Sunshine Soldier

Happy Sunday Morning! To Him be all glory and honor and praise!

You might be noticing the time stamp on this one. Don’t be alarmed! I’m just too excited to sleep! The miracle of what the Lord has done is hitting me. Hard. I will take this kind of insomnia any day.

Silas Michael Atkinson is a miracle. Truly.

On the day of the accident, I could not believe all the people that cared so deeply. Every person Silas has ever met was reaching out. They were willing to do anything. On day 2, I started posting updates on Sunshine Soldier. And the love for Silas spread like wildfire. Because he is a treasure. It is undeniable.

When our boy slept for 2 weeks, we all prayed hard. We prayed for his healing. We prayed for comfort for his heart. We prayed for strength and endurance. And our God has answered big. He woke up ready. He was equipped to take on this trial. Our prayers were heard. And Silas had done the hard work of everyday faithfulness leading up to the accident. He was in the Word daily and deeply. He had an active prayer life. He was memorizing scripture consistently. He had accountability in his life. He was a part of a solid body of believers that were encouraging him in his walk with the Lord. He had his armor. He was ready.

Day by day, I have watched this boy be faithful. He continues to fill his mind with God’s Word. He continues to trust in the Lord. He continues to find all the joy. He is so humbled and excited about the way God is using his life and testimony. As soon as he was able, he wanted to be with his church family. He is so excited to go to church today and youth group tonight.

So many of you have been faithfully praying for Silas. Thank you. I hope your hearts have been so very encouraged. 1 Thessalonians 5:16- 18 “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I hope you all have the sweetest day worshiping our Lord with your people. I am so thankful for you!

Please pray for 100% healing for Silas. Please pray that his vision returns to normal. Please pray for continued strength and endurance. Please pray that he will continue to be faithful every day in all the spiritual disciplines. Please pray that he can go to school on August 8th and start his first year of high school with his peers. That is his heart’s desire.

If you have not read Si’s testimony, here it is. You will be so blessed by it!

“My Testimony” — by Silas

Silas is great! (I knew I should lead with that since I haven’t been doing updates so close together.)

I just had to get on here because my mama heart is bursting!

Five weeks ago, Silas went to camp with one of his closest friends, Braden. They have been buds for years. Today, they are spending the day together at our house. This is their first time seeing each other since the accident. Oh my heart. They are just so… them. They are so kind to each other. They are so funny together. They are precious.

We have an inflatable bull in our swimming pool. It is SO hard to get on and stay balanced. Braden tried a few times and couldn’t stay on. In a moment of mom weakness, I let Silas try. He did it! So awesome!!! Braden was so funny and sweet and encouraging about it. “Really Si?! You are showing me up with a brain injury!” Braden looked happier about it than Silas. What a journey this has been for them. Then, they happily posed for this pic together. I love them so much.

Braden’s mom (Elizabeth) and I have always encouraged their friendship. We have all been very intentional about maintaining it. Sweet boys. I have no doubt they will be friends for life.

Also, Silas is doing well with memorizing 1 Thessalonians for Bible Quizzing. His goal was 2 verses a day. Well, today is day 3 and he has 6 verses. Perfectly. He had me check him. Praise the Lord!

Please pray for 100% healing for Silas. Please pray that his vision and balance return to normal quickly. Please pray that he is diligent to spend time with the Lord. Please pray that his heart is encouraged. Please pray that he shines his light for Jesus continually.

Silas loves the Lord so much. He sees God’s hand in his life. Always. If you have not read his testimony, here it is…

“My Testimony” — by Silas

We have had the sweetest week. And Silas continues to progress.

As far as appointments, all Silas had this week was Physical Therapy and and the Ophthalmologist. He has a great attitude about PT and works so hard. They are primarily working on strength and balance. Then, at home Ryan does his PT homework with him. When the weather is nice, they use the pool. The Ophthalmologist is trying to give Silas a different option besides the eye patch. As much as he enjoys the endless pirate jokes from his dad, an alternative might be nice. The glasses are not working so far. The prescription needs to be adjusted. So we shall see.

Silas has gotten to spend some time with his friends this week. Precious. He has missed them so much. He decided that he wants to participate in Bible Quizzing this season so he has begun the process of learning 1 Thessalonians. In the past, he has been a really good quizzer. This season is definitely going to be much more challenging. His vision and his concentration are obstacles at the moment. But he is up for it. He wants to be in God’s Word as deeply and consistently as possible. Scripture memory is such a great way to do that.

Please pray for 100% healing for Silas. Specifically, please pray that his vision is restored and that he is able to balance well and walk normally. Please pray that he is a light for Jesus. Please pray for endurance so that he can run this race with perseverance. Please pray that he is able to learn 1 Thessalonians. I know that would encourage his heart so much!

As Ryan just said, “We are living life this week.” Less updates are a good sign for sure.

We had such a special 4th of July. All 7 of us got to be with our precious neighbors. These people have walked through this trial with us day by day. They have cried with us. Hard. They have rejoiced with us. Fully. When I got that devastating phone call I handed my other 4 children over to our neighbor Brad. In a matter of minutes. When I could not stop crying I called Joy. She held me and prayed with me as I sobbed. When we got a terrifying call late at night from neuro, I called Candy and asked her to keep her phone on and by her head all night in case I needed her to come watch our other kids. And she did. When our actual house needed some love, Brent showed up with his toolbox. These people are experts at loving their neighbors. We are so very blessed to call them neighbors and friends. We love you all so much!!!

Silas continues to rock. 🎸

He did go to the Ophthalmologist on Friday. Basically, the vision is a waiting game. His brain will heal and so will his vision. The doctor did recommend some special glasses which will replace the eyepatch. That will be nice. He should have them by Wednesday.

The Atkinson 7 (plus Marmee, Josiah and Levi) went to church together again today. I love it so much. And this week, Silas walked in and out and was able to stand as he sang. We are so thankful.

This afternoon, the Schlitzes came. ( Mike Schlitz is Ryan’s best friend from high school. He married Kelley who is now one of my besties. And they have 2 precious kids, Joseph and Olivia). They drove all the way from Iowa. They just needed to lay eyes on Silas. They arrived last night after a 14 hour drive and leave tomorrow morning. Amazing. (Oh and the bracelets were from Uncle Mike!)

Silas is good. He is doing more and more for himself. It is a struggle to find things to do but he has such a good attitude about it.

Please pray for 100% healing for Silas. Please pray that his vision returns to normal quickly. Please pray that he will use all of this to point people right to Christ. Please pray that his heart is encouraged and that he will have all the perseverance to run this race with endurance.

Silas has an amazing story of how he came to know and love and serve the Lord. If you have not read it, here it is

“My Testimony” — by Silas

I can’t believe it! Shout out to all of you who have stuck with us for 100 updates! You have ridden through the very highest highs and the very lowest lows with us. Bless you.

Today was a good day. A great day actually.

We went to hematology first thing this morning. It went well. It was uneventful (yes please!). Dr. Spiller wants to get some blood labs next week to make sure the blood thinner is at a therapeutic level. No biggie.

Then, we moved on to Radiology for a CT scan. We had to wait quite awhile since Silas was not urgent (yes please! Not being urgent is my favorite!).

Then, on to Dr. Savage. Oh how I love this woman. She has taken such good care of Silas. Oh the joy in my heart when they introduced themselves and shook hands. If our other 4 children had been there I would have been tempted to snap a photo and make it our Christmas card! Seriously.

She just gushed (yes please!). She went on and on about how remarkably Silas is doing. She is thrilled. She answered all our questions and was super encouraging. She so obviously cares deeply for our boy. She reported that the CT scan looks wonderful. His blood clot is much smaller and his brain bleed is smaller as well. Amazing. More sweet miracles from our God and Father.

This afternoon Silas felt good. Even after a long morning. He got in the pool to do some PT. He played card games with Uncle Stretch, Marmee and cousin Josiah. He was very happy and very much himself. He and Josiah picked on each other endlessly. Their norm (yes please!)

Tomorrow Si goes to see the Ophthalmologist. We are very hopeful that the doctor will be able to help with Si’s vision. Maybe therapy? Maybe glasses? Or maybe just waiting? We shall see.

Please pray that Silas makes a 100% recovery. Please pray that his vision returns to normal quickly. Please pray that his testimony continues to impact others for the Lord. Please pray for endurance for him. Please pray for patience and strength for him.

If you have not read Si’s testimony, it is so good! Here it is…

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

Well, Silas is amazing. And so strong. He body is getting stronger and stronger. But much more importantly, his faith is getting stronger and stronger. By the minute.

Tonight he said these words. Seemingly out of nowhere… “I’m so thankful that tree hit me. How else would my testimony have spread to so many people. And, this story will help me evangelize in the future.” 🥰🥰🥰

He continues to impress in therapy. He works hard and has an incredible attitude. Oh. And he is just plain ol’ delightful.

He felt really good today. His siblings were so thrilled to see him being goofy. He even took his brace off and spent a little time in the pool with everyone.

Tomorrow is a big day. We have an appointment at 8:15 am with hematology. Basically, his blood was clotting a bit too well at the hospital. So they want to check that out. Also, he takes a blood thinner shot in his belly everyday. They might be able to offer an alternative. He also has a CT scan followed by an appointment with Dr. Savage (his amazing neurosurgeon). This will be the first time he has met her. I can’t wait!

Please pray that tomorrow goes well and is full of good news. Pray that his blood is healthy and that they can offer him a pill alternative (instead of the belly shot). Please pray that the CT scan shows big improvement and that Dr. Savage is encouraged. Please pray that Si’s faith continues to grow. Please pray that he will take opportunities to share his faith. Please pray for 100% recovery for Silas.

If you have not read his testimony you are missing out! Here it is…

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

Silas is good. He slept well with no nausea and no new symptoms. Praise the Lord! Thank you all for praying!

Please pray for strength and endurance for today. Please pray that Silas is compelled by the love of Christ. Please pray for 100% recovery for him. Please pray for a faith in the Lord that grows stronger by the day.

If you have not read Si’s testimony, here it is…

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

Silas had a good day until late afternoon. Then, he started to feel nauseous. He vomited around 6 pm. He has been resting comfortably since.

We are hopeful that it is not a big deal. He had a busy day. And he had OT. Which was mostly pen and paper activities. That is hard when your vision is blurry and double. We are hoping that is where the nausea came from.

We called Neuro just to play it safe. They said that if he gets nauseous again or has any other weird symptoms we need to bring him to the ER for a CT scan. Basically, to make sure that no new brain bleeds have developed.

Silas seems fine at the moment.

Please pray that no nausea or new symptoms develop. Please pray for no new brain bleeds. Please pray for 100% healing for Silas. Please pray that he is not afraid and that he can fully trust in the Lord.

Please pray for calm and wisdom for Ryan and I. Please pray for rest for all of us.

If you have not read Si’s testimony, it is so worth the time. Here it is…

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

Silas is Silas. More and more and more each day.

He had an orthopedic appointment. Bye bye cast and hello splint. He is healing nicely. He goes back in 2 weeks. He had physical therapy. They were impressed and think he will progress quickly.

Si’s vision is still blurry and double. So he can’t read very well, it makes him dizzy, throws off his balance, etc.

Si is now walking with no support. Ryan or I just walk right beside him… just in case. Tonight we took a family walk around the loop by our house. We brought the wheelchair but Silas never needed it. He walked the whole thing! (0.66 miles to be exact). And it was a win for Collin and Alexa who loved pushing each other in the wheelchair!

Caleb was beyond thrilled tonight when Silas climbed the stairs to tuck him in. 🥰

I look back on this last month and marvel. I love that song “He will hold me fast.” I have loved it for years. But now, I get it all the way.

And I want to make something very very clear. God held us. We were so weak. So broken. But he held us fast. Because we were bought at such a price, because he loves us so, because his promises last.

Our faith was strong going into this trial. And I’m so very thankful for that. Seventeen years ago I went through a trial and I wasn’t equipped. My faith was so weak. And I crumbled big time. (I actually wrote about it. “Darkness”. I posted it in the spring of 2021). I wasted three years of my life. I didn’t point anyone to Christ, I was far too busy pointing to myself. I am so thankful for my Lord and His steadfast love for me.

So many of you have cared so deeply. You have fervently prayed. You have ridden the roller coaster/torture device right alongside us. Thank you.

Please pray that Si’s vision returns to normal. please pray for 100% healing. Please pray for endurance and strength and comfort for him. Please pray that he takes every opportunity to shine his light for Jesus and give God all the glory for his miraculous healing!

If you have not read Si’s testimony, shame on you! 😜 Here it is…

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

Silas seems so much more himself today. He has laughed more and smiled more and been so much more goofy… yes please!!!

We got to go to church today! All 7 of us! Shout out to Crossway Bible Church! Whose love and support are absolutely amazing! They have encouraged us, they have prayed for us and they have fed us. These people are SO devoted to us in brotherly love. They have hurt so deeply with us this last month. They have rejoiced fully with us as well. The love is deep. We really CANNOT imagine enduring the last month without our Crossway peeps. We love you all so so so much!

We got to celebrate Caleb’s birthday today. For real. It may have been 24 days late, but we will so take it! Caleb was on cloud 9. Happy 17th birthday sweet Caleb!!!

Silas has so many appointments and therapies this week. But he is ready. He is taking this on and plans to shine his light for Jesus in the process. In God’s great provision, Ryan is home. His work gave him time off to care for Silas. Amazing.

Please pray for Silas to have the energy to endure this week. Please pray that he will take every divine appointment and show people their great need for Jesus. Please pray for 100% healing for Silas. Please pray that his relationship with the Lord grows so much through this. Please pray that Si’s therapists will love him immediately and be deeply invested in him.

Please pray for the Atkinson 7. Please pray for endurance for all of us. Please pray that our love for one another and the Lord grows and grows.

Silas was baptized 2 weeks before the accident. He read his testimony to our church body and his family. If you have not had a chance to read it, here it is…

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