CHEST TUBES OUT!

This morning both of Witt's chest tubes were removed! This summer the drainage tubes had to be left in Witt for a lot longer so this is definitely a blessing! Feeds were actually not started yesterday but it is planned for today. Also, Witt was given a volume support trial on the ventilator and he did well! The nurse believes that they will do another support trial later today. Hopefully if Witt does well on this one too he can be taken off the ventilator soon! I can tell you that for now Witt is healing up nicely. I can also tell you that God's presence and His activity can very much be felt by anyone who enters Witt's room!!! Earlier today my friend Rise' and I were texting back and forth. I included Cheryl and Jim. I am going to put some of our texts below because I believe it will help to answer the question that many people can have in this situation..."Where is God in all this?"

I shared with Rise' what God had just reminded me of. Last spring God told me that 2 angels will always watch over Witt. He reminded me this morning as I sat with Witt that they still stand over him and that they would never leave Witt! Rise' responded by saying: "Wow, what a great thing to think about! Angels are right there by his bed!" I said that God gives me sort of a picture or image. Nothing detailed and it's not about the image but about the feelings that accompany it...like I am on Holy ground with the angels and Witt! Rise' said: "It makes me want to shout!" I said me too! Only God could do that while I am sitting in a CVICU room with Witt all hooked up to machines and I just want to shout for joy!!!! Rise' responded with simply and truthfully: "Amazing grace..." My sister, Cheryl's, response was: "I agree! There have been times at the hospital that the peace is SOO overwhelming and tangible that it has taken my breath away." Jim's answer may put it the best of all: "I have had similar feelings that God is present at times when I am with Witt. That would explain it. In all the life changing moments we have gone through, never has God's peace and comfort ever left. There is no more a greater testament to God then a sick boy who says no words but speaks and shouts God's name through his very life. In all of this there is no doubt a sense of strength and peace that gives us a hope that makes no sense to many. I so know that God is there with you all."

I still have questions and things that I don't understand but I have to choose to not dwell on those but dwell on the truths I know. If anyone wants to know "where on earth is a loving God in all this?" He is here...right here...and He is all loving! It is because of His unfailing love, grace and mercy that we can shout for joy and even just laugh! And yes, sometimes we might have to "shout" a little louder to be heard over the ventilator and various alarms in Witt's room but NEVERTHELESS He has empowered us to shout! What an Amazing Lord we have...to Him be the glory...forever!!!!