Jonathan Cooper Update

We continue to be blessed by little new accomplishments every day. God continues to show Himself strong on Jonathan's behalf. On Wednesday, we had lunch and went swimming again with our friends. The sun was warmer today but the water was still very cold. Jonathan did great again. He swam with the mask and snorkle and even dove down and picked up a toy off the bottom of the pool (without the snorkle in his mouth, of course!). While he wasn't swimming, we walked the length of the pool several times and he was able to do it all without holding on to anything and never losing his balance. That evening, we had the Awana award service. Jonathan has finished over half of his book, but still has three chapters to go before he is completely finished. We are going to work on those this summer to finish the book so we will be ready for the new year in September. Our Commanders have shown such love and care for Jonathan throughout this process, and once again, they blessed us by giving Jonathan his ribbon for finishing his book, even though it is not done yet. Jonathan was able to walk without his walker across the floor to receive his award. It was another tearful but joyful milestone for all of us. On Thursday, Jonathan had a cavity filled and was able to accomplish that with no problems. Some of Jonathan's good friends came over for lunch and to hang out with him for a couple of hours. Before they got here, Jonathan and Elizabeth took a walk up and down the street, watching for the boys to arrive. On their way back to the house, Jonathan stopped at the neighbor's house and showed me how he could run with his walker. He was actually running too! It was so neat to see the proud look on his face when he got to me. Jonathan was able to stand up and walk to his friend without his walker to say hello. While the boys were here, everyone started showing what kind of gymnastics they could do. Elizabeth and Sarah were able to go to gymnastics during Jonathan's hospital stay, and have learned so many new things. Jonathan decided to show us how he could do the splits, do a forward roll and backward roll. That was pretty cool! He had his pool therapy today and did very well, as usual. His balance has greatly improved and his knees are not locking as much as they have been when he walks. On his way upstairs to bed last night, he walked all the way up, by himself, without any help from us except to walk up behind him. Each little accomplishment brings us so much joy and builds upon our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father.
Thank you for your continued prayers for us. Continue to pray for more strength and stability in Jonathan's legs. Pray for extra strength in his right leg and foot. Pray that his muscles will continue to get stronger so that his knees won't lock. Pray that his balance will improve so that he will be able to walk on his own. Continue to pray for complete healing of his brain, vision and diabetes. Pray that he will have the mind of Christ and that peace, security and contemtment will reign. Thank you again for praying. How Great is our God!