Monday Mornin' Update

The motto for the coming week and the past weekend is "slow but steady".

Sarah said that Brian is doing well, a little bit better and stronger each day. It is, however, going to be a long and slow process.

Today they are removing the tube that monitors cranial pressure from his brain. This is a very good sign, as the doctors are no longer worried about that (very good news). He was awake for much of the weekend, and was responsive to commands (or "suggestions" I should say, as I'm sure no one was commanding Brian to do things!) such as moving both feet, both hands, blinking, and (the one I thought was most note-worthy), giving a "peace sign" to the nurse. :)

He is responding very well to stimuli, just as he would have before the accident, showing emotion at the mention of Rowan and other things, and being visibly moved by a great little digital photo album that our good friend, Cody, brought to him in the hospital (Thanks, Cody!)

At this point, the surgery to replace the bone flap is still unscheduled, but we are guessing that it will be in roughly two weeks (just a guess).

Sarah said this morning that the amount of love, support and encouragement they have received from everybody has been just amazing. She said they are able to get the emails that are sent to the hospital, they have gotten some mail, she is checking the blog and reading the comments there, and all of it combined has been such a tremendous blessing to her and Brian's family that are there with them. (Sidenote: they cannot have flowers in the ICU at all, so if you're feeling so inclined to send something, just know that flowers are not allowed there).

Sarah has also said several times what amazing care they have been receiving from the staff there. The nurses, doctors and staff have all been just incredible in their compassion and care for Brian (and the family). They are with him around the clock, sometimes even spending breaks there to be with him. People from the mountain (where the accident occurred) and from the hospital have stepped up to offer their homes, their love, their support -- simply incredible.

It is times like these when we as people get to witness the overwhelming beauty and grace of humanity. I, for one, feel so thankful that even though all of us can't be there, they are being completely covered in love, prayers, and compassion. This experience is proving to be an awesome testament to both the fragility and resiliance of the human body, and the magnificence and power of the human spirit.

The news is good. Brian's recovery is good. This is only the beginning, so keep praying.