Friday Afternoon

Another good day today. I brought the girls down today and we had a great time as Katie was a lot more with it. She was excited to see them and we all sat around and ate some sherbet. Aubree is not fazed by much and so was practically in bed with Katie talking to her and showing her pictures. Tayler is a little more cautious and was content to stand back a little bit and watch. All in all the girls handled the situation very well and I think it was good for them and for Katie too (when the girls left she blew them kisses).

The veritable stream of Dr's continues to flow through the room though I think we saw the last of the infectious disease Dr's today. They have looked as hard as they can and they still cannot find any infections. The cause of the fever continues to be blamed on the blood still in her head. The Vascular Dr says that on Monday Katie can get out of bed and do some walking. I guess that is when the hard part comes, rehab. Good to know as I was beginning to think everything we've gone through so far was far to easy to warrant all the attention. I think a lot of the Dr's like to come by just to see Katie and not because they have anything in particular to do or say. I'm thinking of charging admission if they don't at least listen to her heart.

Katie got her staples out today as the wound on her head, from the skull plate being put back in, is healing nicely. Also, I would say 80-90% of the external swelling on her head has gone. This is also evident as everyone who visits comments on how good she looks.

Katie continues to struggle finishing her thoughts. She's great at starting sentences, but has a hard time completing them. We're also not sure how well her eyes are working. She can definitely see as she can identify most everyone as soon as they walk in the room, but when you hand her a picture she constantly moves it around as if trying to find a way to make it clear. Most of these issues should resolve as the rest of the swelling in her brain subsides, but we'll have to wait and see to be sure. Please continue to pray for complete restoration of Katie's mind and sight.

I feel like I need to post a quick note of clarification about myself. Many have asked me how I've stayed so strong through all of this. The reality is that on Friday morning, the 18th of July, I demonstrated my strength by almost completely loosing it. What changed between that Friday morning and most every day since is God. Everything changed when I took my eyes off of the situation and focused them on God. My peace is really a result of my deep, personal relationship with the creator of the universe. Once I reminded myself of who was really in control, the fear left. Imagine your big strong dad walking into your room as a child and scarring all the boggy men away (real or imagined), that was me. Religion did not help me. Good works did not bring peace. Education did not comfort my fears. In the end it was my God and Savior, who demonstrated his love for me by allowing his true son (Jesus) to die on a cross because of my sin, who wrapped his arms around his scarred little boy and held him tight. Please don't mistake my strength for His.