May 13: From Lori

Today I received exciting news! (Wed, 5/12) About 4:00 a.m. this morning, Gerry lifted
his head, back and raised up on his elbows, attempting to swing his leg
around like he was trying to get up out of bed. The nurses quickly assisted him in
grabbing for the side rails, he held on but didn't continue to pull up.
They consider this purposeful movement! Interestingly, Ger usually awoke every
morning about 4:00 a.m. The nurses will play the CD that acted as his alarm
clock tomorrow morning.

Also, he responded by moving his head in the direction of his name being
called out across the room. This is important because it signals that he is
listening and sorting the various peripheral noises in the unit and
identifying specifically his name. He sat up in the chair for over an hour today and
lifted his hand to touch his face. While sitting, he constantly is working muscles
struggling to stay erect. His chin still drops, but his neck seems to be
getting stronger every day. He is working hard.

A dentist is scheduled to come soon to remove the wired jaw. The speech
therapy department is eager to begin working with him.

My girls are being well loved! Many friends and family have been faithfully
watching them while I'm at work and at the hospital. This Sunday Polina and
Tatiana will be baptized. This is something that we had planned prior to
the accident, and I believe Ger would desire we continue on to do so now, rather
than wait. Today I was blessed by our homeschool youth group who came today
to clean house and do yard work.

Finally, a dear neighbor of mine has asked for prayer for her 22 year old
niece who has a large tumor that has caused a lot of difficulties for her
heart and she has a collapsed lung. This young home schooled, Christian woman's
name is Lydia Rose. May the Lord be as close to her and her family as he has
been to me (and I know Gerry) during our time of need.

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice! Phil 4:4

Love, Lori