I praise God for a flawless move; gentle transfers from and to bed, friendly and helpful ambulance crew, and a big homecoming upon reaching Baylor Specialty. We made the move around 1:00 which left plenty of time to get Chuck settled and comfortable. Thank you, God!

I am in San Antonio through Friday night. Pray for Chuck's continued healing. We are sooo ready to go home!

Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah...praise ye the Lord!!! Chuck is transferring today. Yippeee! We are both so thrilled. Please pray for a smooth transfer and a smooth transition.

I'm feeling like I need a BIG sedative right now. While I'm thrilled Chuck is moving today, I'm also anxious as I'm flying back to San Antonio today. Hopefully, the timing will work out so I can help with the move...and make sure he is comfortably settled before leaving.

Praise God, praise God, praise God!!!

Okay...not too much new today...which is excellent! Chuck's swelling has gone down even more, but this will be a slow process. It may be weeks before he is back to normal. He has been taken off full ventilator support and is taking some breaths on his own (this has to do with changes on the ventilator settings). He is still contected to the vent...and weaning will wait until the swelling is gone.

God has brought Chuck so very, very far! We praise our loving God! Chuck has fought and fought and fought...I praise God for molding Chuck into such a courageous man.

Chuck is continuing to improve. He finished his round of antibiotics for the pneumonia and his lungs are stable. His lab results are getting better each day. His swelling is decreasing. Once the fluid/swelling issue is resolved, he will start to wean off the ventilator. The plan is to return to Baylor Specialty sometime this week. (Don't I write that every Sunday????)

Chuck is steadily heading in the right direction. His lungs are stable; the lab results for his kidney funtion are improved; his spirits are up and he is alert. Who could ask for anything more???

John...drum roll please...the total from the jar o' love is $3533.20. The total from shirts (thus far) is $652.00. This makes a grand total (thus far) of $4185.20. God bless you! WOW. You must be pretty impressed with yourselves. Chuck is speechless...believe it or not. I am in awe...could I be any more George Bailey???

Now, as for the Picciuti clan...there is no price on the treasures they DAILY pour out on me. I love you Mom, Dad, Christy, Tony, Jonah, Heather, Lindsey, Matthew...and you too, Duncan. When Chuck gets out of the hospital, we're all going to San Antonio for a HUGE celebration!

THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO!!!!!!!!! (and Austin, and Kerrville, and Ingram, and Boerne, and Fair Oaks Ranch). What an amazing night...so much love. Chuck and I are blessed, blessed, blessed. We are loving all of you right back!

Okay, how to explain the evening?? I'll just take it chronologically...I walked into the Blue Cactus around 6:15 and it was already filled with friends...from church, camp, work, life! The food was DELICIOUS. By the time the music started, it was standing room only. The seating inside AND outside was filled! The Notorious Sinners (John, Jeff, Steve "Sin", Michael)opened...WOW. Wow, wow, wow. They ROCKED. (I know this full well, as my table was right by the stage.) Seriously, the boys were in rare form. Then Ruben V and his band (Val, Onel, Laurence) did their thang...how to describe their music? Joyfully bluesy. Ruben V is amazing! If you've never experienced him live...treat yourself. Go...be blessed! Finally, one of our favorite folks ever...Chris Taylor, sang for Chuck. It was one huge love fest for Chuck!

Thank you, Ruben for sharing your idea...calling John Condit at 2 in the morning..."Hey, John. I have an idea. Let's do a benefit for Chuck." THANK YOU.

Then there was the JAR. The JAR o' love money. I have not finished counting...I know everyone's anxious to know how much you raised. Janie and Charlotte were too cute...running around collecting money. Leslie provided "Chuck Love " sheets...for people to send get-well messages. Tod and Nicole sold T-shirts...way cool t-shirts designed by Mr. Davis! Who organized this thing? It was just incredible!

Friends, we love you. I brought all your love back to Dallas and poured it all over Chuck. Speaking of Chuck, he is doing quite well. His potassium levels are going down (praise God), his lungs are stable (praise God), and his swelling is going down.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

Chuck looks really great. It so encouraging...walking into his room...being greeted with a smile and a kiss. Thank you, God!

Chuck's lungs are stable. Currently, he has pneumonia and is on full-ventilator support. Until his swelling subsides, no changes will be made to the vent = no weaning. The swelling is being addressed with small doses of lasix (not enough to harm the kidneys).

As for the kidneys ... slow improvements. Chuck was on an antibiotic that was not good for the ol' kidneys. That antibiotic has been changed. We are still waiting for his numbers to come down (creatinine and B.U.N.). Also, his potassium level is a bit high. The doctors, nurses, and dieticians are juggling Chuck's intake in order to help the situation.

We are so thankful for Chuck's doctors ... for his nurses and techs ... for the chaplains. God has blessed us with the brilliance and gentleness of a great staff.

I am very excited about the benefit concert tonight. It will be so great to see everyone...to be a part of such an amazing evening. Thank you for loving Chuck...almost as much as I do!

Too bad for Chuck. I think he would have preferred it if I were more like Catwoman or Wonder Woman!

Your results:
You are Superman

Superman 100% Robin 87% Spider-Man 80% Supergirl 75% Green Lantern 70% Wonder Woman 55% The Flash 55% Hulk 45% Batman 40% Iron Man 40% Catwoman 35%

You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.

Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...

Chuck is continuing to improve. He must really want me to go to the benefit concert! My clever sister-in-law, Christy, was commenting on how glamorous my life is ... just like Regis and Kelly. Thursday evening I will catch a flight to a cool benefit concert; Friday morning I will catch a flight to Dallas for a hair appointment. And, uh ... that's about where the glamore ends!

So ... Chuck's lungs are stronger; his kidneys are better; and his wounds are doing great. Thank you, God!

I hope to see several of you tomorrow night at the concert!

Chuck seems to be on the road to recovery ... contrary to predictions made by his doctor. It was a ROUGH weekend ... failing lungs, failing kidneys ... now it all seems a distant memory. Chuck is breathing comfortably and his kidneys are working. Whew!

God is amazing! Recently, I've been shown the importance of worshipping God. I started it as a discipline ... not feeling much as I read some psalms and sang some hymns. Something happened inside me though ... a rush of adoration. Yes, I know and have known that God is in control of this whole thing. However, in worshipping him, I remembered who the God who-is-in-control is. Not only is he all-knowing and all-seeing, but he is also all powerful. He is the creator and the sustainer of life. Yep, I think God can handle this.

Today's post is for the lovely Eloise. Sadly for those she has left behind, she has gone home to be with the Lord. Our hearts are just broken for our friend, Chris Elgin. Now ... you know that to raise the likes of Chris Elgin, you've got to be something special. Eloise was a beautiful woman of God ... who adored her children ... and loved life.

We love you, Chris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chuck's having a tough ol' time right now. His lungs have become very stiff, and he's having difficulty breathing. He was put on a steroid ... which greatly helped. Also, the doctor has changed the setting on his vent. This helped also. I'll keep you posted on any changes with his lungs.

His kidney output is questionable right now. As I mentioned, Chuck's body is having a tough time. Please pray.

Mindy has loaned me her computer! Yippee ... and good news for all of us as Chuck's wounds are doing great. He has LESS hardware showing ... praise God. Truly, this is the work of God ... as it is just impossible.

Chuck's kidneys are working, but his lab results are poor. This means there's still "junk" in his blood. The numbers are nowhere near needing dialysis ... praise God. Please pray for effective kidney filtering!

I've called Chuck's nurse and she says he looks good and has smiled a few times today. His kidney output is still good ... however, his lab results are still poor. This means his body is still full of junk. Please pray his kidneys filter more effectively.

There may be no posts until Sunday. No worries ... I'll just be without a computer for the next few days.

Be blessed!

Chuck's kidney function is slowly improving. He is still trying to round the corner ... not quite out of the woods. For those of you who can interpret such info (I have to check the internet), creatinine level is 2.3; hematocrit is 26.2; BUN is 72.

Chuck's a bit anemic today and will be receiving blood. This will also help with the swelling issue ... the new blood should help pull the fluid out of his tissues and into the blood stream. He will also get hit with a dose of lasix ... with the hopes of ridding his body of all the excess fluid.

Chuck's lungs have been gunky ... there may be an infection. However, the doctor feels confident that they bacteria is from a colony associated with the trache (which is apparently better than pneumonia). Still, he is starting a new antibiotic ... just to make sure.

Some good news: nutrition is excellent. The T.P.N. has been stopped (good), and Chuck's tube feed is up to 60! This is the highest in a very, very long time! He is having no nausea! They may take the nose tube out today.

My plan is to fly to San Antonio this evening. We'll see ... the weather's rough all around.

Chuck's still trying to round the corner on the kidney thang. His creatinine level is too high ... the doctor stopped the lasix. Now, we watch and wait ... praying for continued output.

Interesting situation: The last few days Cassie has been Chuck's nurse. We adore her! I told her about the Fix Up Chuck website ... and she realized she knows Chuck from Lions Camp! She was a camper back in 92 and 93. She recognized Tod, Nicole, Mindy, Christie! How cool is that?

Okay ... everyone agrees ... Chuck is doing much better! The plan for now is to continue watching and waiting. Once the kidney thing is fully resolved (who knows when??), we'll head back to Baylor Specialty. His creatinine and BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) numbers will need to be normal for a while. The numbers have been high ... but are slowly improving. Here's some info. I copied from the internet:

Hospitals and doctors routinely measure blood creatinine levels to determine kidney function. Creatine is broken down to creatinine, which is eliminated through the kidneys. High creatinine serum levels are thus an indication of renal failure.

The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea. Urea is a substance secreted by the liver, and removed from the blood by the kidneys. (His nurse told me ... it is an indication of how much "junk" is being carried in Chuck's blood.)

This has been a frustrating speed bump ... now it's onward and upward!

Chuck's kidneys are still pumping out! Whew ... thank you, God!

And now ... for marathon #3 .... Greg ran the Houston marathon in 2:59:09!!!!!!!!! Truly amazing! We are so very, very proud of Greg and so thankful for what he is doing for Chuck.

I'll update once all doctors have visited. Have a beautiful day!

A love song to God:

How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin

VERSE(1):
The splendor of the King,
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,
And trembles at his voice

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God

VERSE(2):
Age to age he stands
And time is in His Hands
Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End
The Godhead, Three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb,
The Lion and the Lamb

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God

CHORUS(2)
Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing how great
Is our God(x2)

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God

Then sings my soul,
my savior, God to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art(x2)

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God

Come on now ... did you really need me to post this morning? I was saddened this morning when I awoke and Chuck's output was the same ... if not less. So, I said, "OK, God. OK." Then I went to pick up Christie from the airport. Upon returning to Chuck's room ... I noticed ... it's flowing like a river! Praise God, praise God, praise God.

The nephrologist has not come by yet ... we'll see what he says. Thank you for your prayers. My prayer all night ... over and over again was, "Please have mercy on me ... please have mercy on me ... please, please."

Thank you GOD! Thank you for your faithfulness ... thank you for your mercy. Thank you for being sovereign and giving me exactly what I need at exactly the right time.

This post is dedicated to you, Bob-O and Sue ... per your Bruce Almighty email.

I spent two hours in the chapel (we get kicked out of I.C.U. for 2 hours in the evening). I read to God from Psalms ... I sang to him (yes sang ... quietly) ... cried and prayed to him. All that only killed one hour! Then I noticed the notebook that is kept in the chapel for prayer requests. I picked it up and read page after page of people with broken hearts ... "Heal my mother of cancer ... take my sister home to be with you ... help my husband to come home soon." It was touching to see all those prayer requests ... touching and very sad. I felt a sense of despair ... so much sickness ... so much pain! Then I remembered an email Bob and Sue sent me about the movie Bruce Almighty. Morgan Freeman plays God. He is explaining to Bruce that answering yes to every prayer leads to chaos since people rarely know what they really want (or what is best for them). Ahhh, leave it to a Jim Carey movie to remind me of the truth: God is sovereign. He sees how everything fits together. He does the best thing at the best time for the greatest good. He dearly loves Chuck ... he dearly loves all the people mentioned in the prayer book.

I am praying for healing for Chuck. I am praying that his kidneys open and flow! I am praying that we have a long and deliriously happy life together.

Here it is ... a call to fast and pray. Who'd a thunk? Seriously, Chuck has 24 hours to make some urine ... then he gets dialysis. I know, I know ... Mom is bringing up popcorn and chicken soup! If you feel so inclined ... start now and fast until tomorrow morning. Pray for Chuck's kidneys to start working!

In the meantime, Chuck will be given lasix ... a last ditch effort before dialysis. Dr. Biederman (from Plano ...! He knows Chuck well and is filling in for Dr. Hebert this weekend) wants to try dialysis for one reason only ... Chuck's back. He said if it were anyone else with the same lab results that Chuck has ... he would let nature take its course ... let them swell some more until they produced urine. However, the more Chuck swells, the more his wound opens.

This is what I learned about dialysis: it will not make his kidneys better; it may not make him feel any better; it may not pull off the fluid. However, it will give his body a break ... a chance to catch up. Going on dialysis does not increase his chances of having to stay on dialysis. However, going on dialysis in an indicator that he is very, very ill.

News from the wound front ... Dr. DeLeon came today! Let's see ... first, Chuck has healthy tissue surrounding his hardware. Thank you, God! Some areas are even improving ... this is a miracle from God. This should not be the case for several reasons: rough movements (ambulance, E.R., C.P.R.) poor nutrition, poor health overall. God has does the impossible. Now, there is more hardware`showing. It is not infected. However, it is very, very, very hard for skin to granulate to hardware (grow over hardware). It is so hard ... that the best conditions are needed = good nutrition, no pressure to the area. Please pray God does the impossible again. You know the alternative ... back to surgery. Funny ... I feel a sense of calm about all this. If God has taught me anything, he has taught me to be patient. Chuck's body will heal.

Chuck looks miserable. Poor baby! His kidneys have not opened the floodgates yet. They are producing tiny, tiny amounts. Dr. Hebert will do dialysis tomorrow if nothing happens today. So ... start praying for kidneys to work. Of course, God's got this one. However, I need prayer for an obedient and trusting heart ... knowing that he does the best thing, at the best time, for the greatest good. I have trouble balancing the two ... asking for my heart's desires while accepting God's will in matters. I do not function well with gray matters ... I like things black and white!

I will update if anything new happens.

Update on cool events happening ... for my beloved:

• January 14: Greg will run marathon #3! This one is in Houston.
• January 25: The Notorious Sinners and Ruben V will play a benefit concert for Chuck! Details to follow.

Visit the website for Ruben V at www.rubenv.com and for The Notorious Sinners at www.notorioussinners.com.

Thank you so much for all the encouragement! Not only were the posts helpful, I received several emails ... thank you.

Ella is the chaplain who helped me yesterday. Something she said kept coming back to me ... the part about me not being any more righteous when I think I'm being righteous as when I think I'm rebelling. I guess I thought if I was good enough, God would heal Chuck. (Stop laughing!) It's the themometer thing all over again. Apparently I hold myself in high esteem ... thinking I can control the outcome of Chuck's illness by sheer will. It's funny ... these things happen slowly ... then before you know it, you've wandered so far from truth. Here's the deal. God is in control of this. He is loving and kind and good and just. He is that way if I'm at Chuck's bedside praying over him. He is that way if I'm cowering in the corner with a bottle of wine trying to escape the pain. Again, some of Ella's words come to me ... she told me, "God's yoke is easy, his burden is light." At which I emphatically said ... "Whatever ... this burden is heavy. It is heavy, heavy, heavy." She was gracious enough to not shout, "Hey miss God-complex ... perhaps the burden is heavy, heavy, heavy because you are carrying it without God!" Well, perhaps today I will try to let God carry this. I will try ... no promises.

Update for this morning:

• Kidneys are still closed for business.
• No infections have been detected. White blood cell count has dropped. This is great since one of the theories concerning all this is that Chuck's back in infected.
• Chuck looks AWFUL ... poor baby. He's all swollen and miserable.
• Lungs are good.
• J-tube feedings have resumed, but at a very low rate. They have added T.P.N. feedings (through the vein ... now that Chuck has a PIKK line again).
• Dr. Hebert (kidney doc) has stopped the fluid pumping ... as Chuck may burst. He is still optimistic that the kidneys will kick in.

We are sending our love out to you!

Chuck got a central line today. This will DRASTICALLY cut down on his discomfort. Previously, his I.V. site was changed every three days ... plus he has had blood drawn up to five times some days. Needless to say ... we are thrilled to be done with all of that!

Okay, here's the kidney situation. Very little output yet. I have been reassured ... the typical routine for an acute failure like this is that the condition worsens ... worsens ... levels ... then the floodgates pour! We are praying for this. (Personally, I would like to skip the worsen ... worsen ... worsen part.) Chuck is such a trooper. He's miserable ... but doesn't complain.

Me, well that's another story all together. I'm a mess! I finally went to the chaplain's counselling center and said ... "Help me! I'm a mess!" Here's the deal ... now don't get all worried over this ... it's fine ... it's part of my journey. Okay ... so I feel God has abandoned me ... turned a cold shoulder to the situation ... sees us suffering but does nothing. Now ... I've been feeling this build for a while but have been afraid to discuss my anger toward God with God for fear of punishment. (Does any of this sound familiar to you other believers????) My sent-from-heaven counselor nodded knowling as I cried and cried and cried ... guilt, shame, fear (all satan's favorites). She was perfect ... said all the right things ... spoke truth into my heart. I had to laugh when she pointed out that I'm no more righteous when I'm not angry with God than when I am angry with him. I am in CONSTANT need of grace.

Now any of you who has had a crying fit knows how GOOOOOD it feels when you are done. Whew. However, I wasn't finished. I feebly told her that I didn't know what to do now. She wisely said ... "Nothing. You've done what you needed to do. You have openly talked to God about how mad you are at him (like he didn't already know)." She further told me that I am doing what I need to do ... confessing where I am in this journey. So, this is where I am in this journey ... I don't like it. I don't like what is happening. There. I'm sure God is RELIEVED that I'm finally being real with him.

A great deal has happened to Chuckito since Sunday. Please pray for his comfort! His stomach has become distended; his kidneys are not functioning properly; he is swelling like a tick. The issue with his kidneys is most likely because his kidneys are dehydrated (lasix plus two days of vomitting). He is being pumped full of fluids ... but with poor nutrition and no kidney output, the fluid is going out into the body. Please pray the kidneys do their thang. The nephrologist (kidney doc) came by and said things may get worse before they get better (with the swelling). However, dialysis is not necessary at this point. He assured me that he will check on Chuck personally several times a day. He also feels confident that this is a temporary condition. Oh yes, and with the pumping of fluids ... he may get buildup around his lungs again. This makes it tough for him to breathe. Pray for my boy!

Wouldn't you know it ... Chuck's digestion is goofed again. His tube feedings have been stopped ... his stomach is distended (again) ... and nothing is showing up in the tests (again). Please pray that whatever is going on with his digestional tract is identified and resolved ... quickly. I am taking a day trip to San Antonio tomorrow ... but hope to stay in touch with the doctors via phone.

It's a nice, quiet Saturday. Chuck is looking better each day. He does not sound near and junky ... and his lungs are clearing up a bit.

There may be some intestinal issues ... please pray they resolve themselves. Remember waaaaaaaaaaay back when ... Chuck's stomach would get distended? He had a bit of that last night and this morning. However, it already seems better. Nevertheless ... please pray his digestive tract continues to function properly ... so that he is comfortable AND is getting adequate nutrition.

Dad drooooooooooove here yesterday ... eight hours, whew! He's been a real comfort ... just hanging out with me ... chatting.

Enjoy your weekend!

Looks like the next three days are for resting. New changes in Chuck's lungs: he has a lot of fluid on them. The belief being that he was pumped full of fluids upon arriving to the E. R. With poor nutritional status and low protein levels, the fluid went out into the body rather than being filtered through the bloodstream. He sounds gunky ... we are hoping there is no pneumonia. Please pray for clear lungs. In the meantime, Chuck is receiving lasix (which pulls off the excess fluid).

His memory is better today. He remembers yesterday ... which is a HUGE improvement.

The plan is for Chuck to return to Baylor Specialty on Monday. Dr. DeLeon is axiously awaiting his arrival. She has not been able to visit over here, but asks about Chuck continually. The wound-care nurse came today. Chuck's wounds are holding stable ... with some improvement in various areas.

Believe it or not ... I think Chuck is putting on some weight. It's hard to tell ... as he may be swollen from the fluid. However ... he seems more fleshy to me! Who'd have thunk ... Chuck Picciuti fleshy??

I know many of you are wanting to help us. Believe me ... the #1 thing you can do is to remember Chuck in prayer. Prayer is very powerful. However, I know how it feels to want to do something ... to see it's immediate impact .... Alas, this one is out of our hands! Please know how much your prayers help ... how much they mean ... how much they do for me and Chuck! When this is all over ... you can all get together and send me and Chuck on a luxury cruise! How's that?

p.s. The trip back to Baylor Specialty has been postponed until Chuck is more stable. We want to make sure his "issues" are resolved.

Also, his short term memory is still a bit off ... but getting better every day. Every time I tell him he's having some short term memory loss issues, he says, "What short term memory loss?"

Chuck's okay. (I've learned that that is the best place to start when there's been something to "discuss.")

Early this morning (3:30ish), Chuck's heart rate dropped and his breathing slowed waaaay down. He was given C.P.R. and atropine to start up and keep up his heart rate. This is his second heart rate issue this week. I may have neglected to mention the first one. In total, Chuck's breathing slowed on Friday (sending him to the E.R.); his heart rate dropped on Tuesday (or some such day); and BOTH his heart and lungs pooped out last night. As mentioned before, he's okay.

I believe the docs have gotten to the bottom of this whole thing. I'll give the basics ... some of which I need to research. The issues seems to be pulmonary ... not cardiac. Chuck has a pulse-oxygen monitor which (I believe) gives the oxygen saturation based on his pulse. However, Chuck has not had a gas-oxygen run in quite a while. It came back and Chuck was immediately put back on the vent. So, most likely, the oxygenation of his blood has been poor ... for a while, even thought the oxygen saturation monitor shows he is getting enough oxygen. This explains his lethargy ... why he is unable to cough up phlem at night ... and his breathing slows waaaaaaaaaaay down. Of course, this is lay-man's terms. I've not talked to the pulmonologist since the blood-gas results came in. (Nurses are not allowed to explain the results! Which is so frustrating because they know the results ... and have talked with the doctor ... but I'm left in the dark until the doctor has time to come see me!)

I don't know how Chuck's weathered the week ... but I'm exhausted! My dad is coming tomorrow to give me extra t.l.c.

If anyone knows about pulse-ox vs. blood-ox or anything about oxygen saturation monitors ... feel free to chime in. For now ... I'm off to web md.

The latest rumor is that Chuck will be returning to Baylor Specialty soon. Someone from B.S.H. (Baylor Specialty) is coming to evaluate Chuck for the pod. Yep, back to the pod. (Good for constant care ... bad for privacy and peace.)

Dr. DeLeon has not made it to Chuck, yet. I'm sure she'll have something interesting to say. I adore her and feel we are in very good hands with her.

I'll update if anything changes.

Pray for complete recovery ... home by spring break!

Chuck has been off the ventilator all day. Please pray for energy ... as it really wears him out. It's amazing how quickly the lungs get lazy once they've gone on the ventilator. He's fighting like a real champ.

Wound-care came by today. We have a GREAT blessing in Linda, the wound-care nurse. She came to see Chuck on Friday ... once we arrived from the E.R. After caring for Chuck, she came over to me ... I must have looked a mess. She pointedly asked me how I was. I started crying. She assured me that my tears were precious to God, and that he was collecting them in a bottle. I told her that he'd better get a bigger bottle!

Today ... when Chuck's back looked better ... yes BETTER ... than Friday, I said, "Thank God." Linda reminded me, "God's the author of miracles." While I've been praying for healing ... I just knew Chuck's back would look beaten and bruised from all the commotion on Friday. Alas, God put his hand over Chuck's back ... kept it safe ... and threw in some new, pink skin to boot!

Dr. DeLeon just got back from the Philipines. (Hallelujah!) She has plans to come see Chuck today ... but it will be late. I will most likely be gone for the night.

Thanks for the prayers. Keep it up!

Chuck stayed off the ventilator from 9:30 until about 3:00. Not too shabby first time out of the chute! He's resting now ... it really wore him out.

Mom and Dad brought us a beautiful bouquet ... complete with gerber daisies.

Chuck's memory is getting much better. He's holding onto some new information ... which is a relief!

Please pray for complete healing ... we're ready for home!

Happy New Year! Chuck and I are thrilled to be celebrating our 13th anniversary. I spent the night in the I.C.U. last night ... as I'm not much on staying up late to welcome in the new year ... and there was no one else I'd rather be with than Chuck. Now ... staying in the I.C.U. is a bit different from other areas of the hospital. Everything, every consideration is for the benefit of the patient. Thus, when the nurse kept waking me because Chuck wanted me, "But I'm sleeping," was not an adequate excuse. I felt a bit like a king's concubine ... the servant comes ... taps the chosen one on the shoulder ... "He's asking for you." Not nearly so romantic as I've imagined the life of a concubine.

Chuck's off the ventilator this morning. My wonderful friend, Mindy, has started to pray that Chuck will be home by spring break ... sounds good to me! Vanlentine's Day would be even better ... but a bit unlikely. Let's pray for complete recovery.

Many blessings to you in 2007.