Sleep at Last

I am so happy to report that after almost five days without sleep, Shea was finally able to get some rest last night! Thanks so much for your prayers! She slept about 7 hours--from 8-10pm when Susan was with her, from midnight to 3am when I was there, and then from 4-6am while Kathy was with her. Susan suggested that I get in bed with Shea and sleep next to her. It worked so well because I was there to hold her hand or comfort her whenever she needed me. Kathy had the same experience. After seeing her so agitated and frantic, we thanked the Lord for the peace and rest He gave her.

Shea is still having periods of hallucination where she reaches for things that aren't there, waves and motions to people who aren't there, and has that far-away look in her eyes. Then she has times when she is lucid and able to express her feelings and ask and answer questions by writing. The periods of time when she is lucid are getting longer, and for that we are so grateful.

Continue to pray for the restoration of the nerves on the left side of her face. Dr. Carey, the facial surgeon, was in today and told Steve and Susan that he is pleased with how things are progressing. He sees evidence that the nerves are slowing coming back, but only time will tell and we need to keep praying!

Susan and Steve and Kathy and I have been with Shea around the clock. But today when
Susan and Steve stepped out for a quick lunch, Shea was coughing and some phlegm got lodged in her trach and couldn't breathe. The nurse who was sitting with her called for help and they were able to unlodge it so Shea could get air again. It was quite a traumatic experience for Shea and the staff, but she recovered and was quite happy to see her parents when they arrived!

This evening Dr. Clark put in a smaller trach, and the procedure went well. Dr. Dunn, the ear, nose & throat doctor, wanted to extract the blood clot from her right ear drum, but the light on the machine wouldn't work so he had to postpone it until tomorrow.

Steve's sister, Joy, is coming this evening and we are looking forward to having her here to help out. Jeanne, who has been away for a few days, will be back tomorrow.

As I said last night, it's a privilege to be here and to see Shea, "the miracle girl," make such an amazing recovery. She's come such a long way, but there are many challenges ahead. Thanks again for your prayers.

Karen Grassmick