Dearest friends and family,
With the help of a pill I managed to sleep eight hours last night and was so glad for the respite from the endless tears and difficult decisons.
The vigil will continue today as Steve remains deeply sedated. On most visits Steve lies virtually unresponsive with only the clicks, whirs and beeps of the machines giving life to the room. Only two or three are allowed in his room at a time. We hold his hands which at the moment do not respond to our touch and we stroke his hair which he seems to like.
At times we are surprised by signs that he is listening- a small nod yes or no, a lifting of the eyebrows. These more cognitive states are often followed by discomfort however as he struggles to breathe. He arches and shakes though he is secured to the bed with straps, and it is truly terrible to watch. The nurse then sedates him further or gives him more pain medication and he relaxes.
At other times he looks so beautifully peaceful lying there. The best visits are those when he is somewhat lucid and also calm. Though he does not open his eyes, we see him responding to our presence and we sense Steve’s beautiful spirit engaging with us.
It struck me last night that only 24 hours had passed. Steve’s brothers and sisters who are with me would agree that it feels like a week since that fateful moment. Then, I am encouraged. Steve had a good step forward yesterday as he is now breathing far more independently through the tube.
We wept with joy at what was finally some truly good news. So much more will occur as we move forward. Inevitably there will be setbacks but if the surgery goes well on Monday morning, we will then truly and finally be on a road of recovery. And if anyone can be the one to defy all scientific predictions and norms, it is Steve, carried by your prayers and God’s mighty hands.
Please continue to pray for steve to be able to beathe comfortably and independently. Also, while his blood pressure is now stable, they would like to wean him from the bloodpressure medication. Please pray that this goes well, and he remains stable. Of course, we all that his spine continues to heal and that Steve remains free from any and all infections and complications.
On Monday morning Steve is scheduled for his second surgery. The doctors will be welding the back of the damaged area of his spine to provide further stabilization and bone growth. This is the next major hurdle. We are praying for amazing surgical success and a quick recovery.
While ther are admittedly endless tears, I know that through Christ all things are possible. We are truly at the very foot of the mountain we will climb but if anyone can defy all expectIons and logic it is Steve, carried ever onward on your wonderful prayers and in God’s mighty hands.
Please continue to pray for Steve to breathe comfortably and independently. Of course, we ask always for your prayers for his spine to heal beautifully; that steve might have a truly amazing recovery.
Please pray especially hard for Steve on Monday morning east coast time as he undergoes surgery. Steve’s parents will be visiting with him for the first time this afternoon. Please pray for peace strength for them.
Our boys know very little at this point and I also ask for your blessings on their little souls that they would be happy with their caregivers and at peace without their mama and papa. I will need wisdom on how to continue to care for them through this process.
In all things we give God glory as he watches over us. With armsfull of love and gratitude!
Michelle