Gavin continues to do well at home. We are all adjusting well with having him here again. There is a lot to do with his care (many meds, nebulizer treatments, percussion to his back to loosen lung secretions and making sure we don't let the oxygen tank or feeding pump run out), but it's nice having him home finally! I AM having a hard time adjusting to being at home all the time. I was so used to being gone all the time and I'm starting to feel 'cabin fever.' Otherwise, things are going well.

We found out today that Gavin's next surgery may be on May 29. It's not finalized yet, but that's what they are looking at. I'm a little frustrated because the surgeon who's going to do the G-tube part of the surgery wants us to go there before that date to have Gavin looked at and to do a physical on him before the surgery. I really don't feel like making 2 trips, especially since there is lots of info in his charts from the last several months, but we'll see. They said they'd talk to him again. Hopefully we can do it in one trip. Gavin's not easy to just pick up and leave with all his equipment and all we need to do with him during the day. Pray that they can work something out.

I've been reflecting a lot about the last 8 months. You know how they say you learn a lot about who your true friends are when times are tough? Well, I'm happy to report that God has certainly blessed our family with the BEST friends and family! We can definately say that all of you are "true friends" and have been with us every step of the way! THANKYOU!!! We have received many cards and messages from people we have never even met who have encouraged us so much! We've also been blessed with having met some wonderful people along this journey. We have met some lovely families and patients in 'the same boat' and some awesome nurses that have touched our hearts dearly! We just received a card from our favorite nurse at the U of M. (Hi Missy! Hopefully we'll see you when we make our trip back.) We also met a kind nurse here at Devos who gave us her phone number and offered to watch Gavin sometime so that Joel and I can get out. She said, "Who better to watch Gavin, than an I.C.U. nurse?!" So, we've had a difficult journey, but God has made it worthwhile in so many ways!

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Love, Alicia and Family