Great News

Dave is doing great! He is now receiving solid food and is able to stand with assistance several times a day. His tracheostomy insert has been changed to the smallest size. This will allow the hole to begin healing over; the next step will be to remove it entirely.

A nurse informed the Mayhew's that the normal healing process for someone who has been under heavy sedation in the ICU unit requires 2 days of hospitalization for each day that was spent in ICU before the patient has progressed sufficiently to be discharged. However, she also told them that Dave is progressing well ahead of schedule.

Pam is thrilled with the progress her husband is making. She has been able to take the children to visit him in the hospital and that has been very encouraging for them. She is also very tired. The strain of the last couple months added to an advanced pregnancy is taking a toll.
Pam's physician and her management approved her eligibility for short term disability based on the fact that it would be physically impossible for her to continue working while coping with the needs of her family during this illness and the effects of pregnancy. However the insurance company has yet to approve it so she has not yet received any payment for all the time she's been off work and does not yet know if it will ever come. She was really counting on the Economic Stimulus payment from the government to meet minimum bill payments.

Unfortunately she was on the list of people who did not receive their payments as scheduled.
It is times like this that a person's faith is truly tested and I am thankful that Pam has been able to hold fast to her trust in Jesus and continue to wait for God's provision. She has been lately thinking a great deal about the scriptures in Job and the final outcome when all he lost was multiplied and returned to him.

The support this family has received from the church during this ordeal is greatly appreciated. Groceries, gasoline, child care, and a listening ear provided with loving friendship have all been greatly appreciated and have made a real difference.