Tiny steps of progress...

Well, after a critical weekend, Dad has managed to sustain one or two tiny improvements over the past two days. Nurses have been able to reduce some of his medication and also to lessen the help he's receiving from the breathing machine. From time to time, he's alert enough to respond to us with a slight nod of the head - for example, when we ask if he hears us, or if he's in pain. Now that he's a little more awake, he's also a little more aware of the pain and the discomfort from the breathing tube. It's likely that tomorrow they'll try to take the tube out of his mouth and do a tracheostomy so that the tube enters through his throat instead. This will reduce his discomfort and allow him to close his mouth. It's the next step towards getting him breathing on his own.  After that, we'll be praying and hoping to see similar improvements in his kidney and stomach functions. He still has a long way to go, but it's been encouraging to see one or two steps forward this week. Thank you for your continued prayers.