Ryan still communicates using a speech board, by typing out the letters to his words and then forming sentences. Cognitively, Ryan is fully aware. He can communicate, joke, and ask questions just as before - he may even be MORE witty than I remember. :)
Ryan's behavior has been so great that he was granted a day pass on New Year's Day. That means we were able to bring him home and spend the entire day with him at home. Tears of joy were shed. What an amazing blessing our family received to start 2015 with our little brother in the comfort of our own home! That evening, Ryan decided he wanted to eat Mexican food for dinner so we took him out to eat to celebrate the new year! Throughout the entire day, we all felt a bit of worry and fear for his reactions when we had to take him back to his facility. We were anxious that he might revert back and become angry, upset, depressed, confused or aggressive. I am sure that God looks down on us perplexed and wonders why we as humans continue to live in doubt and fear of the unknown. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1Peter 5:7 Our God has NEVER forsaken us or lead us anywhere that we could not handle. His presence is always known, even in the darkest times. We had butterflies all day in fear of the end results of the day, but God knew what he was doing (as he always does). By the end of the day, Ryan was exhausted and ready to go back to Touchstone. He did great. Thank you Lord for giving us the opportunity to begin the year with Ryan in such good spirits. Ryan is a shining resemblance and light of the Lord, when I see him, I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit each day. He is such a blessing to us. We are grateful and give the glory to our Lord for every step and every day of Ryan's miracle.
As we enter into the new year I will not be cliche and join thousands of others as the wish and promise themselves that 2015 will be "the best year yet". Instead, my prayers this year are that my family and I seek the Lord through each journey, blessing, and trials we encounter every day. That we listen when we need to and share our Father's love to anyone and everyone we encounter. I pray that as this year passes we embrace each day, knowing that it is God's will and every step is apart of a great plan than we could ever dream of.
“Draw near to God and He will drawn near to you ...” was the advise of James, the brother of Jesus. Here is how Eugene Peterson translates James 4:8, “So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud “no” to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet “yes” to God and He’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.”