December 19

I've probably mentioned before how our outlook ebbs and flows with Barbara's health any particular day. These last 2 days have definitely been quite uplifting ones for us. We're trying to be careful and stay on an even keel - that way we can have a steady hope and confidence while waiting not so patiently(!).

She has been very responsive with facial gestures and trying to mouth words today. She smiles at us often, and seems to be in surprisingly good spirits. We've turned the Food Network, Dr. Phil, and other favorites of hers on the TV, and she's seemed to enjoy watching them. A nurse from the other night said she seemed to be laughing at "Everybody Loves Raymond".

Her respirator has been turned down to deliver just 40% oxygen, and she has responded very well. Her lung doctor is extremely pleased.

Dr. Rifai, her neuro-surgeon, told us that she made his day today with how well she responded.

She's still not moving her arms and legs much - and when she does, she indicates she didn't do so purposely. The trauma she had to her spinal column probably explains all of this. The lung doctor did tell us that she'll probably be on the respirator as long as her arms cannot move, since those two areas of the body operate in the same part of the spine.

Progress has been slow, and it's pretty easy for everyone to remind us to be patient. I just hope you never get stuck on this end of the "waiting" game! Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Please join us in praying that her spinal functions kick into gear TODAY,

That her body is cleared of all infections TODAY,

That she begins a rapid recovery with better health than she's had in years.

We love all of you very much, and truly appreciate your words of encouragement.

I'm sorry that some of you are so unhappy about us switching from email to a blog. This is so, so, so much easier on us this way. However, I will continue to email these to you if you just let me know.

Greg