10/26/12 from Mom

Day 27 in the ICU trauma unit turned out to be an eventful day. Shane began the day with occupational therapy and then progresses to some physical therapy. He was able to do the upper body physical therapy and wants us to bring in his hand grips to enable him to start getting his strength back. After his therapy he rested and then respiratory came in and capped his trach. He did find it difficult to talk. The therapist said that he would have to train himself on inhaling and as he exhaled saying his words. Not as easy as one would think.
During this time he had a couple of visitors which he enjoyed very much. He then rested much of the afternoon. Upon waking I proceeded to give him a cross that was just brought back this week from Jerusalem and given to him as a gift. Shane was in awe, that it was from the birth place of his Savior. He asked his Dad to say a prayer for his healing and the four of us held hands and prayed as a family. When Jack finished praying we were notified that Shane would be moving to the step down unit. By 7 pm Shane was in his new room and he now has a room with a view of the beautiful city of Hartford. We will wait and see what Hurricane Sandy provides for Shane to see out his window in the next few days. Rain or Snow? Shane at this point is now able to communicate by writing on a pad. It’s great to see that the arm restraints have been removed and he is now able to move a little more. The step down unit ordered a trapeze which Shane will use overhead to pull himself up and to reposition. The Doctors changed the wound vac today and were pleased with the way the wound is healing. We cannot leave the trauma unit without sharing our gratitude to all the individuals there who helped in the care and healing process of Shane during the last twenty seven days.