Good news and challenging news

Results came back tonight from today's MRI. Mom and dad re awaiting a second opinion that hasn't come in yet.

First the good news:

• The swelling in Grace's brain has receded!
• The best case scenario improved over the previous negative report.

Then the challenging news:

• This doctor looked at the results and saw what he thought was widespread brain damage.
• The doctor expressed doubt over the effectiveness of Grace's gag reflex. On Monday he wants to consider a tracheotomy and a feeding tube to alleviate the risk of Grace choking.
• The doctor said that the best results he's seen from a patient with a scan like Grace's is someone who couldn't walk or talk, but could communicate likes and dislikes through groans and hand signals. No word on if he's seen anyone overcome the obsticles that God has already brought Grace through.
• The doctor also discussed a scenario where Grace improves and is weened to survive without life support. Grace would then transfer out of ICU, and the staff would train mom and dad to care for Grace for a month before Grace would go home. Grace going home at all is a possibility not even dreamed of in the previous negative report.

That report is from a single opinion. Another specialist may say that Grace could walk out of the hospital under her own power.

Mom and dad went home tonight for the first time in a week. When Grace's brother saw mom and dad, he assumed that Grace must be in her room. He then grabbed some of Grace's favorite toys and rushed to Grace's room to give the toys to her. Mom and dad had to explain why Grace wasn't there.

God was able to raise Lazarus from the dead after 3 days. No one knows the mind of God, but he's at least capable of completely restoring Grace to her normal self.

Please pray for:

• Miraculous restoration of full brain activity for Grace
• An end to the storming episodes that Grace has continued to experience
• Strength and Wisdom for mom and dad to make the right decisions
• Strength for the family (including Grace's brothers) to endure these challenging times
• God's financial provision for the family