Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Tuesday, April 21

Hello to all! Clay was taken off of the respirator and was placed on the trach collar early this morning. He could hardly open his eyes because of the swelling; although, the swelling has decreased during the past few days. He was agitated quite a bit today and seemed to get anxious when he needed to urinate. He also seemed to be constipated. We reassured him that it was okay to go in the bed because he has a pad underneath him. We remind him that he needs to go anytime he feels like it. The physical therapist came in to work with him (this afternoon) and he was not very responsive; we could tell that he was not feeling well. They sat him up for a moment and this caused his oxygen level to drop. They laid him back down and placed him on the respirator to give him a rest. He was getting a breathing treatment this evening and will be on the respirator through the night. He did vomit again today and another tube was placed through his nostril. This tube goes straight to the intestine. They will see if this helps some with the vomiting. Clay kept his nurse busy today and I know she will sleep well tonight. We hope you all sleep well too. Thanks and hugs to all!

14 comments:

  1. poor little guy. I'm sorry he had a rough day.
    I stayed up to wait for your report and hoped it was a better day for all, especially sweet clay.
    We will all be glad when he is better.

    Get some much needed rest DeeDee,and know that prayers and love are coming your way constantly!
    the southerland family

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  2. Hi Fites! Willie Nelson's song, Always On My Mind is a good theme for you all! It really is true that you really are always on my mind. Tonight as I was putting Annie to bed, I was rubbing lotion on her leg that has scars on it and she said, "Are you thinking about him Mommy?" Of course I was caught of gaurd and said, "Who?" My immediate thought was "How could she know who I was thinking about?" Then she said, "Clay." She went on, "When you see my burns, you always think of Clay, don't you, Mommy?" Okay, by this time I was ready to cry and said, "Uh...yes, I do." So she then said, "Well, let's pray for him." So, we did. I guess sometimes, God lets us know in many ways that Clay needs more prayers than other days, and today must have been one of those days. I am on "night duty!" So sleep well! Love to all, Missy

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  3. Hello Fite family I've been keeping updated but haven't had a chance to send a message. Baseball and softball are in full swing and we seem to be at the ball park every night. We're always praying for Clay and think about you all often. Sorry that Clay had a rough day. We'll pray that tomorrow will be better. Dee Dee if you need me please let me know I'm just a phone call away!!
    Love,
    The Darrow's

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  4. We continue to lift you all up in prayer. Hopefully each day will show some improvement. So glad the grafts look good.

    Butch and Carol Willis Graham, TX

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  5. I got this today and instantly thought of your blog. As Missy shared above with seeing the scars and praying for Clay, this is quite fitting. Hope you all have a restful night Jeanne' Snyder
    *********
    But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
    Hebrews 3:13
    Today's Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

    “pray continually” (NIV)
    “pray without ceasing” (NASB)
    “pray all the time” (The Message)
    “never stop praying” (NLT)
    I Thessalonians 5:17

    “…always keep on praying…” (NIV)
    “…pray at all times…” (NASB)
    “…never stop praying…” (CEV)
    Ephesians 6:18

    Many times when reading the passages above, I have felt guilty. Maybe you have, too. No matter which version I use, looking for a gentler, less forceful way of saying it, the message is the same – pray always. And I’ve wondered how a wife and mother who works full-time can set aside enough time to properly fulfill that command.

    Perhaps I need to broaden my perspective of prayer. I’ve had the tendency to limit prayer to blocks of time for focused solitude. While that should be an important dimension of my prayer life, maybe it doesn’t have to be the only one. Perhaps there is a way to make prayer a way of life, incorporating it into whatever I am doing at any given time.

    Genesis 5 tells of a man named Enoch who “walked with God.” A vivid image comes to mind when I consider this passage. I picture Enoch carrying out his daily work and activities with God right beside him. The two of them continue an ongoing conversation throughout the day. This dialogue with the Lord is a natural part of his every waking moment.

    What would that look like for me? Perhaps when I see a school bus as I am driving to work, it triggers a prayer on the spot for the safety and spiritual well-being of children in our community. When I hear a siren, I pray for those in crisis and their caregivers. When I am faced with a difficult task, I send up an SOS for God’s wisdom and guidance. When the clerk at the store seems stressed and edgy, I ask the Lord to bring her strength and peace. When I see a magnificent sunset, I thank Him for His unlimited power and love. Whatever is happening, whatever the situation, my immediate, instinctive reaction is to share it with the Lord as I go.

    I’m not there yet, but perhaps I have discovered a key to what praying without ceasing is all about. Now, it’s just a matter of putting it into practice. “Lord, please help me to allow You to be an intimate part of everything I do….”

    “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…” (Ephesians 6:18).

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  6. Like others, all we can say is "poor little guy". Breaks our hearts to hear of his struggles, especially with breathing and vomiting. We do pray he gets relief soon from these discomforting problems. Today is a new day and maybe will be restful and peaceful for Clay and family - and his nurses! Love you all, Dawn & Pam

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  7. Sorry about the double exposure yesterday. I had a hard time getting it to go through. #1 is out in ciber space somewhere. :-)) We are just checking in again and hopeing today will be a good day. Still praying for Little Clay. B&E

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  8. Poor little guy! So much to go through! Thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  9. Dear Fites, I wanted to share with you something that came from heaven in our recent special meeting. Job was not aware of what was happening in heaven when Satan began to test him in this life, but God trusted in Jobs faith in him and because of Jobs faith God was able to hurt Satan and they said that the life of Job was like a dagger into the heart of the Devil. God continually searches the souls of men in which he can dwell so that his power and might can be manifested and those individuals have the privelage to glorify God. Thank you for your faith. Friends in the midwest.

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  10. My heart hurts for Clay, but just know that today is a new day!! I pray for comfort today and for little Clay to continue to heal! I know he is a fighter!!! Sending lots of hugs your way!

    The Woods' Family, Quanah, TX

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  11. Our thoughts turn to Clay constantly. It is amazing how that little boy and family has taken root in our hearts, having never met you! His blog is the first thing I go to in the morning to see how his day had gone!
    Prayers and love go your way and will till he is safely home again! We think of Carson and Cody too, besides Mom and Dad.
    Hoping it is a good day for Clay as it will be for all of us!

    Love, Royce and Sue Kesselring
    Ashland, IL

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  12. Always praying for you and your family! There are a lot of people who think Clay is amazing and strong and can't wait to hear about his GREAT things! My husbands work did a blood drive for Clay yesterday and raised 30 units in his name! You have touched people in ways you have no idea of!

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  13. We continue to pray for you all. Bruce talks with Jake frequently, so we keep updated that way as well as through these great posts. Thank you all so much for taking the time to keep us informed...it truly shows generosity of spirit. Clay is a blessing and it never amazes me that despite the downs...he always lifts us up!! We all have faith in our Father and faith in you all as well. Sending lots of love and prayers your way - Bruce, Carolyn and Chance

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  14. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus..... whatever things are true, noble, just, whatever things are of good report.... think on these things!!! Philippians 4:6-8 As always, our thoughts and prayers are with you Fites!!! Love the Cochrans

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