Week of 4/25/99 - Michael almost
drowned on the morning of April 27, 1999. He was rushed to the Toledo Children's
Hospital. Doctors told the family that Michael would never live off of
the respirator. Everyone said their tearful goodbyes to little
Michael, and he was taken off of the respirator. He kept on
breathing! Obviously, doctors don't always know what will happen,
but God does. God has a plan and can do anything -- we must always
trust in him.
Over the next few weeks, Michael kept improving.
After a month or so, Michael began opening his eyes and keeping them open
for longer periods of time. This is about the time that I met
him. As I came in day after day and held Michael and watched his
favorite shows with him, I could tell that he was gaining back his
awareness! A LOT has happened that the doctors thought would never
happen.
Week of 8/8/99 - Michael's back is now relaxed
enough that his parents can now sit him almost upright in the stroller instead of laying
down.
Week of 8/15/99 - Michael began hyperbaric chamber
treatments which seem to be helping.
Week of 9/19/99 - Michael can be bent at the hips
and knees much easier now. He is very relaxed. On Saturday, 9/25, Michael looked up
at me and smiled. He definitely looks at people. When someone walks into the
room, he looks over toward them. He also seems to be trying to talk.
Week of 9/26/99 - Michael once again looked at me
and smiled. This time, though, Michael also babbled and then smiled again.
Week of 10/17/99 - Michael & his mom and I went
to see The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland Movie. Michael watched it and
seemed to enjoy it. The surroundings with other kids, etc. were good for
him.(10/23/99)
Week of 11/7/99 - Michael looks at the pictures in
the books I read to him. He's much more aware.
Week of 11/23/99 - Michael started eating baby food
this week! He's nearing his 60th hyperbaric treatment. The progress is
amazing...God works miracles! I saw Michael today. Every time
I see him
there is a noticeable improvement! Its miraculous! He was babbling again
tonight!(11/24)
Week of 11/28/99 - Michael moves his mouth when he
is talked to. I think Michael mouths "Hi" when I say "Hi,
Michael." To me he seems to respond best when spoken to in a gentle
whisper. He listens more intently when I repeat things. Michael has been
playing with electronic switches at day care! Great improvements.
Week of 12/5/99 - Michael, Megan, Shelly, and I went
to Bowsher High School's Christmas concert Thursday, which Michael really seemed to
enjoy. He was most content when I bounced him on my knee to the beat of the music.
Week of 12/12/99 - I got to see Michael work his
switch at daycare Wednesday. It was awesome; they told him to press on the button,
and he did. We then went to Children's Wonderland in Maumee, and Michael loved
it. He was more aware than ever and just loved looking at the lights and
animated characters. He especially seemed to like the talking tree and lighted
garland hung over the pathways. He was very relaxed the whole time we were there and
was very interested in the surroundings.
Week of 12/19/99 - Michael and I were
sitting in his room looking at this cool new flashing traffic light he got,
and I was talking to him when all of a sudden out of the clear blue he
said, "Mommy" as clear as day!! (12/23)
Week of 12/26/99 - Michael was
admitted to the Cleveland Clinic on New Year's Eve because of increased
seizures. He was released on Thursday, January 6. The new
medication is helping some - the seizures aren't quite as long. He
still is having about 2 seizures an hour though.
