Tom asked me to extend their thanks for all the prayers, visits, and kindnesses shown. Their hearts are overflowing with thanks.
Today was a very, very good day. Ian passed his breathing tests, so the tubes are out of his throat! He has been awake for long periods of time today, and responsive. He drank apple juice earlier today. When I got there (about 5 this evening), he had said "Hi" a few times, and had sat up in bed unassisted. A friend of the family who works at St. Mary's (Terry) was visiting with HJ.
A little later, another friend brought his sisters Meredith, Shelbey, and Regan in for a visit. Once Meredith started coaching him, Ian talked a LOT. First, he said "Uh oh" clearly enough that we all heard him. HJ said that's the first word he said when he was learning to talk!
Then he said: "I love you." "Do you love me?" "No." (three or four times - I forget what he was being asked.) When Morgan called, HJ put the phone near Ian's ear, and Morgan (one of his sisters away at college) asked "How are you doing?" and he answered: "Good" He called the girls by the little nicknames he has for them.
His daytime nurse told HJ that she could order some food for him! So he got to eat some ice cream (high protein), apple juice, and a little applesauce. He also had some mashed potatoes, but didn't care for those much.
After eating, and spending more time talking with his sisters, he was showing his tiredness, so HJ persuaded him it was time to say "Night Night". He burped, swallowed hard, and then carefully and deliberately said "Night Night".
Sondra and Marco stopped by - Sondra is the person who works at Dean Care who stopped the day of the accident, and gave HJ and Regan a ride to the hospital. They were really relieved to see how great he looks, compared to the day of the accident.
He may have some permanent damage to his vision, but that won't be known for a while yet.
Now that he's conscious, and active, he'll be starting rehabilitative therapy. The doctors and nurses have advised Tom and HJ that it will be intensive, and exhaustive for Ian, and he will need to rest as much as possible. They will also have a great deal of studying to do, and will be helping him with the therapy sessions.
So, the hospital asks that we hold off visiting until later in the day, and that we not stay late. I'll still be getting updates from HJ, and posting them here.
Prayers for continued blessings for this little boy and his family.
Oh, that's great news for Ian - yet my heart still hurts for him and all that lies ahead. *One day at a time* is definitely the watchword. Prayers continue.
Thank you Lord Jesus.
That's welcome news! Continued prayers for them all!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Christ is risen from the dead and He is Lord! O thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Power and Life, the Resurrection! Thank You, Christmas Joy, Who has come, Who will come again, and Who Is! Truly, Jesus, Thou, the Glory of the Father! Amen!
BTTT
Prayers continuing for Ian and his family.