We are still on for tomorrow! (and an update on the rest of the fam)

It's so hard to believe that it's already the 2nd day of the new year.  Partly cause I am already doing poorly on my resolution, and partly cause every year goes by faster and faster.  

I think Jack's new year's resolution was to scale down on the milkshakes and ice cream... he is doing great! :)

On a serious note, Jack has been holding steady all day.  His platelets are a little low, so we are currently waiting for him to get some more.  But other than that, his counts are all maintaining pretty normal levels.

The ICU team of docs is still planning to see how Jack does off the respirator tomorrow, most likely in the morning some time.  Once we have a confirmed time (if we get one before the morning), I will update right away.  

If Jack isn't able to maintain healthy breathing on his own, they will re-intubate him right away and get him stable again.  We will at that time reassess and determine when they will try again, and how to help make him stronger in the meantime.

Why are they in a hurry to get the respirator out?

There are several medical reasons they are pushing to have Jack try as soon as they feel he is ready. Most importantly, the longer the tube is down Jack's throat, the more dependent his body will become on the added breaths, which we obviously don't want.  In addition, the tube could cause permanent vocal chord & throat problems.

We trust the ICU docs completely and are following their recommendations.

How's the rest of the family?

Charlie is being such a trooper.  He has been a part of some hard conversations, has been in the room talking to Dr. Claire, has been so patient and self-sufficient while at the hospital, has given Jack lots of love - and occasionally a hard time, and has overall acted way older than a 13-year old kid.  Aside from pouring sugar packets down his throat... he is being such an angel for all of us. And at least with the sugar he is at least entertaining for all of us around. :)

We are so glad Tiffany stayed in town and is here with us.  We could not be doing this without her presence, as she sides with Charlie a lot of the time as our comic relief.  Her and I have had some great moments together the past few days, and she is a big part of why I am able to keep it together in the least.  She has the best energy and spirit, and keeps laughter alive.

I am hanging in for sure.  Just like Tiff, I am trying to help create balance for Dad and Mary during all of this, and love on Charlie as much as he will let us.  Oh - and we both try to see who can get the most response out of  Jack.  It's a friendly competition...most of the time. :)  Dr. Claire calls us the torture team, as we are always kidding and rubbing and messing with Jack when she comes in. Oops.

Mary is incredible.  With everything she has going on inside of her, it must be God giving her the strength and peace she faces each day with.  She manages to stay focused on Jack, is on top of everything the doctors are doing, asks great questions... and smiles while doing it all.  Sure, we all have our moments, but Mary continues to handle everything with such Grace, it inspires us all.

Dad is our rock.   The amount of love Dad has for Jack, Charlie, Mary, Tiff and I is so evident, and that is a big part of what keeps our family so close.  He is doing his best to balance work and our family, and is my hero for even trying to do both.  He too handles every moment with nothing but patience and understanding.  

The rest of our family will be headed to Birmingham for Granny's services on Tuesday and Wednesday.  The plan right now is for Dad, Mary and Charlie to attend both services, while Tiffany and I stay here.  We will of course play everything by ear, but if Jack is stable we, too, are hoping to attend services on Wednesday.  Once I know the address of the funeral home, I will post it as we have received many requests for the information.

Please pray that everyone traveling to Birmingham will be kept safe, and that peace will be over our entire family throughout the week.  Please also pray that Jack stays strong overnight and that he is able to breathe on his own tomorrow morning. 

Thanks to everyone for continued support. I know I thank you all at the end of every blog, but it still doesn't seem like nearly enough.  We couldn't do this without all of you.

XO to the moon and back,

April