Sunday, Day 5

Ben started his day by welcoming a new roomate - at 5:00 a.m.! At least this one is more age-appropriate and won't be waking every 3 hours for a feeding, although early signs are that he may be a snorer.

I stayed home last night with Noah and Lydia. Kim and I are taking turns staying in the hospital with Ben. This morning we went to church with our wonderful faith family Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. It was my turn to play the piano, but Nancy volunteered to cover for me; we ended up sharing the ministry. Amazing how the Word of God speaks in such a timely way. Main text was Psalm 91. "You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord." I sang the solo parts for the hymn And I will raise you up and also Steve Camp's Remember Me for communion,accompanied the kids choir (awesome song btw!) and also got to play one of my favorite hymns, Precious Lord, take my hand. There were a few times when the tears rose.

The expressions of concern, offers of help, and powerful prayers of the church were and are deeply appreciated. It was exhausting but so necessary and important to be there. Noah helped the Jr. High put out a great potato bar for lunch, and then I accompanied Lydia for a song in the talent show. (very proud of her, by the way, for her courage to get up and sing a solo!)

Ben is doing well. He got a new i.v. port put in, and the old one taken out. Left hand; apparently he told the nurse he was right handed; well, it is his mouse hand (computer), but he eats and does other things left handed. Silly boy!

He also got to hear a banjo today; one of the parents was playing in the family center. Ever the charmer, he promoted his drumming video with the nursing staff (here's one). He was very glad to see his grandma and grandpa Shively who arrived late this afternoon. Apparently he was very anxious for them and for dad and siblings to arrive, essentially driving his mom nuts as the day drew on! He enjoyed his hospital dinner, and then some of our family's pizza, too! His appetite is just fine.

The surgeon stopped by and talked with Kim. Still projecting Tuesday for surgery, but not making any promises. We hope to know more about an actual schedule tomorrow. Ben's situation is serious, but not an emergency, so it won't surprise me at all if we go into Wednesday or Thursday before surgery. It's hard to wait, but I think it would be harder to have been sent home and then worry about what might happen until his surgery was scheduled.

Again appreciated a number of calls and contacts from you, our friends. May each of you be held in the comforting palm of God's hand, just like we are being held.