Saturday, October 4, 2008

Little Steps Forward

Gerad is taking little steps forward in his recovery. During last night they did have to give him insulin as his sugar level went a little high, although it was nothing serious. He will be in critical care until tomorrow night, or Monday, but he is stable, and taking little steps forward. During surgery he had two pacemakers, afterward he had one, and now his heart is pumping completely on its own.

Ome Klaas and Tante Linda visited him and Marv and Hannie today and took pictures with my camera, but they are not back yet, so I don’t have up-to-date pictures to share. It is sad to see him all hooked up, they said, and the nurses are encouraging Marv and Hannie to keep touching him and talking to him. ‘…he knows who mommy and daddy are.’

On a lighter note, the nurse told them to not come back until they have bought some booties for Gerad, some more toys, and another blanket. So that is what they are going to do now. I hope they will get him the BEST ones they can find, don’t you?

At least until Monday, Marv and Hannie have a room at the same hospital as Gerad, but then they get a room at the Ronald McDonald house which is about a 20 min walk from the Hospital for Sick Children.

Bravery Heart Beads.

Each little patient is given a necklace with their name on it. As Gerad
undergoes difficult treatments, testing or surgery he receives special
plastic or wooden beads, called Bravery Heart Beads, to commemorate these milestones.
Eventually he can wear his beads proudly as a necklace or
wristband, or attached it to toys, IV poles and maybe for now, his parents! =).
The necklace documents and honors the experience of
all his treatments, enabling him to later tell his unique story in a tangible,
visual way. It will be a precious keepsakes that is viewed as a medal or badge
of courage. Before his surgery he had about 8 or 10, and after his surgery he received 13 more.

Be strong, little Gerad! We love you VERY MUCH and continue to pray for you! A BIG ((( HUG ))) from us all!
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:
for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8

1 comment:

Andy Neels said...

Hi Bro and Sis,

Awesome to hear Gerad in still holding his own, hopefully things continue to go well, we'll be thinking of you continually.