You can see from the picture that he is sitting almost unassisted. He actually sat for about two minutes in this position on Thursday for the physical therapist. The therapist was amazed at Caden’s progress in this area. His interactions and responses to things around him are increasing daily.

The past few days have been busy for our family. Sherry and I have been attending the GFI National Conference in downtown Charleston. The conference has been an outstanding opportunity for Sherry and me in so many ways. It has taught us plenty about the parenting ministry as you might expect. We have heard some great teaching from key note speakers as well as workshop presenters. Outside of the conference curriculum our attendance at there and lack of attendance at home has taught us how well God takes care of things. We have been forced to become more comfortable with leaving Caden in the care of others while we are a thirty minutes or more drive away from him. This has truly been a faith building exercise for us.

A look into our world has been given to a few people as a result over the past few days. Sherry’s parents and our friend Stephanie all had very similar responses after caring for Caden for a few hours. It was a surprise to them how much Caden needs to be suctioned. They were surprised how demanding Caden’s care can be at times. We have heard similar reactions from my mom, my sister, and from Aunt Addie.

The demands experienced from caring for Caden have been a blessing for me. Yes, I did say a blessing. I have learned so much more about how to deal with situations that you have no control over. All I need to do now is figure out how to translate this new found knowledge into other areas of my life and I will be a much nicer person to everyone. I tend to be much less tolerant of anything that can be changed for the better.

I want to say another word of thanks to those who have assisted us this week. Thanks to Stephanie and Gerald, Aunt Addie, Christina, and Sherry’s parents. They have all been angels.

I also want to offer a BIG thank you to my neighbors on each side of us. Tom on one side and Kime on the other side. Both of these guys have taken turns cutting our grass for the entire year. I can not tell you how big of a blessing this is to our family. I thank them and I thank God for the love they give our family through their hard work.

I have to go now. Aunt Addie is here to sit with Caden for one more night and she expects me to use this time to get some sleep in the same bed with my wife. It is a very rare occassion for Sherry to get to sleep an entire night in the same bed and Aunt Addie is making sure we get to do so tonight.

I have one last thing. The Drakes are doing okay. Mom is home and doing better. Thank you all for your prayers. Praise God for the protection of Amy and her children.

Oh yeah, don’t forget to check out the About Caden page. It has been updated with the latest on his history and care. I have made a few changes that Sherry requested as well.

Okay! I am going to bed now. May God bless you and yours!