12/17 - afternoon

Sorry for the delay in post.  Jim and I both had to get some rest, so we were home for the evening and it took us awhile to get ourselves together.  

If you read my last post, you know that it was a rough night.  However, with some medication adjustment, they were able to bring his IPC down below 20.  We're just hoping it can stay there to buy more time until his brain stops swelling.  As you might know, Sam's a bit of an overachiever, and this has been no exception.  The average amount of time the brain peaks swelling is 5 days.  However, it could be longer than that.  We're hoping that Sam decides to not break that record, because we're really close to that 5 day mark.  For now we are back to the waiting game.  I don't particularly care for it, but if we have to do it, I much prefer to do it with the numbers where they are.

Thanks to two special people who talked me off the edge of insanity last night as the doctors and nurses were trying to work things out.  You know who you are!  There have been so many instances of genuine kindness since this all started, from people we don't even know.  Here is just one of many examples for you.  Jim and I got back late from the hospital and ordered a pizza.  The delivery guy we've never met comes to the door and this is the conversation that happened:

Jim:  Thanks.

Pizza Man:  I noticed the last name Loeffler.  Is that the same Loeffler as Sam from the bike accident?

Jim: (shocked) Yes it is.

PM:    I thought it might be.  Tell him we're glad he's feeling better. [Proceeds to offer an incredible kindness that I won't detail because I don't want anyone getting in trouble.]

We continue to be astounded by your generosity of prayers, time, money and kindness.  We appreciate your continued prayers for Sam, Kyle (his next door neighbor, along with his mom, Donna) and Jay (along with his wife, Sam.) I'd like to add Lily to that list.  She is a 72 year old woman who was struck by a car while walking to church and is having trouble responding to treatment.  Her sister-in-law and I were sharing stories today.  

Continued thanks for being who you are.  You are our lifeline!

P.S.  I feel compelled to explain the picture.  Last year, those four awesome guys performed "Carry On My Wayward Son" for a choir show.  Someone made a comment about Wayward Fruit, and it stuck.  Sam's the apple. I got this picture today, and it makes me happy.  Thanks, Clorese!