As Seen From Fresh Eyes

It was such a privilege to see Shea today, finally, after waiting for a week. I arrived around 5:30 this afternoon. I found Jeanne Burch and Pam Anderson in the waiting room.

Pam reported that when she saw Shea earlier this morning, she was moving a great deal, lifting her legs and moving them vigorously. This is a good sign. Pam also said that when Susan caressed and kissed Shea, she noted a strong spike in Shea’s heart rate! She said it was beautiful to see the power of mother-love on the monitor.

We said hello and then admired the jig-saw puzzle Jesse had just completed. It was a map of San Diego complete with the zoo and the convention center. Quite a feat.

It was wonderful to see her face! It’s Shea! I was amazed and so relieved to see that except for a small stitch mark between the chin and the lower lip, there’s not a mark on her face. There’s also a small stitch under the chin but it’s not visible because of the tracheostomy apparatus.

While I was in the room, Dr. Christie came by and briefed us on the two procedures he and the surgical team had performed just a few hours earlier.

The tracheostomy begins by creating an opening through the neck into the trachea (windpipe). Then a small tube is inserted to provide an airway and also to remove secretions from the lungs. The purpose of the procedure? Until now Shea has been breathing (with ventilator assistance) through a tube which goes in through her mouth. In order to do the facial surgery this Friday they needed to free that area. Dr. Christie said it took about 10 minutes to complete the procedure and all went well. (They spent much more time setting up the room, installing the equipment and creating a sterile environment.)

The second procedure was the insertion of a feeding tube. The tube enters the abdomen and then is routed through the stomach into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. They prefer this location, rather than the stomach itself, because this prevents food being vomited up which would then have the potential of being aspirated. The procedure took about 30 minutes.

Susan told us later in the evening that, in addition to the facial surgery on Friday, doctors might, at the same time, repair her damaged right knee.

Speaking of Friday’s surgery, Susan asked special prayers for Shea’s face that she be spared any paralysis. She said so much of who Shea is is her expressiveness, the love she shows to everyone in her beautiful face.

Susan, Steve and Jesse had supper at Ronald McDonald House. We joined them after that and had coffee together. David and Joy Pippenger and their son, Jonathan joined us. and then just as we were leaving, Luke and some friends appeared. Luke had spent the day in Atlanta—Susan felt that was a good thing. We all gave him early birthday wishes—the big day is tomorrow. By the way, please check out the special posting at the top of this blog and add your birthday wishes and prayers.

In the conference call tonight, we were also giving thanks for the many, many people who are joining us in praying for Shea and holding her up for healing. Friends of friends are telling their friends and it seems every day we hear of someone who approaches one of us at church saying, How’s Shea? We’re praying for her.

The news continues to be good. The increments of progress are small but they’re all in the right direction, the direction of healing! We so grateful for that. It’s a privilege to be here and to feel the power of faith, hope and family!

--Michael Anderson