Tristyn and Trent continue to improve. Their condition is no longer considered critical, and they are expected to move from the eighth floor to the seventh floor next week. The eighth floor is for patients who are in need of emergency medical treatment, whereas the seventh floor is more about continued sustained recovery.

They are no longer being given medication or sustenance intravenously; their pain management is oral now. Also, the amount of bandages on their bodies is radically reduced. They used to look like little teddy bear mummies, but now they look like little boys again. Injured little boys, but boys.

Tristyn is doing very well. He has been walking (with assistance) and he has a small bike/tricycle kind of thing that he’s been using on the burn ward. He is actively playing with his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’s. He told me the names of the four turtles, and pointed out which was which by the colors of their masks – he was very excited to share and show off his toys. I played with him a kind of peek-a-boo game, and for about five minutes I had him absolutely hooting and cackling with laughter. It was magic.

Trent is not doing quite as well as his brother. He is clearly uncomfortable, and he sits in his wheelchair leaning to one side- a posture that looks awkward. The medical staff says he isn’t in physical pain, because he’s still on enough pain medication to prevent physical pain (although he does sometimes become physically uncomfortable). Rather, he is in emotional/spiritual pain, because he doesn’t understand what’s going on. (He’s almost 3 years old.) Trent’s skin grafts do not seem to be taking as well as Tristyn’s have. Also, Trent’s burns are in a location that any movement at all will be painful – while Tristyn was burned on a greater amount of his body, his burns are apparently in easier to move locations than Trent’s. Every time Trent moves his upper body in any way, there is pulling on his injuries and discomfort. I was never able to get Trent to laugh as Tristyn did, but their father, Rick, did get Trent giggling while I was there.

Keep praying – particularly for little Trent and his poor heart. They are truly doing well, and our gratitude to God for how well they are progressing is profound. They are moving forward at a pace that only God and His power can explain. They continue to need God’s help. Keep them in your prayers.

-Ethan Brown