Friday - Preston

Well, here is my latest update.

Preston is eating, drinking, getting up with help to go to the bathroom, and is calm as he can be. We are the most surprised at that, I guess. He is so sweet and calm, never getting excited or nervous. I hope this continues forever and ever. He doesn't have any IV's right now! He is off oxygen most of the time during the day, but had to go back on it last night while he was sleeping. Dr. hopes to put the internal shunt in one day next week, but there is still a lot of blood in his spinal fluid, until it becomes clear he will not do it. I feel we are going to be there at least another week, and the dr. said he will be in PICU until the surgery. The external shunt needs extra attention, and infection is a high risk. Today was not the best day on the unit. We had 3 different nurses and I ended up one time having to change Preston alone. I am glad he had a diaper on, but it was still hard, but I managed it. This is the first day we haven't gotten the best of service.

Some dear friends sent Preston a set of I Love Lucy dvds. It helps stimulate his mind and he gets some great laughs from the dvds. He loves the Andy Griffith and I love Lucy ones. It helps pass the long hours for him. I was able to go to a family room today and read my email, and go down for my meals. It gets me out of the room for a little while and he is fine for a while.

I am worn to a frazzle. Missie and I are home tonight to get a good night's rest. Any and every prayer will be much appreciated. Missie is missing her family. She was supposed to stay with someone tonight again, who loves her very much and spoils her, but when they brought her to the hospital she didn't want to leave. So she stayed and Jr., Missie and I ate supper together at the hospital. Bro. Curtis visited with Preston for a few minutes; Preston was so happy to see him. He loves Bro. Curtis, our assistant pastor.

We have decided that Jr. will have to take some days off next week. I just cannot do it all alone next week. God will have to supply the financial need. I cannot even worry about the money part right now, my mind is too tired. It will all work out.

Preston has had many visits from our church family. Our pastor has been there every day but one. It is sooo appreciated. It brightens his days as well as mine or Junior's, whoever is staying with him. He has received cards, money, flowers, gifts, thanks everyone!!! It is all a blessing and shows how much he is loved.

Norma Gwen