August 23, 2012 - 4:00 visit

Encouragement comes from the strangest places.

Today is one of those days when Gretchen just doesn't want to be disturbed.  She was sleeping during both my visits today and the nurse said she didn't want to answer questions (talk) during several of the neural checks.  Both the doctors and nurses feel it is not that she can't do what they ask but that she won't.  She does say "ouch" when they do a sternum rub (pressure on the upper end of the breast bone, used on patients to wake them or prisoners to torture them - it hurts!) and they can sometimes talk her into some of the extremity movements (though sometimes she makes them wait until the next time they are in).  They pretty much agree that she is probably tired of it and this is her way of dealing with it.

Fever was down below 100 this morning and just above it this afternoon.  Somewhat better, just got to wait on the antibiotic to do its magic.  The drain site has stopped leaking but they left the pressure bandage on, not sure why its still on but I don't find it a concern.  They did an MRI of her head last night and didn't find anything (I've said that after previous MRIs so I instinctively ducked as I typed) which is what we expected.  They are continuing to do CT Scans checking the hydrocephalus and hopefully they will be satisfied soon enough and move Gretchen out of ICU so she can get some sleep so she can start recovering.

Peter has been adapting to our new routine.  I have been leaving notes of things to do - some that need doing, some that are just suggestions - and he told me tonight that he has plenty to do so I just need to tell him what needs to be done.  He gets his own breakfast and lunch, does some work around here, and then takes the dog and heads for his grandparents' house.  When I see him at 4:00 he is positively beaming.  His mother would be proud and sad at the same time (proud of the way he rises to the occasion, sad that her little boy is growing up so fast).

Work has been good for me.  I feel energized after a half day at work (probably because I am back in a realm where I have some clue what I am doing) and ready to take on the house when I get home.

I am truly thankful for all of the encouragement we have received through this.  I have met many new brothers and sisters in the Lord and have discovered several acquaintances that are fellow believers.  I can safely say that, no matter what happens with this situation, I will continue to rejoice and praise God because of all that I have experienced.