Hello out there. We are still here at St. John's in St. Louis. Yesterday morning was a morning of progress for Mark. Mark responded to questions by nodding his head and responded to the command of squeezing a hand. It was cause for great joy and celebration. The doctors came in and said the day continued to be a focus of finding the appropriate medicine to keep Mark calm yet more responsive to command. This is necessary in order for them to pull the ventilator. We are finding as the days go by that Mark's pattern is to make these baby steps of improvement in the morning and the rest of the day is a holding pattern. On the one hand, the baby steps are always joyous and we are so thankful for any progress, yet on the other hand, the day then becomes a bit long as we are so anxious for the next step.

Yesterday afternoon one of the doctors came in and explained to us that it is very common for someone who has been in ICU for any length of time to develop what he called a "hysterical dilerium". What this means is that Mark has been so medicated for so long and his body is becoming used to those meds and it causes him to lose touch with the concept of time and any orientation to where he is and what is going on. As he is weaned off the sedatives and placed on a more mild medicine, this should slowly go away.

Stephanie continues to do better than you could ever imagine. Yesterday afternoon was a long day for her and she is very exhausted, both mentally or physically. It is so important to her that everyone continue with their prayers. It is still not a good idea for Mark to have many visitors. While making wonderful progress, he is still critical and it is best that he have this quiet time to heal. We had a visitor yesterday, George Rand came by while in St. Louis. Stephanie made the comment that it was so nice for HER to have a visitor and there was no level of expectation to go back to see Mark. So anyone who would like to come up and visit with Stephanie for a little bit, she said that was a wonderful diversion for her yesterday.

Stephanie called Ted Lewis yesterday to come up and spend the night with Mark. One of the hardest things for Stephanie to do is to leave Mark at night as his pattern has become that that is the hardest part of the day for him. While we stay until 10 or 11 or so, Stephanie has got to leave to get some sleep. Having Ted with Mark as we left last night gave her a great sense of peace and comfort. Ted shared with us this a.m. that Mark did indeed have a very active night and his sweet little nurse also said this a.m. that Mark kept her very busy. Stephanie is thankful for Ted and his coming to spend the night

We have not seen the doctors yet this a.m. We are anxious to hear from them today as they have monitored his level of responsiveness. That will dictate how today goes. Stephanie, at this time, cannot think beyond the next few hours as to what her schedule will be. I have to reiterate what my sister posted the other day. Being a third party in the room with Stephanie and Mark and watching the amount of love, compassion and care Stephanie has for and with Mark is one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. She is hovering over him and is taking such good care. She is keeping his lips moist, his hands and feets lotioned and massaged and keeps up a running commentary to him at all times. We joke that if she was a momma babboon, her baby would have no bugs as she is constantly picking, stroking or just holding his hand. It is a priviledge to experience Mark and Stephanie together.

Mark's folks have made it to Sikeston which also comforts Stephanie. She is excited for Clayson to be home with them and to know that Clayson can be in his own home with all of his animals for a few days.

Stephanie remains positive and focused on all of their blessings. Please, if you are in St. Louis come by and see her. We are looking foward to a positive day. I have to go home but Anita Eby is coming and will stay today, tonight and tomorrow morning with Stephane. The apartment we are staying in is wonderful and convenient to the hospital. We leave so late at night that Stephanie should never head there alone.We will let everyone know what today brings and just again ask that you keep Mark and Stephanie in your thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie G. and Stephanie A ( Or Stephanie 1 and 2 as we have been called)