Day Eight Post-Fontan

"Surely he has done great things!
Do not be afraid, land of Judah;
be glad and rejoice.

Surely the LORD has done great things!
Do not be afraid, you wild animals,
for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green.
The trees are bearing their fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.

Be glad, people of Zion,
rejoice in the LORD your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
because he is faithful.

He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.
The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarm ^_
my great army that I sent among you.

You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the LORD your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the LORD your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed."

Joel 2: 21-27

Two JP drains out, one more to go! I'd much rather have Brian be the one by Tyson's side when they pull out the chest tube, but since he wasn't here today, I had to stand at the bedside, stroking Ty's hand, wiping the tears, and kissing the forehead of an absolutely frantic, screaming toddler. I held his one hand (more like pinned his arm down,) one nurse held his other hand, anothe rnurse held his legs, and another nurse did the work. I warned them that they would need ear plugs for this procedure...We did give him morphine about an hour before the procedure, but it's only a drop in the bucket compared to the pain he experienced during that. Not an easy experience for me, but Tyson has been happier, and more active with one less tube. He played hockey in the hallway for a good part of the day. If all goes well, and the drainage volume continues to decrease, the last JP will be pulled out tomorrow or the next day. Then it's free sailing :)

Brian's parents came for another visit today. They enjoyed seeing Tyson getting back to normal, kicking a soccer ball around the playroom and riding through the halls on the riding toys. It's always so nice when they come, and nice that they are able to come so often too! Thankfully, Tyson was in a much happier mood than the last time they came.

We also had a surprise visit today that just totally made my day! Denver Komdeur, Tyson's fellow CanRef heart buddy, and his parents Mark and Susan came for a visit. Denver had his annual echo at Sick Kids this afternoon so they dropped in for a visit. I was so surprised and excited to see them :) Denver came bearing gifts, which also made Tyson's day. A Toronto Maple Leafs mini-stick and two balls! Denver was so good with Tyson too, keeping him busy while his Mom and I caught up with one another. They played hockey in the hallway, and even compared "zippers!" It was so refreshing to see them again :)

Denver and Tyson - heart buddies :)

Conrad and Tyson - they often meet together in the 4D playroom.
This was Tyson's attempt at saying "cheese." :)

Hopefully by tomorrow we'll have a good idea of when we'll be going home! Can you believe that? :D

Mel:)