In the last 72 hours, both Trent and Tristyn have made stunning improvements that have had the doctors and medical staff amazed. We know that God has heard our prayers for them.

Both boys are now off the ventilators, and though they are sleeping with a small amount of supporting oxygen, they are breathing on their own. They continue on morphine for their pain and variset (sp) for pain and to inhibit their memory of their pain. Both will very likely lose part of an ear each, and will require skin grafting surgery on their ears, and plastic surgery later.

Both boys have been allowed to wake up some, have opened their eyes, and both have spoken. They are both responsive to questions, most often by nodding, though sometimes by speaking. Both boys digestive systems are at work again – Tristyn saw Trent eating and whispered, “hungry.” Some food was given to him, and his digestive system (which has been dormant until now) kicked in on that meal.

But the most exciting developments have come in the fact that they have seen and are interacting with each other. They were taken into the same room, and both were thrilled to see each other, and Tristyn waved to his little brother. Seeing one another seems to have triggered a new level of confidence in them, and started them down a path of improvement.

They mostly use their hands and nods/gestures to communicate. If they can avoid it, they are not talking. Their voices are very weak, which may be the result of the time they spent ventilated, or it may be from damage to their vocal cords. They are not finely coordinated, and their movements are very slow. They are, however, showing some signs of being little boys. For instance, yesterday, Tristyn played with some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and though it wasn’t terrifically exuberant play, it was play. As you can see in the attached pictures, both boys can smile really big.

Both boys are undergoing the beginnings of physical therapy. Mostly, it’s movement of their arms and legs to make sure that their skin does not become too tight. The caregivers put shoes on Tristyn’s feet, and he stood with assistance.

Sadly, both boys do have memories of the fire. Trent fell asleep while his family was with him, and he woke up a short time crying and saying “Fire! Fire!” Tristyn has been using the words “fire,” “bed” and “scared,” suggesting that he remembers the fire in his bed and being afraid. A psychologist at the hospital will be talking with Melissa and Rick on how to help them with these terrible, frightening memories.

The medical staff cannot believe how the boys are “flying” through their recovery at this point. There are still potential complications – if they were to get sick, even a minor illness like a cold could significantly threaten their compromised bodies. They continue to need prayer and care. Please continue your ministry of prayer to these little ones and their families.