Day 47 - August 1 - Baby steps!

Another day draws to a close. It amazes me that it's August, and I'm still in Fresno. Oh, and I still think too much.

Today had some good things in it! Connor was able to stay on his speaking valve for over 20 minutes today, and was much less exhausted at the end. The physical therapist said that, if he stays healthy and on this bed, she will start swallowing therapy the first part of next week. She told him that if he can safely swallow thin liquids, she'd bring him a Jamba Juice (his favorite). He responded "OK, now I've got a goal!"

Also, today he complained to his nurse that his arm was asleep, and was tingly on the whole length of it. She manipulated it and the feeling went away. And tonight, Joélle was massaging his feet while he and I were talking, when Connor suddenly told her that he had felt her touch! She had been poking his feet with her fingertips, and she found a spot near his toes that he said he could feel. Since he could see his feet, we asked him to close his eyes and open them when we touched the spot. He nailed it five out of five times! So, we called his nurse, but then were unable to duplicate it when she came in.

Connor did run a fever for a while this morning, raising concerns of another infection. The RTs came in and took specimens from his lungs this afternoon to culture, so they are worried about infection as well. We have been praying specifically against infection for a few days, and are confident that the cultures will return clean. Please continue to pray for that result, and that Connor would remain protected against any infections whatsoever.

The boy went to sleep tonight in better spirits, and we continue to pray for rest for him - he hasn't been sleeping well lately. Neither have we, but looking back over the last 47 days, we see God's steady provision for us in every single need, every single day.

Thank you all for your faithfulness to us and to God. You honor us. Goodnight.