Dec. 7, 2011

Bro. Dale was more alert today.  They had him sitting up in his chair from about 11-3. He is now off all of the IV's and antibiotics.  The only thing he is hooked up with now is the trach and he still gets his nourishment through the feeding tube.  He had the speech valve on the trach for about 20 hours out of 24 now, which is an improvement.  He is not coughing as much with it on.  They take it off to give him his breathing treatments.  He was still sleepy earlier in the morning when the speech therapist came by.  The physical therapist said that she was feeling some resistance in his right leg.  She's going to bring the electric stimulator to use on it tomorrow.  But over all, he had a good day. 

Mrs. Doug said they have about 2 more weeks to stay in the hospital where he is now and then they will have to find another place for him to go.  He is not yet ready for the Methodist Rehab in Jackson.  Before he can go there, he must be more alert, able to follow more commands and off of the trach.  So that is what we need to be praying for.  And pray for them to have wisdom on the best option for him next. 

Mrs. Doug is looking for someone to sit with Bro. Dale on Saturday so that she can come home.  She would like to have someone there from about 9am-5pm, but it wouldn't have to be that entire time.  If you are available to help in this way, please contact Mrs. Doug or you can contact me (Cheryl at 662-414-1114). 

"²⁸ Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:28-31