January 4

It seemed that we were lucky to string 2 good days together back in intensive care, but now she seems to do a bit better each day. She's getting poked, prodded and stuck in about every way, place and region known to mankind. I've learned that IV lines go bad over time and new ones must be planted in. This poor girl has been through so much jabbing it's sickening.

Today they will turn her respirator to lower setting once again, meaning that she will be taking more breaths on her own. They are still delivering just 40% oxygen, which is good. She is doing very well.

Remember that I've mentioned that they're trying to get her digestive system up and running again? Over the past week she's been on a liquid diet, and has really enjoyed getting to have flavor in her mouth. She craved strawberry milkshakes, tomato soup, and Big Red. You're probably thinking what I thought... she has eschewed the good stuff for junk. However, they have no problem with her having it if she wants it, so who am I to say. As of yesterday, they are once again pumping a nutritional liquid into her stomach line. *If you have a sensitive stomach, you'll want to put your had over your ears and hum through the next part* In the past, she has thrown up every time they feed her in this manner. However, she has gone a day with it now, and has only suffered some nasty nausea. Another good thing is that she's starting to feel her system at work, so to speak. These are good things.

The down side is that she never wants me to leave her side, even to eat. Every time I try to leave, she begins frantically asking for things (made difficult since I have to try to read her rapid lip movements!). Her anxiety continues, but understand that it is something that would happen to almost any of us after long hospital stays. I am trying to be here most of the time, and have set up office here in her tiny room!

So please pray that her anxiety and fear decreases,

Pray that Barbara is at peace when I must leave at times,

Pray that body movements continue to increase,

Pray that recovery gains momentum every day.

I haven't been lulled into thinking that she is safe from any further complications. Every invasive line in her body, as well as the trache, represent sources of possible infection. There is also the danger of the pneumonia returning. Also, each passing day in this little cell of a room represents more emotional struggle for both of us. I am not being pessimistic, merely asking for continued prayers as we make our journey through this.

Barb's mom went back home on Tuesday, and I'm sure Barb's dad was glad to see her again at long last! Don't forget her in your prayers, as she has also struggled with all that has happened.

I find that when I run out of things to pray for us, there are many of you that come to my mind that I pray for. There is probably some wisdom for all of us in realizing that the biggest blessing comes as we pray for others. It's one of the most productive things we can do when we feel the most helpless about our own situation.