April 30th at 9:15 p.m.

We just finished free standing Jess and it is so amazing at the difference now and when we first returned home. He is doing so well and getting so much stronger. Today he pulled his head out of the head support on his wheelchair, kicked his left leg off the foot rest and lifted his left arm off of the arm rest. We have all decided we need to watch him much closer...we think he is moving to the next phase. The therapist have also noticed he is responding much quicker when they ask him to do something.

Daniel (our special friend who helps us with Jess on Thursdays) and his sweet wife, Wendy, took Jess to the movies for the first time today. We really do have some wonderful supportive people in our lives. It was strange for Chris and I, but we did take advantage and went for an hour hike. We both made a point, standing on the top of a mountain...which always makes me feel a little closer to God... to say "another" prayer... not only for our Jess but for our strength too. We prayed for Jess' ability to walk, run, laugh, talk, cry and smile again. Oh how we miss his smile. Joey played cards with the grandparents and when we got home were remarking how we all were a little uncomfortable without the need to check on our Jess. We missed him. One or all of us always has an eye on him.

We are still in awe with the love surrounding us and we continue to thank those we know and those we don't for all the prayers and continued positive reinforcement we get that Jess will get better. A special thanks to Daniel, John, Tami, Joan, Beth, Gordon, Susan, Maura, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Patzer, Billy, Dillon, Morgan and Reno...you are awesome. And, also, to our special volunteers who are so dedicated in helping Jess twice a week with horse riding. I might mention the Sagebrush Arena is always looking for volunteers and Jess will need more when he starts to ride three time a week this summer. You must be comfortable around horses. Give Wendy Collins a call if you have an hour of time to donate.