Slow, But Steady Sameness

Routine has set in. Same room, similar circumstances, not much progress. It's comforting to know Paula is in capable, compassionate hands. She's still cold, yet not shivering. Her temperature is elevated, but below 100. And she's sitting up more, eating better. Plus, we get to see her surgeon every day.

Paula survived the aneurysm, and she's definitely herself, but her physical timeline is ponderously slow. Though her physical therapist just popped in and said, "I've never seen your eyes open so big, so long! That means you're getting better!" We trust God's work, His timetable, and His care team.

Amidst the sameness, we've had to say adieu to most of our crew. It's remarkable how fast our 5 kids got here after Paula's attack--they'd all seen her by 10 pm on Tues, 8/18. But Madison has now flown back to NYC (where she sent us a video from work of the sea lions at Coney Island). Marshall got back to his job (where he's earned a promotion!). And Emma and Cooper drove back to Chattanooga.

My streak of 15 consecutive Fall semester move-ins was snapped, and I feel a bit melancholy about that (though I did take Cooper on his Walmart shopping spree). Cooper's friends showed up for him in a way I could not! When Emma pulled to the curb, his friends were waiting to administer hugs and unload the car. 

Emma is working a few shifts before she rejoins us in Athens on Saturday. And Halle has dropped everything to stay with us--which is a HUGE help as she's nursing TLC right alongside the professionals!

Keep praying--we'd love to see Paula moved from intensive care before next week. Thank you! - John & family