Written September 20, 2010 8:16 pm

Anita had a good night's sleep last night.  As is now normal, she sat up in the armchair for a number of hours during this morning/early afternoon.  She performed breathing tests, and managed to breathe without the ventilator for a test period of five (5) minutes, the first small step on the road to weaning her off the ventilator.  She visited with family members and various friends during the course of the afternoon.  She was excited to see the "Anita's Bracelet" poster and photographs of all the ladies donning their bracelets.  Thanks to "B" for making the poster/bringing it to the hospital.  Anita will remain in ICU tonight, and as previously noted, decisions on next steps re: ventilator weaning program/rehabilitation will be forthcoming this week.

Our friends are amazing.  Thanks "M" for your creativity to design and create the Anita bracelet.  Her idea is that wearing the bracelet or using the keychain will keep me in the thoughts and prayers of folks.  And what fine folks they are.  Other friends donned their bracelets, took photos and made a poster that John hung on my wall.

I have a prayer shawl from another state.  Prayers have been put in the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem for me.  I was given a St. Jude Medal (the saint for lost causes).  I can't name all the churches that have me on their prayer lists. Even some of my docs and nurses have asked if they could pray for/with me.  Are you hearing us God?

I think there is some divine intervention going on here.  Despite tubes, ventilators and IVs, I remain hopeful and peaceful.  I do have my moments of doubt and despair, but they always pass.  The sun continues to rise and I know that I am blessed with a wonderful family and friends.  The docs are doing all that they can.  If it all ended today......no regrets.  Now...for just a little while.