Sunday- Day 9

We have had some set backs today regarding Brent’s progress. This morning he was moved from the third floor to the fourth floor, which is a step down ICU. During the night he had some complication and collapsed the upper section of his lung. (This happens when a person has shallow breathing patterns.) We need this section of the lung to improve to insure the surgery on his shoulder will be performed first thing tomorrow morning. He is still breathing on his own, but with the help of a breathing machine to help regulate it. This morning Brent asked to practice his breathing exercises that the nurse had shown him earlier this morning. I was able to visit with Brent a little this afternoon and he seemed to be doing alright. It was good to see Brent making jokes with the doctors as they were attending to him. Brent has not lost his personality, that’s for sure. He's a trooper! He was having some irritation on his shoulder so they temporarily have taken the sling off his left shoulder. They have also done this to assess for tomorrows procedure. He is physically uncomfortable right now, but I assure you that the Lord has comforted him as only He can!

For the next 24 hours while Brent is in the step down ICU they are allowing family only in the room with him. They are asking us to take shifts with Brent throughout the night to help monitor and calm him. He tends to get worked up when surrounded by a lot of people. We are telling Brent of all the friends that are coming to visit. He knows he is loved by each and every one of you. We were told that they will allow some visitors other than family tomorrow after the surgery. Thank you so much to all of you that have been there to comfort us as a family throughout this. Your love and support has made an impact on us that we cannot even begin to express the degree of our appreciation. To all of you that have been at the Blood drive in Brent’s name. Thank you!! I wish we could sit down and tell each and every one of you how much you have impacted us, and how much we greatly appreciated you. We feel like we are home with family when we are surrounded by you. We cherish the relationships that we have formed.

Please continue to lift Brent up in prayer. Tomorrow is an important day regarding his rehab. He is going to need as much strength in his arms as possible.

Although today has been rough, we firmly know God still has his hand in this- He will never give us something we can’t handle!