Riding a bike downhill

I arrived this morning to the respiratory therapist adjusting Alex's breathing tube. An x-ray indicated that it was not quite in far enough. After adjusting it, Alex is clearly agitated and "feisty" as her nurse Paul describes her when she's mad. They think it's now in too far since she keeps trying to cough and she looks so uncomfortable. They attempt to adjust it again. Her machines are beeping non-stop, her little arms are flailing (as much as they can with restraints), and I'm trying to hold it together.

Paul tells me that some of the cultures came back and she is still positive for RSV and a new one HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) which is basically another really bad respiratory virus or what Paul refers to as RSV on steroids. Her little body has been trying to fight off both of these infections that can take out a typically healthy teenager. She is letting the ventilator breathe for her and as a parent this is painful to see. Paul reassures me that it's like she's riding a bicycle downhill and when she has the energy and strength to start riding uphill, she will start breathing on her own over the ventilator. The tube is finally adjusted and Paul notes that this should keep her out of trouble for a couple of hours.

Please pray for strength for our family and healing for Alex. We are lifted by your prayers and your comments mean the world and really do encourage us when we are feeling down. Thanks for being along side us and for your ongoing support.