Lucas update

Way back in March, I asked you to pray for our 2 week intensive attachment therapy with Lucas.  Our continuing therapy is now down to once a month and he is doing great!  The fierce armor of steel that he's built around his heart is beginning to crack and he's trying to believe that we are the real deal; we aren't going anywhere; he's not going anywhere; this is his forever home; we will keep him safe; we love him no matter what.  It has been and still is a roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs but the ups are more frequent now and the downs are fading.  He still has occasional violent meltdowns but they are more productive which is hard to explain but they result in a revealing comment about his past.  We believe he has repressed much of the pain so remembering it, as difficult as it is, helps him heal and helps us speak to that hurt.   
As a result of the intensive therapy, we made the decision to keep Lucas home for the remainder of the school year and provide school at home.  This proved to be a really good move and we both enjoyed the time together.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention here that our school, Cole Elementary has been amazing!  They have been supportive of the therapy, helpful during the weeks of home schooling, always loving and encouraging the boys.  We are so thankful for all of them, from the principal to the lunch ladies and maintenance guys to the teachers and aides and secretaries.  
Deep down, Lucas is very tender-hearted and loving.  He's very curious.  He's very busy all the time and has lots of energy.  He is obsessed with small objects (I never know what will show up in the washer if I forget to check pockets.)  He invents all kinds of things out of items intended for another purpose.  He loves to be outside and can get dirtier than any kid I've ever seen.  Not to mention, he's pretty darn cute!
God is stretching us in ways we never thought possible and teaching us so very much about His Gospel and grace in our lives through this little guy and we are so very thankful for him.  I just know that God is going to use him in big ways for His glory!