Thursday, March 25th - Day 38

Yesterday, Brian had a restful day (on par for his usual progress). Big day Wed, rest day Thurs! I assume all the stimulation + the reduction in his trach hole size is accounting for it.

But everything is still stable - vitals & blood work are great! Just waiting for final confirmation of his transfer. Please pray for my patience in this process. I worry about his right eye because it has not made the same progress as the left and I tend to dwell on some of those types of things. Please continue to pray for his full recovery & for his optic nerves & muscles to pull through!

Erin (his sister) came again to do some range of motion. He did open his eyes for a brief moment where he fluttered / blinked rapidly, compared to the slower blinking he's been doing. I hadn't seen that from him yet. He also yawned and we heard his vocal chords since his trach is no longer cuffed, so that was new as well!

Otherwise, slow & steady over here. I allowed myself to get some rest last night so my update is coming in a bit late.

I also want to take a moment to ask for prayers for another law enforcement family. Yesterday morning, another Illinois State Trooper - Trooper Todd Hanneken - was in an accident and passed away. His family, friends and the ISP family is hurting deeply & my heart is heavy with them. God suffers with us through  despair & anguish. I pray He is gently holding them & whispering comfort and hope during this unimaginable time.  Men & women in law enforcement are special people that run towards danger daily -- towards bullets, fires, crashes, crime... -- while many of us would run in fear. They choose to make the ultimate sacrifice daily, to protect others. More info about the honorable life of Trooper Hanneken can be read here.

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 
I have summoned you by name; 
you are mine. 
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. 
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; 
the flames will not set you ablaze.”

-Isaiah 43:1-2