April 14, 2011

Tough Man

Garren's procedure went really well. That kid is tough! Nancy and I got to sit with him through the whole procedure, and I was completely amazed at his level of toughness. He barely flinched the entire time. I think I would have been crying for my mommy!

He has two stitches holding his left eye closed. We go back for a follow up appointment next week. He will probably get a bit of a black eye, so we are trying to come up with a good story (you should see the other guy!)

This morning the speech therapist was here. She was working with Garren, helping him make some sounds. He is able to take a deep breath and make noise when he exhales. It's pretty cool. He can move his mouth enough now to start mouthing words. He said "Mom" yesterday.

So the speech therapist told Garren that she was going to ask him some yes/no questions, and that instead of shaking his head, to say "yes" or "no." So she asked Garren "Are you a boy?" Garren took a deep breath, then slowly said "Nooooo." The therapist stopped, looked at Garren, and couldn't seem to figure out what was going on. So she said "Are you a girl?" "Another long deep breath - "Noooooo." Again, confused, the therapist wasn't quite sure what to do. Finally it clicked. "Garren, are you a man?" "Yeeesss."

I was cracking up. I knew as soon as she asked him if he was a boy that he wasn't going to agree with her. He is a man. A very strong, tough man. And I am ever so proud of him.

17 comments:

Bob and Barb said...

This is all so exciting! I can never read these posts out loud to Bob without choking up! We are all witnessing a miracle through your blog, and it blesses us. Garren is working so hard. And we're all proud of him too.

And how awesome....first a kiss for mom and now speaking it! Pretty soon it will be a big hug for her.

Keep it up Janes family! You all rock!

Anonymous said...

I am incredibly overjoyed!!! He said, "mom"....wow....and you are right he is a "man", and has a man to look up too, as you, Pastor, have held out your faith to him....keep holding on to Jesus...and Garren...we are ever so proud of you....love and prayers, Sandy & Russ

Diann said...

Amazing.....and as soon as I read that he said mom, I stopped and looked directly up to heaven saying thank you. I am constantly redefining the words courage and strength...and just when I think I have it, Garren does something amazing that makes me redefine those words again.....so glad that things went well today. My heart is bursting with joy for your family as you witness these miracles each day...and again, I thank you for sharing with us. After my kids had a chance to see Garren on sunday and they asked me why he wasn't talking. I explained that his brain was still healing...so we prayed that he'd learn to talk again....they'll be so happy he spoke these first words of many more to come!

Mauri Autrey said...

Amazing and Awesome don't begin to express our excitement! Keep it up Garren!!!

our little love nest said...

WOW!! I am there with Barb. (Choked up, I mean.) He really is tough and what an awesome young man he is. I will have to share this post with friends and family members right away. There are so many of them praying for Garren and you guys back home in Canada. It is so cool to hear about God answering our prayers! We are encouraged to pray all the more!

Unknown said...

Garren,

When I talked to you on Sunday you told me you were going to work really hard this week and get stronger. You weren't kidding. I'm really proud of you and how hard you are working. You continue to amaze me everyday, I get so excited to see what new things you are accomplishing each day! Keep working hard and getting stronger! You are a very special "MAN" We love you very much and continue to pray for your continued healing each day!

Don & Rebecca said...

Awesome, Garren is the most determined person I know. I know God has something great for Garren.

Kitty @ Four Toms and a Mom said...

I'm raising four boys--oops, scratch that--I'm raising four men! Thanks for the reminder, Garren! The four Hinkle men pray every day for you and ask every day for updates on what new thing you can do. You inspire them to push themselves. No excuses, right? They are watching and expecting. You've moved into their hearts and they carry you with them everywhere they go. Thanks for being part of their process in becoming men, Garrent!

Kelly Tyler said...

Yes!!! Going absolutely nuts praising God right now!!
I am so excited and in awe! Garren has the heart if a champion as does this whole family. So proud of who you are in the Body of Christ!

tammywingate said...

Good Morning!! (-:
I have cried many of tears...while reading these post! Today I laughed out loud!!! Go Garren!! You are a man and a very impressive one at that!! We re soooo proud of you!
Just curious....what was your first word? With both of my children their first word was "Da-da" and to this day (they are 13 and 10 ) they still call him "Da-da" (people think we are NUTS!!) but it is sweet that you mouthed Mom!! GO Nancy!!! (-:
Still praying for Sunshine!!!
<>< t

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! Garren you are THE MAN! Someday soon someone is going to say Stand Up Garren and you will but everyday God is saying to you Stand up Garren MY MAN and You do!
Carol Taylor xx

Tonya Swick said...

Yes indeeed, Garren is a tough perservering man! And our God is so generous and good. Nancy, my heart swells with emotion at Garren saying that simple but wonderful name "mom" We love you all so much and thank God daily for your encouraging words to us. Praise God!

Anonymous said...

How great to read this wonderful progress. Garren is a determined guy and an inspiration as your whole family has been to us all.
This is a miracle
Fred, Julie, Jackson

Anonymous said...

We are rejoicing with you on Garren's progress. As a mom I can so relate with Garren's saying Mom first. I too want to cry when I hear the good news. We give all the praise to Jesus! Keep on keeping on Garren! The Lochridge Family on behalf of Metrocrest Presbyterian Church.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jesus! What a blessing! Oh, the joy you all must feel. What an amazing young man and what an amazing story he has to share.

Garren you are God's beloved child and He will never leave you nor forsake you. He loves you all so deeply. (John 3:16)
The Vines Family

Anonymous said...

So glad the procedure went well...I'm sure you'll come up with a great story for the black eye. We've been out of town and keeping up with Garren's progress...my dad's salvation is unknown and it's something he won't talk about, but we still say the blessing at the table anyways when we're there...normally, he won't join in. The other night, my kids were arguing over who was going to be the prayer person...my son said, "I'll do God our Father," and my daughter said, "I'm doing a prayer for Garren." My dad actually bowed his head and closed his eyes during their prayers, so I can't tell you how huge that was to see. When we left to come home to NC, I felt as if "hope" for his salvation is still alive. Thank you Garren for being part of my dad joining us in prayer. Keep up the good work...I know the word "mom" must be sweet music to Nancy's ears. In for the long haul, The Sisk Family

Kristi Kramer said...

If we were on Facebook I would say, "like, like, like"