Silas Update #121 (October 20, 9 pm)

Friends, thank you so much for reading these updates. Thank you so much for caring about Silas and for caring about our family. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for mourning with us and for rejoicing with us. God has used our unity in such a mighty way. We have been connected all across the United States and even across the world. Amazing.

Silas is Silas. He is exactly the same except so much different. He is his typical kind and funny and giving self. But he is so much more resolute in his faith. He sees life clearly through his very unique lens. The lens of a boy who God is using in an enormous way. He sees that his life is a gift from the Lord. To bring glory and honor to Him. It’s quite simple.

This will be the final post that is titled “Silas Update.” Sweet Silas requested that. He feels that the focus has been on him for long enough. So, moving forward, Sunshine Soldier will go back to being about the Atkinson family. About what God is doing in our hearts and lives.

But for today, let’s rejoice together again about what our Lord has done in the life and mind and body of Silas. And friends, it is miraculous. He is absolutely thriving. He is back to running 1.5 miles at a time. He is constantly cracking us up with his crazy humor and even crazier dance moves. He gives the best hugs! He loves being with his family and friends. He has zero fatigue or nausea or dizziness. He is doing so well in school. He makes excellent grades with zero modifications. He goes on bike rides, plays basketball, swims, etc.

The burning question…Si’s vision. We think it is getting some better. He can go for larger chunks of time without the patch. However, his vertical vision is definitely still double (Yep. One image is on top of the other. So strange.) He never ever complains about it. Or about anything actually.

Below is a little photo montage of just how far our Lord has brought this boy. It starts with a picture of the very first time I saw him in the ICU and ends with a picture of Silas and one of his Physical Therapist’s, Elizabeth. He had a re-evaluation today and she was blown away. He officially graduated PT.

Oh what a work the Lord has done. This is post #121. Philippians 1:21 says “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Exactly. As living, breathing Christians our mission is clear. We are to bring glory and honor to the Lord. We are to be Jesus to every person/divine appointment that God puts into our path. In death, we are to bring glory and honor to him. By pointing heavenward. Until going there.

Please pray that Silas stays focused on his mission. Please pray that his heart remains grateful. Please pray that his vision returns to normal. Please pray for Ryan and I as we parent our Fabulous 5. Thank you so much for walking this road with us. Our hearts are full.

If you have not had a chance to read the beautiful work that the Lord has done in the heart of Silas, here is his testimony…

https://sunshine-soldier.com/2022/05/20/my-testimony-by-silas/