Saturday, February 19, 2011

Baby steps

Today when we came into the ICU we wondered what to expect... Would Benjamin be doing better than yesterday or worse than yesterday? Then we phoned in to come in & they were doing rounds right by his bed so we had to wait 10 minutes. Exactly 10 minutes to the second, we phoned again. "Sorry, they're still doing rounds. Can you wait another 10 minutes?" In my mind I'm thinking "NO, I don't want to wait but yes, I will." Anxiously pacing the waiting room we wait another 10 minutes. Ok, the time seems to be taking forever! We walk back, phone again and are given the ok to come in. YEAH!! Now to wash our hands for a minute, dry them, walk over to the back of the ICU, gown up, put a mask on, open the door & finally get to see him:)

Jenny is his nurse today. She is an awesome nurse! She tells us that his O2 challenge was 108 today! 108!!!! That is great news! We're on a high right now. His O2 challenge needs to be over 100 in order for them to try weaning him off ECMO. So today they are going to play with the numbers on the ECMO machine & ventilator and try get him into a position where they can take the cannulae out either tomorrow or Monday.

It's still very critical but it's definitely a step in the right direction. Amazing how one day we spend most of the day crying because we're not sure if he'll make it & 2 days later we are excited that they might be able to wean him off ECMO. It's still a long road ahead but we try to live day by day as if we look at the road ahead we get exhausted even thinking about it.

We are looking forward to Alice & Tim coming for lunch and then Bert & Debbie coming for dinner. We love it when people visit as it breaks up the long days a bit. And we are definitely enjoying the sunshine!

Thanks for all the comments. I know I haven't said it but we do appreciate them a lot. It helps us to know that we are not alone and that a lot of people are thinking about us & praying for us. If you don't know how to comment. Select anonymous, write the comment including your name please, and then fill out the capcha code at the bottom of the page.

Get better soon Benjamin!!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's with joy in our hearts to give thanks to the Lord for the improvements in Benjamin's life .We are very happy for him and you for this news and ask the Lord to give complete healing and strength to all.Yes you are on our minds all day long .We hope that soon you may be home again as family .Love and hugs from us in Sicamous (Dad)

Anonymous said...

wij blijven bidden,
veel liefs.

joop en jennie

Eileen said...

Baby steps one day at a time - how we know this saying so well:)
All steps in the right direction.
Prayers,love and hugs to everyone. Keep it up Benjamin!

Barb Delviken said...

AWESOME NEWS ~ God is an AWESOME God ~

You All are in my Thoughts and Prayers.

Hugs to You All.

Anonymous said...

This is Wonderful news, we keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong
Jodie

Anonymous said...

One step at a time is how the race is won! I was so excited to hear that he took another step in the right direction! How happy you both must be! We are continuing to pray everyday through out the day, that he will continue to take these baby steps! Love you guys!

Catrina

Anonymous said...

It is hard for us to imagine the day by day, minute by minute road you are on right now, but we are praying for you all, especially Benjamin. We are so glad to hear some positive news, even if it is a baby step, it is still in the right direction. May the Lord keep strengthening you!

Tom & Katrina

Evelyn van Egdom said...

YAY!!! Mom & I are just leaving to come see you guys and give you a great big HUG and High 5 :)

Ev

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog and praying for you. It is so good to hear the encouraging news. May you continue to experience the strength and love of the Lord. "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows them that trust in Him." Nahum 1:7
With love and prayers,
Mary Overduin

Anonymous said...

Great News. Thanking God for these little baby step. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. See you soon

Lots of love and hugs
larry kath & kids

Anonymous said...

Greta & Gary

Wow what wonderful news...It is good to see the Lord working in Benjamin's life.

You are in my thoughts and prayers

Love "Teacher" Donna :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Gary and Greta....

We know Alice through work and also through Highroad. We just want you to know we have been following this and praying for your precious little boy to make a comlete recovery..our church is also praying for him. (City Life...or you might know it as Glad Tidings) Praying for strength as well for you and your family. Love Chad and Christina Lueck

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear some encouraging news the past couple of days!! What a little fighter he is :) You're all in our prayers....
Hugs from Trish Anker (& family)

Anonymous said...

Wow - so great to hear such hopeful reports! We will continue to pray for Benjamin that he will heal completely.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful Gary and Gretta!! and family:) we are praying for you all and have our small group (Bible Study) praying too. I think of you all often and you are all in our prayers. Especially sweet little Benjamine. Get well soon little one:) Prayer is Powerful and our God is Great.
Love the Vanderknyffs in PEI.