Monday March 16th

Wow! There is a lot to tell since the last posting. I received a call last night around 11:15 asking for permission to do an emergency procedure on Clay. There had been a little accident during his dressing change and on of the IV catheters in his left wrist had been cut while removing the bandages. A portion of the IV tube had gone up into his vein and they could not get it out without making an incision in his arm and surgically removing the piece. They called back around 12:30 a.m. to say that they task had been accomplished. We were relieved but worried about what the day would hold. Mom and I were afraid he would be to groggy from the after effects of the surgery to perform well in his swallow test today. I am in Olney. DD and the boys are in Dallas with Grandma, friends, and family. At about 9:00 this morning the speech therapist came in and Clay successfully had dyed applesauce, a little graham cracker and some juice. He received the green light for some pureed foods. These would be the first bites he has taken since February 14th. Everyone was excited with this progress. The momentous day was not yet over. At 2:00 this afternoon when DD and Joy went in for the visit the physical therapist was working with Clay. After a little warm up, and with a little help, Clay was able to tip toe out of his ICU room and make a grand entrance onto the floor of the unit. There was much cheering and clapping from the entire nursing staff. Mom said he took no more than 8 or 10 assisted steps but there was definitely a small smile on his face when he reentered his room. He was worn out from all of these activities but he had to set up in the wagon for a while before he was allowed back in bed. All of his new food items did not set perfectly on his stomach and he created a bit of a mess at the 5:00 visit but he was cleaned up and back in bed for the last visit and Deidra said that he should sleep well tonight. Today was proof positive that all of those prayers are being answered. Please continue to pray for his face, the back of his head and his left hand. We are thankful for all of the progress and blessings so far and cannot wait until we can one day hold our little boy again and bring him home. Thanks to all and Good Night.