Sunday Evening

I went in a little later today and saw the pulmonologist, the infectious disease doc, and the family practice doc who all said that there is slow steady progress upward. I asked the Family Practice doc what the chances would be that TJ could do rehab right at United Hospital on the floor run by the Sister Kenny Institute, and he said, "about 100%." Yeah!

The highlight of the day was when four very close friends visited and showed TJ a photo album of black and white pictures he had taken as a kid in Hong Kong and another picture book of Hong Kong. The bed was in the Lazy-Boy sort of position and he focused on all the pictures and reacted non verbally to each picture and the comments of our friends who have been to Hong Kong with us. I am hoping he decides to be as interactive with the speech therapist tomorrow! He was very tired after that exertion.

I have printed off a sheet of Winston Churchill, one of TJ's heroes, quotes to start reading to him. Someone asked about reading to him. I have been assuming that he has heard everything and talk to him every day about the date, the news, and what God is doing, and how he is doing. We have been reading scripture and try to vary the stimulation with CNN, CD's, and talking to him. Thank you for the suggestions -- it is helpful and encourages us to do what needs to be done.

The evening nurse commented on what a strong person he must be because "he surprised us all". I think she meant by surviving. I told her about this blog the thousands praying (and that he is the most self defined person most of us know!).

The specific prayer requests would be for continued progress with general physical strength and healing, and increasing mental clarity. Second for our family as we all have had that "hit by a mack truck" feeling the past couple of days. We are amazed about stories we are hearing about how God is using this whole situation in other people's lives. I am amazed when I think about what He is doing in my life and my faith in Him alone (being in a hospital that I know and trust is huge, too!). The verse that came to mind today is 2 Corinthians 12:9, " "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Amen!

This will be the last update for tonight.

Blessings and gratitude,
Mary Ann

Overnight Update

The good news: TJ's vitals stayed good all night, and his sats were staying up even after he was off the CPAP and not on any O2.

The bad news is even with two shots of morphine and valium he didn't start sleeping until around 5 AM, around the same time I konked out.

The PT came in and tried to get him to move his arms and squeeze her hand. Of course he did neither for her, but promptly moved *both* arms to scratch his face.

The doctor that made it in while I was still there said his lungs sounded good.

When I left an hour ago or so he was still sleeping as best as one can with people poking you and sticking you. Basically, he has ICU jet lag. Not helpful at the moment...

For Those of You Still Up

TJ isn't really sleeping yet, light rest at best. He looks restless and opens his eyes every couple of minutes.

Pray that he gets some real rest tonight. That could be the biggest factor to boost his mental status.