Day 59 - August 13 - The next step...
Connor has been doing better today. I didn't get back to Fresno last night until after he had gone to sleep, so we had a good reunion this morning. He is still down, but we're working through it together. The RTs are having some success weaning him from his ventilator, in that the pressures and such are getting more normal. He's still got a way to go, but it was good to see his improvement in this area, and that his lungs are staying healthy on the new, lower settings.
Yesterday, he got nauseous when they had him working with the speaking valve, and only lasted a couple of minutes with it. This morning he started getting sick after two minutes on the valve, but he took a few minutes' break from the valve and then pressed on to do nine minutes. It's very difficult for him, and so we continue to pray for him to breathe on his own so this will be unnecessary. I was extremely pleased, however, to see him press through the discomfort and work at it. Way to go, son!
There's an anecdotal story running around about a guy who decided to climb the stairs to the top of the Empire State Building, so off he went. After he was finished, a newspaper interviewed him and asked him which of the steps had been the hardest in his climb to the top - the very first one, or the very last one, or some other one? He answered "The hardest step I had to make during the whole climb was the next step".
Man, there's a lot of truth in that. Facing each day and each decision is the most daunting thing I've ever done. And the strangest thing is that in some warped and twisted way, we adapt to the bizarre life we lead until it is some sick sort of normal. Then, when we discuss changing the situation, on some level we find ourselves fearing the change - even though it's actually an improvement. We have begun hearing the word "discharge' in the conversations lately. The doctors seem pleased with how the boy is doing with the respirator weaning, and Joélle and I toured the sub-acute care facility near home yesterday to see what it was like. We continue to pray for God's guidance with our next step. Somehow we've gotten adapted to Fresno as our "normal", and now the prospect of getting used to a new facility and personnel, with the necessary change in doctors, nurses, and therapists, has become a bit frightening.
Please continue to pray for the boy and for us - we covet it greatly.
posted by Eric Williamson @ 2:31 PM
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14 Comments:
I know what you mean about the decisons that you have to make each day. They can seem overwhelming. I found it strange that a life that seemed to be so busy with so many important things all of a sudden came to a screeching halt and the only important thing in the world was the health of our son. Jobs, money, homes etc. suddenly didn't mean anything and and our focus was on one thing only. Everything else just didn't matter anymore. I remember wanting to scream at all the cars going by, "How can you all just go on like nothing has happened?" It seemed impossible that other's lives were unchanged while ours was turned totaly upside down. But like you have stated many times God gave us everything that we needed for every day. Even when we didn't get the answer that we wanted God was always faithful. Praise the name of Jesus!
I was thinking this morning that what a blessing it is that Connor's temp seems to be okay, his lungs are staying clear, and he is able to eat again. God is faithful.
Continuing to lift you up in prayer and asking for God's help with the speaking valve and His leading to the right facility with just the right staff. I think that you will be amazed at how God provides in that situation.
Charlene
I have caught up with your blog after missing for several days. It looks like a "new normal" will be on the horizon. It is beautiful to reflect back and even in the midst of all uncertainty. in the weariness, and exhaustion....God's grace, intervention, and leading can be seen.
There is no other way to stand firm, and stand up, than with the righteous right-hand of God.
Before I read this last post I was thinking of the lyrics....
Blessed be Your name.
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering,
Blessed be your name.
As you wait on the Lord, I pray that your strength will be renewed...and there can be soaring days ahead.
I know the Lord is giving you his sweet sweet presence in your "normal".
As my father has just gone in to Hospice care....I am amazed how God has done his God job and given us his very presence in our stretched emotions, and blessed me with answers to my prayers and petitions.
He gives us His very peace.
...though there is pain in the offering, Blessed be His Name.
He is going ahead of you in all your decisions...and his "pefect love" will cover you.
Blessings, strength, and comfort to you all.
Bonnie
Praise God, this is what was prayed for, to get Connor closer to Morgan Hill. Adapting to Fresno is what was needed for your sanity to stay close to your boy, God knew. Soon getting used to a new facility will all become "normal" again,these things too shall pass. . You have the right attitude and your faith is strong!
Blessings to you all.
The Brogan Family
CONNOR!!!!!!
MY BRO IN CHRIST!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO GLAD THAT ME AND HANNAH GOT TO SEE YOU TODAY!!!! =0) WE WERE STOKED!!!!! GLAD YOU LIKED THE CARD AND ALL THE MOVIES!!!! GOONIES IS LIKE MY FAVORITE MOVIE!!!! WE NEED TO MAKE A MOVIE NIGHT FOR THE GOONIES OH YA BEST MOVIE EVER!!!! SO HERES THE PLAN... (haha i never have a good plan but.... let me and hannah know when your going to watch the movie and we will press play at the same time at where ever we are=) that sounds like an awwesome plan!!!!and we can comment on all the awesomeness of the goonies!!!!) AND WHEN YOUR ALL BETTER WE ALL HAVE TO HANG OUT AND GO TO JAMBA JUICE=) AND YOU'LL HAVE TO LET US HEAR YOUR SONGS THAT YOU WROTE!!!!(ur mom told us that!!!) YOUR AWESOME AND DONT EVER FORGET IT!!!!!!!!=) WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND OUR SO GLAD TO HAVE MADE AN AWESOME FRIEND LIKE YOU=) YOU INSPIRE US EACH AND EVERYDAY!!!!!!!!=) AND WE LOVE YOU!!!!!! CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN ILL BRING THE BIG CARD THAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT!!!!!=) ITS AWESOME IF I DO SAY SO MYSELF=)SEE YOU SOON!!!!!!!!=0) DONT FORGET MOVIE NIGHT WHENEVER YOU DECIDE TO WATCH THE GOONIES AND WHEN YOUR BETTER HANGING OUT AT JAMBA JUICE =0)DONT FORGET YOUR INSPIRING
P.S. EXITED ABOUT THE CONCERT!!!!
AND OH YA JUST TO LET YOU KNOW ON AUG.29,2009YOUR GOING TO BE BUSY SHARING YOUR AWESOME TESTIMONY AT MY CONCERT... SO DONT MAKE PLANS!!!!!! CUS I BOOKED YOU IN MY LINE UP ALREADY!!!!!!!!
and really me and hannah want to do a movie time with you when you decide to watch the goonies its not a joke so really let us know!!!!! your mom has my number and so does your sister and your mom has my e-mail!!!!! so contact us!!!!!! we are waiting with the goonies by our side!!!!
***fifty dollar bill FIfty dollar bill FIFty dollar bill FIFTY dollar bill guys FIFTY DOLLAR BILL!!!!!!******hahahaha love it
oh ya..... i always forget..........
!!!!!!!!!GO LONGHORNS!!!!!!!!!GO LONGHORNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO LONGHORNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO LONGHORNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO LONGHORNS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Connor, sounds like you've got some awesome friends!! I sure don't know what Goonies are, but whatever it is, it sounds like just what you need, so go for it!!!
Hope you're feeling better every day. Stay strong!
MT
C'ville
Once again, as Carolyn said, an answer to prayer. How awesome it will be to bring Connor back to Morgan Hill, and the family can be in their own house close by as he continues to improve....seems to me that's God's plan being unfolded.....
But like you said, Eric, each NEXT STEP is difficult! But God is working on our prayer requests!!
Hi Williamson's...
Your always on our minds and always in our prayers.. We know that our comfort is God is in control.. He is able..We are believin and won't stop.. We love you all.
Love,
The MacPhail's
faith is stepping off a cliff and knowing you will either land on solid ground...or learn to fly
In God's Hands...off we all go.
Haha I love that movie too Sonya....
Just wanted to say that I am praying for strength and wisdom for all of you as you take each next step.
I hope to meet you all someday and give you all bigs hugs...
Sending lots of love and prayers your way.
~Your sister in Christ
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. (Psalm 18:1-2)
Dear Williamson Family,
How wonderful to have you back in Morgan Hill. SO many are looking forward to the day they can drop by and sit for awhile with you all. Baby step's indeed, but such an answer to prayer that the Dr. would see this improvement and let you all head back to home. I am sure you have a few facilities to choose from, and we pray God will open and close doors/windows for you all.
Thank you for the update and we will continue to be here for you and your family. You all are still such an example for ALL of us. Tell Connor hello and congrad's on all the success he had today.
Ask him again for all of us what his prayer request would be at this time. We love to hear from him also.
Thank you God!
Tim Myers
Morgan Hill
WOW how amazing that I was praying today using the exact phrase that you and others have used, "THE NEW NORMAL." I prayed for you just to be able to find it, and live it!
Love and hugs from our family to yours.
Dear Eric, Cherie, Joelle and Connor, Thanking the Father for His faithfulness to meet all your needs from His rich bounty and the wisdom He gives for the next step. How scary it must have been for the Isrealites, standing at the edge of the Red Sea BEFORE it parted. The Eygptians pressing in from behind , the Sea streatched out before them, the waters didn't part till Moses stretched his out his hand... well we know how the story goes. Standing on the other side singing the song of Moses praising God, then turn and look ahead at the desolate journey that lies before them.I loved when you used this to remind and encourage Connor and the rest of us.Our love and prayers for you all. God is good all the time. Pam
I'm almost done reading "The Shack". AWESOME book! I've thought about sending you one to read together. You often come to mind when I read it. Anywho... I don't have the book with me now, so I can't say whose quote this is but "Growth requires change, change requires risk, risk requires going from the known to the unknown." The key word being GROWTH. Fear not. Great things are a comin'!!
Renée
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