What I'VE Learned (Brian)

I've finally learned how truly good life can be. After years of searching for some semblance of happiness or peace (mostly through one drug or another), I've finally found some good in this world. With my life God-centered, the blessings that I have been and am still expierencing are sometimes overwhelming. I have a woman in my life that loves me regardless of my past or my shortcomings, all of my children are back in my life and I'm actually able to be a father to them today, and my family is starting to see that I truly am a changed man and there is a relationship growing there that I haven't had for a long time. Life is really good and I thank God everyday for not giving up on me. I used to hate life and now I can't wait to get up and see what God has in store for me today.

What I've Learned

I've learned that "making a living" is not the same thing as "making a life." It's taken me a long time to get that. I've also learned to give it to God. He has blessed my life in countless ways and I have learned to trust Him. I have learned to accept God's abundance. My life today is incredible, regardless of what I may or may not have. I have the love of my life, I have a wonderful family, and I have incredible friends...who could ask for more?

Going Home!

We just received word that the X-rays this morning look great and Brody is being given discharge orders so he'll be going home shortly. All is well and thanks to everyone for your support. We love you all.

Home Again, Home Again

Brian and I made it home...we had to leave and get back for work tomorrow. Brody was doing well and is supossed to get out tomorrow so we decided to take our leave. We did a little video gaming and motorcycle racing with Brody before we left and he seemed to be in good spirits. It's been a very long 5 days, but it turned out well. Praise be to God. Thank you all so much for your help, thoughts, prayers, and understanding in such a trying time.
(As a side note to the video: Brody was told by the doctors that he weighs 16 Kg, so whenever anyone asks his age, he tells them he's 16...and there's no talking him out of it. It's too cute, so we had to get it on video)

Pumpkin Parade

Brody got to go to the Pumpkin Parade this afternoon. Upstairs each child was told to pick out the pumpkin of their choice, and each had a book that went with it. Brody picked the biggest one he saw which happened to be The Hungry Catepillar. He gets to take the book and the pumpkin home with him.
We also had X-rays this morning and everything is looking great...We're being told tomorrow should be the big day...going home!

Chest Tube is OUT!!!

After what seemed to be one of the most peaceful sleeps we've seen Brody get, the doctors came in at 8AM and took out his chest tube. We've all been dreading this, but Brody really showed us. I think it was more tramatic for the adults than for him. The doctors administered some morphine, then just pulled it out. Brody had a good scream and really, that was it. He felt good enough 2 minutes later to smile in a picture with his daddy.
Brian and I ran into Dr. Salazar outside, he told us that they want to do an echo and Brody will probably be going home tomorrow if all is well.

What a Day

It has been a really great day. Brody seems to be acting like a 4 yr old again. He's been up and about pretty much all day. We were told that he's not to have anything but clear liquids from midnight to 5AM and after that nothing...the chest tube should be coming out in the morning. We're really worried about this...we'll be praying that God will lessen his pain. I think Brian and I will be heading back to Austin tomorrow evening, but that all depends on how tomorrow goes.
Brody did have to take a dose of morphine earlier. He was having some pain, probably from the chest tube, but for the most part, he's doing well without anything more powerful than tylenol. He was even feeling well enough to do a little blogging himself.