The day after....the 4th

The 4th of July is Mark's favorite time of year and I was sorry he had to sleep through this one, This just means next year will be even more special to us.
Mark has been stable most of the day. They increased his feedings. His blood levels are lowering and they are giving him 2 more pints of blood. I believe this will make 11 pints total.
His fevers have passed and the tests they ran came back and it looks like it is an infection in his trachea. They said this is normal, and is being treated by the antibiotic they started yesterday.
Since we have been back, Mark has had lots of family and friends come and see him.
He may only be responsive from time to time, but he can hear everything and this is encouraging to him.
If you want me to be here when you come up to the hospital, just call my cell @ 845-2003. I usually stay overnight with him and go home the next day to shower and check on our kids, so I am there at different times during the day.
Tonight he has given me a little smile when I kissed him and also griped my hand several times, where I know this was not a reflex, but him trying to communicate with me. When he opens his eyes each time he seems to try to focus more and more on things around him.
Thank you for all the comments and support. The A/A Employee's have raffled a 4-wheeler which they said took a lot of time walking the plant for donations and explaining the story of Mark and had a pancake breakfast, which they said employee's put in more that their share foe the cause. This is always a blessing to be a part of and to know how many friends have stepped forward to help Mark through this difficult time. We do not know how long his recovery will be, but we are praying for a speedy one. It could be 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 years....Only God knows. I have been by his side for 17 years and will be there for the next 17 and so on......Our love has been only strengthened by this journey and we have a lot of living left to do. Thank you all...Coral