Alan’s Army

Hi all!

Alan is now nearing the halfway mark on his “boarding school” experience.  Things are going well and he is learning many things from Braille to cooking to riding buses and trains.  Last night they went to the movies (oddly enough to see “Blind Side”) and to experience a visually impaired system that provides spoken commentary on what is happening visually on the screen.  One of the provided classes is a college prep course and since Alan already has his degree, that time is now being used for him to do further work on his Braille lessons so he should be in great shape on that by time he graduates from the program.  Alan has now met and worked with a diverse group of students from those barely out of High School (18 is the minimum age for this program) to those who have lost or are losing their sight in their 40s, 50s and over, due to accident or various diseases like diabetes, MS, or eye disorders.  Alan has been voted in as Vice President of his class and has weekly meetings with classmates and staff to discuss discipline, class outings, graduation ceremonies, etc.  He is also having technology classes and once he gets to cleaning out 1.5 years of junk in his Liberty University email box he will be able to communicate with everyone himself.

The ultimate goal of the program is to find employment for the students  and provide resources to them and their employers to allow the students to be productive and lessen the burden on the taxpayer through social services.

On the medical front Alan’s latest MRI was again clear and the oncologist was happy with his general state of health.

In other news, I have shoulder surgery tomorrow morning to repair a torn rotator cuff.  It is arthroscopic surgery and if all goes well I will be home later in the day.  Your prayers are much appreciated.

As always, thank you all for your kind support and prayers and the Sweetons wish all of you a joyous and restful holiday season.  Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

God Bless,

Andrew