Update on Vivian - 7/18, part III.

This afternoon and early evening Vivian had periods of discomfort and unrest spelled by interludes of sleep. When she was awake, Vivian would complain that her tummy hurt, likely from the surgeries of Saturday night and this morning.

Vivian's sweet charge nurse, Ronelle, constructed a wrap for Vivian's waist out of a postpartum brace and some suture thread, and we put that on Vivian to prevent her from grabbing at her new g-button and port. Dr. Wick, the kind, compassionate ICU doctor today, was ardent about relieving Vivian's pain, so I am hopeful that Vivian will be able to rest tonight. When I left the hospital this evening, Vivian was sleeping quietly.

Vivian's occupational therapist, Carla, who has worked with Vivian since she was two, paid a visit late this afternoon. Carla had stopped by during Vivian's first week in the ICU, and she could not believe the improvement in Vivian since then. Carla talked to Vivian today and told her about her dog, Gaby. Typically when Carla arrives at our house to work with Vivian, Vivian tells her, "You need to go home and see Gaby" (i.e., you need to do something other than stay here and make me work). Today Carla told Vivian that Gaby had been chewing on her furniture. I wasn't even sure that Vivian had registered that Carla was there, but all of a sudden Vivian responded, "Gaby needs to chew on her bone." Carla and I were elated to hear Vivian say this! Clearly Vivian's memory is intact and she is making good connections.

Vivian still has a number of physical challenges to overcome, but Robert and I are so heartened by all of the progress she has made. We no longer have any doubt that our sweet funny Vivian is returning to us.

Today was largely a day of rest and recovery following surgery. For tomorrow please pray that Vivian's pain would be eased and that she would not be bothered by the g-button and port in her abdomen. Pray that we are able to get Vivian on her feet and walking. Pray that Vivian would resume taking some food by mouth. Praise God and thank Him for the innumerable miracles we have witnessed in Vivian over the past three weeks. Vivian continues to amaze everyone with how she has rebounded from being so very ill.

Your support and prayers have ministered to our family immensely. We will never be able to adequately express our appreciation.

"But I will restore health to you and heal your wounds," declares the Lord." Jeremiah 30:17