Update

Made the trip to Riley on Friday. After the doctor and their radiologist went over Ethan's MRI's we were told that his back is broken at the L4 vertebrae. Not just a simple fracture...there is a huge piece broken off the back side. Apparently the lower lumbar vertebrae are the strongest and most difficult to break and usually don't unless there is some kind of traumatic injury to that area or in an elderly person with osteopoerosis or similar bone disease. So the new question became why would this happen in an otherwise healthy 16 year old.

Riley isn't your typical hospital and things were very well orchestrated. We were able to have several more tests run while we were there including a CT scan and he was fitted for the brace he is now wearing. There were no long waits and we were well taken care of. Thursday of this week he will have a nuclear bone scan to look for underlying disease processes that may cause weakening of the bones.

Ethan is understandably very down. The brace is very uncomfortable because it has to be so tight. He is having a hard time adjusting to it. Please continue to pray for his healing, for answers, and for our strength as we deal with whatever the outcome may be.

The song playing is one of his favorites. His favorite verse is from Isaiah 40:28-31... "The Everlasting God, will never grow faint or weary. He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may grow faint and tired, and young men may stumble and fall, but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength." He has an unwavering faith and I am so thankful for that.