What a difference a day makes. Praise the Lord. Max is down to 75% on his oxygen with no other changes other than the use of "lasiks" to help him pass additional fluids. This is still quite high, but he has been a lot more stable today than he was yesterday, and if he does de-saturate, there is some room to give him a little shot of oxygen without having to turn up the vent settings. Wes has had a pretty good day as well, no changes to his vent settings, but he has also been much more stable.
Those are all good things and huge answers to prayer, but without a doubt the highlight of the day (maybe the year) was that Kate's mom was able to make the trip to see the boys today. Kate and I did not think this was going to happen, but God gave Mom the desire and the strength to make the trip...and what a special time it was. Many of you know that Kate's mom has been fighting cancer for 5 and a half years, and it looks like that fight might be coming to an end. A week ago today, Mom's Hospice doctor said that she is likely in her last week of life...so you can about imagine how special it was that Mom was able to see the boys today. She was able to touch them both and tell them how much she loves them and how much Jesus loves them. She then told them that she wishes she could see them everyday, and that she is so excited to watch them grow into beautiful Christian men. I could never explain in words what this meant to Kate and I. I am not sure that I can think of a more special moment. Kate and I then had an opportunity to pray with Mom, and it was just so amazing. What an awesome God we serve. We (and so many of you!!!) were praying so hard for Max, and He answered that prayer...and then gave us a gift that we could have never imagined. I am simply speechless...I just cannot wipe the smile off my face.
On top of all of that, Kate was able to hold Wes for over an hour tonight!! They call it "skin-to-skin", and many of the nurses and doctors are firm believers that nothing helps the respiratory system more than spending a little skin-to-skin time with mom or dad. It was a really special time for Kate and Wes, and even me...even though I was on the sidelines doing crossword puzzles.
Thank-you to everyone who offered up prayers for Max and Wes last night and through the day. God heard those prayers, and Max is heading in the right direction. Wes has his PDA Ligation surgery tomorrow morning, so we covet your prayers that God will guide the hands of the surgeon and other doctors.
Also, I need to say that I know many of you know Kate's family personally, but I do need to ask that you respect their privacy through this trying time. Mom needs lots of rest and does not have the energy for visits and phone calls. We certainly covet your prayers that God will bless Mom with peace, and give the rest of the family strength through this very emotionally draining time.
The picture below is of Max with his Grandma Blauwkamp.
