Elvis (Jacob) has left the building (hospital)

We are so happy to report that as of Friday afternoon, Jacob was released from the hospital. He has a follow-up appointment with his Urologist on Tuesday morning, and then our plan is to hit the road and head for home. Jacob was absolutely thrilled to get out of the hospital. We rolled him to the house where we are staying in a stroller and he had a huge grin on his face the whole time. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers to this point. After just over 10 weeks in the hospital, we are so thankful to be close to returning to Chattanooga. We thank the Lord for his abundant grace and mercy that He has displayed during this time.

Jacob will require some "extra" attention over the next few weeks. We will be catheterizing him every four hours or so and continue to use the SP tube in between. The SP tube will remain in him as a back up for about the next two weeks. Please pray that Jacob will gradually gain more control over his urination and be able to begin voiding some on his own, so that we can feel safe in removing the SP tube.

In addition, Jacob will be taking four different meds for the next few weeks, two of which will require us to follow a weaning schedule. Please pray that we will be diligent in keeping up with his meds (we gather from his expressions that some of these do not taste all that good).

Also, Jacob's legs will have to remain wrapped for two weeks before he can begin any sort of weight bearing activities. He is able to bend his knees, but his legs must remain together (outside of cathing and bathing). He is gradually regaining strength in his neck, arms and back. As expected, these areas are fairly week due to the length of time he was on his back. Please pray that the overall healing process will go well and that, but God's grace, he might be able to walk before long. He will begin physical therapy after the two week "wrap" period is over.

Papa, Gran and James left today, heading for Knoxville. Please pray for safety in travel for them. Our travel plan is to leave Tuesday after the appointment and arrive back in Chattanooga either the same day or on Wednesday. Please pray for Jacob as he has not traveled well following his last couple of hospital stays. Also, Mommy CA and I will be driving separately (two vehicles), so we especially covet your prayers for this "last leg" of the journey.

To Him who is able to do (and has done) more than we can ask or imagine,

Daddy BA