That Much Closer

Not too much to report today.

Same fatigued, loopy drugged, & sorta angry Brian as yesterday. Not that we all don't understand, at least as best we can, given his situation.

From a few very brief conversations with Leah & my mom today, I understand they started the swallow test & will do a follow-up tomorrow. I guess that will tell us what level of liquid nourishment he can sustain, which hopefully means no more feeding tube! Once the right people can catch him in the right state of mind, they can do a few neck commands with him to make sure he's not experiencing any neck pain & perhaps remove the neck brace. This ought to take one less discomfort off his load, as the neck brace sorta pushes your neck up--all the time.

Houdini was apparently at work again last night, very restless, & pulling at things. He did get at his chest tube but only disconnected it, rather than pull it out, thank God. They also replaced his current trach with a smaller one. This ought to show you how loopy he is right now--he pulled it out but also replaced it on his own today?!? They do have him back on the ventilator for short periods of time just to allow him some rest. Even breathing on his own, with the state of his lungs, is so, so fatiguing.

My dad continued the paperwork process to begin to acquire financial assistance & has a good grasp on things in that department for Brian now too.

I just want to thank you all again on behalf of Brian & my family. Your prayers, encouragement to remain faithful, & your own trust in the Lord that he'll continue to deliver Brian are exactly what we need.

This isn't easy for anyone, of course. Again, a personal testimony. I have to say that the more I ask for the Holy Spirit to guide me in trusting the Lord to care for Brian & how I can be used to that effect, the more I am shown that God is in control & providing so much to Brian & his supporters as he moves towards recovery. Yes, it sounds freaky to some of you, well a lot of you, I know, but I can't tell you the moments of peace this gentle comfort & guidance brings, particularly when you know that things are unarguably so much out of your control (John 14:16-17). I don't think I really knew this Comforter to be true until this car accident happened to my baby brother.

I also know that Brian is going to need people to be strong & true in their faith that God will turn this to good as the things here are seldom going to provide him any lasting comfort...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your love & support.