March 18, 2000

Dear, Dear Family,

Thank you for standing with us at this time with so many words of
encouragement, so many prayers, such evident love for us.  May the
Lord bless you all richly as your love and prayers and concern and
kind words have been a blessing and a sustainance to us in these
painful days.

Each day and each night I have been wrestling with God in prayer,
often reminded of examples and counter-examples from His word.  I
know that His will will be done in Skylar's life and in ours.  Even
when I think of counter examples such as the death of King David's
infant son, I reminded the Lord that King David had so many children...
I have so few... while I am not at all deserving, yet I have asked
that the Lord spare the life of this least but greatly precious child
of mine.

One of the doctors was walking out of the PICU when we arrived this
morning.  He recognized me and spoke to me for a moment or two.  Even
though there have not been dramatic changes, things were slightly better
this morning.  The first news I heard was that they were able to reduce
the ventilator pressure by one notch, which is good.  Also Skylar's
billireubin (sp?) counts (an indication of his liver function) were
notably reduced, which is also good.

When I went in to the room, I was glad to see that they did provide a
more suitable bed for him - this bed has a special air-mattress on it
to constantly and interactively adjust itself so that there are not any
pressure points.  This is important, because Skylar has developed several
blisters in places where he was laying too long and hard - one on his
ear, and blisters on his knees.  Blisters present a risk of infection.

After a while I also found out that his urine output has improved since
yesterday, which is also good.  They keep a constant watch of his inputs
(presently all through IVs) and his outputs, and they look at the ratio
to be sure that he is passing enough fluid.  God willing, if his fluid
output increases, more fluid may then be able to flow away from his lungs
and enable him to breath easier.

It also looks as though (I have yet to confirm this with a Respiratory
Therapist) some of the breaths are now being initiated by Skylar himself
and not only by the machine.  I will let you know more when I have a
chance to talk to the RT.

Uncle Chris (our son) is here now and has seen and talked to Skylar a number
of times.  Brother Christopher is also back today, along with Grandma and
Grandpa Vaughn.  I know many of you remember Christopher- he has been to
church with us very very often.  I'm sure Skylar is at some level aware of
our presence here and recognizes our voices and our touch.

I know that the Lord is not constrained to save by many or by few; I know
that we are not heard for our much speaking; and yet, I have been greatly
encouraged by the prayers and encouragement of all of you to us.  Sometimes
I almost hesitate to tell you of small signs of hope and improvement, as I
foolishly wonder - will they think things are fine now and stop praying? But
I know that you won't stop, as your faithfulness in prayer puts me to shame.
You have been a testimony and example to me in your faithful prayers.

Thank you for all you have done and are doing for us.  We love you all.

-Dann (for all of us)