Birthday wishes for Hannah and a great day for Samuel!

Yesterday was Hannah’s 19th birthday! Back in 1989, on our 3rd wedding anniversary, I was in early labor while out on our celebratory dinner date. My contractions progressed and our waitress was stressing when she found out why I was sitting quietly with my eyes closed every four minutes or so. It wasn’t a problem for me….one can eat a lot in four minutes! We eventually made a phone call and arranged for Katie (then 22 months old) to spend the night with our friends who were babysitting. Then, much to our waitress' relief, we went directly from the restaurant to the hospital. It was the next day by the time Hannah made her appearance, so now every year on February 9th, we celebrate the gift of Hannah! And what a gift she is!!

Thoughtful, sensitive, caring…Hannah has been an invaluable help during this ordeal. She has kept things running at home and has stepped in as surrogate mom to Esther and Lydia. Hannah, you are great! We couldn’t have survived this without you!!

Yesterday was a hard day for Samuel. After a long night, he was feeling very sick and weak. He has been asked to take at least two walks each day. He did this faithfully yesterday despite feeling so ill. I wasn't sure he was going to make it back to his room. It was hard to see him struggle so.

Because Samuel's feeding tube was clogged, instead of having his pills crushed and flushed down the tube, he had to swallow them whole. This was a challenge for him because of his intense nausea.

The surgeon decreed that his feeding tube had to be removed because it was irreparably clogged. Samuel chose to pull it out himself….brave boy!! The plan was to put a new tube back in on Monday. But the Lord may have another plan!

Samuel is doing SO well today! The difference between yesterday and today is incredible! He has no fever, no nausea, and is eating!! If he can take in enough calories on his own, he won’t need another feeding tube. He took three walks and a wheelchair ride today without too much difficulty. He also had no trouble swallowing his oral medications.

There are still many unanswered questions….What caused his recent fever? Why has he been so nauseous for so long? Why is he suddenly not nauseous today? Why is his white blood count now so low?

Yesterday, only 3 of his 14 daily lab tests were in normal ranges. Today two more are normal, but just barely. The docs are fiddling with his medications, including withholding one of his anti-rejection meds.

Meanwhile, I am just thrilled with Samuel's progress today! Thank you, Lord!! We’ll continue to wait and pray.