5-13-16

I know everyone is wanting a post-surgery update on Drew! He came back from recovery after the surgery and spent the rest of that day and most of yesterday resting. He would wake up and fuss some when his pain meds wore off, but slept most the time. Today he's been a lot more lively. He even walked down the hall! After his digestive tract "woke up" from anesthesia, his feeding tube has been turned back on without any issues. He is still on the stronger pain meds, but seems to be doing okay. Drew never really lets you know when he hurts though unless it REALLY hurts, so we try to keep the pain under control before he gets to that point. He did run a fever last night, and cultures were taken, given our history with infection. The surgeon and infectious disease doctor both say not to be too alarmed, it is normal to have a fever following this big of an operation, but they are covering their bases with the cultures. Please pray that nothing grows! If he stays on track with healing and no infection comes up, they are still anticipating an early next week release. My Dad and cousin Krista both left today, and we are SO grateful for their help this week. Krista did a great job making Molly's week special while we had to turn most of our focus on Drew, and my Dad helped us get a good night sleep last night by staying with Drew at the hospital. It truly is "taking a village", and we are so thankful!

It has been such a roller coaster of a week. The build up to the surgery has been months in the making, and then to have such a high when all went well was amazing. Its hard for me to not think about what we still have to go through, but I am really trying to pause and appreciate how far we've come, and truly be grateful for where we are. Romans 8:28 is a promise I have had to cling to since January, and I am more convinced then ever that God really does work all things for the good of those who love Him. I have seen so much good through this great trial of ours. The kindness and generosity of others to our family with their time and resources; the joy Drew and his smile bring to those at the hospital and really wherever he goes; the growth in faith not only in us, but in those close to us; and the happiness and gratitude I experience now in the little things of life. I've found myself saying often how unfortunate it is that it takes such a tragedy to bring out the good in people, but at least its there! With so much anguish and turmoil going on in this country and world, I am so glad to have all these reasons to rejoice and be thankful. God really is good, and the love that He can show us through the hands of His servants on earth is reason enough to smile as you walk through this sometimes cruel and unfair life. Thank you to all of you servants!

~Heidi