6/14/06 6:00 pm
June 14, 2006 at 6:23 pm 16 comments
A quick update:
Mike is talking again, following the capping of his trach. As before, not everything is understandable, but some words are, and it is good to note that he is speaking in full sentences — not content to answer "yes or no" questions with a yes or a no. (Big surprise.)
In other good news, a swallowing test was administered, wherein a camera is used to determine how well Mike can swallow, and the results were very good. So, Mike will be given small amounts of liquid to drink orally, and it is hoped that he will soon be ready for soft foods, like applesauce. The taking of foods orally will strengthen the muscles of Mike's mouth and throat, which will assist speech and move him toward the eventual removal of the trach altogether.
Finally, a cast has been applied to Mike's left ankle, in order to remedy muscle spasm which has caused extension of his left foot and stiffness in the joint. (I think this has been referred to as a "dropping" of his foot.) This is the beginning of a series of casts which will fix the problem.
Looking forward to bringing you more exciting news!
Entry filed under: updates.
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Mike Zegarski 
1.
Melissa & Chad | June 14, 2006 at 7:19 pm
The news is very encouraging. We continue to pray for all of you. May God continue to shower you with His strength, His peace, His presence, and His grace.
love, Melissa & Chad
2.
Kara | June 15, 2006 at 7:22 am
Praise God!
3.
Beth Griebel | June 15, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Excited to read the progress, as always. We continue to lift you all up in prayer and can’t wait to see you all soon. We miss you all so much and love you even more. TWL isn’t the same without you guiys!
Love you all
Beth and Dan
4.
Amy Emhoff | June 15, 2006 at 7:51 pm
Michelle, We haven’t met (yet) but we would have been on signment together this month. I wanted to tell you how encouraged I am by your blog and the progress you write about. I also wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your family. I look forward to reading more of how God is faithful to His promises. Thank you for sharing this chapter of your life with us.
5.
Kim Schutter | June 17, 2006 at 7:24 am
“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. ” Is 65:24
Praise God for the amazing ways He is working. Friends, we are contiinuing to “call” on your behalf.
Affectionately,
Dave and Kim
6.
Heather | June 17, 2006 at 1:49 pm
Michelle,
Praise God. Walt and I are so excited by this news. We would love to visit Mike. Let us know if that would be ok and when it work for him. Again, we are amazed by you and continue to pray for you and your family. God Bless.
Love and continued prayers,
Walt and Heather Schmidt
7.
Jim and Sandy Briggs | June 17, 2006 at 2:34 pm
Our continued thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike seems to be thriving in his new environment. Will pray for the staff for their excellent help in his recovery. Sandy and Jim Briggs…friends of Mike’s parents.
8.
Liz | June 18, 2006 at 8:28 pm
All I could say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just reading on his accomplishments is just remarkable. Hard work does pay off and all of his accomplishments is owed to Mike and Michelle. He will enjoy the fruits of his labor to see his children grow up. And Michelle, in due time, the nurses at Edward will be expecting a full family visit as a non patient please! Keep up your great work!!!!!
9.
Brian and Cherri Bobbitt | June 18, 2006 at 11:14 pm
We are very pleased to hear of Mike’s continued progess. Thank you for keeping us informed so faithfully. We will continue to pray for Mike’s recovery and your needs as well. Your and Mike’s leadership and service in Young Life and the ministry God built through you has forever changed our family. Thank you.
10.
Debbie Dixon | June 19, 2006 at 6:37 am
Trusting Mike had a Happy Father’s Day with Eli and McKeala. Thanks Michelle for the updates and specific prayer requests for each of you. Prayers are fervent love iis deep. God Bless.
11.
Debbie Dixon | June 19, 2006 at 6:38 am
Trusting Mike had a Happy Father’s Day with Eli and McKeala. Thanks Michelle for the updates and specific prayer requests for each of you. Prayers are fervent, love iis deep. God Bless.
12.
katie and dick albaugh | June 19, 2006 at 11:35 am
Praise God for the great news. We continue to pray for all you guys. Celebrating your testimony of our GREAT God, who DELIVERS, abundantly, and makes his power and presence known to all through you. Peace,
13.
Michael & Beth Ann Hunter | June 19, 2006 at 3:23 pm
We are so encouraged upon checking progress that so much positive has happened these last few weeks. It is so exciting to see that Mike is beginning to talk and eat. I know these might seem like slow things but it is amazing to see how far He has come in a few weeks. May God continue to meet you all in your every moment. May you know His presence on the good and the bad days. May you continue to shine forth Jesus so brightly to those around you, I cannot imagine the impact eternally you all are having on those visitors, friends and MarionJoy staff.
Hang in there! Our prayers have been with you… sorry we haven’t checked in for a little while.
14.
Ben Eicher | June 19, 2006 at 9:40 pm
Michelle,
Just wanted to let you know that we have been following Mike’s progress down here in Bloomington/Normal. Amy & I check the site everyday to see how Mike is doing. We prayed for your family and Mike’s recovery today during our area prayer time as we have been since this began. I been through a few coma situations with kids and I am blown away by the progress Mike has made in such a short time. Just know that you are being prayed for diligently down state as well as in the burbs.
In Christ,
Ben Eicher
15.
Susan Stamm | June 20, 2006 at 10:15 am
Wow….I am sooo happy to have finally found a chance to use a compter. I am working at a YMCA camp full time in the Ozarks and started crying tears of joy when I read the news. I have kept MIke prayers and thoughts and was over joyed when I heard of the progress. I want to reinforce how much of an impact Mike and Michelle have had on my life. I will be home on Aug. 10th and would love to see Mike. I’ll keep praying and checking updates when I can. We truly have an amazing God! ~Susan
16.
Janelle van Beek | June 21, 2006 at 7:46 am
Mike and Michelle-
So glad to hear the news of Mike’s progress. Though you don’t always see a comment from us, know that Willem and I are checking your blog daily and continuing to uphold you in prayer daily as well. May God continue to be your strength!
17.
Kathy Haid | June 21, 2006 at 11:16 am
Michelle,
Not a day passes that I don’t say a prayer for you and Mike.
You both are in my daily thoughts as well. All the prayers are being heard by God and He is working his miralces on MIke!!
Let us all sing Praise!! As always, I will continue my prayers for your family.