We eagerly watch Silas's recovery. We've seen plenty of smiles, but also plenty of discomfort. His tummy is having a hard time with all the medicine he takes, his throat is still sore from the surgery and the new trach, and his little heart is taking more time to settle into a regular range of beats per minute. He has also lost some of his muscle tone from not being as active as he has been in the past. His neurosurgeon explained that his brain and cranial nerves are getting used to having a bit more space and not to worry if his body is taking some time to adjust to the changes. They dialed his shunt back up one step today because they worried that the decompression surgery plus the very low setting might lead to over-shunting, which can be harmful as well. For now the doctors and nurses continue to watch over Silas vigilantly in case he is in distress, and no one is quite comfortable releasing him from the PICU yet, but overall his recovery is going well. We watch him learn new things and get stronger each day.
Since we arrived at the hospital we have been very intentional about keeping Silas's room a positive environment for him. We know he watches us for guidance on how to interpret what is happening, and we know the peace we show him on our faces and in our voices helps him through difficult hours. It brings us such satisfaction to be able to watch him open his eyes, see us and hear our voices, and relax his face as if to say, "Oh, it's you. Good." Since kids (especially babies) can read faces really well, it has challenged us to be truly grateful for each small step of Silas's recovery and for the joy our family finds in each other. Even though we miss the sound of his laugh, we're not about to work any less hard to earn it.
Easter was pretty low-key in the PICU, but they did bring by baskets with toys for the kids. Also, since Silas missed the opportunity to wear an embarrassing Easter outfit, we sat him in his Easter basket for a few pics.
Happy Easter!"But thank God the crucifixion was not the last act in that great and powerful drama. There is another act. And it is something that we sing out and cried and ring out about today. Thank God a third day came. Thank God a day came when Good Friday had to pass... Good Friday may occupy the throne for a day, but ultimately it must give way to the triumphant beat of the drums of Easter."
- Martin Luther King, Jr. (assassinated April 4, 1968), from "Questions That Easter Answers", a sermon delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, Easter 1957
