another tough day/ night...

Sadly Jo had an uncomfortable day/ night still struggling with coughing fits.  It is extremely difficult to watch any of your kids when they are hurt, it is simply devastating to watch when he labors to breath.  It is also clear the Drs are not exactly certain what is going on, and they seem to be speculating more about solutions.

He my have pneumonia, may have a viral infection, and may be still recovering from his feeding mishap.  One thing is glaringly apparent, Jo is definitely uncomfortable.  His cough sounds horrible, and if we don't intervene with treatment when the coughing begins it worsens to the point where he has trouble catching his breath.  It is torture to watch his chest cave in with each heavy breath, and the cough sounds painful.  He does recover and return to resting  but it doesn't last as long as we would hope.  All we can do is have faith in God and gain solace from knowing he is receiving the best care.

Jo is receiving epinephrine breathing treatments as needed (2 hours) and recently received a dose of albuterol.  He was given a steroid to help with his overall recovery and is still taking ibuprofen and tylenol for the pain.  During his recent episode they briefly presrcibed a mild pain reliever to help him settle down.  

Mom and dad are miserable with Jo's current struggles.  We recognize that recovery is typically 2 steps forward 1 back, but any kind of backward step hurts so bad.  There is no greater torture than seeing your child in pain.  He is fighting so hard but seeing him struggle and in battle breaks our hearts.

Today is memorial day so we offer the deepest respect to our military loved ones across the world.  Your sacrifice is simply amazing to us, and we benefit so much from that sacrifice. Some of you may know that recently Jo met with soldier/ LEO friend of his to talk about the future.   Jo had been struggling to find his way in the 7th grade and having trouble focusing. He could be very hard on himself when he struggled in school.  At that meeting Jo shared that he wanted to be a soldier.  He wanted to help people.  He wanted to protect people.  Jo often did this when I wasn't home and Jimmy (my autistic son) acted out towards his mom.  He was no match for Jimmy's size and strength but he wasn't going to let him hurt his family, even if he didn't mean to do it.  We've heard from Jo's teachers they tell us that even though he goofed around with his buddies, he always stood up for, and engaged with, kids with any disability.  There is nothing a parent could ask for more than a caring, loving child who has empathy for those with challenges.  Jo has always been a free spirited kid who wanted to have fun, he wanted that for everyone.  I was never as proud as when he told me he wanted to be a soldier, his mother never more scared.  We both know that Jo is capable of anything he set his heart to, right now he is on the battlefield in his mind. Pushing through obstacles, reconnecting broken bridges and pathways, and willing his body to a victory with the Lord by his side, thy rod and thy staff.

Jo's dreams are not lost and neither is our hope.  Each time we feel weak we close our eyes and talk to God, feel his strength, and remind ourselves of all of your words of love and encouragement and it helps us get through the day.  Jo is not giving up and neither are we, thank you all for everything.

Jojobinks, you are fighting so hard right now.  Please try to relax and rest when you can, there are many more trials ahead.  Your mother and I are right here beside you.  We know what a fighter you are, and we know you will triumph given time.  Let God heal you, take his hand and follow him back to us one day at a time, one miracle at a time.  We love you to the moon and back sweet angel, you've got this!