Sun. 4/27 - update

Wow!! What a day we've had! THANK YOU GOD...not only was it good for Caed, but also for us. As soon as his day nurse came in this morning, she immediately pulled me aside, and asked me if I agreed about talking to the drs. about getting Caed a 4 hr. pass each day. She is very concerned about Caed's mental well-being. His doctors were very in favor of it. Although, it will be on a day-to-day basis. Each day he gets "unhooked" from his TPN (nutrition) at 2:00, so anytime after that will work. He also got off all his antibiotics today. He got a new "portable" drain (G-tube) and feeding bag. Making it easier to get around when we do leave. We left the hospital about 3:00 and drove out to Idalou to Nana and Grandaddy's house. It was so good for him! He fed the fish in the pond, played golf, went down in the basement to play air hockey, rode in the jeep, played soccer and baseball, and went for a ride down the street in the wagon. He did not speak a lot today, but we knew he was HAPPY! I think this was such a good idea, and we thank our wonderful nurse for caring enough about Caed to suggest it. We know Caed's physical illness is a long way from being over, but this "therapy" today was so beneficial for his spirit. (just as important!!) Words cannot express the amount of joy that is in our heart today! God is giving us a glimpse of many days ahead. (smiles, play, laughter, and BEING HOME!)

I told you about a special package we received yesterday. It was from a friend of my parents. He is a football coach in Alpine, TX. He had shared some of Caed's story with the team and the guys wanted to send Caed a card. They all signed it and also sent him an official Alpine Bucks football (and poster of the team). It meant a lot because we don't even know them (nor they us). Thank you for thinking of Caed! You definitely made him smile. I hung the poster in his room along with the card from all the players. Caed loves teenagers! Hope you have a great season next year. We'll be cheering you on from a far! (thank you Andrew for your initiative...and we will pray for your leg, etc.... as well)

Also, thank you to the 7th graders from Trinity High School. Your sweet, sweet teacher brought your cards to us today. I was VERY impressed! Caed loved all the pictures you drew. Thank you for all you wrote. Again, it means so much when people you do not even know do things like this. We will never forget it!!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, TO HIM BE GLORY in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
(Ephesians 3:20-21)


Caed with his Alpine High School football


getting ready to leave the hospital


playing while Grandaddy "rigs" his pole


surprising Mitchell (great-grandmother)


feeding Nana & Grandaddy's fish