HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Freedom doesn’t give us the right to do what we please,

but to do what pleases God.

The last couple of days have been pretty much the same and very, very long.  The doctors are still taking Russell off the stomach suction about 4 hours longer each day.  So far, he has not had any problems other than a little nausea on two occasions.  Today he is up to 20 hours.  This process is a very slow and tedious one, but the safest way to prevent a set-back.  Dr. McMahon said yesterday that the end of next week is a realistic goal for going home.  He said that in his experience too many times patients go home too soon, only to return to the hospital in worse condition.  “That”, he said, “is even harder to accept.”  Obviously, Russell was upset but understands that we must do what is in his best interest.  We still don’t have an answer from BCBS on the home nursing.

Russell is still talking about food, but just as I suspected, Dr. McMahon said only ice chips and Popsicles.  Russell has absolutely no interest in either one.  If anyone knows of chicken or tater tot flavored Popsicles please let me know.  LOL!

Please continue to pray for all of us.  Today marks the beginning of the 5th week of this admission.  Our family has never been separated this long, and the affects are showing on everyone.  For instance, each night after Jeff has put the boys to bed, Devin has gotten back up because either the sheets don’t feel right, or it’s too hot, or he can hear the crickets and they’re keeping him awake.  I told Jeff this arrangement is affecting all of us more than people can imagine.  The only cure – being back together.  Russell has felt the affects more than anyone.  He is having a very difficult time watching the days of his summer go by.  It is a very lonely feeling sitting here for a month while all your friends are off doing the normal teenage, summer stuff.  All visits are greatly appreciated.  It helps more than you would think!