Michael Todd, my 12 year old son, is spending more time awake, and his vital signs have stabilized dramatically, much to everyone's relief.  He is still in the Intensive Care unit as I write this, but if he continues to do as well as he's done for the past day and a half, he will more than likely be moved to a regular room on the pediatric floor later this evening or tonight.

The last week has been terrible; I was more than ready for some good news.  Michael was injured when his cousin accidentally shot him with the bow and arrow set that Michael's uncle had gotten him for Christmas nearly one year ago.  He was shot in the heart; he could have very easily died, but by some miracle, he is still with us, and is doing very well, according to the doctors and nurses in charge of his care.

Michael cannot talk yet (due to the breathing tube still in his throat), but Dr. Dinh, his attending physician, is here.  He is going to take the breathing tube out of my son's throat; his latest arterial blood gas (ABG) readings were quite high, much to his (and my) relief.  Great news!  Now Michael will be able to communicate with me; how good it will be able to hear his voice again!!

I know poor Henry, his cousin, has been having a very hard time emotionally, in dealing with the accident.  After all, if it hadn't been for him shooting the arrow and it going astray (and hitting Michael), this would have never happened.  We would probably be getting ready to take the boys to the mall, so they can finish their last minute Christmas shopping, and maybe look at Christmas lights.  

Now that Michael has been injured and has had surgery only about a week ago, the focus is entirely on his recovery.  Our Christmas plans are temporarily on hold until we know for sure that Michael is going to be okay.  Right now, things look really good; everyone is pleased at the progress that Michael's made since being rushed to the hospital.

We will just have to celebrate Christmas after Michael gets home from the hospital, and even that will have to be low key.  I am sure he wouldn't be able to handle all the excitement until he is feeling stronger and isn't in as much pain from the surgery on his chest (heart).  We will just have to play it by ear and take it one day at a time.

It has been an answer to prayer.  I never thought that just one week later, Michael would be getting ready to be moved out of the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) or getting ready to be extubated; yet that is exactly what is going to happen.  I couldn't be any more happier than I am at the current time.  It's been nothing but a miracle!

To be continued.