Tues, June 19th update

Well, Preston had surgery yesterday evening about 5 p.m. and we got back to PICU about 7 p.m. He did great with the surgery and SO FAR THE SHUNT IS WORKING!!!! PRAISE THE LORD! If it continues to work, we are finally seeing some light at the end of this long almost 8 week tunnel!
Tomorrow he will be 19 years old. We cannot have a cake for him, but when Jr. gets off he and Missie are coming and we have some gifts for him. The child life lady here today found out that tomorrow was his birthday, so I think they are going to do something for him.
My inlaws came down to see him today. Dad has to preach tomorrow night so they couldn't come tomorrow. We couldn't get him to smile until Bro. Oliver came by. I was telling Bro. Oliver something he had said before he quit talking, and he started smiling and we even got him to laugh after that. So that was real good.
Todd with physical therapy worked with Preston today. He said his legs are stronger and he had him up sitting on the side of the bed for 10 minutes. So we are excited about that.
The floor dr. said if he isn't ready to eat by the end of next week, they will have to go to a different feeding tube. He could possibly have to have one put in his tummy, called a "Peg." But we will see how that goes between now and then. He does not like the Speech Pathologist to mess with his mouth. He fusses when he sees her. But she is going to try and work with him a couple of times tomorrow. So hopefully he will let her. I sure hope he can start eating soon.
There are only 3 patients in PICU, so it is quiet! We were down to 2, then got a twin baby admitted this afternoon. So it is easy right now to get lots of help!
I have been so sleepy today, from sitting around, and from the trip. I took a walk outside and around part of the inside of the hospital.
My friend Joanne has 2 teenage daughters. They are splitting the week and staying with Missie so she can be home. I am so appreciative of this. I know it is hard to spare them, as they are such good workers and helps Jo with the babies. Thank you Jo, for sharing them with us this week.
So that is the latest. Here's hoping and praying that each day will be a little better for Preston.
Thanks for praying, and please continue to remember us.

Norma Gwen