Today's scenario at the hospital resembled yesterday's in many respects. Two encouraging developments on the medical front: Nathan's inter-cranial pressure monitor was removed today (because pressure on the brain is no longer a problem), and he has begun trying to breathe on his own. He still needs the respirator to supplement his own breathing, but he initiates each and every breath on his own.
Just like yesterday, he became responsive at seven p.m., moving his arms and squeezing our hands. It is wonderful to have him conscious of our presence, but it is awful to see him having to endure the suffering associated with having his airways suctioned and having cold packs around his body (to reduce his temperature). I wiped one after another tear from Nathan's eyes and cheeks as he seemed to be trying to speak. (Of course, he cannot speak with the respirator tube in his mouth.)
The passages of Scripture that seem to best describe God's agenda for Nathan, and for his family, at this juncture:
"Wait patiently for the Lord; be brave and courageous; yes, wait patiently for the Lord.... The Lord gives his people strength; the Lord blesses them with peace.... So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord!" (Psalms 27:14; 29:11; 31:24, New Living Translation)
Please continue to pray God's mercy on Nathan. It is imperative that his wounds and his lungs not become seriously infected, and he needs a lot of strength, both physical and emotional, to keep on keeping on.
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We are praying and will persist in praying for physical, emotional and spiritual strength for Nathan. I was surprised to see Jaz actually writing Nathan's name (spelled it incorrectly though, Neitan) in her book in school. The question was, "How can I leave peacefully with others?" And she wrote, "I should pray for them," and wrote a prayer that Nathan's wounds be healed. Six year olds are so wise, we can really learn from them. :) It is good to hear the Lord is taking care of you and your family. We will also remember Stacey and Andrew. Keep hope in our Great Lord!
Gail Hendrickson on Agutaya Island wanted us to let you know that she and Missy Melvin are praying for all of you. I'm keeping her posted on news from your blog while she is out of touch. The Quakenbush family also joins with saints around the world in lifting up Nathan and his family before the throne of grace. --Steve Quakenbush, in Antipolo, Rizal
It helps us to know how to pray and rejoice and when to be concerned with your daily account of Nathan's condition, including how you and Hannah are doing. It is amazing to hear of the progress from the first day he was hospitalized, and at the same time accept the reality that it will take some time before complete healing takes place. We are praying that God would likewise hold Nathan's heart as he comes to his senses of his real condition.
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