MOVING FORWARD...

Monday afternoon--speaking valve in and smiling at the girls in his room! Even with a Passey-Muir valve, Gene's sense of humor is intact. He was cracking jokes with all of us and thanking all the "girls" for taking such good care for him.

Sunday--Even after a bad couple of days Gene was ready for a challenge. With all kinds of tubes everywhere he enjoyed sitting in his own wheelchair to watch some TV! It's not as bad as it looks.

Good news; problems are resolving, the path is smoothing out! Gene is doing better! His heart rate has returned to normal and after even more testing, it was determined that his heart is absolutely fine. His tummy issues are resolving and they have started to increase his nutritional flow into his g-j tube. The tube in his nose is scheduled to be removed in a few hours, if things continue to get better. His stitches in his trache were removed this morning. In fact, the least of Gene's problems have had to do with his actual trache surgery. All of this progress is very good news.

The very good news is that everything started to improve yesterday. His brother came to visit him and they watched a little football together--always a good thing! We were also able to transfer Gene out of his bed and into his wheelchair where he sat for 2 hours. It was quite a production getting him moved, but totally worth it. I took a picture of him, as you can see.

Also, we are making plans to move Gene. We have chosen a hospital called Continental Rehabilitation Hospital. It is in Hillcrest and my daughter and I liked it very much. I have heard conflicting reports about when we will be moved. They have told us that the move will either take place this afternoon or sometime tomorrow. I will let everyone know.

I know that perhaps you may think Gene looks terrible in these pictures, especially if you are used to seeing him at his most handsome best. To be honest, I doubt I would want my picture taken if I were in the same situation, especially if my hair wasn't done and I had no makeup on! But, we somehow believe it is important that others see what is happening to Gene up close and in doing so, perhaps, they may find encouragement in the midst of their own suffering. These pictures actually represent a good thing--progress and hope; if you could have seen him Friday and Saturday, you would know what I mean. God has been gracious to us.

We want so much to thank you for your prayers, love, encouragement, and concern for us.

Please be encouraged...

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,

along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;

I will turn the darkness into light before them

and make the rough places smooth.

These are the things I will do;

I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 42:16