Team Marcus continues interviewing prospective nurses who will care for Marcus once he is finally released home. This is a major step forward, and we are grateful for every nurse who has shown interest in joining his care team.

We are also preparing for the upcoming baclofen pump procedure, in January and we pray it will help decrease the spasticity in his body. Our hope is that this will allow Marcus to return to therapy sessions with fewer limitations and greater comfort.

Marcus had a good Thanksgiving, and we want to thank everyone who sent letters, FaceTimed, or called to speak with him during the holiday week. Your love and encouragement truly make a difference.

Team Marcus has also begun doing our own therapy sessions with him. We’ve been sitting him up to help engage his core, giving him tummy time by rolling him onto his elbows—something he tolerated extremely well. At one point, his grandmother played a TikTok video for him, and Marcus turned his head to the left so he could see the phone screen. He continues to respond to what he is being asked to do.  He also spent an hour each day on the Quadriciser, and we think all the movement may have left him a little sore—which in our world is a sign that he’s working, growing, and pushing forward.

As we prepare for our final discharge from the Ronald McDonald House, it is unfortunate that our stay there did not end as smoothly as it began. Despite the stress we are already navigating, we hoped for more compassion and consistency. But as we continue to learn throughout this ordeal, in today’s climate it is best to expect little from institutions and rely instead on the strength we know we have.

And for us, that strength comes from faith. Being a family rooted in God, we know the good Lord continues to open doors, clear obstacles, and make a way for everything we are trying to accomplish for Marcus. There is no doubt He will continue to do so.

Thank you to everyone who continues to walk with Marcus and with us.