Graduation Day

Well, well, well--Grant Samuel graduated from intensive care today and he is now on the "floor." He did it! We're still on the 5th floor, so give us a jingle or email if you're visiting and need to find us in our new spot.

And, Shannon got to hold him today! But just for a little bit--he still has the chest tube in and it is quite uncomfortable for him when he is jostled around. Tomorrow the chest tube comes out.

So, in summary:
-Off most of the crazy meds; now just on antibiotics, blood-flow enahancer and steroids.
-Off the ventilator, so he is breathing on his own. He does have an oxygen tube rammed up his schnoz, though. Without it his beat-up little lungs can't quite do the job.
-He is chowing on milk/formula through a feeding tube in his nose and handling it well. They are super-charging his food with a weight-gainer formula so he gets lots of calories. (No, Corey, he's not on creatine, but he is going to start training for his first strongman competition soon)

We really don't know what is next as we haven't had the chance to chat with the doctors yet. If I go by one of the last estimates, we probably have another week or two here still as his lungs continue to heal.

My next big question, and our primary prayer request, is regarding the condition of his lungs and the probability of a complete recovery. Is the damage permanent? Or will he heal? What long-term implications are there?

Finally, we want to thank you again for the encouragement and support and the help with meals. It is so amazing to be cared for like you all have cared for us. Ahem...quite emotional here...

Grant made it. Wow. We are so thankful. We'll update as soon as we hear from the doctors about his lungs.