8.15.08

Today was much like yesterday; we had a chance to talk with Dr. Barden on our way in to spend the day with Ethan, and he was able to confirm what Lisa and I were already suspecting: we're on the right path with Ethan's recovery, but it will simply take longer than we had hoped as the fluid in his lungs drains away and new lung tissue is formed.

It's a weird supposition that bad news can be met with relief, but for me, it feels stabilizing to know that Ethan isn't getting worse, it's just that he's taking longer to get better. The part that's hard for me is to see him uncomfortable. I suppose if jet pilots had to wear their helmet and mask for two weeks straight, they would start to pull and tug at it too.

Today was also the first day for teachers to report to school. While spending time with Ethan and Allison is always good, I think I know a little about what Brett Favre went through: normally, I would be getting things prepared for the upcoming year, "getting back into character" as I like to call it, but this year will be different. I'm very much indebted to my administrators and colleagues for supporting Lisa and me as all four of us begin to transition into the school year.

This brings me to my last point: the universal thank-you to all who've prayed, visited, given food and/or gifts for the twins, or in any way made their start in this world and our initiation into parenthood easier. Lisa and I can't thank you enough, and this is largely due to two reasons: a.) the sheer number of people who have helped us, and b.) what that support has meant for us.

We will try as hard as we can to write thank-you notes, but in the end, they won't adequately convey what all of your efforts have achieved these past five weeks. Thank you.