Day 7 - Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Today was not so good.

Grayson is running a fever, and there is no sign of infection in his body. His reflex actions have slowed. When we bring him off sedation, the episodes begin immediately, and his movements are becoming very primitive. These are all bad signs from the viewpoint of brain health, as they all point to a deterioration of brain function. There still remains a chance that this deterioration will reverse, but that chance is a slim one.

As if he needed more trouble, Grayson's heart function is becoming more impaired, and he continues to build fluid on his lungs. The heart function is being treated medically, but there is not a whole lot that can be done for the brain.

Grayson remains sedated, and is comfortable and peaceful. He remains on a vent to maintain his oxygen levels and to protect his airway. He is receiving nutrition through a feeding tube, and he is being chilled with a cold-fluid blanket to attack the fever. Both his brother and sister visited him today, and either Regina or I remain with him at all times.

Since the day he was born, we have always known that Grayson has been a special gift to us, with some special needs. We never lived in fear of the "phone call", but we always knew that one might come some day. We received one in 2004 when he had his cardiac incident one month into his freshman year at USC. The other one came last Monday. We continue to hope and pray that his condition improves, but we have faith that a kind and loving God will give him what he needs most.

Thank you again for all of your continued prayers and kindness that you have shown our entire family.

Pax!

Brant and Regina