Wednesday, October 31, 2007

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."

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Greg,

It must be utterly golden to be able to hear Nathan talk--as you've been so desiring! His limited perspective on things can emit some funny comments.

I can just imagine what an adjustment that will be for him when the full extent of his injuries sink in!

We'll be joining you in serious prayer for the preparation of his heart.

But don't forget how far he has come--last week we were praying for his survival! And he's just about at the prime stage of his life for all the healing ahead of him to occur.

Warmly,

Jill and Gary Gaebel

Anonymous said...

Greetings Greg and Hannah,--
so very happy to hear the good news about Nathan being of the respirator, and his comments are so appropriate,that is again good news. I hope you can take comfort in this and are smiling broadly today.
As he becomes physically stronger we will not forget to pray for his emotional health, and the long road ahead.
Thank you also for keeping everyone informed with your daily messages-- i'm sure that you don't
always feel like sitting down at the computer after a long day-- its very kind.

Trish campbell.

Sarah B said...

I'm thrilled you're hearing his voice and that his lungs are breathing well again so soon. Will definitely continue to pray for heart, mind, and body. Thanks for the updates.

Unknown said...

oh that makes me smile so much! i can hear nathan saying exactly those words. i'm so glad josie is there. what a blessing.

bessertier said...

YAY NATHAN!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Hey Kuya Greg.

Wonderful news! All praise to our Lord and Healer!

Jaz continues to remember Kuya Nathan in prayer. :)

Jaime

Anonymous said...

Hi Uncle Greg!
I always feel blessed and encouraged everytime I read your blog about Nathan's progress. I thank God for you, Si-ko, and your family for still being able to encourage others despite the pain you're going through.
We are always praying for you and Nathan. Hope to see him up and about soon.
Abi

Sam & Lily said...

Horrrayyy!!! We share your joy in Nathan's progress. More so, we are blessed to witness God's faithfulness in your lives. -Sam and Lily

Anonymous said...

Rejoice and praying. Great improvement and yet a long road ahead. Know also that Nathan was specifically prayed for this morning during Men's Prayer Breakfast.
Blessings,
Eric, Tammy and Ellie