Matt Update

Well, Matt left seven weeks ago, today... another ~33 weeks to go. Not sure whether ~33 weeks or ~ 8 1/2 months sounds like less time. We talked to him last Tuesday in a family therapy session by phone, and it was kinda sad. He has worked really hard in the time he has been there, but the 'honeymoon' is over and the road ahead is just so long.

John spoke briefly with his counselor Kassandra yesterday and she said that Matt is exactly where he needs to be and she is very optimistic and positive about Matt - he talks a lot in therapy (which is a huge, positive change over his sessions with counselors here, where he would b.s. his way through or wouldn't talk at all), and he is working hard on his issues.

Matt has written to John a few times per week and in each letter he expresses remorse over taking things for granted here at home, he lets us know how he is doing in school - and he is working his butt off to earn credits and better grades, and he always asks about Kyan. He has yet to even see a picture of his little brother, but hopefully if he works through his current level, we will get to see him within 4 -5 weeks for a weekend. We'll see, but we are SO ready to go the minute they tell us we can.

Matt will be joining the DRA football team, and will be at football camp the week of the 13th. He will be the smallest and youngest on the team, but we're glad he is participating. We are a little unclear on who DRA plays, given its high turnover of students, the age ranges and grades being kind of wacky as compared to 'normal' schools, and not knowing how many schools are in Hurricane, Utah... but as with everything in this program, we are learning as we go and we think this will be a good outlet for him. And it will give him a sense of normalcy.
That's all I have on Matt right now - but as soon as we get the go-ahead to pick up and go to Utah, I'll send an update!