February 20, 2008

Hello all, it has been awhile. Almost a year since we updated Devin's site.

As you know Devin lost his MeMe last March. Devin struggled for a few months to make sense of why she was not here anymore. He mentions her a lot, as if he is calling her back from Heaven. He smiles and grieves over her almost always. Devin, in the midst of his struggles with that loss, has as usual forged ahead and made more progress.

He is closer than ever to being done with diapers. He can talk in sentences, (sometimes hard to understand) but all who know him know can understand him. He is every bit a boy of 6. He wants to ride his nephews skateboard, watch the movie " cars"'. He talks back to mom sometimes, he is silly and funny and getting taller as can be.

He loves Sunday school, sometimes likes his sister and brother : ) He is a very emotional little boy, so compassionate and kind. I feel someday he will walk into a church give his testimony and change every heart that hears it.

As this anniversary of Meme's passing approaches I can't help but think, he has an extra angel now, the angel that was sent to him on earth, now sits in heaven helping him through life's troubles and obstacles. For us and for Devin, we feel the only thing better than having her here is having her in heaven. MeMe thank our Lord and Savior personally for Devin's life and the promise that God will see us through times of trouble and when we come through them, though we might have the physical scars of our trauma, we are renewed in spirit because of the challenge.

Devin is such a child. He struggles every day and to many may never seem "normal" but in God's eyes he is perfection and to us he is a miracle walking, talking and most of all witnessing God's awesome power to heal.

Thank you for your prayers and if we could ask for specifics. Please pray for potty training success. Diapers are costly, and Devin is limited to certain activities at his age because he is not trained. Plus it embarrasses him a lot.

Love from our family to yours...

May 22, 2007

Devin has lost his beloved MeMe.

She was instrumental in the healing of Devin, and we believe without her he would not be the boy he is today. She was tireless in her effort to get him well. She believed in miracles and her relationship with God grew so much that we believe she sits with her creator today, having all of her questions about Devin's accident answered. Devin aches for his MeMe, and we wonder what he understands about what happened. We know he misses her and cries out for her sometimes. He smiles and hugs her picture.  Elizabeth Dalton was the best mom, she was a amazing grandmother and a heroic woman.

She never gave up, she always hoped and she became a healer before leaving this world.

Her death was unexpected but merciful, God called her home in her sleep sometime after midnight Tuesday morning March 27, 2007 after a lifetime of servant-hood and love.

We will miss her. Thank you all for your prayers during this difficult time.

March 8, 2007

January 2, 2007

October 5, 2005

Devin is once again defying the odds!
He has officially began walking. His wheelchair is a thing of the past.

A few weeks ago Devin for the first time got onto his school bus just like all of the other kids. He sat next to his "friend" and with a look of pure pride went off to school. No more ramps or special equipment at school, he has a desk and plays on the playground with all the other children. God is soooo good.

His is walking very well now. His balance is great, he can turn with ease and he can even pick up the pace a little.  He hugs and kisses and wants so much to get out of diapers, so potty training is the next big thing for Devin. Devin has full comprehension. He understand all that is said to him. He can follow directions, and is trying to keep up with the kids in his neighborhood.

Devin has began some speech, He really knows how to say the word " NO"  He says Momma, sissy, and screams a lot, (we think to hear his own voice). His favorite movie is Indian in the Cupboard. And when it is on, he does not want any interruptions.

Thank you all for your commitment to this website, for your prayers, and for your enthusiasm. I read every entry and answer every email. Devin will someday be so deeply touched to read the things you all have written to him.

In the meantime we are going to watch as God lays out a plan for Devin that we can't even imagine. So we are aiming high as we pray for his next miracle.....Speech!

Reaching for the stars..... We Believe.... Because we have seen......I hope you are witnessing your own precious answers to prayers.

Love from our family to yours........

June 4, 2005

Devin has come along way since our last update! 

He has surpassed the prayers we had for him, HE IS WALKING...yes walking!  He takes up to 8 full steps at a time and is learning to keep from falling.  His balance is getting better all the time.  He refuses to sit in a wheelchair and despite the bumps and bruises from learning to walk he is relentless about it.

He is also discovering his SPEECH.  He now can say "more" especially when it comes to Cheetos.  He also says "sisi"(sister) "hi", "mama", and "no"... yeah, he is a regular kid.  He hugs you hard and grunts when he does it, it is just precious.  He waves and gives high fives too.

Devin is more loving everyday and we can't even imagine now where he will go.  He has far exceeded all expectations for him.  The world is his to grab; and as long as he is hand in hand with the Lord there is no telling what they'll reach for next.

Thank you for your continuing love and prayers for our amazing boy...

November 12, 2004

Well, it's been a while since we've updated visitors as to the ongoing miracle of Devin's recovery.  Besides the new picture of Devin on his home page, there is also a new entry on Devin's Thank You page for Dave Dumyan, who has served as Devin's physical therapist for over a year and a half. 

And now for a much anticipated update...

Devin is AMAZING!!!

Devin turned three this past August and though he does not officially walk, he uses a WALKER and does very well.  Recently, he has begun letting go of things and stands all by himself for a second or two.

Devin is in preschool now and most days he comes home covered in fingerpaint from head to toe.  He loves his teacher and loves the bus ride to school.  Of course, he is everybody's favorite little guy. 

Devin has made a connection with a little boy who is non-verbal and very much to himself.  With Devin he plays and talks...we don't know what they are saying, but they sure do talk.  How precious!!!

Devin is requiring less and less medication and is gaining weight.  He is doing occupational therapy and does pretty well with his fine motor skills.  He is very serious about his therapy and works very hard to do exactly what his therapist asks him to do.  He can bead blocks through a shoestring! 
Way to go Devin!!

His favorite foods are chicken nuggets and anything he can eat by himself.  He is a very independent guy.  Spaghetti with a fork is his newest big eating victory.

Doctors say Devin is still progressing.  His therapist is even considering writing a paper about Devin's amazing progress.

Praise God for Devin and all his victories.  The road is still long, but Devin teaches all of us that you might as well smile along the way of any road you must travel.  And this is just what Devin does...smiles.  He smiles through pain, adversity, trials and tears. 

Our little Lazarus makes us all better, more faithful and more appreciative of the gift that is our lives.  And of course, we all smile when we are around him...

March 2, 2004

On February 9th Devin went to see his neurologist who was ASTOUNDED by Devin's progress.  His doctor said that Devin is setting a new precedence and he was sooo excited to see him doing so well.

On February 20th, Devin took the spoon out of his Grandma's hand and tried to feed himself.  Since then, Devin tries to feed himself with a spoon at every meal.  Needless to say, the area around his high-chair is VERY messy, but we are glad to clean it up :).

Also, Devin no longer wants to sit in his wheelchair to watch movies.  He prefers the rocking chair; he will get into it all by himself and smiles at his accomplishment.

Devin's weight is stable and no more talk of a feeding tube.  He continues to need less and less Balcofen and his other meds are slowly being reduced.

All in all, Devin is continuing to be a miracle.  He has progressed farther and faster than anyone believed he would.  It just goes to show you that God and the determination of this little boy are the only sure things in all of this...

January 31, 2004

It has been nine months since Devin's accident and his progress continues to amaze us each and every day.  The most exciting news to report is that Devin is now feeding himself hand-to-mouth!  The fact that he can do this demonstrates actual hand/eye coordination!

He has also begun to say things.  He might say something once and not again for a month or so;  but his every word is a miracle to us.  He even goes, "Mmmm" to something yummy to eat. 

Devin is now blowing on a horn during his therapy and we think he may actually be laughing at the funny parts when watching movies.  All this and he can be still and cuddle now too!

Those who are closest to Devin and who have known him since before his accident have begun to notice glimpses of his former personality in the subtlety of their everyday lives. 

The miracle of Devin continues...praise the Lord!

November 3, 2003

Devin had his six month review with his doctors, therapists, and case workers.  He has met or exceeded the goals we set for him when he first came home from the hospital; and the time has come to set new goals...

He now sits up and is able to balance with a toy in his hand from a seated position.  He has learned to control his falls from a seated position with his hands.

He is beginning a technique called PATTERNING with his physical therapist; in hopes that he will be standing independently for a few seconds by the next six month review.  This is a goal shared by his family as well as his doctors.

We also want to see Devin eat on his own.  He grabs the food and puts it TO his mouth but does not put it IN his mouth.  We will be seeing a NUTRITIONIST soon.  We are determined to find an alternative to the stomach tube for feeding.

On Halloween he went as a Lion trick or treating.  He was able to reach for and put candy in his bag.

He is always pulling up to furniture because he likes to stand.

September 27, 2003

Devin had an MRI today.  It  was UNREMARKABLE (that's a good thing... meaning that it was normal).  It was determined that his brain has no dead tissue, no softening, and no lesions. 

Because Devin is so active and hasn't been able to keep weight on, there has been some talk of fitting him with a stomach tube.  We continue to monitor his food intake and hope to fatten him up on our own.  We'll keep you posted.

September 5, 2003

Devin saw a number of different specialists today...he had his eyes and his ears tested.  We were overjoyed to learn that Devin can see well (he's NOT cortically blind) and "hear good" AND he is able comprehend!

September 4, 2003

Devin's progress continues to amaze us...his determination is never ending!  It is this determination that touches the hearts of everyone who works with him.

Tube feeding is now a thing of the past for Devin.  All that you have to do is say "Spaghetti, yogurt, and apple juice," and he will respond with a great big smile!  It's his favorite meal.

He now has the tubes in his ears to help with chronic ear infections.  The procedure took about 20 minutes and went very well.

He has been pulling himself up on the furniture and standing tip-toed with support.  We have watched as he crawled his way up the stairs of their two story home!  It has been a welcome challenge to find ways to keep him stimulated.  His efforts fill us with hope and encouragement.

We have continued to introduce new therapies into Devin's regimen as the opportunities present themselves.  Devin's new "Therapy Page" with pictures and progress reports involving the different modalities that we have and/or are trying will be ready soon.

He has started OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY.  In fact, his OT brought over a STANDER for him to use and was blown away by the fact that Devin managed to find his way out of it.  Usually, with brain injury patients such as Devin, it is mobility that is lacking as opposed to stability (once again he defies the norm).

He continues to progress with his SPEECH THERAPY.  His every attempt to verbalize is music to our ears!

Through the generosity of local equestrian, Joanne Wilkinson, Devin has adopted a 20 year old horse named Pistol to ride.  Horseback riding is a form of therapy referred to as HIPPOTHERAPY which has many benefits.  Riding has been a joy for Devin and a very special experience for everyone that rides with him!

August 5, 2003

Devin has recently learned to Army crawl, especially when he sees the front door open.

He has started ACUPUNCTURE therapy.  Occupational therapy is to begin as soon as insurance allows.

He loves it outside and he loves to go swimming.  It is hard for all of us to put him in the water, but he thoroughly enjoys it and we know it is good therapy for him.

He will be getting tubes in his ears soon, due to chronic ear infections.

Devin turns two on August 9th and our prayers of him eating birthday cake will come to pass for us on that day, since he is eating whatever he wants now. 

Nutritionally, we struggle to keep weight on him.  We still tube feed him a couple of times a day for the extra calories.  He never slows down unless he is sleeping so it is hard to keep weight on him.

All in all, Devin is still progressing.  It has slowed somewhat but we know that everyday our determined little boy will find a way to improve physically and mentally.  For us he is an angel and every moment we watch him struggle to have victory we are inspired.

His baby sister, Maiah, is a sweet little girl and a blessing to Devin and the whole family.  We believe she might be the one to teach him to walk someday...

June 26, 2003

Our everyday miracles continue...

Devin is now grabbing for his sippy cup, gobbling up graham crackers, and reaching out for hugs.  He is verbalizing a lot, in an apparent effort to communicate. 

He is progressing with his therapy.  We have been able to consistently reduce his intake of  Lorazapam, which tends to make him sleepy.  The Balcofen works wonders for his spasticity. 

In mid-July, Devin will have his first appointment with a neurologist since his stay in the hospital. 

Also, Devin's new sister, Maiah Nicole, entered this world by way of an emergency C-section on
June 25, 2003 at 4:30pm.  Weighing in at a healthy 8 pounds, 4 ounces - Maiah was two weeks overdue.  Both momma and baby are doing well.

Devin went to visit his mom in the hospital after her emergency C-section.  He hadn't seen her in a few days.  He looked right at her, reached out his hands, and...DEVIN SAID, "MOM" !!!

June 11, 2003                              

Devin’s recovery is going very well.  We are a family with extremely limited financial resources so we are not able to obtain every available therapy.  He is, however, in speech and physical therapy and we work with him each and every day.  Other children in the family are constantly stimulating him and we are talking to him all the time.

Devin has come a long way in a short time; he is doing more in two months than was expected in a year.  He is taking Balcofen three times a day for spasticity.  This sometimes makes him what we call a "floppy fish" but he has good range of motion and his muscles are getting stronger!

He still has a nasal tube for meds and liquids but is eating by spoon anything that can be mashed up. 

His vision is improving.  He has gone from being “cortically blind” to being able to track movement.  He looks directly at you when speaking to him and tries to mimic your facial expressions.  He sees us and always responds with a smile :).

He does not require oxygen and has been very active since returning home from the hospital.

He is taking Lorazapam.  We are trying to give him less and less all of the time, but he does get frustrated and it helps to relax him.  It calms the “floppy fish” thing. 

He sleeps all night.

He has full bowel and bladder function, although constipation is an issue sometimes.

We have very specific goals for Devin right now.  Having him drink from a sippy cup or bottle would be wonderful.  We are very much wanting to remove the nasal tube.  He pulls it out every chance he gets and it is not fun to put back in.

He is rolling all over the carpet; causing some pretty bad rug burns.  We keep pads on his elbows and knees to try to protect his skin.

He is going to Physical Therapy three times a week and Speech Therapy three times a week.  We have been told that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) would be of tremendous value but it is very expensive and is not covered by insurance so we will probably not be able to afford that option.

All in all, Devin is doing exceptionally well.  He has come a long way since that day he was found one half mile from home in a canal.  We are soooo excited about his progress. 

We will update as Devin's miracle continues...