Day 3

I would like to share a bright moment of our day. Alex (16) spent the day at the hospital with the family on Tuesday - Day 1. The 3 younger children knew that Ryan was sick and that he was in the hospital, but they didn't understand why. It was so hard for them to be home, away from mom and dad, and know Ryan was sick. Today family members brought the three youngest children to Primary's. They started out by having lunch in the cafeteria with mom and dad (what an adventure!). Then they went to a special play room where social workers talked with them about Ryan. They were each given a rag doll, and the social worker explained to them about IV's, tubes, and the other various things they might see when they saw Ryan for the first time. They were apprehensive, but anxious to see their brother. Michael and Catherine took the two older children in to see Ryan. It was hard for them at first, but they were so sweet with their big brother. They talked to him and told him how many people love him and how many cards and phone calls they are receiving. They stroked his arms and he got a lot of love from these two precious little children. He even got a good-bye kiss from his little sister. It was poignant to watch, and this grandma had to turn around and face the wall when the good-bye kiss was given. I couldn't let her see me cry. I know mom and dad were being strong for the children, and they couldn't show the emotions they were feeling. After the kids left, the nurse told us that she had been watching Ryan's monitor while the kids were there talking with him. She said his blood pressure went down 15 points! It was evident that Ryan knew his siblings were there with him, and that they calmed him with their presence. Is there anything better or stronger than the love of a family?!

Okay, Michael, you can tell about the rest of Ryan's day - and all of the medical happenings.

Love and hugs - from Grandma Jeri