Updates from the Harbor

Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away.

If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him;

If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him...

He does nothing in vain; He may prolong my life,

He may shorten it; He knows what He is about.

He may take away my friends, He may throw me to strangers,

He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink,

hide the future from me; still He knows what He is about.
-- St. John Henry Cardinal Newman

Taken from today's reflection over at EWTN...such a powerful perspective, especially in light of Mom's struggle against this infection. We may not know what it is right now - but our Lord does. He is bringing joy from this, even in the midst of frustration and confusion. And I am so grateful for that.

A few quick updates...

• Mom has been moved to Intensive Care. This is proactive as much as it is necessary - to help keep a closer eye on her. Her oxygen dropped dangerously low last night, and this hopefully will prevent that from happening again.
• The nurses remind her of Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. That's awesome. Means they can keep Mom in line. :)
• She's not allowed to talk. Good thing her nurses can keep her in line, because I can't imagine trying to enforce that rule with my mom. See above.
• They finally had a good culture today - and have narrowed things down. We know that it's definitely a staph infection of some kind. Antibiotic resistant. On track for a bronchoscopy tomorrow (not today) and will have more answers tomorrow.
• Restricted visitors for now. No young visitors, absolutely no sick visitors.
• If you want to reach out to her, why not be part of her surprise birthday celebration?
• I felt very relieved leaving the hospital. Much more than I'd felt in the past few days. New docs, new direction, new care. All good things.

Please keep Mom (and Dad) in your prayers.

We have felt so loved and blessed by those around us who are reaching out...thank you! We love you!