silver lining

Every cloud has a silver lining and rather than focus on all that has challenged Jo the last few days we will do our best to highlight the positives in what has occurred up til now.

Jo has been placed back on the ventilator (intubated) as of 0200 this morning.  It was the last thing we or any of the Docs wanted to do, but it was necessary.  Positives:

1. Jo was working way too hard to breath
2. Jo was in distress while he tried to calm down
3. Jo could have caused permanent damage to his body if not for intubation
4. We are back in PICU with amazing oversight of Jo

Jo needs oxygen support to maintain acceptable saturation levels.  Positives:

1. Jo is able to rest
2. His body needs O2 to heal as well as breath
3. Jo needs his brain to "think less" and rest
4. Jo is comfortable (all things being equal)

Jo may need a tracheotomy after all.  Positives:

1. Jo needs to stay out of distress the trach helps with that
2. It can be scheduled and done in a controlled environment rather than rushed in an emergency surgery
3. It can be managed at home, mom and dad can do this
4. Handling many problematic issues (secretion, airway blockage, and emergency situations) is much easier with a trach

Jo extended his stay at least a couple more weeks, if not longer.  Positive:

1. Jo's last few episodes would have required a call to 911 and a waiting game
2. If he kept showing improvement we may have taken him home never knowing that he wasn't ready
3. Mom and dad could not have helped with what he experienced the past 3 days
4. Jo remains in exceptional care
5. This is the best place for rest and healing 

The episodes he experienced the past 2 days would have been life threatening if not for the professionals at Mary Bridge.  While it is a nightmare to think that he needed emergency support, and to see so many people at his bedside, when you step back you realize 10 professionals, experts in their field, are tending to your baby, what more could you ask for?

Most importantly God is in control.  He knows what is happening, why it must, and how much we need Jo back.  Perhaps this step back was to prevent us from moving forward too quickly. No Dr could predict the recent events, but they are learning from them, as our family will learn from this trial.  Through it all Jo is fighting with God by his side and the 1000's of people praying for him. 

Mom and dad are discovering strengths we did not know we had.  Our children have been amazing throughout giving us strength through their unconditional love.  They miss their brother so much, and have seen their parents in so much pain, I don't know how they remain so resilient.  We receives texts, messages, and comments that lift us up every day.  We pray bedside often.  The alarms in the room can be deafening, the silence of a conversation with God brings comfort.  We cannot thank you all enough, we are truly blessed, and God hasn't sent us on this journey alone.

Jojobinks we love and miss you so much.  Do not be scared, you have everything you need to rest and heal.  We know you are with God on this journey and it gives us some sense of peace.  We must remain patient and strong for you, and we will.  Rest and heal baby boy, one day at a time, one miracle at a time.  We love you to the moon and back sweet angel, you've got this (superman!).