Day +103

Today we had fun with Max. We decided against dialysis so we could have less people and machines in the room. We all made hand prints on big pieces of paper, the boys in blue and the girls in pink ink. Then the child life specialist brought in some gel and we made the mold for a plaster cast of Max's hand. We put on kids music and just enjoyed our time. Grace was her usual rambunctious self and didn't stay in the room long. She even toppled off a tall chair trying to watch them draw blood from Max's catheter. We had some alone time with her today and explained things to her once again. She was paying attention for about a third of the time, which isn't bad. There are times when it registers right to her core what is happening, but just as quickly she turns her attention to something else. She is 3 and a half. It's a good age for what is going on. She is the light of our lives. Grannie arrived last night and Auntie Beth, Auntie Katie, and Grampa J all arrived today to see Max and once again we were able to surround him with so much love.

Tonight we told stories about a lot of the nurses and remembered so many good times we've had under the worst of circumstances. We had quite a few laughs - a little humor even on our darkest nights seems to help.

The last couple updates solemnly brought everyone up to date on Max's medical status so there's no need to go through it again. We have received such wonderful encouragement and we hope that whatever decisions we make will not be judged but will be respected.

To the late night readers: Please add Max again to your prayers for wellness, in every sense of the word. To the daytime risers: Please make Max's journey a part of your day - call a loved one, hug your child, remember that there is great love even in the most troubled times.

The best things come in small packages (children),
--Mike & Margaret