Five days after Elmer Gene Fleming was injured in an accident at K&W Plastics in Troy, his family was told by doctors that they had done all they could. “It’s in God’s hand, now.”

“God has been so good to us,” said Fleming’s sister, Lila Medley of the Tarentum community. “Elmer still has a long way to go, but he has made a lot of progress and his response to the therapy is encouraging. We know that prayer works and we want to thank everyone for all of their prayers and concern. It has meant so much to us.”

Medley said Fleming’s family asks for continued prayers as he continues on the journey back to where he was before the accident.

Fleming is at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta where he is receiving occupational, physical and speech therapy daily.

“He is in therapy every day from about 7:30 until 11:30 and then goes back after lunch for several hours,” Medley said. “The therapy is intensive and it’s going to take a lot more time but every day we see him getting better and better.”

Fleming received a severe brain injury in the Nov. 8 accident and didn’t open his eyes until Nov. 18. On that day, his family knew that their prayers and those of so many were being answered.

Fleming was moved from Birmingham to the Shepherd Center on Dec. 2 and his improvement has been one step at time.

“The other day, the therapist told us that Elmer had walked 100 feet several times without stumbling or getting off balance,” Medley said. “He gets tired before his therapy sessions are over but that is part of building up his endurance.”

If Fleming continues to improve, he will be transferred to another rehab facility, Pathways, on Jan. 19.

“Pathways is a part of the Shepherd Center that focuses more on memory and speech,” Medley said. “It’s more advanced group therapy than individual therapy.”

For Elmer Fleming, Pathways is another step closer to home and home is where Medley is sure that her brother wants to be.

“Elmer is in good spirits,” she said. “He still has that sweet smile and happy disposition. He always thanks the therapists for what they do for him. And we are all so thankful to everyone for all the kindnesses shown to Elmer and to us. We give the glory to God for how far Elmer has come.”

Cards may be sent to Elmer Gene Fleming, 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, Ga., 30309-1465.