Day 12

You know when your kids are really sick, or you are dealing with something really hard, or you have a big decision coming up and you find yourself in a constant state of prayer?  It is almost like your prayers don't really begin or end, but you are constantly offering your heart up to God pleading for help.  I remember those sleepless nights with sick babies where somewhere between consciousness and sleep all night long I was either counting respirations or praying or both. 

Today, Isaac prayed.

After the remarkable progress we had yesterday, I wasn't really sure what to expect for today.  This morning Isaac was all chill during his vital checks.

 The physical therapist came to work with him on some strength and gross motor skills.  He has no problem sitting on his own now.  He still has a difficult time with balance when he stands, and he can't walk without assistance.  The therapist said he is making good progress though, and I can tell he gets stronger every day.

 Since Isaac just made his emotional reappearance yesterday, today was the first day he really engaged in play.  And don't you worry, the experts here at Primary's had all sorts of tricks up their sleeves...like bringing real snow into his room complete with a snowman kit.  He couldn't have been more excited.

 Today when the animal volunteers came he pet the dog and talked to the volunteer instead of staring off into space like he did last time they brought a dog in.  Isaac was talkative for about two hours this afternoon.  He was initiating conversation rather than just responding to questions and speaking in complete sentences rather than one word answers.  I wanted to pick his brain without pushing too hard.  I got the impression that Isaac thinks we live here.  He would say things like, "Not at this house, but at the house where we used to live." He doesn't know where his siblings are.  He told one of the nurses today, "I think they are in California or maybe Cedar City."  After Jeff spent the night with him here, he told me that he thinks Isaac may feel like he is being punished.  As we talked this afternoon, he was very apologetic and thought that he was in trouble.  I can't even imagine how confusing his little world must be right now.

 Since Isaac was in good spirits this afternoon, our new friend Kali timed her visit perfectly.  Kali explained that after reading our story, she was prompted to reach out and help in some way.  She wondered about children who are here at the hospital that may not have as much support and expressions of love as Isaac does.  Rather than exchanging Christmas gifts with her best friend, the two of them came up with a plan and asked the hospital to help them find a patient here that could really use some extra help.  Today she came to the hospital to deliver their gifts, and brought some gifts by our room for Isaac and his siblings as well.  The tears ran down my face as she told us her story.  As I make observations throughout this hospital, it is very clear that some patients receive more gifts and support and expressions of love than others.  It is hard for me to imagine how we would be able to cope without the love and selfless support of our ward, extended family, friends, co workers, and neighbors.  I was so thankful that Kali shared her story with us.  As she described how much fun it was for them to go shopping for their patient, I thought of the immense blessings that accompany Christlike service.  Any time we reach out with charity in our hearts, we feel a greater portion of Christ's love for us. 

 Today's medical care included more poking, prodding, and pain.  They are weaning Isaac from the heavy narcotics he has been on, which means he is experience some withdrawal and some pain.  When he turns onto his side, curls up in pain, and starts to cry, I feel so helpless.  He has been so brave, and he has yet to complain at all.

Isaac's inflammation levels are still high, and his liver function is abnormal.  Considering the severity of his case, they expect the inflammation levels to take a little longer to normalize.  They are adjusting his antibiotics to try to stabilize his liver function.  His chest tube continues to drain infected fluid.  This is good because we need to get all the fluid out.  This is bad because the chest tube will remain in his side (and we will remain here) until it stops draining.  All of this means that they draw regular labs, inject various medications, take a variety of images, and remain very vague about potential discharge.

Isaac ordered a PB&J for dinner. Before it was time to eat, I said folded my arms and said, "Do you want to say it?"  and he nodded his head.  I closed my eyes and bowed my head and waited.  In his soft, quiet, semi-scratchy voice, Isaac said, "Heavenly Father, help us be safe.  Bless I can not be sick anymore.  Bless the food.  Jesus Christ, Amen."  And I cried.

 I just stare at him as I watch him eat and breathe.  I am in awe at the progress he has made in the time we have been here.  I can't get enough of his smile.  And I can't get enough of prayer.  Some of my favorite things about prayer in the scriptures are actually in the Bible Dictionary.  It says, "Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with one another" (BD pg 753).  I think of the times in my life when my Father in Heaven made His will known unto me, and the times when my will was brought into alignment with His as some of the most sacred experiences of my life.  It continues, "Blessings require some work and effort on our part before we can obtain them.  Prayer is a form of work" (BD pg 753).  My thoughts are turned to so many of you that have put forth the effort to include us in your prayers.  I know that prayers have been heard and answered not only because I see the progress that Isaac is making, but because I feel the sustaining and uplifting power of prayer with me every single day.  I pray that God blesses each of you for your faith and prayers in our behalf.  "Oh, how praying rests the weary.  Prayer can change the night to day.  So, when life gets dark and dreary, don't forget to pray."