The last several updates have been specifically about the boys, and we thought folks might like to have some information about everyone.

Rebekah has returned to school and is in a Certified Nurse’s Assistant program. She seems to be doing well in the program, and her teacher (who knew something about her situation) complemented her on how well she was doing. The classes give her mind something to do besides grieve. She continues to need our prayers – that she can succeed in this program, and that her broken heart can continue to heal.

Ricky and Melissa are managing a hectic schedule. They are splitting their time in Meriden and in Boston, caring for all three of their sons. Their spirits are up because of the progress they see in the two younger boys. Little Ricky is playing baseball and doing very well, and his father is really proud of him. In the near future, they will move into an apartment with Rebekah in Meriden, and that is good – it will be very good to have something more like a home. There is room in the apartment for all three boys, and they will set up a things for the two younger boys, so that they have a place to come home. The house that had the fire is being repaired by the insurance, but it is unlikely that any one who lived there will ever want to return to that place.

Little Ricky is dealing with all of this as well as a five-year-old boy can be expected to deal with it. Sometimes, he is his normally cheerful self, but at other times he is struggling with anger and shock. Hunter was a treasured friend to all three of the boys, and his absence is painful and perplexing to Ricky. He’s also used to having two younger brothers to fill up his playtime, and their injury is also confusing. This is all very difficult for him.

Dan and Lois are, in Dan’s words, “being held up by God;” and he seems to be constantly surprised by the fact God can sustain them in such sorrow and grief. They are broken, but not destroyed. They continue to care for their daughters and grandchildren with intensity and integrity. Dan has returned to work and their sons are in school, which limits their ability to visit in Boston or Meriden. Their weekends are mostly spent on the road somewhere.

Tristyn and Trent continue their remarkable recovery. Tristyn is able to do more and more all the time. Trent seems to be facing greater challenges than his older brother. He has had an e coli infection, but that is being treated and he’s responding to treatment. He has been walking with assistance. But his most significant challenges are emotional and cognitive – he doesn’t seem to be expressing as wide of a range of emotions and just doesn’t seem to be himself. He is awake, but the fear that he may have suffered some harm to his brain lingers. Of course, he’s very young to be dealing with so great an injury, and what we are seeing may be grief and confusion. Keep his mind and emotions in your prayers.