Our hope is in You, Maker of heaven

Caleb was up for a brief time this morning. Other than that half hour, he has been laying down in bed, mostly sleeping. He continues on the IV fluids and hasn't really taken anything to drink since yesterday in the E.R. His diarrhea doesn't seem to be slowing down much yet, and it is still bloody. We did collect a sample last night and sent it off to Mayo for analysis in their superb lab there. This morning, we saw an infectious disease doctor, who is consulting the CDC and local health department for possible clues as to what this infection could be. All of the physicians continue to suspect E. coli 0-157. If that is the case, antibiotics could cause irreparable damage to Caleb, so as of now, he is not receiving any specific treatment for infection.

He is at Luther Hospital, room 4129. I anticipate he will be here for several days. We have been blessed with lots of Thomas videos, snacks, and toys dropped off by friends. Right now, the girls are home with Grandma Nel and Grandpa Ken, who graciously came just to take care of them. I am still hoping to be able to go to Todd's funeral tomorrow, but it doesn't look like either Aaron or Caleb will be out by then, so we shall see. Continued prayers are the absolute top thing on our list of needs right now!

Aaron is doing slightly better, with improved abdominal pain and slowing of his diarrhea. He is trying some clear liquids, his first sips since Saturday afternoon. If that goes well, he will progress to soft foods tomorrow and perhaps be allowed to go home Thursday or Friday.

Wallpapered in truck stickers from the enamored nurses!

My Bible opened today to Psalm 146: Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them - the Lord, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed, and lifts up those who are bowed down. Although we are thankful for 21st century technology and good doctors, nurses, and hospitals, our hope does not rest with them. We rely on the Lord to sustain us, protect us, and heal us, and direct those who care for us. Praise God that I do not hope in mere men, but in the God who made us all, the God who is not bound by time or circumstances, and can see the beginning and the end of every fearful situation I face.