Mike had a great day yesterday.

11-7-07 @11:30/AM – Mike had a great day yesterday. He continues to smile, opening his eyes, move his hand, arms and legs but without consistent responses to commands. Mike was moved out of the Neuro ICU to the Neuro Observation unit. In combination with this move, they are restricting sedation meds to one nighttime dose and Adderal in the morning to stimulate awakeness. This is another step in the right direction. All of his vital signs have remained stable.

On a second note, Emily, his little sister, was hospitalized at Prince William yesterday afternoon for what appears to be a kidney, bladder and urinary infection. She is doing fine now and we hope to have her home by this afternoon.

First full day in the new unit, a busy day for Mike.

11-7-07 @9:30/PM – First full day in the new unit, a busy day for Mike. His Physical Therapists, Speech Pathologist and Pet Therapists were in to observe and work with him. The speech pathologist requested a smaller trach tube for Mike - that procedure was done midday. If I remember correctly, this helps to promote more breathing from his nose and mouth. We noticed after the change that Mike was able to open his mouth more frequently, rubbing his tongue over his teeth and moving with speech like movements. Mike’s vital signs are stable and he continues to move around and open his eyes but without consistency to commands. Mike is still in a coma but as one of the Therapists described to us, brain healing is like working through a 3-story building. He is currently in the basement healing his way to the third floor. It appears that Mike can hear us, sometimes sees us and is able to make some associations.

Emily was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon and is doing better but she is still very weak.

There is no assurance or guarantee that everything will be ok

Wednesday November, 7 - There is no assurance or guarantee that everything will be ok, but I look for and find hope every day. I have to. Life goes on. There are others that need me so my strength cannot falter. Out of the blue, a 105.9 fever, nausea, neck, head and chest pain and we are rushing Emily to the hospital. I pull from somewhere deep inside and Emily and I make it through a day and a night at Prince William Hospital. Torn as I head to Fairfax to hold the hand of her brother.

In Mike’s room, Matt and Jessie say “there is such a difference in Michael when you’re here, you can tell that he knows you’re with him”. At home, my mother and Bobby care for Emily. I am where I need to be, but I am torn.

My dose of “everything will be ok” came in the ride home with Nathan. The hour stuck in rush hour traffic was spent with my child that has never understood how he touches the lives of others. How he lights up the room with his smile, his laugh, his sense of humor and the ability to put everyone’s mind at ease. Michael is “my prince”, Emily is the “princess”, I have always called Nathan “my gift”. My gift from God.

Nathan is the artist in the family. With the poetic ability to write lyrics to his music, the ability to put brush to canvas, the eye to capture the most amazing photographs but most importantly the gentle bohemian nature that touches your heart. This soulful, intelligent young man who loves and protects his brother, who loves his family and shares his heart with the very beautiful Sylvette, makes his mother’s heart soar with pride. Thanks for the ride Nate.

Catching up with email, I read “Difficult moments, Seek God. Quiet moments, Worship God. Painful moments, Trust God”. A good way to end the evening.