"What would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the LIVING. Wait, hope for and EXPECT the Lord. Be strong and of good courage and may your heart (Ned) be sturdy and enduring.....Yes, Wait For and Hope For and Expect the Lord."

Psalm 27:13-14 (Amp)

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Staying the Course

As of today and tonight, Ned is staying the course. Betsy and I are in awe and humbled by God's work through our little family. After switching him to the jet vent and playing with his medications a little, Ned has continued to be stable today. They tried to wein him down on the jet vent some last night, but he let them know real quick he wasn't prepared for that, so they put the settings back. We are thanking our awesome God that he has stayed stable today. They did take him off the paralytic drug they had him on so he wouldn't move around and drop his stats, and he has been able to do without it so far. They said it would take some time to completely get out of his system, so he really hasn't moved a whole lot yet. He is still swollen, but he is urinating more and more frequently now, so hopefully, he will be able to shed some of the excess fluid. Betsy was going to go home to see Jack and Margaret and her family Friday afternoon, but the doctors said if it was them, they would not go that far away, so of course Betsy stayed. The doctors did say this afternoon though, that they felt confident he was stabilized, so Betsy headed for C-ville for the night to see Jack and Margaret, and even went bearing gifts. She took Margaretta some clothes, and much to my objection, took Jack a UNC football helmet with the full shoulder pads and jersey with his name on it. I can partially thank Sarah Fowler for that, thanks alot! Betsy said he was running around saying he's a real tarheel now. Great. I think I'll make a trip to Durham one of these days and get the kid some real gear (maybe not football gear!) myself. Ned and I just hung out this afternoon, and watched some of the Duke/Miami game. Everytime Duke hit a three, he threw his arms up over his head, so I think he's a Duke fan. OK, I just made that up. I guess I'll have a little more work to do on Jack.

Anyway, we just continue to thank God for each and every one of the miracles that He is performing in Ned's life each day. Although we can't wait to get these surgeries over and take this little guy home, we are content in the fact that this is God's plan, God's timing, God's glory. We take comfort in the fact that there are bigger, stronger, more healing arms holding Ned when we can't. We are thankful for the nurses, doctors, and surgeons that the Lord has placed in our path right now, and your prayers for them as well as Ned and our family are greatly appreciated.

In Christ,

Travis, Betsy, Jack and Ned

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Travis, What a great post! I am rejoicing with you that Ned is doing so well and that Betsy got to go home overnight. I know that thrilled everyone, especially that precious Jack.
Thanks so much for the frequent updates...they mean alot to all of us who are praying for Ned and your whole family. However, I know it makes extra work for you guys.
God is so good to allow us to hear this wonderful report! We are praying that Ned will continue to do well and be able to complete his surgeries soon. All of Cherryville will be waiting to welcome him home!
Love and prayers to all,
Sherry

Elizabeth said...

I am glad that Ned is staying the course and things look promising. Still keeping you all in my thoughts, prayers and LUNG FUNCTION chants....

I think that when Ned comes home they will have a Tinker Tape Parade in Cherryville ;-)....what a sight!
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Dear Betsy, Travis, Jack and Baby Ned, and family, every day that I think of all of you and think of what you are going through, I think of the fact that when Baby Ned was born, he did breathe and he did cry out for his mommy and daddy, that makes me know in my heart, that even though every day is a struggle for all of you, that soon, you will be holding him in your arms and talking to him and giving him kisses and hugs. I cannot imagine how hard it is to be there and not be able to hold him, but your faith is so strong, that Baby Ned is a blessing to us all, and for whatever reason you are having to go through this time, one day, we will all understand, I know God is making you stronger every day, and that is my prayer for all of you, and that each day, Baby Ned is stronger and heals with every little breath. We love you, and if there is anything we can do, don't hesitate to ask. Sincerely, "The Alexander's" Kim, Donald, Emily and Brock