Desperate Measures

The problem with the boys' sleeping, the Sherrods finally figure out with help from Ellis, is that their bedroom had been temporarily altered. The Sherrods had moved in some furniture from the den because they picked up the carpet and refinished the floors.

"They're my little Rain Men," says Emilie. "In the movie, Dustin Hoffman had to buy his underwear in the same store all the time. My boys can't deal with change at all either. If I go a different way to Callier in the morning, or if I stop on the way home to do errands, they'll become uncontrollable. They know only one way."

In the end, there were to be no miracles for the Sherrods. The boys do not make any significant strides after the fourth infusion, and Kotsanis does not recommend they receive any more. Instead, he suggests they have chelation therapy to remove the heavy metals in their system, and the Sherrods are considering it. They are also thinking about putting the boys on Ritalin to see if it helps their concentration.

"I'm disappointed there was not more of a response," says Emilie. "Especially considering how much money it cost and how much trauma we put the boys through. It's in God's hands. It's his plan. But we're thankful that they're better than they were this time last year."

If nothing else, their diarrhea is gone. They're also less aggressive and much more responsive. Tate will retrieve his toothbrush when it's time to brush his teeth and will get in the bathtub when asked. And both boys will hold Emilie's hand on the way to the car, seemingly more amenable to touch.

"That's great," Emilie says. "That's 40 pounds I don't have to carry so many times a day."

They've even made progress in the Richardson school program. They have bonded with an older boy who has mental and physical handicaps. They run by him and reach for his hands, and he smiles. They know he's slower than they are, and they have to be gentle with him. They even kiss and hug him.

"It's really neat," Emilie says. "For once, my children are reaching out and helping someone else. You take what you can get as it comes, and hope it comes. I revel in the small successes.