Page 43 - Journey of Hope by Raymond Moldenhauer

DAY74

A BETTER DAY

Kathie and I drove back to Wilmington this morning. We just had
to see Alyssa today. Yesterday’s report was too disconcerting. It
was very reassuring to see that she was, in fact, having a better
day. Earlier, the nurse practitioner had taken an X-Ray before
and after the repositioning of the respirator tube, to make sure
that it was perfect this time. Alyssa’s blood gas work was much
better, and her lungs sounded clear.

They removed the bandage to check on her wound, and then let
it stay open to the air. The incision was much longer than we
expected – nearly 3 inches across her abdomen. There was no
sign of redness and only a little swelling – probably more from
the IV fluids than anything else.

Alyssa was asleep again for most of the day and resting
peacefully. She responded briefly to Heidi’s voice and touch,
and even opened her eyes for 30 seconds or so – the first time
since the surgery. We even saw a slight smile a few times –
pleasant dreams!

Kathie and I have been blessed to live near Heidi and Jim during
this journey. We can travel to Wilmington as much as we need
to – and we needed to today. At the same time, it must be very
trying for Jim’s parents (Dan and Peggy) to live in Maine and not
able to be here on a regular basis to support their son and
daughter-in-law, or to see and hold their new baby
granddaughter. Dan, a Minister in Maine, wrote down his
thoughts about the events of the last 74 days as he and Nana are
feeling in their hearts – nearly 800 miles away!