Monday

Gene seemed to have a pretty good day today.

When Lynn visited about 11:00 this morning, he had just started on a trial to be off the ventilator. The respiratory therapist said it would be about 45 minutes. Lynn left so that he would not be distracted during the trial.

Debbie Westbrook called today to say that the rehabilitation doctor from Chattanooga, and a doctor from the Shepherd Center had talked today and that she would be back in town tomorrow (Tuesday) to do another evaluation. She would not predict any kind of timeline and said that even if he is accepted the timeline would depend on when a bed is available.

This evening the nurse on duty said that Gene had been on his ventilator trial for 2 hours! We are so excited that he's making such good progress. He was sleepy but woke up for a visit. He said a couple of memorable things. He misses being at home, and he misses his morning coffee. Of course since he's still on the ventilator, he didn't really say those things, but we are getting a bit better at reading lips.

Tonight he said he could feel us massaging his fingers, but when the nurse stuck him to check his blood sugar, he said he couldn't feel it. He had been without his collar all day today which means he was only at 30 degrees elevation. His nurse put on his collar and raised him up for awhile this evening. That will be good for his respiration!

Prayer Requests:
Continue to pray that Gene's respiration will improve every day. Pray also that he will continue to gain mobility. Pray for Emily's continued strength to negotiate every day.