care of him and take him to his therapy (or doctor) appointments.  He has made a little progress:  he is no longer being fed by a tube in his belly (he's eating soft foods on his own!) and is learning how to feed himself.  It is a very messy process, but he's eating on his own!  In addition, Michael is starting to talk: he can say at least a dozen different words!

Michael may never walk or see, but doctors feel that the brain damage he suffered as a result of a weight being dropped on his head isn't as extensive as was first thought.  Another huge answer to prayer!

Last night was exciting: Ray and I got to see an amazing display of the aurora borealis.  There was a Class-X geometric storm, and it resulted in bright auroral displays as far south as Nebraska and Colorado (and lighter, fainter displays as far south as north Texas and Oklahoma).  We took plenty of pictures, but at the same time, my heart breaks because Michael can't see them (let alone, anything else).  About all Michael can see are greyish shadows or some light if the light is bright enough (like the sun, for instance). 

It seems funny, but since leaving the nursing home where he once lived, Michael is a lot healthier now than ever.  He hasn't been in the hospital in over a year.  He sees his doctors every month (or week if ened be) and according to them, he is doing fantastic!  Well, if he was, he'd be walking (with assistance) or doing more for himself, but we'll take any improvement that we can get!

Well, I have to go.  Ray is calling me, and it's almost time to get Michael's breakfast ready; he got up around an hour ago and I am sure he's hungry.  I will write in here again with another update; until then, this is Edna Younce saying so long!  God bless; keep those prayers coming!  Thanks in advance!

~Edna.  :)

~To be continued.~