Here is an update on Josiah’s condition as of Tuesday evening at 10:00 PM.

Today was a day of some great transitions for Josiah.  He got to move into a regular room this afternoon.  It felt very strange leaving the ICU after so many days.  My heart was a little nervous at first, because though I know that this is a great step in his healing, I will miss the great staff and constant care that the ICU staff at Memorial was giving him.  Once we got upstairs, he did just fine and has been cared for very well.  Jennifer and I have started staying the night with him as of last night while the other one goes home to see the other kids and get some rest.

Here are some of the other highlights of the day:

• He had the catheter removed yesterday, and was expected to pee in the little bottle that they give you… when you are laying in such a way that you cannot see anything.  After fighting with that off and on for several hours (and him not going) they decided to put him on a bedpan because he decided he had a bigger job to do (sorry, I do not seem to be crude – the are actually very important steps to healing and getting your body to work right).  He did NOT like the bedpan at all! So as a last resort, they decided they would put him on a portable potty chair.  Mind you, he had not been in a chair other than for about three minutes for therapy, and he was very dizzy!  Well, he was able to complete the task at hand!  He has been able to do that several times today, which is good!
• Josiah had his swallow study done today and is able to eat on his own.  It is soft and thick foods like thick soups and jello, but he really likes it.  In fact, the therapist that brought him his food is his newest best friend!  This also meant that the feeding tube came out!  So other than his PIC line, there is nothing else that is sticking in or out of his body!
• He is very alert and talkative. Which is a blessing!  It is good to hear his voice so much and to hear him be so gentle towards people.

Here are some specific  and very important things to remember in prayer for Josiah and the family:

• Please continue to pray that confusion and irritation will be minimal, and instead that he will keep that peaceful and quiet spirit.
• Pray that the therapists will have wisdom as they plan a course of action for his recovery.  We do not know the level of rehab as of yet.  We will find out more of that over the next few days.
• In fact, we were told today that since he was covered by the state of Michigan he was going to be transferred to a Michigan facility to get his rehab. This was not something that we wanted at all.  One of my biggest concerns in his healing process is making sure he gets in a great facility to get treatment.  We are trying to find a way to keep him at Memorial Hospital in Indiana, outside of your prayers and God moving, I am not sure if that will happen or not.  But we have placed this in God’s hands and will walk through the steps tomorrow.
• One thing they are looking at is the right side of his face that is not totally doing everything quite right; like raising eyebrows and such.  They will be running some tests on this tomorrow and find out what, if anything can be done.  Please pray that there will be healing in that area of his face.
• Continue to pray for my other kids.  Pray that they will have understanding and patience as we deal with Josiah. Also, pray for his older sister Jordan that she would be comforted as she is over 900 miles or so away.
• Pray for Jennifer and I to have patience.  We know God is in control, we count on that, but we want to see him healed!  Also, pray for strength, endurance and the ability to get rest as fatigue is setting in a bit.
• Pray that we can minister to other hurting people that are up here as well. This is a place that is filled with very high highs and very low lows. It is a place that the love of God needs to be shined!

Ps 138:2-3, 5 “I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage. You are so famous that they will sing about the things you have done.”