Day 52 ICU care Day 42 on ECMO 

It’s Sunday fun day! We are heading outside at 1 pm with a huge team and all his machines to let the sun shine on his face for 1st time in 52 days since entering ICU care. He is very excited!![...]

Mom wrote

Today is ending better than it began. We only stood once and PT came but I worked with his arms, legs and back today. He has been off the ventilator for 6 hours and counting. We all can clearly see that he is alert and his body is ready to move. Everything we did today his O2 got better and his vitals were stable. Everyone that has come into the room are so happy to see how good he looks. They all say wow you look good. Infectious Disease has signed off so ever forward till he walks out of here!![...]

Day 40 ECMO

Good news and tough news. The Good news is that he has steadily improved over last 7 days with vitals remaining strong. His strength is improving a little each day which is great. He is clear headed and now fully aware of his situation. He has needed very little anti anxiety meds through the day which is great. His hands are much more calm today much less shaking. So, overall improvements in the right direction.[...]

From his beloved Mema to his family

Loved ones - it was a roller coaster day - that is the only way to explain it - many things happened - and there were moments in my humanity That i allowed that terrible doubt to slip in - but just for a second - all in all - even though I have only been there yesterday and today - as all of you have told me - during my absence because I had been sick - my time would come - and in Gods perfect timing - I believe it has - each of you stepped up and were “there” - when I could not be - fixer that I am - I had to learn I can’t FIX anything - so painful as my first day was yesterday - “I will not give up unless I am absolutely forced to “- as none of you will - today I saw such a difference - such a difference - not only with our Walker - but with his mama - we got this now - we all do!!!!  His mama and I were both very truthful today with Walker - we had WONDERFUL “conversations” with him - he knows now and understands the direness of the situation - and I believe with everything in me that HE WANTS TO LIVE - and he understands what he has to do ---we all - including PT worked him hard today - we stood firm - did not relent - I laid out a time frame for him - and we will continue tomorrow but even more intense than today - and the next and the next - God has something special for Walker - something that he would have never dreamed of nor would we - but I believe he has a purpose and he WILL fight and live ---and fulfill this purpose - so to me - this was a wonderful roller coaster day - I am excited to awake tomorrow and continue Walkers Journey Home - miraculous that it will be - how blessed each of us are to be able to be a part of this - I love all dearly - everyone Give it to God and GO TO SLEEP tonight[...]

“Hello” says Walker, his first word spoken yesterday since March 16th. Then he said, “I’m sorry” to nurse staff, I think for being difficult, so sweet. Today he said, “I love you all” to his mom, dad, grandma, and auntie all watching him in rapt attention during his 2nd day of speech therapy.[...]

We are very blessed to be under the cover of his wings, majestic wings that rose to a glory beyond all others to rule over heaven and earth, our Jesus! Today is our Super Bowl Sunday to celebrate the spirit of Christ being alive and among us. His spirit hovers over Walker keeping him Walker Strong as he faces the challenges ahead, challenges that he can overcome as he is lifted in prayer by many, many believers. Stay Walker Strong!![...]

From his Auntie Gail :-)

4/19
Today marks the end of a very tough week for Walker. Critical changes requiring 6 procedures including surgery.
The days and weeks are flying by, as it has been six weeks since Walker began this journey in intensive care.
He is hanging tough and taking things well. His regimen is to get moving and stand several times a day, resting in between. One of Walkers doctors said he hit “cruise control” today! Let’s pray he cruises through the weekend with no extra difficulties. The medical staff in the ECMO unit, continues to exceed all expectations in delivering his complex care!
Have a blessed Easter weekend celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior and Lord!![...]

Honestly, I haven’t wanted to do an update not because Walker isn’t doing better, he is, but out of sheer exhaustion. Nothing can prepare parents for this kind of duty. Taking comfort in speaking with others that have breathed the rarified air that comes with care giving through extreme illness.[...]

Specifically, we are asking for prayers to strengthen his body and mind, to stop the bleeding in his sinuses now, and for his lungs to heal in Jesus name we pray. Amen![...]

Walker got to test out his new bed today that stands you up automatically so your on your feet. Works great and will make it much easier to get him up repeatedly so he can get moving. Moving now is very key to his recovery. All his vitals are good, he is pretty well off almost all major meds, and he is alert and aware.[...]