I am back. There is so much to say about the Kole, Steve, Janni, Jaelle, and everyone at St. Jude. I will not attempt to write it all down at this point, for it would take me all night. I have had pulled two all-nighters already and know that it would not be a good idea to add a third. If you are wondering about what in the world I am talking about, lets just say my plane left on Sunday morning at 7:30 (Janni, Amanda, and I stayed up till around 2:30). On top of that, I came home from the air port, to my three-year old having a headache and stiff neck. We left for the emergency room at 10:00 pm and came home at around 3:30 am. Elijah, our three year-old received a spinal tap to check for spinal meningitis. The test came back negative and he seems to be doing fine. Anyway, my compassion for Janni and Steve has only been intensified.

A little about Janni and Steve. They are doing wonderful. Janni will tell you that they both have had their moments when they grieve and feel overwelmed with concern for Kole. However, Janni and Steve are not at all overcome with fear, but instead they are a beacon of light to all who are around them. My cousin, Amanda, and myself went to Memphis to help the Kellers and ended up receiving comfort and encouragement. Go figure! If any of you guys out there are having a bad week and need a vacation ,I suggest a trip to Memphis. Janni and Steve's living testimony and faith will uplift you like nothing else can. It truly was the most rewarding and fulfilling vacation from " life " I have ever experienced.

I want to share this little side-note. A parent who dwells (at the Ronald McDonald House) in the room next to the Kellers shared with me this testimony of a young woman. This young woman was from another country and had come to St. Jude as an 18 year-old woman. This young lady had great faith inspite of very difficult circumstances. This unamed young lady had gone through a leg amputation and was scheduled for a very risky surgery on her lungs in the next month. She has been warned that she may not survive the opperation. She of course has cancer. However, she also has a mighty faith in a mighty God. She sang, during a testimonial time which Steve Sr. and Steve Jr. attended, a song out of Provers 18:10. The words are.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous will run to it and are safe.

This young woman cannot run and is not at all strong in health and body. Yet, though she is not strong in herself, she has great might. Her might comes only from the One True God of Heaven and Earth. When we are forced to face our human weakness, we find a need for a strong tower. The strong tower is the "name of the Lord". I have witnessed that to be the case for Janni and Steve as well. Not only do they have his strength but they are safe in his protection. How can one be safe when faced with cancer? God is the only one who can be with us every moment in our lives from conception untill death. In him, we do not have to fear death, for he conquered death on the cross. As a believer, you will never experience separation from God (our Strong Tower) only separation from this fallen earth. We are promised an eternal home in His presence. This promise is not based on our own strength or goodness, but only on what Jesus did for us on the cross. That is why we are safe. We are safe because of death--Jesus' death on the cross. Go figure. We are safe here and we are safe there. We are promised a winning season and a winning team (for all you basketball fans out there). Steve Keller's true team is God's team. There is always room on the team for you, as well as room at the cross.

Jodi

I was doing a little reflection about the blog today and I came to realize I have said very little about my humble unassuming "brother-in-law",Steve . Sorry, Steve , blood should not be thicker than water (especially when we have Jesus's blood in common). I have had very little opportunity to talk to Steve since the "storm of illness" hit in November. I can only tell you what I have witnessed at the hospital and what I have heard from Janni and my parents. I am very proud of my brother-in-law. I can say I felt that he would be a perfect match for my sister from first meeting him. I was introduced to him, by Janni, at a soccer game (sporting event can you believe that) at Malone College. I immediatly thought he was special and told Janni he was a good guy. I am happy she took my advice on this one. Anyway, Steve was raised by devoted parents who are also devoted to the good Lord. Steve's dad was very wise in raising his sons to grow up to be godly leaders. Steve has learned much of his ability to instill discipline, character, and hard work into not only his players but also into Kole. God knew that Kole would need a godly coach of a father to help him win this battle.

At the hospital I was impressed by Steve's gentleness with Kole. In a loving tone he attempted to tell Kole a little about what would be happening to Kole as far as his surgery. I remember Kole lying in the crook of Steve's arm, as Steve was bent over Kole in a very fatherly way. I can remember Steve praying with Kole and most of all I remember his faith. He seemed so strong to me. He was at times worried about his wife and I appreciated his love for my sister.

One thing I really appreciated about Steve was his boldness with the doctors. Kole had been blessed by his opperation being performed by a very skilled and important surgeon. Steve was not ashamed of the fact that he was a believing man. He also was not intimidated to approach this surgeon, and request to pray with him concerning his son. I can guess that he prayed that God would guide the skill of the surgeon's hand. I can just imagine the hand of God working during that surgery. It is amazing that there was not one piece of the tumor left behind. St. Jude's doctors have commented on this fact and they were impressed with the skill of this surgeon. Here is one example of the "One True Heavenly Father" answering the prayer of a humble loving earthly father. God knows what it is like to watch a son suffer. For God watched his own Son, Jesus, suffer to the point of death. That is death on the cross.

My mom has relayed to me some stories concerning Kole and his dad after the surgery. My mom and dad were impressed with the tenderness Steve had for Kole. My mom said there were many times that Kole only wanted his dad to give him a bath. Kole seemed to feel much comfort in the arms of his earthly father. It says in the Bible that God longed to gather up "Israel" under his wings like a mother hen gathers up her chicks, but they would not go to God. Kole has let his dad gather him. Kole has wanted his dad. I feel the bond between father and son has been solidified in a way we cannot even imagine. I am sure Steve loves the fact that Kole wants him and needs him. I realize from God's word that our "heavenly Dad" longs to gather us under His outstretched arm . He is the only one who can truly sooth our hurts and He longs to do it. I am witnessed to the fact the "Heavenly Father" is carrying Steve Keller. I understand the poem "Footprints" in a real way as I watch God carry Janni and Steve through this difficult time, in His strong arms.

On Saturday I had a chance to catch up with some news on Kole. My mom had just been down there to visit over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. She had a wonderful visit and said that Kole is as quick-witted as ever. Kole had requested that my mom come with him to his radiation treatment. Grandma Sprunger, my mom, was tickled to be invited and included by Kole. She was impressed by what she observed. Kole sat on the table, as if it was routine for him, and the doctor asked him if he wanted to press the syringe of sleeping medicine into his port. My mother than explained to me, as he administered his own medication, that he had this conversation with his doctors. He said something to the effect " how do you guys get this medicine to work so fa........followed by his head turning to the side (for he was fast asleep, in an instant). My mom was impressed by Kole's willingness to interact and take part with his treatment. He is curious about everything they do to him and enjoys going home to practice on the special doll they gave him. All the doctors and nurses there find Kole so enjoyable to work with. He is on top of things and even knows which nurse does what to him. I f they have a question about where Kole got his bandages and supplies he will say "my line nurse gave it to me". He knows what is going on and takes everything in like a boy who is much older than his years. As we were discussing his progress my mom and I concluded that the Kellers are exactly where they are supposed to be. Kole is surrounded by children much like himself that have similar schedules. If he would be home he would realize how different his life has become. He would not being going to preschool with his friends and doing his normal routine. It is a blessing that God foreknew this and made a way for Kole to have an easier time accepting what is happening to him. Kole is really kind of doing the opposite of what we expected. Instead of loosing abilities, he is gaining depth of character. He is also gaining, friends, knowledge, determination, relationships with doctors and nurses, and the like. It is only God who can take what seems to be bad and turn it around for good. Joseph, in the Bible, said this to his brothers who had meanly sold him into slavery. Later, he was able to help his brothers and all of Egypt, when they experienced a huge drought. What Joseph's brother's had meant for evil, God meant for good.

I just received a phone call from Janni. All is well there. She happened to be going through her mail as we spoke. She began telling me she had gotten some big envelopes from several college basketball teams. Some of these teams were Duke, Kentucky, Arizona, and Syracuse. There were signed pictures and beautiful letters of encouragement for Kole. Janni also shared a story of how Kole had gone to church with his grandparents from the Keller side. They attended a church which had donated quarters for the Keller grandparents to stay (guests of Janni and Steve). During the church service, they had asked if anyone wanted to come to the front of the church to pray. Kole, on his own, went up to the front. He also requested that they pray for some of the other kids at St. Jude who have cancer. Also, Janni reiterated to me the fact that St. Jude is where they are to be. St. Jude is not out to make money but to serve kids with cancer. Janni said at Cleveland, parking and everything would be much more expensive. At St. Jude, they provide free services all over the place (Free shuttle, free logging, etc.) In her words "St. Jude does it right". On Thursday of this week I will get to see Kole, Janni, Steve, Jaelle, and St. Jude for myself. Amanda (cousin) and I are flying out from Columbus around noon. We will return home on Sunday.

P.S. Grandma Keller had just left Memphis today, after about a week. Grandpa Keller is there to help for a while. He has just retired. I will get to see him over the weekend as well.

Jodi

Today Janni called. She has been writing the blogs lately and I have enjoyed reading them. She has asked me to write this time and so here I am.

Janni was as cheerful as ever. The joyful tone of her voice was so reassuring to me. I am assured of the tender care of the Lord. He is not only caring for Kole but my sister as well. She said Kole had another MRI two days ago, which was a routine check. She had not heard anything and feels it is because there is nothing new for the doctors to report. Both Janni and Steve are thrilled with this "mind stretching" educational program Kole is participating in. Kole is kind of like "Rocky in training". Five days a week he spends most of his day "working out" with physical therapy sessions, "educational" therapy sessions, and the like. On top of all that he also receives a radiation treatment. You could say he has several "trainers" as well. I am a bit exhausted just typing. I can't imagine the "work-out" his little body is facing five days a week. Yet, though he might resist change, he likes competition and challenge. I can sense the kind of discipline and determination he is developing. Janni said Kole's teacher is encouraged with Kole's progress. She feels that Kole is making great improvements and is benefiting by this "educational" program even though it is still being researched. I bet the prayers of you folks out there are the biggest help. You cannot do a scientific research project on the wonderful hand of God. However, my faith leads me to believe, with my whole heart, that Kole is truly in God's hands. I like Corrie Ten Boon. One of her quotes says "there is no safer place than the center of God's will". In her book, THE HIDING PLACE, Corrie also quotes her sister. Corrie's sickly sister confidently believed that "there is no pit so deep that HE is not deeper still" (Betsie Ten Boon).

Lately, Abraham of the Old Testament as been a hot topic for me. My mom, my aunt Jane ,cousin Amanda, and myself have been doing a Bible study on "Believing God" by Beth Moore. The subject is "faith". From studying Hebrews chapter 11, I have learned that it is impossible to please God without having faith. Hebrews chapter 11 lists many biblical people who were known for their great faith and how they acted in faith. Abraham is one of those great godly men, who walked with God and had great faith even when things in his life looked bleak. I guess I have come to believe faith is more than just believing God has the power to heal Kole. Faith is looking to God daily for everything in complete dependence upon him. Faith is believing he loves you and forgives you because his Word says so. Faith is stepping out of your comfort zone to reach out to people God might call you to help. Faith is listening for God's voice and being willing to answer his call. Abraham answered God's call to move, even though in human terms it was a crazy idea for the time period. He believed and God blessed him. God blessed Abraham with a fellowship with him, and also with great provision (Abraham became very well supplied with livestock and the like). When Abraham got stuck with the rocky soil and his nephew Lot greedily grabbed the green pasture of the Jordan Valley, Abraham was not worried. Why? Abraham did not need to trust in the green grass to feed his great flocks. Abraham had grew his faith (not tangible grass) and therefore it did not matter where he was, God would provide (Genesis chapters 12-13 and on).

God will provide for Janni, Steve, Kole, and Jaelle no matter where they are and no matter the circumstance. Above all, they have a walk of faith in God, who is above all (even the doctors and treatment, though he uses it). I can not say this enough... whenever the news from the doctors was not good, Janni faithfully claimed to me that God is good. Amen sister! He is good and we have been blessed to be raised by parents who lived daily depending on the goodness of God. Now, to pass it on.

Hebrews 11:6....for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek him. (NASB)

Hebrews 11:7-19 By faith Abraham....

Jodi

P.S. The basketball magnets have struck again. Kole received a signed picture from one of the country's top college basketball teams. Of coure Kole's "basketball" ignorant Aunt, can only tell you the team is out of the state of Connecticut.

P.P.S. Thankyou for commenting. Your comments are a blessing and are being read. By the way I feel sorry for that teacher out there who has "taken to eating twinkies" (Janni loves them).Whenever, I read that particular comment I have to laugh, though not quite as "loudly" as my dear sister. The other comments are just as precious. I know the Keller's have been encouraged.

We have had a lot of fun in the last couple of days. A family friend got the ball rolling to get Kole some Grizzly tickets for the big game against the Spurs. Before we knew it, Kole was invited to come early Monday evening before the game to visit with some of the players. You can see some of the pictures are posted. Anyways, they ended up being awesome tickets. In fact they were only 11 rows from the court. Kole took his dad, grandpa Phil, and his little buddy LaShay. They had a ball.
Steve and I are blessed with wonderful parents. My parents came up over the weekend and left late last night for Bluffton. Steve's parents left yesterday to come down to visit us. It is kind of funny because my Dad set up a place and time for them to meet up. They ended up crossing paths in Nashville at about 10:00 PM. Steve's parents were then able to see all of the great pictures from this weekend.
We miss you all. Keep praying for Kole.

Here are a few more kids to pray for:
Ramon (he is from Yemen)-glioblastoma, that his dad returns safely
Kylie-leukemia, her white blood cell count comes up quickly
Jace-Leukemia, that he won't have to have a bone marrow transplant
Jayonni(she is only 1 and from Canton, Ohio)-ependymoma (it has spread to her spine and they are unable to radiate until she is three) pray that the Chemo keeps the tumor under control.
LaShay-a spinal tumor

Here are some pictures from the Spurs-Grizzlies game Kole went to:
Reggie Miller
Nazr Mohammed
Nick Van Exel
Manu Ginobili

What a bittersweet weekend. As most of you know my husband left for the weekend to make a couple of the Flier basketball games. We have spent so much time together lately that it doesn't take long before he is greatly missed. On the other hand, my parents decided to make the trek to Memphis to help me out with the kids. It is so nice to have family around.
Today was a great day. Kole decided he wanted to go to McDonald and then see Narnia for the third time. We knew Jaelle would not be able to sit through a two hour movie (imagine that!) so, we decided that I would take her shopping at Toys-R-Us and a few other places while they went to the movies.
McDonald's was great. Kole ate a lot of his burger (huge praise)and he played for a long time in the playland which is great physical therapy. His dad will be thrilled to know this. Before he left for Ohio he told me numerous times to make sure Kole did at least 20 minutes of PT and OT. Well you know how Steve can be and you know how I can be. When Steve loves something, like Kole, he becomes quite a perfectionist about it. Then there's me who can be a little to easy going. So anyway, Steve will be very proud of me for having Kole do his PT.
Tomorrow we will be spending the day with our Memphis friends, the Skipper's. We will be having a cookout due to the nice weather. Not to make you jealous, but it is suppose to be in the 60's tomorrow.
We have so much to be thankful for. God continues to bless us everyday. Today Kole was complaining that his neck was really bothering him. I became concerned and thought about taking him to the hospital. After praying about, God took the pain away. Some days are really tough. It is not easy watching your child suffer in pain and discomfort, but so many times god has delivered Kole from his miseries. HE is a merciful and loving God.
Keep praying all the time. Prayer is an awesome thing.
God Bless,
Janni

I know my sister has already put a post on for the day, but I was finally able to get on the computer tonight. After reading all of the inspirational notes I just wanted to write to thank everyone for loving Kole so much. All of the prayers are working wonders. The miracles my family has seen in the last month makes me wonder how its possible not to believe in God. He has been so good to us.

Kole is doing great. He is almost completely back to himself again. He can walk steadily and go where ever he wants without any help. Today he ran in the grass and climbed up the ladder to go down the slide. His coordination in his right side is getting better too! He continues to work with it although he does not like to use it. Steve has been praying that by Friday he will be able to write his name by himself with it again.

I just have to tell you how funny Kole is. He does not wake up from the anesthesia very well. Almost everyday he is in a terrible mood and he is mad at the nurses (The doctors have told us that this is a typical response to have after waking up).
Today I walked into the recovery room and the nurse says to me "Well he keeps telling me he is mad." I looked at him and he just squinted up his face and growled. I told him it was ok to be mad. He didn't really listen to me but he turns to the nurse with a scowling face, mean face and says "I can growl meaner than you." The nurse and I just laughed. That is my typical Kole always better than someone else at doing something.

There is no doubt that Steve and I believe that this is where God wanted us to be. We cannot say enough about how wonderful this hospital is. Imagine this. At the Cleveland clinic I believe there are only 3 or 4 full time pediatric oncologists not including the residents and those in fellowships that treat every kind of cancer. For almost every kind of childhood cancer St. Judes has a specific doctor that researches and treats their particular specialty. For example, the Clinic may see only 3 or 4 Medullablastomas a year while Dr. Gajjar at St. Judes sees 30 to 50. Here Dr. Gajjar, our doctor, has been studying and researching strictly medulla's for 17 years. This is be far the best place for Kole to get his treatment.

Lastly I just wanted to thank everyone for all of the cards, gifts, money, time, and prayers. Your kind words and special prayers bring joy to our family everyday. We truly love all of the support and we wish we could thank everyone in person with a great big hug. We love you all.

God Bless,
Janni

Here is a little list of prayer requests:
*Kole will be able to concentrate for 50 minutes on the computer,complete healing, not long term effects from the radiation and chemo, and for his coordination on the right side of his body.
*There are so many kids here that are so special but also need your prayers. I will give a few names now and in the future I will give more.
-Sarah - medullablastoma-praise that she began walking yesterday
-Caz- medullablastoma and swelling in his head like Kole
-Katherine-brain stem glioma, see clearly due to double vision
-Kate- brain stem glioma
-Kenyon-Neuroblastoma

Kole got to go see the movie "Narnia" this afternoon. Janni said that Kole requested to see this movie a second time. Of course, Steve was left out of the "picture" due to his responsibility to care for Jaelle (with her "split second" attention span and "ants" in her pants it would be like wrestling a tiger through a whole movie). Anyway, Steve dropped off Janni and Kole at the movie. He probably took Jaelle back for a nap.

Janni had some time after the movie before Steve arrived to pick them up. As a result, I got a call. It happened to be Kole on the phone first. He said in the most loving voice you can imagine "Hi, Aunt Jodi". I said hi and asked him how he was doing. He explained a little mishap he had just had, nothing serious. I asked him if he had laughed about it. He was so cute and so honest in his response. He managed to laugh as he said "No, I got mad". Now, Janni laughs at herself when she has a mishap. Steve, he will admit he gets a little "hot". Kole might get a little miffed (O.K. a lot miffed) but it is nice that he is able to laugh later.

Janni said that the doctors love Kole's spunk. He has quickly won their hearts. He makes the medical personnel laugh, because he is honest and says what he means (with conviction). He is very serious when he has an objection to an aspect of his treatment. He told the doctors at Cleveland Clinic that surgery was not needed. He only needed his mom to get him some glasses. Janni said that one of the anesthesiologists has made Kole feel particularly special. Janni told this doctor how Kole felt about her. This female doctor was so touched. Janni was blessed by the fact, this important doctor strolled back into the lab (where Kole was asleep and receiving his radiation) and gave him a kiss. A parent has so much love for their child but always welcomes the love and affection of others. Kole is so loved. Yet, all the love, of all the people around him, piled into one doesn't even touch the vast deep love God has for Kole. In Psalms 103:11 "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him..." It also says in God's word that "perfect love casts out fear". We do not have to fear God's plan for Kole because he has perfect love along with a perfect plan.

I had the best send off, right before hanging up the phone. Kole was being silly in the background. Out of the blue, he began singing this famous song he got from the movie "Remember the Titans". He sang at the top of his voice "there ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough, to keep me from loving you babe". I think that God is singing that to Kole. There is nothing that will ever keep God from loving Kole. Trouble may come and go, but God's love stays.

Jodi

Everyone I am sure knows what it is like to have a rather dull evening, when out of the blue comes a phone call from a loved one, whose voice just makes you feel warm and special. Here it is, my baby sister, here to give cheer, unconditional love, and loyalty to her "big" sister. She has brought this encouragement to my life since the day of her birth. I know it should be my turn to encourage, but Janni is such a sunshine lady that it is hard to imagine cheering up such a bright spirit who believes in the good Lord and brings out the best in people.

I received that phone call, from my dear sister Janni, just this evening. It sounded like a party was going on. Janni was chuckling on the phone and two precious little voices were chattering in the background one being Kole and the other Jaelle. I got the privilege of talking to Jaelle who said "Hi, Aunt 'something or other' followed by some heavy breathing. Her little voice full of spark and joy. Then it was Kole's turn. His voice was strong and clear as he said "hi" to me. I could see Kole's sparkling smile in the tone of his voice. His conversation was precious and warm, as he has a way of embracing his loved ones, much like his mom (and of course dad).

There is some happy news, not so much related to the usual medical reporting, but happy news all the same. Janni has been praying that Kole could get into this new study which desires to help children use parts of their brain which may not be sparked for one reason or another. I have heard it said we do not use all of our "brain capacity". Kole had to qualify and they only accepted a certain percentage of patients to enroll in this 2-step instructional program. There is regular classroom instruction and a bonus computer instructional program. Kole gets to participate in both aspects of the study which is a real privilege. It is an answer to prayer. You may wonder why this is needed. Here is why: Radiation takes a toll on a young developing brain and this program could help reverse some of those effects.

Some more happy news concerns the fluid on the brain. Kole will not need a shunt because the swelling has diminished almost completely. We thank the good Lord for answered prayer. Janni says they are truly being provided for in every way possible. Also, Kole's ability to walk is improving by great "leaps". Hopefully, soon he will be truly leaping all over tarnation. I am sure his parents will not complain even when it is "bedtime".

My mind cannot help but go to the song based on Acts 3:1-10. Peter and John had come to the temple (in Jerusalem) and entered at the Gate Beautiful. There was a sick/crippled man collecting money from those who passed by. The song goes (Peter says) "silver and gold have I none. But what I have I give thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he went walking and LEAPING and praising God....".

We thank you for your prayers more than anything. We are seeing them answered. I hope you are encouraged to keep praying in Jesus' name.

Kole needs prayer to get in enough meals to keep up his nourishment. It is difficult for him, for he cannot eat 5 mornings a week (sometimes into the afternoon) before he goes under to receive his radiation. Then he is not hungry after he is through with his treatment. Janni says she has to get calories into him however she can. He is on a high fat, pour on the butter and sauces diet. Fruits and vegetables are to be eaten with dips and sauces and not by themselves. Can you imagine?

Also, a little side note. The University of Memphis basketball team came to St. Jude looking for Kole. Janni said being an Ohio fan they took it in stride. I guess many at the hospital were fans and kept asking Janni how it is she got their attention. Leave it to the Kellers, basketball seems to find them wherever they go. Kole, however was busy at the hospital and missed the visit. Not to worry, they left more tickets to see Memphis play.

Jodi

January 3, 2005

Kole had a long weekend off. He did not go to the hospital Sat., Sun., or Mon. On Saturday, Kole just wanted to hang around the Ronald McDonald House and play with his toys. His only interest that day was to go to David, Monica, and Ansley's house for a taco New Year's Eve party. Earlier in the day Steve went to the University of Memphis basketball practice to get the team to sign a couple of basketballs. Nancy, Steve's Mom, sought out the coaches several days earlier when we ate breakfast with the team at the same restaurant. They were very friendly and more than happy to sign a ball and they said that if they won Kole could come down into the dressing room after the game. Steve called the assistant coach to see when the best time was for a ball signing and he suggested that Steve and possibly Kole come to the Sat. afternoon practice. Steve went over and talked to the coaches and then the head coach, John Calipari, asked Steve to explain to the team Kole's situation. The staff's generosity continued by giving Kole a couple of team T-shirts and a pair of practice shorts. The T-shirts were a good fit but the shorts were slightly large and looked more like a pair of pants. Nonetheless, Kole wanted to wear the new outfit to the New Year's Eve gathering. On Saturday morning we had another answered prayer when Kole woke up and Steve and Janni immediately noticed that the swelling behind his head had greatly subsided. If the swelling did not go down then they would first try draining it and if that did not work they would have to put a shunt in his head to drain the excess fluid.

The grandparents had an early morning awakening -- 3 a.m. -- after some partier pulled the fire alarm at our hotel. We were on the 8th floor and all four of us exited the hotel via the stairs. As you can expect there were a lot of unhappy hotel guests.

On Sunday we all attended the early church service. The eight of us ate a quick lunch after church at a local Burger King. There Kole climbed into the Van by himself for the first time. His walking and the use of his right hand continues to improve for which we all are very thankful and give God the credit. The grandparents departed and started the long drive back to Ohio. The trip took,with all the stops, approximately 11 hours.

Monday Steve, Janni, Kole, and Jaelle attended the University of Memphis/Texas U. game. Unfortunately for Memphis, they lost the game. Nonetheless Kole had a good time at the game. Tuesday will be a big day at the hospital for Kole for it will be a full day -- 8 to 5. He is scheduled for speech therapy, neurological testing, occupational therapy, and of course, his one and half hours of radiation treatment.
We again wish to thank all of you for your support -- prayers, gifts, comments, cards, etc. Please keep kole in your daily prayers -- keep him safe from the harmful effects of radiation, continued restoration of all his abilities, for Kole's inner peace, and for all their safe keeping. Kole has had a real interest in his medical care. He has a doll that he likes to work on. He bandages it up and likes to provide IV injections. The hospital provides him the supplies.

Phil