Sunday: Paper Rosary

The last two days have been quiet ones. Thomas was off the ventilator both Friday and Saturday for 12 hour stretches.

On Friday 2 of his 3 post-surgery wound drains were removed (which is great: they are painful to lay on). He was also weaned off IV pain meds and all but one dose of antibiotics; so subsequently, his pick line and 1 of his 2 IVs were removed. Yesterday the 3rd wound drain was removed, and the antibiotics ended, so he's down to one IV for fluids to keep him hydrated!

Since the surgery, he says his hands are feeling stronger and he is beginning to feel individual fingers - and is working hard to try and move them individually (he hasn't been able to yet, but this is a great start).  He also said his swallow feels so much better post-surgery. They have him scheduled for a swallow evaluation for Monday and we're hopeful he will be cleared for liquids and food!

Yesterday he sat in his wheelchair for about 2.5 hours, and was even taken outside for a bit of fresh air! Unfortunately they are still trying to get his pain meds right, so for the first hour he was in the chair he was in a lot of pain. They are working to find the right balance. In the meantime, he's getting lots of rest, working on physical therapy exercises, and enjoying a visit from Natalie's parents.
 

We are witnesses, through your comments and emails, of the incredible generosity in faith and prayer of all of you reading this blog, whether you know Thomas and Natalie personally, or not. Likewise, Thomas and Natalie are receiving get-well cards and gifts from people all around the country and the world! Natalie tells us each day how grateful she is! We wanted to start sharing some of these gifts, prayers and stories with all of you, too!

One of the most extraordinary gifts they have received is a hand-made paper rosary from a family in Tomball, TX. Dedicated to the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, every decade focuses on something different; every paper bead is a different prayer intention: decade 1 thanksgiving, decade 2 movement in each finger (literally each of the 10 beads says "that you may continue to gain strength in your right index finger," and so on, decade 3 & 4 healing of various things (trach, coming off vent, lungs, halo, etc.) witness to others, ability to blog again, etc., decade 5 growth in virtue and grace.

Needless to say, Natalie was completely overwhelmed by this gift, which arrived during that first, difficult week that Thomas was in the Halo. (When she wrote to us about it she was at first completely speechless - saying only that they got the most incredible gift - and leaving us bloggers to wonder what it was till the pictures arrived!) We are so very grateful for everyone's generosity and love.

Brothers and sisters:
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us
and persevere in running the race that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the leader and perfecter of faith.

- Hebrews 12: 1-2

 

Join us in prayer!