June 10

Gene has been very sleepy during our visits today. His complexion looks better and his swelling is less.

Dr. Shome reported that Gene had a trial without the ventilator last night - apparently this involves using a mask similar to a c-pap machine. Gene did very well with this trial. Dr. Shome who has been such a source of hope for us, says that he doesn't want to hurry this process and stress Gene. So we will continue with trials for the time being. Dr. Shome is very hopeful that Gene will be able to be without his ventilator for at least part of the time. He did tell Emily this morning, that unless Gene is able to stand, he will not be able to completely come off of the ventilator.

We have discussed with Gene the possibility of going to the Shepherd Spinal Center and he has indicated an affirmative, so our family is proceeding with the plans to have Gene admitted. We are all very hopeful that this will actually occur. This evening we have been involved in writing the family care plan that Shepherd requires of all families who have a loved one admitted to their facility. It is both a sobering reality check of what we may have to face, as well as a monumental task.

Visitors today include:
Emily, Joyce, Russell, Lynn and Alan, Steve, Dr. Carver, Sam Jones

Prayer Requests include:
Please continue to pray for Gene to gain increased respiratory strength and to begin to be able to see some improvement in his mobility. Pray also for Gene's family to have the strength and endurance to make the right decisions and to provide the very best for him that we can.