Monday-Changing of the Guards

It is 4:30 am, the Smith family has left for the airport. We are sad to see them go! My sister, Kay, says that she will join us today and Aunt Dawn is claiming that she might make the trip, as well.

Kay has become much of a road warrior this weekend with a little 515 mile drive from Houston to Lubbock (to see her twin daughters at Texas Tech) then to Ft. Worth-what only 315 miles to watch her daughters cheer, and now on to Memphis--484 miles. What only 1340 miles??? Don't ya want to go for 1500 or so??? No, just kidding! We look forward to Kay stopping off early in Memphis.

Dawn wants to join us, too. She has had some difficult days lately as her in-laws came for a visit last week and her father-in-law, Joe Dad, had heart difficulties. He ended up in St.Luke's with some of the best heart doctors in the world and appears to be doing well after a surgery and follow up treatment. We all feel very blessed by the Lord that Joe Dad is doing so well!

So, today is a changing of the guards. Amanda, Donlee, and baby back home and new family visitors on their way. Bill and I will see Justin at 8:30 this morning and continue with our 4 visits a day while he is in ICU. We continue to pray that the swelling and pain subside and that God touches his hand upon Justin's nerves, restoring use and clarity to his voice and swallowing. If he is feeling up to it, his aunts will visit and if not, they will be here to support Bill & Sherrie.

We know that last week was one heck of a week-almost 7 days since embolization, almost 6 days since main surgery, and only 1 1/2 days since vocal cord surgery. Justin has been through a lot! We pray with all of you that this week will be full of many steps forward for Justin!

***8:30 am Justin has the color back in his face and appears to be feeling a little better. He was sitting quietly in the chair. His oxygen level was remaining strong when he removed his mask--good sign. Again, this is a slow process and we are praying for healing of the nerves and continued progress.

***12:30 Justin was sitting in the chair. He had walked a lap around the ICU and they hope to move him to a room in the morning. They will begin to evaluate his swallowing and whether it is working or not. We keep praying that he will be able to swallow, even just saliva for starters. Time will tell and he seems to have his spirits up! He is an amazing young man with an adorable sense of humor!