{Karlton Bontrager}

We’ve had so many incredible advances that we knew there’d have to be some regular days as well. Yesterday was a “regular” day. Karlton has so many therapists trying to work with him that he’s being “therapied” to death. He was exhausted yesterday to the point of just wanting to sleep most of the time. He did listen to his sister on the telephone and manage to tell her “Happy Birthday, Alexa.” But afterwards he was too tired to even listen to his other sister and her husband when they telephoned.

Running interference for their patient, the nurses stepped in and organized everyone’s access to Karlton. They set up a schedule for when each could work with him and even for when we could see him. They included a 1.5 hour rest period in the morning. That’s in addition to the 2 hour rest period in the afternoon. We’re hopeful that the schedule will help him with his energy level.

Karlton says that he hurts all over. That should come as no surprise. He’s been through so much. He’s probably felt that way all along but been too doped up to realize it or unable to communicate it.

The results from the lab came back on Karlton’s nasal drip. It is indeed cerebral spinal fluid that drips from his nose when he sits up. That means that there’s no solid wall between the cavity for the brain and his right sinus. If fluid can drip down, microbes can likely work their way up as well. The Ear, Nose, & Throat specialists are to stop by today to see about repairing the bones around the sinus. But they cannot do their work until the neurosurgeon gives the go-ahead. It’s all interrelated and so complicated.

Despite his good progress to date, he’s not out of the woods yet. Your continued prayers, positive thoughts, and good wishes are much appreciated.