At times spring is simply stunning in this land called Virginia. I revel in our weeks of moderate eighty-degree days before the summer days of high nineties abound. Today is one of them. During Noah’s rehab this morning the windows were open as the curtains would bristle through Noah’s room while I sat there watching him groan with determination to directives of his therapist’s procedures.

This week we were once again blessed with a visit from Lisa’s sister Rebecca. What a joy she is to our family. I was delighted in her labor of love in our home even as it relates to Noah. I overheard her teaching Noah how to annunciate the word “hello.” Things like that are priceless.

Noah’s therapists had these notes from their chart today:

“Noah stood today (with their assistance) using his abdominal muscles (to a greater measure) which allowed him improved posture (stood more erect).”

 

“Noah was able to keep his hand open with an item touching his palm. This means that he is (better) able to resist his grasp reflex.” Noah’s dystonia had produced what is known as “clawed hands. The inability to have an unclenched fist. This continues to improve.

Lisa noted for me today a couple of observations she has made. Though Noah has been eating intermittently for some time now, Wednesday, he ate a considerable amount of fettuccini with broccoli and strawberries as desert. Her words to me were, “He is eating more than ever.”

With the pollen count climbing because of spring, Noah too has moments of sneezing that are spontaneous. Because his pulmonary functions are excellent, when he sneezes it can create “soft projectiles” flying through the air at supersonic speeds. Lisa happened to be in the path of one of those moments and turned her head to say something to him when his nasal cannon “fired.” When Noah recovered he realized that he had just unleashed a barrage upon his mom. Lisa said he laughed (belly-shaking) after the event, and a few minutes later when she playfully reminded him of his assault… he laughed again. 

Monday night Noah woke Lisa up with, “Mom….momm…momm.” She walked over to him and he was a bit sweaty and apparently had a lot of stomach gas. She uncovered him to cool him off, vented his G-tube to let out the gas and he went right back to sleep. This is a milestone for us. The fact that he is now trying to verbally communicate his discomfort brings great joy to his mom’s heart… and mine as well.

It’s amazing what really matters in life when you are traveling the road the Addesas are. Psalm 46:4 “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.” I am so thankful that one of those streams flows though 1203 Brookside Landing. Ask Him and He will release one though your house. Thanks for keeping up with us. Love…david

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Last Updated: April, 11 2008 at 4:00pm
Next update will be posted April 18, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

Wouldn’t your know it; I finally get to be present when Noah does something neat. I mentioned last week that he said Hannah’s name though I was upstairs in my office. Well, Wednesday I was next to his bed talking about Hannah and out of nowhere he simply decided to say, “Hannah.” WOW! Dad needs a few thrills as well. We are surmising that Noah continues to try and speak and when it all comes together in a moment he himself is surprised by the success he just had. He has that look like… “How did I just do that?” I remember well when I was a boy trying to learn how to whistle. I finally figured it our after many moments of “how did I do that.”

Notes from Therapists Lisa & Emily:

“Noah has increased his standing time in his stander up to ten minutes.” Before this week he would become fatigued after five or six minutes. He kept his head up the whole time and we didn’t need to help him.”

 

“While Noah was on his back on the floor we were asking him to take his arm and extend it upward in a “punching motion.” (Sort of like a boxer.) “Three times we could feel his muscles contracting and his arm moved slightly.” (They are pleased to actually feel his muscle making the attempt.)

Lisa noted for me the other day that her normal morning routine with Noah includes having to more or less “pry” his fingers away from the sheet or blanket he is sleeping with. That morning she paused and said, “Noah… you could really help me out if you just try on your own to release this blanket.” A second or two went by and she watched as his hands slowly released the blanket. Nothing like “yahoo’s” emanating from his room first thing in the morning!

But then there are those tender moments when he does something for his mom he never did before. I was in on that as well. I came downstairs Thursday morning after I heard them stirring and after my customary greeting walked next to Lisa only to see tears streaming down her cheeks. I said softy, “What’s the matter?” In between sobs she said, “Look David… he straightens his wrist out when I ask him to. He’s never done that.” I could see Noah looking into Lisa’s eyes with glee in his heart knowing that he just gave her a monumental blessing to start her day.

Both of these occurrences indicate that Noah’s dystonia is decreasing. And with every new motion he does, we have one more moment to thank the One who designed and destined Noah for great things in his life.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

We stand on this promise for Noah… and for you as well. Love… david

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Last Updated: April, 18 2008 at 5:10pm
Next update will be posted April 18, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

This Sunday April 27th will mark the one-year anniversary of an event that changed the Addesa family forever. Below is the actual blog started by the staff at Harvest in my absence… The bolded text is from previous updates.

 

Addesa Family Update, April 2007

As many of you know, Noah Addesa was hit by lightning yesterday afternoon as he was coming out of the shed in the backyard. He stopped breathing and his heart stopped beating. Lisa came out right away with Emma and began trying to resuscitate him. Hannah called 911 and the fireman and ambulance arrived within 4 minutes. Praise God! The emergency crew was able to resuscitate him and took him to Chesapeake General Hospital. From Chesapeake General Hospital they transferred Noah to Norfolk General Hospital where they were able to stabilize his heart rate and blood pressure. Noah is currently at CHKD in the PICU.

Noah has 2nd degree burns on his chest and leg and a head wound from falling backward.

 

It wasn’t long after this picture was taken that two of Noah’s doctors at CHKD recommended to Lisa and I that we visit a local home for severely disabled children. We did as they requested. After about fifteen minutes of touring the facility, we were convinced that this was not for Noah and that his place was in our home. We knew that Noah’s destiny was not to end there, but rather to be redeemed at 1203 Brookside Landing.

 

Eventually Noah was transferred up to UVA Kluge to begin the process of rehab. Here is my entry from that first day there:

 

About three o’clock Friday afternoon the Rehab team met with Lisa and I and said that in their professional opinion, Noah should not have a trach tube in his throat. It would impede his progress. They said they needed our permission to remove it. Lisa and I looked at each other and said, “Of course… we trust your opinion.” With us right there in Noah’s room, they proceeded to simply remove his trach and place a small piece of sterile gauze over the hole in his throat and said that it will close and heal within a week! As the respiratory therapist was going to dispose of his trach tube I said, “May I have that as a trophy for my son to remember this event by?” He smiled and said, “Yes, of course. It will make a fine one.” I have it here in my room as a reminder of the moment nine weeks ago when Noah lay lifeless on the ground next to our tulip tree in the backyard.

 

Noah’s time at Kluge was simply wonderful. There was even a moment where he surprised the doctors when a new nurse mistakenly “coded” Noah. After realizing it was most likely a mistake, they nevertheless asked Lisa to transfer him over to the UVA Medical Center for overnight observation. We agreed. This is what took place that was amazing:

 

“Here is what is fascinating. When they decided to transport Noah, Lisa went ahead of the paramedics to get some things to bring with her to go to the UVA Medical Center. When Lisa walked out the door, both paramedics and the attending nurse said that Noah said, “Hi mom” with distinct clarity. When he said it they all looked at each other and wondered what just happened. When the medical chief of staff told us that today, he recounted how some patients with similar brain injuries have done similar things when in a “relaxed” state. He assured us that this was very significant and possibly a portent of things to come. I would disagree slightly with his prognosis. I would remove the word “possibly.” For us, it is a portent of things to come.

 

We brought Noah home last September and have since observed many small, but significant improvements in his recovery process. From stoic facial expressions to outbursts of laughter, from no vocal sounds to the sounding of Hannah’s name, from virtually no motor control of his head and body to a time when he sits upright with little assistance, from little response of voices and commands to an alert capacity that responds immediately to all normal stimuli. He even watches I love Lucy and smiles at the slapstick comedy.

 

I could go on but that really is not necessary. Once again pictures so often speak louder than words...

 

To my wife, Lisa, I can only say that I am continually grateful for your unflinching heroism. You have never left Noah’s side and your sacrifice is beyond my understanding. I love you. To my girls, Hannah and Emma, I am in awe of your constant love for your brother that has produced a joyful sweet spirit in this home that is healing to our souls. I love you.  To you who have prayed and interceded for a year now Noah’s recovery is the fruit of your labor. I wish there was a way I could adequately express my thankfulness. The journey is not over. My hope is that you would continue the battle with us. To my son, Noah, I am jealous of your courage and strength. I suspect you have been places that few of us have ever been to this side of eternity. I can’t wait to hear about it. Keep up the fight. I love you. To my God, who is my Dad, thank you for giving Noah back to us. You are an amazing Father and I look forward to the day when I can sit on your lap and tell you in person. Until then… I will boast of You for the rest of my days. Your son… david

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Last Updated: April 25, 2008 at 2:50pm
Next update will be posted May 3, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

This was a week to remember for our area. Allow me to set the scene. Channel 10 WAVY a local TV Fox affiliate came last Friday to interview us and update Noah’s progress. It was supposed to be aired on Monday.

 It was preempted however with the news of a barrage of eight tornadoes that hit Hampton Roads. One of the ladies in our church sent me these photos. The latest estimates show that 46 homes and businesses were destroyed and 91 sustained major damage.  I was told that they ranged in intensity from 3 to 5 on the Fujita Scale. Here are two pictures sent to me from a lady in our church.

So Wednesday while I was out of town, they ran the following video. For a year now you all have heard from me the ongoing journey of Noah’s recovery. This time I would rather withhold my comments and let the real hero in this story tell you in her own words. Please watch and enjoy.  http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=8238612&nav=23ii 

Until next week, we send out love to you all… david

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Last Updated: May 2, 2008 at 5:10pm
Next update will be posted May 9, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

This is Mother’s Day weekend and I am hard pressed to describe to you the appreciation I have toward Lisa as the mother of my children. With the onset of Noah’s injuries something otherworldly began to emerge in Lisa. A steadfastness of heart determined to keep her baby boy moving down the road of recovery. A ferocious response to an enemy fixed on the demise of her child. A heart so fully devoted to Him that He flowed through her to the laying down of her life daily for a son who was not given much chance of recovery.

 

But then there are moms all over this planet who are unsung heroes to their children. For this week I simply want to honor Noah’s mother and every mother who ever fought for the care and welfare of their children. For any men reading this entry, I would urge you to honor your mother. In fact God says, “Eph. 6:2, 3 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

 

So to Lisa, the mother of my son, and to all the mothers who have loved and labored for decades over their children, I salute you with all of my heart. I have not the vocabulary to do justice to such a grand hope. Therefore I defer to His word to bring honor to mothers today:

 

Proverbs 31:10-31 “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work and is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need and reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

 

Until next week, the Addesa’s exhort you to be a blessing to all the mothers of our land. Love… david

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Last Updated: May 9, 2008 at 5:10pm
Next update will be posted May 16, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

There are times when I have begun to develop a sermon or ministry teaching and in doing so accumulate and consolidate my notes and thoughts, but then I have no “release” in my heart to move forward. Some in ministry would call it a “dead end” moment.  Usually, in those times I realize that He wants me to go a different direction and if I obey, things really come together.

 I have that same sense this afternoon. I have my notes from the therapists in front of me as well as some anecdotal family moments, but I believe I am supposed to go a different way today. Allow me to start with an exhortation for those who are outside of our area who love Noah and pray for him to consider clicking on this link: http://www.harvestva.org/online-sermons.asp. Scroll down to the sermon by Lisa Addesa called, “The Journey”. She preached the Mother’s day services and shared the journey with our son Noah. She was amazing. I stayed home last Sunday and took care of Noah so I had to listen to it like you.

I believe you will receive not only wonderful insight concerning Noah’s status, but in turn a special blessing from the heart of a woman who recapitulates a real life story that will touch you. Click on it and allow it to bring that impartation of amazing grace and faith to you as well. It’s my turn once again to sit on the sideline and allow the real heroes of this story to be heard once again. Until next week thank you for your prayers and intercession. Love… david

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Last Updated: May 16, 2008 at 5:10pm
Next update will be posted May 23, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

Pastor David is out of town at a conference until Saturday night. The new update will be posted next Friday.

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Last Updated: May 23, 2008 at 3:00pm
Next update will be posted May 30, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

This has been an amazing spring in southeast Virginia. By now we are usually in sweltering heat and having to readjust our outdoor routine to dodge the hottest part of the day. Instead we have lush green lawns and tons of lettuce and strawberries abounding for about a month now because of a bounty of rain and temps ranging from low 70’s to low 80’s. It’s hard to stay indoors.

 I am looking at two weeks of notes that I have accumulated from Noah’s therapists and wondering how I can best convey the continual incremental progress he is making. Let’s give it a whirl. 

From Noah’s therapists Lisa & Emily: 

Noah rolled from his left side to his back without any verbal cues or help. We usually begin by prepping him and turning his head but today he went through the whole sequence by himself.  Noah is lying on the floor in a prone position on his elbows with less scapular winging and holding his head up higher.   Noah’s balance is improving as he sits upright on the floor and on the side of his bed.  

Lisa was commenting to me how she is excited that Noah’s head is freer flowing in movement. Before he would hold it up for a few minutes and then his head will fall backward and we had to use our hands to assist him in raising it back up. Now he not only is improving his range of motion but he can reposition his head upright when it droops backward under his own power.   Vocals continue to increase. I stepped in the rehab session today and it sounds similar to some of the “manly” sounds I hear when I’m working out at Bally’s. Some men tend to grunt or groan when really exerting themselves. Noah has become adept at that and often grunts and groans with the challenging exercising they put him through.  

His eating is on the rise and becoming more diverse. One of his favorites is “Mac & Cheese” (yuk!). But he is known to drink different juices, eat fresh strawberries and delight in various dessert offerings.

It has been a while since we have given you a “perspective” on Noah’s physical growth since last year. Below is an “impromptu” picture we took today (my girls were beside themselves because they weren’t given ample time to do the make-up thingJ). I asked Emma to stand next to him simply as a comparative of height. Lisa is standing behind Noah steadying his trunk while I am on the floor doing the same for his legs.

 

Don’t think he is our “little boy” any more…..do you? Until next time may you be blessed by His amazing grace for taking the time to keep up with our son’s progress. Love…david

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Last Updated: May 30, 2008 at 3:00pm
Next update will be posted June 6, 2008 by 6:00pm

Pastor David has accepted an invitation to go fishing offshore so he will not be doing an update this week. He will, however, be back with a smile and good report for Noah and fishing next week(He hopes ).Love… david

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Last Updated: June 6, 2008 at 4:15pm
Next update will be posted June 13, 2008 by 6:00pm

Have you ever heard of the expression: “ That’s why they call it fishing…not catching”? I went fishing last week with a guy from our church about 50 miles east toward the Gulf Stream in hopes of bringing home some tuna and Mahi mahi (dolphin). We caught a few, but were hoping for a larger haul. Maybe next time. It was still a good day.

Let’s catch up on some of notes from therapists Lisa and Emily: When we help Noah into a standing position we used to have to “push” his hips into proper form while standing. “Twice today I felt him extend his hips on his own to straighten up.”  

Noah’s head control improved again this week. Though his head has been upright for months now, he continues to hold it straighter. Also this week Noah was able to tolerate sitting with his legs crossed (Indian style). Before he would groan from the pain of discomfort, but has now become more flexible and no longer has pain. 

When Noah is seated in his wheel chair leaning forward with a walking stick in his grip, he is now able to lift his trunk back up (slowly) to the sitting position by pushing his arms against the stationary walking stick. 

Finally while gripping the walking stick (I included some photos to give you an idea of the dynamic) Noah is able to slowly release his grip on the “rod” versus us having to pry his hands off.  

On the lighter side of things, we have been blessed once again with a weeklong visit with Noah’s Aunt Rebecca. Lisa was commenting on how Noah shows such fond affection toward his aunt when she is here. His smile widens and his eyes gleam when she greets him. This visit was like some of the others… filled with unpredictable levity and zaniness. One such moment reached my ears upstairs in my office.  

Noah’s aunt apparently is graced with the uncanny ability to “burp” on demand. Combine that with a full can of Root Beer and well… the girl can pack a wallop! Take that amazing power and releasing it in the manner of a repeating rile… with Noah in the room… and what you have is an “audio” extravaganza that erupts. Lisa put it this way: “Noah was busting a gut laughing when she kept burping.” It was pretty amazing to hear and to witness.  

One of Jesus’ noteworthy sayings goes something like this, “Unless you become like a child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” Aside from the profound theological meaning of that passage… there is refreshing pleasure that happens when we for a moment forget our adult etiquette and protocol and become like kids and let life’s cares slip away. My house has many moments like that. We cherish them. I pray yours does as well. Until next week my love to you all… david

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Last Updated: June 13, 2008 at 4:15pm
Next update will be posted June 20, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

Pastor David has an all day obligation Friday and was not able to do an update this week. He will catch up with everyone next week. Thank you for your prayers. Noah continues to improves.

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Last Updated: June 20, 2008 at 1:30pm
Next update will be posted June 27, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

We are once again back into the triple digit temps in these parts. To add to our sultry conditions is a fire is raging in The Great Dismal Swamp just south of here. In addition, there’s a fire down near the Outer Banks that can add more “delight” if the wind is blowing directly out of the south.  (Notice the small red spots with smoke billowing out) As a result we have had many days of smoke filled air. It limits our time with Noah outdoors, but “in house” he continues to thrive and progress.

From the pen of therapists Lisa and Emily:

 Noah is learning how to use his legs muscles to come to a standing position. (I have actually seen Noah begin to flex his thigh muscles in this exercise. It’s really exciting) He is able to push a little when we lift him up.  

Noah is nodding and shaking his head (more) appropriately in response to “yes” and “no” responses. This indicates that he is getting improved strength and control of his trunk and neck muscles.  

Noah stood in his stander for about 17 minutes this week. (That’s up from about ten minutes). Also, he impressed us by using his left arm to push himself back up on the floor to a sitting position after he started leaning over on his left side. 

As an aside to this, Lisa and Emily have decided to change Noah’s rehab schedule to five days per week instead of the current three-day schedule. The reason is because Noah is progressing to a point now that daily sessions will enhance his progress. We have welcomed this change.

This past week a family in our church made us a complete Italian meal because I often refer to my Italian heritage from the pulpit. Eggplant parmesan, fried calamari, Italian beans, bread, salad and vanilla/banana pudding. It was fabulous. Guess which course Noah liked? Yup… you guessed it… the delight of all adolescents… desert! I stood in the kitchen looking out the window into the backyard watching Lisa giving him spoon after spoon of pudding. He really went to town with that delectable delight. 

Though medical science has little to offer Noah in the way of advances, your prayers have reaped great “delights” in Noah’s life. From the improvements in physical dexterity to the simple pleasures of eating something he really likes… we thank God that you have labored to that end for us and with us. May He increase the “delights” of your life for being such a great blessing to us. Until next time… love… david

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Last Updated: June 27, 2008 at 4:40pm
Next update will be posted July 11, 2008 by 6:00pm

 

Due to the holiday weekend Pastor David won't be posting an update this week. Be sure to check back next week for updated information!

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Last Updated: July 3, 2008 at 4:40pm
Next update will be posted July 11, 2008 by 6:00p