The Waiting Games

If you have not had a chance to read the previous post by Grandma Jeri, or  the update from Mike and Cath - please read their posts and thank you for your comments - they are much appreciated.

Here's a status update posted on FaceBook last night from Grandma Jeri:

Just an update on my grandson, Ryan. He is still in critical condition (after having cardiac arrest), and is being given a drug to paralyze him, and also a sedative. His body temperature has been lowered for the past couple of days, and they will start to warm him up tonight. It will take about 17 hours for the warming process. After that, they will discontinue the paralytic drug. On Saturday, they will start discontinuing the sedatives. He is in the Lord's hands, and we are praying for a miracle. His parents are exhausted and this is such a hard time for their family. The staff at Primary Children's is amazing! ... All family members are receiving a ton of phone calls and texts, anxious for updates. This blog will hopefully keep everyone up-to-date. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love we have seen for Ryan and his family.

Early this morning (midnight), they were scheduled to begin the process of warming up Ryan's body and easing back on the medications.  This gradual process requires a lot testing (and patience) over many hours as they monitor Ryan's vitals.  They are keeping a close eye on Ryan and his body, including his heart, brain and kidneys.  

Since Ry was admitted, there have been many ups and downs on his journey and the term 'variable' has been used often by the doctors to describe what may be expected.  Over the next 12 hours and subsequent days, we'll all be watching and waiting to see how Ryan's body has held up through this ordeal - and praying for a miracle on his behalf.

Ry at the recent Monster Energy Supercross

Last night when Cath called, she wanted to relay her gratitude, which I've paraphrased below:

Thank you for your love and concern.  Your support has made this experience doable.  Your many prayers over the last few days have brought great comfort to our family.  Thanks for reaching out to help with our children and providing meals and looking after our needs.  

I'd like to extend a personal thanks to those at Ryan's school for their prompt and heroic efforts in providing the care he needed to preserve his life, and to the paramedics, nurses and doctors: Thank you.  To the diligent readers of the blog that can't suppress thoughts of Ryan: Thanks isn't adequate, but it's all I know how to post.  Thank you, indeed.  We've included a counter on the blog for you to see the outpouring of concern and support on Ryan's behalf.  Again, thank you.  Thanks for caring.  Thanks for praying.  Thanks for your many acts of love.