The good, the bad, the funny...and the serious

It was a very eventful day at the hospital.

The best news: Nathan is off the respirator! After more than two weeks on the respirator and two days of having his arms restrained to prevent him from yanking the tube out of his mouth, Nathan now wears just an oxygen mask over his nose and mouth. He doesn't like that mask (and is restrained to keep him from removing it), but now that he's rid of that respirator tube, he can talk. That is a very specific answer to the prayers of many (most notably, Hannah; she prayed the numbers on his respirator down, by stages, each day!).

Not good news: The intensive-care doctor who told us early on that his teeth are intact was mistaken (and very apologetic; it seems she was misinformed and none of us have been able to see his mouth with the respirator in place). The facial surgeon explained that Nathan's teeth and jaw were badly damaged in the accident. His chin has already been reconstructed, but it will be six months before he is ready for the oral surgery to restore his teeth. That is some very sobering news.

Good news: One of Nathan's close friends from Faith Academy, Josie Cederholm, now at home in Sweden, today arrived to visit. As with Hannah and me, Nathan is thrilled to see such a good friend when he is lucid, but he is still struggling with the effects of the gradually-reduced sedation. Please continue to pray that the Lord will give him sweet sleep (Psalm 127:2) and quiet his mind and heart when he is awake.

On a funny note: I hope it is not out-of-place to quote Nathan by way of giving you a feel for where he's at in terms of grasping, and not grasping, some very daunting realities. Nathan's first words to Hannah (well-muffled by the oxygen mask that covers his mouth): "Why are my hands tied?" He went on to announce, "I'm fine!" and tried to yank the mask off. He followed that up with, " I wanna get up!" When Hannah explained "No, you can't get up yet," Nathan indignantly asked, "Why not?!!!" (He can't see his legs.)

Seriously, we are very concerned that when Nathan becomes aware of the extent of his injuries (e.g., his shattered legs and teeth, and a jaw that may have to be "wired" shut for two weeks, if not operated on), he will be dismayed (to say the least). It is not too early to begin praying for Nathan's HEART--that the Lord will give him extraordinary COURAGE. Joshua 1:9 and Isaiah 41:10 come to mind: "...Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you;" "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."