Paul Frantz’s mother has been bringing him to the outreach program for the past 4 years. Paul has choreoathetoid cerebral palsy which means his muscle tone fluctuates making it hard for him to have control over his body. Cognitively he has no deficits and is as smart as can be. He is unable to speak but is able to communicate his needs and wants to his mother through his eyes and various noises he makes. I love watching his face as he listens to the conversations around him...especially when they say something funny and he gets a big smile. When Paul first started coming to the program he was about a year old. He had mainly low muscle tone that made it hard for him to hold his head up or control his stomach muscles for sitting. Over the first few years we worked a lot on head/neck control and core strengthening.
Although we
continue to work neck control and core-strengthening…he has progressed to working
on grasping/placing/releasing objects, increasing intentional controlled use of
his hand with the IPAD, and support standing (bearing weight through legs).
Paul absolutely loves swinging in the swing.
Paul’s mother
adores her son (And Paul adores her). She would do anything for Paul. She
faithfully brings Paul weekly to outreach. I have seen her grow so much in the
last 4 years since coming to program. She used to be hesitant not sure what do
with Paul…She was a little stand offish…But not anymore. She has found
confidence, learned skills to carry over at home, and built
relationships/friendships/support group with other mothers in the program. I
just love watching her interact with Paul. Every week she gets on the floor
with him, helps him play with toys and works on standing. She is always ready
& willing to learn new ways to help her son.
Paul holds a
special place in my heart as his mother a few years ago asked if I would be his
godmother. I know your not suppose to have favorites…but he has always been one
of my favorite outreach. I love the way he lights up when he sees me (because I
light up when I see him). Paul has such a sweet demeanor to him and a smile
that just captures your heart.
I had the privilege
a couple months ago of visiting his home. He lives a good hour or more walk
from the mission. He lives on the outskirts of town up the mountain a little
ways. They live in a small house with extended family. The had a pretty nice
house that had concrete floor and walls. I found out that Paul has 3-4 siblings
(can’t remember exactly) but he is the youngest. Mom is unemployed and a single
mother. During the visit we all had some good laughs & great fellowship.
Over the years I have built a really good relationship with Paul’s mother and I
just love the fact that she feels comfortable enough to goof off around me. I
was so excited to bless their family with a solar power Christian radio with the
MP3 version of New Testament on it. As you can see in the pictures below they
were EXCITED and blessed by it.
Please keep Paul Frantz and his mother in your prayers.
·
Pray that Paul will continue to gain control over his body and be able
to complete more functional tasks.
·
Pray for his mother to continue to rely on God for her daily strength
and that she will find peace and hope in Him & His word.
·
Pray that Paul’s mother would be able to find a job so she can provide
for their family
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