We'll Take It...

Quick update on Ammon.  Since our scare on Wednesday night, Ammon has continued to remain stable most of the time and even make improvement.  When the doctors first intubated Ammon and put in the tube, one of his doctor's said it could be a while before it was removed.  Since this was our first time being intubated we didn't know what "it could be a while" meant.  I asked, does that mean 12 hours, 24 hours?  The doctor responded, "Let me put it this way, it could be a week or two weeks; if it comes out in under a week consider yourself very lucky."  Well, many of you know my thoughts on luck and coincidences.  Miracles have nothing to do with coincidences or luck, they have everything to do with faith and the reality and existence of a loving Heavenly Father coupled with many heartfelt prayers.  During rounds this morning we talked about Ammon possibly having the tube pulled tomorrow (Sunday) morning.  That doesn't mean Ammon is ready to leave the hospital, but it is a still a miracle.  Even if was pulled two weeks from now it would still be a miracle.

It's humbling for me to sit next to Ammon's bed, holding his hand, and to a large extent be able to discern of his strength.  I realize this is a father talking of his son when I say this, but there is a strength in being near Ammon that is real and tangible.  In spite of all the machines, procedures, and medicines that continue to assist Ammon in sustaining his life, he refuses to be broken.  I guess I'm just surprised to be so close to losing him Wednesday night to have him make such significant strides in just a few days.

Ammon has been awake at times over the past few days and we've been able to talk with him and read him stories.  When he's experiencing seizures or other pains we've been able to gently sing a song in his ear and help him to pull through it.  The tube goes right through his vocal cords, so on the few occasions he's been crying there is no sound at all.  The tube is a new experience for him as well, and I can only imagine how odd and uncomfortable it feels to have something in your throat and not be able to swallow it down or cough it up.  In addition to some continuing medications, Ammon's blood counts have dropped a bit and the doctors feel like a transfusion might be in order (we should know by tomorrow). 

Coleson and Brynn are doing well and have had a wonderful time being with friends and family over the past few days.  They have especially enjoyed having Maga in the home.  Coleson read through the previous blog post and has an understanding of what Ammon's experienced, but we generally tried to shield Brynn from some of the more extreme aspects of this experience.  I was surprised yesterday morning when I was at home and Brynn asked if Ammon almost died.  She is a little girl full of compassion for her brother, and frequently shows it through the service she performs.  She's also is a little girl with some very good ears and a capacity to comprehend the gravity of certain situations.  I'm nervous what she's heard Mommy or Daddy say on other occasions and possibly relaying in Primary or pre-school. 

Thank you again to everyone!  As one example among so many, a good friend brought in Tony Burgers last night.  I've never cried over a Tony Burger, let alone any hamburger, so that was a first.  Ammon wants us to express his gratitude as well.  Thank you for being the angels silently pushing at the back of his handcart through the recurring snow and cold.

Here's a picture of Ammon on Thursday morning; about 12 hours of being stable.

Here's another picture from Friday morning.  You can see the improvement.