Moving day

This morning Joseph was moved from the CT-ICU back to the NICU. That was done because he is doing very well and because the CT-ICU is packed and in need of bed space. However, he did not move with all the technology surrounding him and that is a good thing. In the last 36 hours he has had his chest tubes removed, his central line removed, he was taken off of the pace maker, taken off sedation and heart medications, his arterial line was removed, and his oxygen setting was lowered. It reminded me of Pinocchio losing all his strings and becoming a real boy. He is operating more on his own and doing a good job of it. He still has some issues with his lungs operating fully but they tell us this is common after the surgery and he will be up to speed soon. It will really be a great day today if they can remove his breathing tube. That should happen later today but may be done tomorrow.
Mary and I are doing better as Joseph does better. The girls are in school and soccer begins tomorrow. It is almost beginning to feel normal again. We still have a ways to go but it will nice to be out watching the kids play on the soccer field tomorrow. I can imagine 5 years into the future when Joseph will join the throngs of kids out running around and having fun kicking the ball. It is comforting to have those thoughts instead of the others that have been bouncing around in my head. The "what if" game is a cruel one that parents go through when their kids are in the hospital facing surgery. I have talked to many of the parents in similar or much tougher circumstances in the hospital. There is a unique bond of understanding as you help each other stay hopeful and positive because it is so easy to slip into despair. Again, I am brought to the realization of how important you all have been to us through this. You shielded us from the darkness of despair.
I hope to bring you more good news tomorrow. Thank you for your interest and prayers.

Peace,

Kenny and Mary
p.s. I do not have the camera with me so I will post a picture later.