Good news

This morning the eye doctor came in to see Micheal and first thing silently asked my dad if Michael knew that they couldn't save his eye.  My dad told him yes Michael knew so the Dr went over to Michael and apologized and said they did everything they could but the damage was just too extensive.  He asked Michael if he had any questions and this is what Michael wrote to him.

My dad said the Dr was suprised to see this.  He couldn't believe that this is what Michael would write after hearing officially from the Dr that he is blind.  The Dr immediately shook Michael's hand and told him what an honor it is to have been able to work on him.  My dad said all the hospital staff have commented on how impressed they are with Michael and his willingness to do whatever it is they ask of him.  He never complains, even when he is in pain, and he gladly follows any and all instructions given to him.  They all say what an honor and learning experience it has been to work with Michael and I know he has touched many of their lives in ways we never could have imagined.  We are so blessed to be able to call this young man our brother.

We were also lucky enough to get some good news today.  First thing Michael wrote to my mom this morning was "Who do I have to pay to get a drink?" She felt so bad but this afternoon Michael passed his swallow test so he can now get a drink!  My mom said he took a big drink and wrote "I never knew water could taste so good!"  My mom said he is just thrilled and has already drank a ton of water and a couple Dr Peppers!  He also was able to get a speaker valve put on his trach so he can now talk!  Even though his jaw is still wired shut he was able to talk pretty well and he was so excited to be able to voice his feelings instead of having to write them. 

They also received a visit today from a little old Red Cross lady and her dog.  She comes to the hospital with her dog every Friday to visit the patients and let them visit with her dog.  My mom said Michael was so happy to spend some time with it.  We are so grateful to people like this who do little things to help make Michael's stay at the hospital as good as possible.  The news yesterday was so hard to hear but we are glad to have good news today.  Even though we didn't have the outcome we wanted with his eyes we all know that Michael will be ok and he will live a long happy life.  He continues to inspire us with his strength and we are so happy he was finally able to get a drink!