April 2

I've been wanting to let you know how well Barbara is progressing, but alas, it has been a busy couple of days. We can't say enough good things about the doctors who've been attending to Barbara's health needs. They have now determined that her adrenal glands aren't working at all, and that she will need to remain on prednisone (likely, for life). While that's not exactly what we wanted to hear, it is sure better than some of the alternative things that could have been wrong. If you want the whole medical explanation, give me a call. Otherwise, suffice it to say that she is improving daily, and is eating better every day. This won't be a quick thing to resolve, but she is on the right path. Her malnutrition is quite serious, but at least she's holding down the feedings being delivered directly to her stomach. She has been craving foods once again (an answer to prayer!), and last night she ate a half a piece of deep dish pizza that I picked up at a local place.

Have I mentioned that she is no longer on oxygen? Not that she has quit breathing (I know what you smart alecks out there were thinking), but rather she doesn't have that wonderful little tube wrapped around her head delivering extra oxygen. She is also making various other improvements that are paving the way to coming home.

They are hoping to find a way to keep her at St. Mary's for a little longer to give some intensive rehab that will better facilitate recovery. In that we are in the cruel hands of Medicare on that decision, I'm not holding my breath. Either way, look for her to return to Miller's Merry Manor nursing facility soon. I should tell you, though, that they actually had her on her feet TWICE today!!!! It was with assist, of course, but she said it felt really great.

So, please join us in praying that it will work out for her to stay and get more intensive therapy for a little while,

Pray that she will eat more and more everyday,

And join me in praying BIG - I'm praying that she will walk on her own THIS WEEK. That would be huge, but God had done it even more quickly before, so I think I'm cutting Him some slack! Seriously, if He will, He can.

Blessed Easter, everyone!