August 26, 2000

Dear Family,

On Thursday night after we got back to our hotel, Pam was
downstairs doing the laundry. Chris and I heard a sharp
knock at the door; I went and looked through the peephole
and there was nobody there. I then opened the curtain and
looked out the window, and still didn't see anyone. I was
beginning to be concerned that there was something going
on, when my sister Lynn from Cleveland suddenly walked into
sight!

After chastising her for startling us like that, I hugged
her and cried. It was really nice to have someone from my
family show up.

Today Skylar has continued to slow down. Dr. Macias came by
again this evening and stayed for a long time as we talked
about Skylar, reminiscing as a family. Suzanne's sister
Terry is back after having been at home for a few days.

Last Sunday, Dr. Macias had had a talk with Skylar in which
Skylar told him that he (Skylar) didn't intend to go anywhere
soon. The doctor told us that he has learned something from
Skylar by observing his courage and will to live. He said
that so many people are ready to give up on life at what seem
by comparison such small trials; but here was Skylar, in pain
and distress, and yet relishing each moment of life.

Suzanne told us that last night, in the early morning hours,
Skylar said "Mommy, I'm tired". "Go to sleep, honey" she
replied. "No, Mommy, I'm tired" Skye repeated, "I'm tired
of everything." We think that Skylar may be more ready now
to go home.

Skylar has been conscious only dimly and for brief spans today.
Because he is no longer receiving tube feeding, a nurse came
today and switched him off of oral morphine and onto a morphine
drip administered through his Hickman catheter with a small
electric pump. She then removed his N/G tube, which is a great
grace for him; when Skylar heard earlier in the day that his
tube was going to be removed, he kept insisting that he wanted
it out "right now" and was very impatient for the nurse to
arrive.

His breathing is becoming slower and more labored. The doctor
said that, were it any of us, we probably would not last the
night; however, he acknowledged Skylar's strong spirit and how
he has surprised us all before.

We all said goodnight to Skye, knowing that his homecoming could
be during the night. I prayed for him (although he seemed to be
unconscious), asking the Lord for a great blessing for him. Then
I kissed him goodnight, saying "I love you, and I'll see you in
the morning." I don't know if it will be tomorrow morning, or in
that Great Morning of the world, the Morning in which our Morning
Star, the Lord Jesus, returns to restore all things.

It may be in the morning in which I finally get to go home, whenever
that may be. Whenever it is, that is a morning I anticipate with
every fibre of my being. It will be a morning like the one in which
"the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted
for joy." - Job 38:7

"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake,
these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting
contempt. And those who have insight will shine brightly like the
brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to
righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." - Daniel 12:2,3

I trust that Skylar, in his life, in his love for all around him,
in writing his song about Jesus, has been and will be one who will
lead many to righteousness through the impact of his life. Lord,
please grant that it may be so. Please comfort Skye tonight, give
him peace and rest in the Lord Jesus.

Thank you Family for your continuing love and support.

Love in the Lord,

-Dann (for Pam and Chris as well)