April 1, 2000

Dear Family,

It is Saturday afternoon.  Skylar's other grandparents were here today
with Skylar's older brother Christopher.  Pam and I took a more leisurely
morning in order to allow them time to visit with Skylar and Suzanne
without us in the way.  We slept in a little bit and I took a short swim in
the pool (which I do most mornings to help stay in shape).  There is
usually a mallard duck swimming in the pool when I go out in the morning.
He has finally learned to hop out of the water when he sees me coming!
This morning he wasn't there, probably because I was not on schedule; but
he showed up later anyway.

Pam and I had a nice brunch at a nearby pancake restaurant called Stacks.
We then arrived at the hospital around quarter of two.  It was good to
see Christopher and his grandparents.  Chris can be a very thoughtful young
man.  Many months ago I told him about a project that I had been working on
for a client, and he remembers that and asks me about it.  I was glad today
that I had the project with me.  Chris and I walked down to our car and I
brought the project back up to the floor, set it up, and had a good time
demonstrating it for him.  He seemed quite interested, asked several
intelligent questions, and expressed an interest in doing work like this
someday.  I am pleased!  The prospect of mentoring my grandson in some of
the finer points of engineering is very pleasant!

I continue to thank God hour by hour for Skylar's gradual improvement and
improved prospects.  The ventilator has been turned down another notch in
pressure (PEEP == 10, Oxygen == 60% right now).  We hope for the day when
they will be able to allow Skylar to wake up and know that we are present.

The necessities of life continue; yesterday Pam did our and Suzanne's
laundry at a nearby laundromat.  Then she did some shopping at Wal-Mart,
and we picked up supper at the "Bueno Bueno Burritoria" - two Bueno Bueno
burritos, carne asada with mild sauce.  We brought one back for Suzanne
and Pam and I split the other.  Later in the evening after I gave Skylar
a concert (which included a number of hymns and Christmas Carols) we stopped
at Safeway and bought some groceries to keep us going at "home" (the motel).

The Lord has been gracious to us and we hope in Him for more improvements.
Thank and praise Him with us, and please continue your petitions for Skylar's
recovery.

Thank you for bearing our burdens with us.

Love in the Lord,

-Dann and Pam