New Year's Prayer

Isn't this a handsome picture of Dad? I've always loved it. It was taken the evening of Mom's 75th birthday celebration with just the "Saunders Six" - Mom, Dad and us four kids. Quite a rare event!

New Years Day

I'll start with some information about Dad's ICU care. A frequently asked question is: Is he on a ventilator? Well, technically, yes. Bear in mind, I am not a clinician so my explanation here is purely that of a lay person. 

There are two forms of ventilation: invasive and non invasive. So often in the news relating to Covid, we hear about the invasive forms of ventilation that require intubation. Dad IS receiving ventilation, but it is through a non invasive means via a Bi-Pap machine (a more rigorous cousin to a C-Pap machine which a lot of folks are familiar with). 

Dad continues to receive Oxygen and his stay in ICU is proving helpful with his O2 compliance. They're just able to keep a more watchful eye on him and be sure he keeps the flow going. 

We are also awaiting a continuation of the Plasma treatment, with a second dose.

Prayer Request

Last night, Dad's vitals were stable and we'd ask for prayers that he maintain stable vitals and specifically maintain oxygen levels in the 90s. That's where we need him to be to help with healing. 

To that end, he is very, very sick so I do try to balance my optimism and hope with realism. If ever there was a time for me to spend on my knees, praying, that time is now and that is where I will be today. 

Family is EVERYTHING to Dad. So with that in mind, I'm closing with the most recent picture of "The Saunders Six", taken two years ago, Christmas.