Heather's Recovery (Update)

5/16/11 8pm

As much as we love Huntington Hospital and the nurses whom cared for us, today Heather is home. I am tired and she is exhausted. This morning Dr. Fineman removed the bandages from Heather's head, for which I thought I was prepared. Four long days after the operation tears filled my eyes and my throat clenched tight. The two six inch incisions required thirty five staples to close. Heather's remaining hair is matted and tangled with dried blood that cannot be cleansed for another many days. I love my wife and and feel devastated for her.

However, we consider ourselves truly blessed. With different employment and insurance would we have had the opportunity to realize the procedures? Once the new healthcare laws are completely enacted in the next few years, could we have received what are considered elective surgeries? Would we have been able to choose our surgeons and hospital? Of course our lives can always be more complex and difficult, and though I love the story of Job from the bible I do not envy his experience. Days, weeks, and months will pass and Heather's recovery will come. The maturity, knowledge, and testimony acquired will endure throughout life and the eternities.

Joshua DeGache received a miracle this day also. I sincerely believe it was directly tied to the priesthood blessing and the faith and acceptance of his family. Following the blessing two days ago, Joshua's activity level under the induced coma increased significantly, as if he was readying for the opportunity to recuperate. This morning the neurologist decided to reduce the Propathol (the drug that killed Michael Jackson) dosages merely to gauge Joshua's response, and he immediately awoke. After a torturous week without considerable progress or new information, relief and overwhelming emotion descended on his parents. The breathing tube was removed and they established limited and labored verbal communication. Their 29 year old, tattooed, tough Italian son asked immediately for his 'momma' then to go 'home.' True love, charity, and happiness is manifested little in life; the new spouse or child, the convert baptized into the church, and/or a reunion with old friends/family. However, today I witnessed the spared life of a loved one, potentially the purest of all.

I continue to pray for Joshua and his family, for my wife and her recovery, and for patience with my children and ability to fulfill both parental roles for a time.