Tuesday, January 25th

I want you all to know that I am so humbled by your words, actions, and prayers for my family.  Thank you.

Today picked up where it left off.  Small improvements at a time.  Many of you have read what the doctor is describing as a "good guy, bad guy race."  Today, he thinks, "we may have reached a point where the two meet."  This could last awhile.  So, essentially he thinks we may have seen the worst part of the infection IF things remain the same.  Now, so much plays into this.  If there is another block (which we don't know yet) things could very easily get worse again.  The MRCP (which I referred to as an MRI) was inconclusive and will be reassessed in the morning before any decisions are made.  Laura will have a chest x-ray in the morning for both her heart and lungs.  And her lab work will be done again at 4 a.m., so those things are crucial.

Progress was made today with Laura's lungs.  She is stronger, but there is still fluid there so be praying for that. She told me to coach her through the lung exercises today, so that was fun.  It did cross my mind if pushing my sick wife in kind of a mean way was bad, but to no surprise of mine Laura said, "Good," as if to coach me.  Many of you know this type of Laura!  At one point today I was just looking at her and she was kind of bouncing a bit in bed.  So, a normal question for most people would be, "Are you okay?"  Apparently for a brief minute I forgot who I was married to, because my wife, in the midst of the Trauma unit, said, "I'm moving and wiggling; it's the only way I can work out."  Why I was expecting anything else is beyond me...

So, yes, there have been a few moments of fun and smiling.  And today a harpist came in and played a bit of worship music that we both enjoyed.  Most of you know my heart for worship music, and this was the moment I thought I would lose it.  It wasn't the sound of the instrument--it was the words that went with the music.  All hymns.  And it wasn't the singing in my head, it was the words being spoken to me...as if they were being confirmed to me.  Almost read to me.  I love those tender moments of worship.  No walls, no distractions.  Complete clarity.

Getting back to Laura...the battle is still long.  I don't believe we will be leaving the Trauma area for awhile.  There is a lot going on all the time.  Laura is connected to so many machines.  I started with a list of what she was getting and what was being done, but I literally could not keep up.  She sometimes gets uncomfortable in a scary way.  Like she can't describe what's happening.  Other times she just wants a lot of soothing.  Her pain is consistent: every 2 hours, and then the routine starts all over again.  Lungs, rinse her mouth, take a few pokes for whatever reason, get uncomfortable, get a shot for pain, relax and try to sleep, then back to the lungs.  She is extremely tired, so please pray for that.  When she wanted her mouth rinsed today I said, "Ok, but no drinking."  I want to let you know that your prayers are working because she said, "Jason, you don't understand, I have no desire to drink something."  Thank you for those prayers.

Finally - words can not express how I feel about you all.  My house was cleaned today by Matt, my family was fed lunch by Suzi, Kathy, and Rebecca.  My coffee needs were met by Pritchard and then the Truitt clan. I have been delivered food by Vikki, Michelle, Shalene,  and The Kenneys (who are also running the husky!).  My church has gotten together on behalf of my wife because one soul named Kristine craved prayer on my behalf, and Holly has been an amazing servant to Laura and me; that has been so vital.   I know I am missing things, but when I look at these actions I see worship.  I know that's our theme for the year, but that is also the main source of peace in our home.  I can't get enough worship.  I love to drum (miss it by the way) and am loving the guitar and the vocal stuff.  Laura seeks worship for peace and comfort, and my daughter loves to dance during particular songs.  And Kaden loves to sing " How great is our God," "He Reigns," and a few others.  So my days are usually surrounded by worship, and all of you have made it even more powerful in my life.  I hope that these actions change us.  Alter all of us in a way that stretches us.  Today was a good day, and I know that He will be there tomorrow as well to oversee it.  I ask that you all continue to be different and seek Him in a new and scary way.  Thank you again for blessing my family.  I will talk with you all tomorrow night.  J.P.