July 24th, 11pm Update:

Today, Matt’s physical therapists stepped the training up a notch and had him do a variety of new exercises. They also began teaching Matt how to roll his body to one side, prop himself up with his elbow and then to his arm. Although, he needs assistance to do this right now, it’s only a matter of time before he can do it on his own. Learning to do this task is the first step to being able to get himself up and sitting on the side of the bed. As you all know the left arm (tricep) is still very weak, but it is showing small signs of getting stronger each day. Yesterday, he could not lift a 1 pound weight with his left wrist. But, when he attempted this exercise today, he was able to do 4 reps!

Matt is focused on the ultimate goal, but is starting to find the healthy balance between the end goal and making the most of each and every day. In other words, Matt is learning the value of patience.

The future plan (4 weeks away) is for Matt and his parents to rent a wheelchair accessible house in the Rogue Valley and continue Matt’s rehab therapy on an outpatient basis. If anyone has any leads on a house that is available to rent in the Rogue Valley, please let me know. They are open to housing outside of Medford, such as Phoenix or Talent, too. In fact, housing away from the city would be most therapeutic for all of them.

MATT’S INSTRUCTIONS: Matt appreciates everyone’s extra prayers and thoughts directed towards his left tricep. He asked that everyone continue to focus on his tricep; that it gets stronger and stronger each day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!