Our rollercoaster hit rock bottom last night, and then climbed almost all the way to the top before midnight. God is good and was holding on to us all the way.

Last night about 6, Lauren and I were watching a DVD Becky had brought us on our portable DVD player when Lauren began gasping for breath. With the push of a button, nurses came flying and gave him massive doses of medication and a breathing treatment and increased his oxygen flow. Still, he struggled for each breath. The doctor came and told me this was called agonal breathing and he would probably not come out of it. Since he has a DNR order, I said my goodbyes and called the children and our pastor. I told them they did not have to come as I was not sure he would even be alive when they made the 1.5 hour trip. The nurse called the chaplain, who came and prayed with us.

Soon Lauren slipped into what appeared to be a coma and was in that state when the children arrived, along with my sister and a few close family friends. We all visited together in the family recreation suite while each person went in individually to say goodbye. Both car loads from Montgomery headed home about 10:30, not expecting to see Lauren alive again.

Our young friend Joel, who is a Marine recently home from Iraq, came in to say hello and goodbye. I did not even know he was in the area (visiting his mother in Birmingham), but one of my sons did and called him. He showed up with his mother, brother and sister (all of whom are longtime family friends) about 8:30, When the Montgomery crew left , Joel came into the room to sit with me. Within a few minutes, Lauren opened his eyes, looked at Joel and called him by name. He remained awake and alert for a couple of hours, during which we called the others back. Some were able to return; the others he talked to on the phone.

When everyone left, Lauren turned to me and said "Let.s watch our show," referring to the video we had interrupted. While I was setting it up, he asked when it would be time to go home.  He seemed to think it was already morning. When I told him  what time it was, he said he wanted to sleep now and watch the show later. He woke again about 7 this morning and seems no worse for the wear.

We are scheduled to go home this afternoon.  If you are in the Montgomery area, please call or stop by to see him tomorrow or any time after that. The primary reason he gives for wanting to go home is to see everyone.

I am disappointed that none of your cards have arrived at the hospital yet. Those that are on their way will be forwarded to t he house when they arrive.  If you have still not sent one, please send it to our home address: 24 N. Florida Street, Montgomery, AL 36107.

Please praise the Lord with us for His ongoing mercies and keep us in your prayers.