August 27, 5:00 pm

Good news, we had what our family feels was a modern day miracle. Our ward and many of our friends and family held a special fast today for Payton, and I want to report and testify that it had a very positive result. I have been one of the mass fasters for others and have always hoped that it would make a difference but have not seen it first hand like we did today. As i reported earlier, Payton has many challenges getting his brain back to where it was as well as he has had a tough time become very coherent. The CT scans came back around 10, and they were good news, no increased swelling, brain is positioned right and has not shifted and there was not an invisible infection. When the news is relayed by a nurse practioner, that is a good sign. Yesterday when it was the chief neurosurgeon that meant that things needed immediate attention. With that news we were grateful. Around noon Payton started to wake up a lot more, his eyes would open for seconds at a time and he could have short conversations. This was a great relief to us as it was obvious that he could function, think and respond. We asked questions to test both long and shot term memory,he answered correctly on all accounts. He kept requesting a drink, he really was craving a cherry limeade from Sonic with crushed ice. As the hours progressed, Payton started to get movement and motor skills back into his left arm, earlier today he could not operate this arm or hand. This is a real relief for us. The physical therapist came on today and did a bunch of tests on Payton as well. He has feeling in all of his extremities, all of them but his left leg have movement and strength. The PT can feel his muscles try to contract in his left leg, there just isn't a strong enough signal from the brain there yet to get a full response. As the swelling and trauma of the brain operation subside, we hope to see movement and power return. We truly feel like this is a modern day miracle in our lives, one that started just after the special fast for Payton had began. Angie and I both are so grateful and honored to have so many fine people in our lives that rally together to help make a miracle happen that may seem insignificant in some ways yet to us it has been a huge testimony building and faith increasing miracles. Having seen it first hand, I know that the power of many can be brought together through our Heavenly Father to accomplish great things. We love all of you and Payton has also expressed his appreciation for you thoughts and prayers. Today has been a very encouraging day, I am sure we have our challenges ahead but we will take today's progress as a good sign and continue to hope and pray for a speedy recovery of our special son.