August 22 (Wednesday) - 1030pm

I arrived home after visiting with Jeannette and then Rich, getting here around 8pm, and I just talked with Sam a short while ago.   I'm exhausted.   It has certainly been one of those long days, but I am able to report that the earlier down turns and setbacks of this morning have turned around tonight and are very much improved.   But it was a very scary day.    Once again I am reminded of the roller coaster ride that has defined the healing experience in the Intensive Care Unit, and the ups and downs can be numbing.   But thankfully things for Jeannette made an upward turn this afternoon, and from my perspective, prayers were answered today.    

For Jeannette, although she had a bad morning, her tenacity remained her trademark and by tonight she had stabilized and in many ways she had rebounded.  The day certainly ended on a much better note than it began.    In fact, just a little while ago she even managed a smile that shined bright and clear.    The really good news is that her blood pressure, which had been so problamatic this morning,  was finally up and pretty much stable again, even to the point where they could increase her pain meds, which in turn has allowed her to get some real rest, and so that was a bit of really good news.    

As I am writing this the reports late this evening are even better, those all important numbers back where the doctors want them and she is finally getting some rest.   WIth her stabililty, Sam has headed to Joyce's and to bed, no doubt exhausted both mentally and physically.   So, the bottom line is tonight the news is good, and Jeannette is holding her own and is stable and sleeping.    I think I can say though that all of us are all hoping for a very quiet and non-eventful day tomorrow.

The news on Rich continues to be good.   He is gaining strength, and even managed a walk outside, across the parking lot and through the grass!   Sure, it was exhausting, but it went well.   The exercises too are working on his hand, and he is regaining dexterity in his fingers that was missing just a few days ago.   He is eating well, and continues to be anxious to "get out of here."   I think it might even happen---they are working on the details but if they can figure out the 24/7 care needs, then Rich's dream of "going home" might actually happen.--John