Day 31 - July 16 - A lot going on...

Wow, much is happening around here! We got the call from Brad while we were watching the 15th inning of the All-Stars game with Connor - as we waited for the staff to move Connor to his new bed!!! We found out last evening that they were moving him off of the rotating bed, and I haven't seen a grin that big on the boy's face in the month we've been here. Even missing the final play at the plate because of the move wasn't enough to dim that smile! What a blessing to finally get back into a normal bed (it's funny what I consider a "blessing" now, isn't it?). The three of us prayed for the Michigan boys, and every other person we considered at risk, until the staff arrived to switch to the new bed.

So Connor is firmly ensconced in a regular hospital bed, and I'm sure as soon as he wakes up he'll be propped up in it watching TV (for more than every other five minutes, too!), but what a great answer to prayer. We are now praying that God would continue to improve and sustain the boy's lung function effectively to the degree necessary to keep him safely out of any more rotating beds, ever.

Y'all saw Cherié's post with all that was going on yesterday - pretty cool, eh? I wanted to make sure everybody understands where we are so our prayers stay effective, so please forgive me while I reiterate the current condition. Connor remains paralyzed below the neck - he is beginning to feel some bodily sensations, some of which are unpleasant, but has not yet begun to move again or regain high degrees of sensation. One nurse thought she felt his leg move yesterday afternoon, and Connor told us he felt his right hand twitch as well. Additionally, he does not yet have autonomic control of his lungs. During a brief period of time yesterday without the respirator, he was able to make some significant lung action, although I can't tell you how effective or ineffective it was, as I didn't see it. But he did have some response to it, which I take as a good sign.
All in all, much to pray for, although we're hopeful and patiently (OK, maybe not so patiently) waiting for God's timing and healing. The nurse last night warned us that they would now begin lowering the boy's sedation meds with the goal of getting him off the respirator and out of ICU, which will be a difficult and frustrating process for Connor, so please continue to lift him up.

On the home front, I managed to get the RV to Fresno, and I am even now sitting in my new office (out under the awning because I can't get the wireless network inside the tenement). a HUGE "thank you" to my friends David J. and his family for the radiator and for getting the rig up to Campbell, and to Jeff S. and the crew at Tires Unlimited for the installation labor - and particularly to "the makers of WD-40 and one old Okie mechanic who doesn't know when to stop" (Jeff's words) who patiently worked on the frozen thermostat housing until he successfully removed it. The new thermostat and radiator meant that on my drive to Fresno, during the heat of the day, the RV's temperature never went above "M" in "NORMAL" during the entire trip - up the grade, and down the valley with the AC running full blast. I cannot begin to thank you guys enough.

Finally, just because I mention those two guys specifically does not mean we do not appreciate every single one of you for your contributions, your prayers, and your words of encouragement. We simply would never have the time to acknowledge the enormous outpouring of generosity toward us which the Lord is providing through you all. Yesterday afternoon, Cherié and I sat weeping and pouring out our thanks to the Lord for His daily provision to us through this all, and He is using your hands and hearts to show us that. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Today marks one month in the ICU. May God quickly grant us release from it.