I just got this today.  (Gwen)

     Hi everyone.  I know it has been 2 weeks since I wrote about Jackson
following his MRI, and I am so grateful for your prayers along the way.
This is a very critical week as far as Jackson's health is concerned so we
are in need of your prayers as much as ever.

     My mother's instinct is that Jackson will recover completely although
it is taking a while.  Jackson really is getting so much better and is now
able to walk short distances and stand for longer periods.  He can kick a
ball and even run on his toes.  The problem is that his legs are still quite
stiff so he generally walks on his toes and has difficulty putting his heels
down due to the tightness of his calves and hamstrings.  He is unable to
squat or to do stairs, and still spreads his legs apart when standing to
help himself balance.

     Jackson's neurologist is becoming a bit more concerned at the length
of time that it is taking him to recover.  The MRI showed really positive
signs that this is most likely a viral infection and inflammation that will
eventually go away, but it couldn't give exact and conclusive results.  The
longer it takes for Jackson to heal, the more the doctor thinks that we
might need to do a muscle biopsy to rule out autoimmune disorders once and
for all.  I asked the doctor to give us one more week to let Jackson recover
fully.

     So, next Wednesday I need to call the doctor to let him know Jackson's
state.  If Jackson is fully mobile and normal again then we will be allowed
to return to Romania.  If Jackson still has leg stiffness and pain with
squating and stairs then the doctor will order a muscle biopsy.  Autoimmune
disorders are very rare in children, so he still feels as though this is
more likely a viral inflammation disorder, but if it were an autoimmune
disorder then it would be important for us to know and to begin seeking
treatment for Jackson.  Apparently, in children with autoimmune disorders,
you may actually see periods of improvement, but they do not return to
normal full function, as we hope that Jackson will.

     So, here again we are just trusting that God will heal Jackson
entirely.  I will tell you that this waiting and separation from one another
has really been a gift to our family.  The love and appreciation that Robert
and I have for one another and for our children is something that is
priceless.  I hate that it takes circumstances like this to make us realize
how often we take our sweet boys for granted, but I can tell you that my
view of motherhood has totally changed.  Each dirty diaper, every
ear-piercing cry, all the dirty clothes in the world, and the complaints
about green beans are just a reminder of how blessed we are.  And every step
that Jackson takes reminds us of the glorious God that we serve.  Thank you
so much for your prayers.

     "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are
suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice
that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be
overjoyed when his glory is revealed." -1 Peter 4:12-13

     Love, Tracie Griggs