Thankfully I didn't have to sleep here again on Night 2. Another parent with another sick child took this room while I drove home and spent the night with my other children. Isaac is still under heavy sedation so I left after visiting with the doctors and giving him lots of kisses. During my conversation with God on my way home, I was reminded again and again of all the tiny miracles we have experienced so far in this journey. I feel entirely overwhelmed with gratitude as I consider both the love and support our family is receiving, and the superior care Isaac is receiving.
On Day 2 the Child Life Specialist, Joy, helped decorate Isaac's room with this splash of color and smiles.
The nurses patiently explain all of the tubes in Isaac's body and what their purpose is. They are so good to answer all of my questions, and they are so careful with Isaac.
The catheter they placed wasn't producing much, so additional medication was given to help him void more fluid out of his system. When the feeding tube didn't go exactly where they had hoped, they were considering additional procedures, but after some time it progressed into the intestine as they had hoped. Now Isaac is being fed! He is still running a high fever and can now receive his fever reducer through his feeding tube. It was decided to introduce another medication through his chest tube to try to stimulate more drainage, which is also working.
They reduced the amount of pressure created by the ventilator to see if his lungs will try to make up the difference on their own. The doctors are careful about the words they choose to describe his progress. They say things like, "as expected," and "baby steps" and "slow but forward." I consider all of these things good news. I have yet to hear things like, "set-backs," or "negative side-effects" or "unexpected."
It is easy to forget it is Christmastime here in the PICU, but I am reminded when I go to the lobby or the cafeteria. In a timeless dichotomy, I am reminded both of the chaos and the comforts of Christmas. Because we were planning to move into our new home on December 20, we had decided as a family not to decorate our apartment for the Christmas season. Instead we started packing our things and looking forward to putting up the Christmas tree right before Christmas in our new house. As I see the Christmas decorations around the hospital I am reminded that my children at home have no Christmas tree, no stockings, no wrapped gifts. Even as I talked with them last night they are holding on to the hope of celebrating Christmas at the new house and want our Christmas tree there. As I think of the Christmas season that exists outside of PICU Room 9, I am in awe at the majesty and simplicity of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. With the help of my sister, I introduced a little Christmas into Isaac's room by bringing our Christmas cards here with me to prepare for mailing. (Christmas cards are one of my VERY favorite things about Christmas.)
Just as I was preparing to leave Day 2, our nurse opened the blinds and pointed out the beauty of the sunset. I was reminded that amid the sorrows and trials that we all face every day, there is always beauty to be found if we are willing to look for it. I watched the sun set and told Isaac about the colors in the sky. I said goodbye to Day 2 and looked forward to the progress we would see with a new day ahead.
3 comments:
I'm so glad he's on the uphill, even if it's a little one. Know that we are praying for Isaac and your family.
I have spent the holiday months in the sterile rooms of ICU the days are long! Sounds like steady progress so glad he's doing better!!!!
I don't know your family, but I stumbled upon your story. It made me cry and made me realize how important life is, especially with my two young children. Such an inspiring family you are, with such faith! It seems weird to say this, but if you need anything, or if you need my little boys to come and sing Christmas carols or something to brighten Isaac's day, we'd be all over it! Our prayers will be with you.
Sincerely,
Allison Brown
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