skull surgery underway

Jo is currently in the operating room having his skull re-attached with 2 metal plates.  The procedure takes 1-2 hours, which seems like an eternity to us.  Believe it or not the procedure is so uncomplicated that it could be viewed as "out-patient elective surgery" although it is rarely done that way because patients are normally already in the hospital.  Simply amazing.

Jo's blood pressure/ heart rate issues were found to be normal after a gammit of tests.  In short his body doesn't need a high heart rate to give his body what it needs.  While we will always monitor it closely it would be considered part of Jo's normal range.  He has been resting very peacefully for several days and never once appeared to be in distress so it makes sense that nothing was wrong.  While it was happening and we were staring at a screen with his docs it was very scary.  We are very happy that nothing was problematic was found, it amounts to Jo being a very, very, very deep sleeper.  Something mom and I haven't had in quite awhile, ironic.

Jo's stitches will be in at least a week, and mom and dad will continue their home care training. Thank you all for the prayers and positive vibes for Jo.  We all need your strength to make it through, and we can't thank you enough.
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Fair warning mom and dad are pretty much bear huggers at this stage.  We have hugged waiters, nurses, doctors, barbers, volunteers, teachers, cops, and off course many many friends and family.  We hold a little too long, squeeze a little too hard, but we just can't help ourselves we love you all.  Since day one nothing has felt as comforting as a good long hug, usually mixed with tears.  In the digital world we live in, you sometimes forget just how powerful a good hug can be, until you need one.  So grab a  loved one and squeeze them extra hard for us, especially your beautiful kids.  Give them a hug from Jo and the Witzmans, and hang on a little longer than normal.  Jo always tried to squirm away from dad's hugs, and hugged mom so hard it was scary.  When I did catch him I still remember what an amazing feeling it was, we will feel it again someday soon.  I can't think of a more noble cause than asking each of you to hug someone you love! Go get em'!

Jojobinks your journey continues and this is the last big step between you and having you at home.  Stay strong, we are here for you and we will always be.  The Lord is with you, guiding the surgeon's hands and we know you will be fine.  We love you to the moon and back sweet angel, you've got this!

​Here's a shot of a Jo family hug!!!

Jo in the "family hug"