Eat your heart out Usian Bolt; Elton Sare is on the move! Below you see Elton triumphing over the rigors of physical therapy. After walking up and down the hallway and climbing a series of stairs he received an A+ from his therapist.
The next Olympic competition was weight lifting. The blue concrete tube featured below weighs 300 lbs. On the left you see me struggling unsuccessfully to pick it up from the ground. Elton, however, showed amazing strength by lifting it with just one hand.
After exhausting ourselves in competition, we decided to kick back and wait for the nurse to complete Elton’s discharge. In the following pictures we are engrossed in the Asian Baseball Classic. It was South Korea versus Japan. We both rooted for S. Korea, who took the game by one run.
After giving Elton the last drop of factor we completed his paperwork and headed out. He was excited to be headed home. With ear buds protruding from his ears (one of Elton’s doctors purchased him an iPod) and balloons flying around the wheelchair, we said our final goodbyes to the hospital staff. It was a terrific experience at RUSH hospital.
As you can see, the boys were thrilled to have their big Zimbabwean brother back home. Elton too was happy to be reunited with his little buddies.
Such a wonderful experience! For many years we Pennings have been involved with the Illinois/Indiana Chapter of Healing the Children and have felt some of the blessings in assisting children such as Elton. I can see through all of the Castaldo Family photos, the love joy that you have brought to Elton through welcoming him to be part of your family and the experience and joy that he has brought to you. These experiences have a lasting impact on all of those that are involved from start to finish (and beyond). If you have not found Skype.com it is an inexpensive way to connect Elton with home and if there is access to a computer & webcams at both ends (not very likely) there can even be a free visual connection.
Hugs to Elton and all of the Castaldos
Chris and Angela,
I am so excited that Elton is doing better. It was such a pleasure to meet you both on Saturday and such an honor to be around such blessed and delightful people. I pray that you may continue to be enriched by your experiences each day and that God’s power, and love may surround you! I love the picture of your boys and Elton on the couch! Your sons are adorable!
I hope to see you again soon.
Regards,
MTM