It has been a very long week for us. I apologize for not updating as I know you all are wondering and wanting to know how Dusty is doing.

Our plans were to get Dusty strong enough to go home. On Tuesday, Dr. Melvin told me that we could take Dusty home, however he would not be able to stay but a matter of days.. not weeks or months. So.. then I had to make the decision of what was best (easiest) for Dusty. This was not a decision I wanted to make.. but things don't always go the way we want them to go. A nurse from Chattanooga Hospice came by to talke to me, answer any questions and so forth... I was then faced with having to sign the papers for Hospice...either way going home or staying at the hospital. It has never been so hard to sign my name in my entire life. As I cried and signed.. I knew that they could give Dusty the care he needed, so he would be comfortable. We didn't date the papers, as I needed more time.. I was battling the decision of do I take him home or not?? You see.. I wanted so much for him to go home forever... but knowing he couldn't even days was good for me.. I wanted to try to talk to Dusty and Austin, but then God stepped in and showed me.. He took my thoughts back to the past few days and that very evening when I was trying to decide.. well Dusty had a very painful evening.. and it was shown to me that he was where he needed to be to be cared for properly and in a timely manor. You see, just to slightly move his legs is very painful.. so moving him would be very stressful and painful for him.  So Wednesday.. I made the decision to keep him here so he would be more comfortable.  He is resting well.. waking up in pain from time to time, but they take care of it quickly and he is back to resting. It is so hard to watch him in pain.. so the pain medicine is good because he isn't hurting.  I talked to Austin on Tuesday night after talking to his counselor. I must say my precious boy lifted me up... I began our talk telling him that Dusty wasn't doing very well and he wouldn't be able to come home. Austin said... so he won't be home for my birthday.. I had to tell him no.. and watch the hurt and disappointment on his face. We went outside and played a little and went to Mamaw's house to see her dog Troubles. He got up in my lap and started talking.. I began to realize he thought he could come see Dusty at the hospital anytime forever.. So I had to explain that the doctor's had done all they could and there wasn't anything they could do to make him better, only give him medicine to keep him from hurting.. It was then once again that God stepped in to comfort us.. Austin said "Mommy, its almost like Dusty would be better in Heaven because he would have a NEW BODY and NO MORE PAIN! How sweet and precious is that.. I am trying to be the strong one for him and he is the the one being so smart and strong for me.. I was told yesterday.. that God would bless us through this difficult time and there would be small blessings that we would see through this time.. and as I am sitting here thinking back on the past few days.. I am seeing the blessings that I didn't see at first..  Yes.. this is by far the hardest thing I have done in my life. We are taking it one day at a time.. Knowing he isn't hurting helps. Please continue to pray for his comfort and our strength in the days to come..

BELIEVING in OUR MIRACLE!!!

Love to you all!!