Day 22 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Today was a long day.

We passed another milestone. As of 11:30 this morning, we are now into our fourth week of our journey. We have been in the ICU ever since we left the emergency room. That is about to change as we are about to move out of the unit. Grayson is off all of his sedatives. The breathing tube is out, and he is only using the vent at night to give his breathing muscles a bit of time to recover from the tube.

We will miss the ICU. The care here has been exceptional and loving. I know that many of the staff saw something in Grayson that reminded them of a son. Others saw him as a peer of their own age. Whatever the reason, they all became our friends and took wonderful care of him – and us!

It was great to see everyone in the choir tonight. I brought a bag full of hugs back to share with Regina. Thanks for allowing me to miss so much rehearsal time, and still sing in the concert!

We don't yet know God's plan for us, but we do know that there is a plan! We are human – we get discouraged and disappointed. But we take solace in knowing that He is with us every step of the way, and that your prayers lift us up daily.

Pax!

Brant and Regina

Day 21 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Today was a hard day.

Hard on the soul, watching our grown son so helpless. It is also hard on the soles of the feet, standing there keeping him from flopping out of bed or hurting himself. Regina said it beautifully today in her Facebook Wall Post:

"It is hard to see Grayson lying in this hospital bed now day after day. Arms and legs churning for hours. Unable to respond to commands. Such a completely uncertain future. Will he ever walk or speak again? So many questions and no answers. Just wait and see - wait and see. Even though it is hard, I thank God for patience and for the 24 happy years so far. 'I have a plan for you.'"

I couldn't have said it better.

Pax!

Brant and Regina

Day 20 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Today was not a bad day.

Grayson rested much of the day, with a few hours of his squirming. The main thing we worry about with his wiggling about is accidentally pulling on the myriad of tubes and wires, or pulling himself out of the bed. That is the main reason that we are staying with him at the hospital, as there is no way that the staff can spend full time monitoring him at the bedside. The alternative is sedating him, but as I spoke of yesterday, we are trying to keep him off of all sedations so we can finally perform a neurological assessment.

Grayson's right side seems more affected than does his left. His right eye, right arm and right leg are all less responsive than his left. His right leg also appears to have also lost more muscle mass than the left. Physically, he is healing well. Now we need to understand his neurological status so we can select the next facility for him.

Sleeping there peacefully tonight, Grayson looks just like he did three weeks ago, right down to the fact that he needs a shave. I'm struck by how quickly everything changed. Take this as a gentle reminder to tell those you love just how much they mean to you, and punctuate it with a hug.

Pax!

Brant and Regina

Day 19 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Today was a hard day.

Last night was particularly tough on Regina. Grayson has been weaned off of almost all of his sedation in order to be able to assess him neurologically. As a result, he was quite restless and churned about all night last night, and most of today. Keeping him calm and from hurting himself consumed big chunks of the night and day. Sleep is something she is finally getting at home tonight.

Grayson currently has no control over his limbs, or any apparent ability to focus or track with his eyes. He does appear considerably more comfortable with the feeding and breathing tubes out of his face. I was out of town this week, and was shocked when I returned and saw how much muscle mass he has lost in less than three weeks. His normally strong muscular legs have shrunk considerably.

Grayson will probably move out of ICU next week. From there it will be a short time before a move to rehab, so our new assignment is to find an appropriate residential facility for him – soon.

As always, we are so grateful for your prayers and notes of support. I can't stress enough just how important to us they are right now. Your faith continues to strengthen ours. Thank you.

Pax!

Brant and Regina

Day 18 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Today was a disappointing day.

Grayson slept most of the day, then in the late afternoon became restless. He is no longer sedated, and he became agitated this afternoon for about an hour. The neurologist is trying to keep him off of sedation as much as possible, so these episodes are to be expected as we try to assess Grayson from a neurological basis. Unfortunately, at this time he still seems to have little motor control, but we remain hopeful that this is a step in the recovery process.

I know that I have said this before, but Grayson is in God's hands. We thank each of you for your outpouring of love, prayers and offers of help.

Pax!

Brant and Regina

 

Day 17 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Today was a quiet day.

Grayson spent most of the day sleeping peacefully, therefore I haven't really much to report today.

Blessings on your day, and I'll give you an update tomorrow.

Pax!

Brant and Regina

Day 16 – Grayson’s Condition

Dear family and friends

Today was a good day.

That roller coaster keeps on going – up and down and up again. After a lot of sleep last night and today, Grayson appeared to recognize an old favorite stuffed animal. We are not yet sure if he was able to see it as we are not sure if his eyes are able to focus, or weather just the mention of his name was able to evoke a memory. However he smiled at the mention of his name. That smile means a lot to hungry parents. Maybe, just maybe, there is some healing?

Grayson's tracheostomy and feeding tube placement went without a hitch this afternoon. Those irritants are now removed, and tonight he is sedated. Perhaps Regina can get some well deserved sleep!

I know that I have said that this is a long road that we are on. The length of that road is starting to sink in. For your friendship, your support and your faith we are eternally grateful. We have said before that Grayson is in God's hands. We are comforted by that belief, and we know that your love and support is with us as we move forward.

Pax!

Brant and Regina