Happy New Year

Happy New Year from the Henry's!!!

We are home after a wonderful Christmas with our dear family! What a blessing it is to live close enough to celebrate and have all of us together this year. Rejoicing in our Savior's birth, Aunt Linda's healing, and Josh's healing. What rejoicing happened in the Henry Family!

This is a picture of Josh and Sarah with our favorite Star Wars characters. We were blessed by our dear friends from church, Max and Donna, to be able to go to OMSI and see the exhibit, see Happy Feet on the OMNIMAX screen (mom still has an upset tummy), have lunch and buy some souvenirs. This is one of the things we were wanting to do - but the surgery and money did not allow to do so.

We had a wonderful time and a very full day of it. To top of our awesome week, Josh's double vision is about gone. We are so pumped by that one. We go this Friday the 5th to see Dr. Yundt again for another CT scan to see how the swelling is going. Then on the 8th - late enough for mom to go, we see our Dr. Carmeitke - our eye specialist and I am holding out for the eye patch going away.

His incisions are healing beautifully, and his hair is growing back so fast it is amazing. Now is the hard time - slowing him down. It is hard to keep him from going a hundred miles an hour and wanting to do everything. He is still very concerned about having to get a shunt - but who would not be, so that is keeping him grounded a bit.

Josh is not looking forward to heading back to school - poor guy. We will be doing some homeschooling this week though. It is awful having mom as a teacher.

Another blessing - we won a family dinner to the Outback. Thanks to Bruce's boss, John we get to go again. Josh was so excited. Although we had steak last night at Grandma's (suppose to be for Aunt Kathy's birthday, but we know Josh was craving it again) Josh is ready to head out to the Outback. I am going to have to work more to keep up with his eating habits.

Well as we look forward to celebrating the New Year coming in with our dear friends The Fields - we know this is a year we will not take health for granted. Join us in celebrating the health and time the Lord has given us here on earth. Share his love to everyone.

Happy 2007!
The Henry Family
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Merry Christmas from Josh

Merry Christmas everyone!

I had a great Christmas - I am celebrating with all my family. There are 25 of us here. I will post a picture later.

Thank you for your prayers. I am doing great, tired after all this excitement.

God Bless You All!
Josh

Thank You Outback Steak House!

Well we forgot the camera when we went out for the famous steak dinner - but this is Josh with his Christmas present from Mom. Can you believe this dedicated Oregon State fan bought her son a University of Oregon t-shirt. Kirsten you have changed him!

Back to dinner. Tears come to my eyes when I remember the wonderful people at the Outback. Our awesome waiter, Brandon - Josh's newest best friend, too marvelous care of this family and bought us dessert. He continually checked on us to make sure everything was perfect.

Josh shared at the beginning how when he woke up from surgery he wanted an Outback Steak and Brandon took the ball and went with it. He listened careful, and even looked at Josh's "battle scar". Such a compassionate young man for 18 - Sarah wanted to know if we could bring him home for a big brother.

But God had more in mind for us. Brandon went and shared with the owner Shelly about Josh and what had happened. To our delight Shelly came right over. Chatted with Josh and really listened to him. She then took Josh on a tour of the restaurant and introduced him to her husband. She blessed us further by spoiling us rotten and giving Josh one of the collector pins for the staff - it is a 2006 Outback Christmas pin. Shelly then brought back a card for Josh, bringing tears to this mom's eyes (what is new???) and two free dinners.

Josh dove into his steak, but saved some for lunch tomorrow before heading to Grandma and Grandpas. We finished up the few things to get - a stop to the Sportsman - and came home to open presents. Everyone is delighted and had fun. Captain is still chewing on his bone.

We have tons to do before leaving, but you know what, this Christmas it does not matter, we are celebrating as a family, a true gift from God! So please take the time this season, to thank Jesus for his unconditional gift. Then thank those of you around you that are part of your life.

We are thanking the Lord for each of you! Merry CHRISTmas!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Home for Church

It was awesome to be at our home church and celebrating Josh's wonderful adventure with FRED and the awesome outcome. Finally we got to tell these precious people thank you. Seems so little for all they did for us.

This is our Christmas picture taken at church. Thank you Jeff.

Well Josh is slowly and surely getting better - today was a big day and he was pretty excitable. He did crash this afternoon for a nap - over and hour. Mom is making his favorite enchiladas - a close second to steak.

Bruce and Josh worked hard and have the tree up and decorated. We decided as a family that it was all we are doing for the year. So out go the totes. Next Christmas mom will get carried away again. We are working on our Christmas Cards, and doing some baking for school. Trying to get into the mood. The kids got to open their first present today - the game Cranium. Thanks to the Speech Therapist - Lisa.

Dr. Patrik and Dr. Ojemann were your ears burning, along with our awesome nurses, we were singing your praises in our early testimony today. Thank you again.

The Henry's are working on sharing their story as La Pine Girls Night Out is going to offer Kids Night Out in February with the Henry's sharing. Sarah will be singing Jesus Loves Me. We are excited to share how much God loves us all.

Well off to frost the sugar cookies. Enjoy your family!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Awesome Praises

Josh hanging at home - see all the decorations to be put up. Sorry about the red eyes. Kind of fun though.

Once again God is walking hand and hand with the Henry Family. Josh is recovering in leaps and bounds and it is hard to keep him down. He is getting tired occasionally but not like it was. So what has he done this week.

You heard about Monday and Tuesday, so here is Wednesday. He made it for Social Studies with Mr. K and had a great time. A little excited. Then that night we went and say A Christmas Carol at La Pine High School. We had a great time. What a way to get in the Christmas Spirit.

Today we went to 4th period - Language Arts with Mr. Brown and then stayed for lunch with the leadership crew. Daddy picked him up and they headed into Bend. They had an appointment with our eye specialist. Guess what - Awesome news. His left eye "lazy eye" is stronger than his other eye. He is doing great. There is still double vision - but getting so much better. They took a picture of his right eye and he brought it home with an A+. There is still a lot of swelling, but it will down soon. We go back in three weeks.

We are just praising Jesus for Josh and all he has been through and how strong he is. We are praising the Lord for the generosity of our friends and people we don't know to help us financially. The meals are greatly appreciated and the outpouring of love is a blessing! We are blessed.

I will try to get a new picture in soon. Have a blessed weekend, and hug someone you love!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Back in LaPine

Well I was not able to sleep anymore - I think I am caught up for a bit and have so many things going around in my brain - so I will blog!

This is our dear Nurse Practioner for Dr.Ojemann's office - we call her Dr. Liz. She is one of three that blessed us. She is showing Josh the staples she removed - only half before coming home Friday.

So how is Josh? He is one amazing kid. Monday he had lunch with his buddies at school and loved it so much that Tuesday he went back for 3rd period Science with Mr. Likens. He came tired - but had fun. He and dad went to Dr. Yundt's office yesterday (our Bend Neurosurgeon - fancy people we are to have Neurosurgeons all over the West Coast) and had the rest of the staples removed. Dr. Yundt came in and was smiling at how well Josh was doing. His eyes are getting better - except for looking up. Plus they graciously reminded us that he is still pumped full of meds and steroids so he will be calming down again and becoming comfortable being home.

Then he and Sarah talked Mom and Dad into going to our all time favorite Mexican restaurant - Cinco De Mayo - here in La Pine. So a very busy day. He crashed when we got home.

We have decided to go to school one period a day till Christmas - just to keep in the routine. He has been getting up with Sarah and I to go to school - so maybe this morning he will go for 1st and 2nd. We are going to try and go to the community play tonight if he is up to it.

How is Christmas here - well we have the bare tree up and that is it. Hopefully today will be the day to get it done. After school today, he is going to go and play with one of his best friends - Danna - so Daddy can get some things done. Mommy has nothing after school so she and Sarah can come home and attack the Christmas totes.

How is the rest of the family - well mellow Captain is a blessing to us all, and sleeps with Josh every night and keeps him warm. Sarah had a hard day on Monday - but God put Mrs. Fritz where she could be where Sarah needed her, they prayed together and Sarah had a wonderful day. Yesterday Sarah got to take the class's Santa letters to the Post Office - she was picked to do that. Mommy is catching up at school and sleep now to clean house. Daddy is still our rock and keeping us all in stitches and love staying home and being Josh's chauffeur. We are a blessed family.

Bruce and I want each of you that read this to take time today to hug someone you know and tell them how much you love you - you never know when that time will end. Remember Christ is the reason for Christmas - and Jesus Christ gave the ultimate gift of love on the cross for you - so share that love.

God's Blessing and Love pouring out on you from The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Home - Home - Again!

Home with Captain - sigh what a wonderful feeling. See all those boxes those are the Christmas decorations to be put up - we shall see how much we get done!

It was a blessing to be at Grandma Bev's church where all those wonderful people have been praying for Josh - and he did awesome through out it.

Tomorrow Mom and Sarah head back to school, and Josh is going to crash at lunch to see all his buddies - he is jazzed about that. Then they will pick up Sarah from school so he can thank Mrs. Faust's class for the cards and all they did. We are heading back to normal.

Bruce and Josh are going to work on the tree tomorrow and getting the house picked up. Captain sure mellowed out at the Fields Doggy Inn - what a treat. MeShak won't leave me alone - eventhough we have a lot of stuff in the house - it is a joy to be home again and only a little snow!

God Bless You all - I will keep you posted - Josh has staples out on Tuesday - Eye Doctor specialist on Thursday and a yummy steak dinner in there somewhere. We will see Dr. Ojemann in March.

Thank you all for your prayers - above all thank the Lord above for his saving grace for a people who don't deserve it - and that he loves us more than that to answer this mom and dad's prayers.

Good Night

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

We are almost home!!!

We are in Salem - yippee we are so close to home we can taste it.

We are all well - notice Bruce's short hair mine will be there too!

Josh has had a great time being spoiled by everyone here in Salem. Mom went Christmas shopping today and almost got it all done! Woohoo what a burden off our shoulders.

We are heading home to Captain tomorrow - Josh is so excited. Back to our normal routine and the fun of that - thank you so much Jeanette for cleaning our house - one less burden to worry about.

Well I am at Loretta's - I got the grades posted! Back to Grandma's as she is spoiling Josh tonight with a steak dinner - will the boy want to come home - probably not!

More when we are home!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh, Sarah

We went on an outing!

First of all we had a great night's rest - he crashed at around 10:15 after being silly with Grandma and did not wake up till 8:30 - although we loved our nurses it was nice not having them come in and bug us all the time!!! Josh thought it was a great camping trip with all of sleeping in the same room.

We went to Fred Meyer - Josh had a great time checking out all the DS games and the ones he is looking forward to getting in the future - but he did tire easily. We got some Hot Wheels, so after nap we are going to have Hot Wheel races.

Josh is eating great - I was a little worried in the hospital - but he is back to his normal chowing and eating everything in sight. He wants steak and soon - but we are going to hold out till Sarah can be with us.

Today we are now staying here - they are having some holiday card making and singing after dinner being prepared at the House so that will be fun - plus we need to pack and get everything into Grandma's car - a feat.

Seems almost normal as I have clothes washing and we need to clean our room, and Josh is so normal - he is funny.

Well just wanted to pop in and give an update for today! God Bless You all for your prayers, thoughts and support!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

We are free!

Bum deal - there is not wireless here at Ronald McDonald so I can not post more pictures till home - but we are free. Plus a break from posting grades - will have to do this weekend.

Josh is doing amazing! He has been walking around and hanging most of day. Feeling good and no headache - we are making him rest in the room now. He was on his DS too - woohoo great strides.

He is not eat Thursday after midnight - just in case the swelling comes back and he has to have a shunt put in - but no one is thinking that will happen. (Plus Josh is throwing a fit thinking of not eating again) So we have the CAT scan on Friday morning and then he gets the 24 staples removed from his head and we are free to fly to Salem.

It was a fun day putting everything away and cleaning up the room. Our highlight was seeing Dr. Patrik as we were checking out and Josh getting a huge hug - we are going to miss you big time Dr. Patrik - still think you need to be part of the family.

Then we saw Dr. Ojemann on our way out - he was very pleased as with Patrik on Josh's improvement - this kid is certainly a miracle kid - we knew it from birth and this just confirms it.

We are just going to hang here and enjoy activities at the house. We have a long haul ahead but Josh is making plans for playing basketball next winter - and when he makes up his mind you can not keep him down.

What a blessing Seattle Children's hospital is - thank you to everyone we are so blessed to have been here. God Bless You all!

Love the Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Last Day at Childrens!

This is Josh with another favorite nurse, Julie. She is also one of our night angels. Also notice on the lower left a new picture - yeppers Josh with Seattle SeaHawks - giving them some hints. Are you jealous Uncle Jeff?

This mom is crying already today - this hospital has been home and as nurses are getting off the night duty they are saying goodbye - and we are going to miss them bunches. So for them this blog will continue so they can see Josh's growth through it all.

I got a great night's rest - even watched part of a movie but I fell asleep. Bruce and Josh slept good too! Josh's first word this morning after getting a standing hug (missed those) was can we go to the gift shop today? Hmmm he takes after his mom or what!

Well now begins the busy part for us - we are scheduling follow up appointments in Bend and Portland to keep him gaining the amazing strides he has made. It is really hard to believe that we are leaving today - what a change in life this will be.

Bruce and I want to take time now to thank our amazing family for all your love and support - Mom and Dad Henry for being here the entire time and then pitching in when really needed, and just sitting back and praying. My mom and dad - continuing on and loving us through it all. Thank you for the love. Loretta - wowowow you were here when we really needed you and you have the right words to say all the time - we still quote you by telling each other to not go there and worry about what we don't know. Thank you for your gift on Friday, Josh is jazzed to have another private RN. Aunt LeMay I am glad you made the decision to come and not let me decide. Those nights of sleep are priceless and having a private RN for recovery - woohoo and knowing it was all normal. Thank you Doug and Brendon for sharing. Kathy you and your familys selfless gift of taking Sarah - what a relief to know she is so loved and being taken care of. Plus teaching her multiplication- wowow! She probably won't want to come home. Linda and Rob we love you and we know you are with us in our struggles as you have had your struggles these last two years. Linda I can't wait to give you a hug and pat your adorable bald head. Christmas is going to be super special as a gift from God to have you and Josh there. Our La Pine Family the Fields- wowowow the doggy inn calmed Captain down and that is priceless. Thanks for keeping the home front running - and helping me pay bills. Isn't it amazing that through all this world continues going and the earth is spinning.

The prayers are amazing you readers have blessed it - my PTSA buds Nicky, Nick and Bobbie thank you for keeping it going. This mom is chilling on the outside things and will be focusing on her family that is what I have learned this adventure.

Grace's Youth - thank you for your understanding and letting us focus on Josh - when we start up again it will be some serious praising. Keep on trusting in God.

Okay I have rambled enough. God Bless you all!
The Henry's
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Only 19 days till Christmas - do you know the real reason for Christmas? If not find out - that is Josh's prayer for you!

Bill the tube is gone!

Here is our Josh without Bill the tube - he is gone he is gone! Josh has been up most of the day! He is now resting and then he is off to the gift shop - he found a cool dragon he is wanting!

Well it is official we are out of the hospital tomorrow - but only over to the Ronald McDonald house for two nights. We are to come back on Friday morning for a CAT scan to make sure there is not build up. Dr. Patrick used the excuse we lived so far away - go figure that one.

Josh is now free of everything - he needs to keep drinking and such but no monitors for a while! Woohoo a big celebration in Room 3026.

This mom is a little bummed I miss Sarah and am ready to get back to La Pine, but we will be in La Pine Sunday. We will leave Grandma and Grandpas in the morning and take our time. But the cool part is I am going to do my grades Thursday so I won't have to do it at home. Woohoo is this exciting.

It is hard to believe it is over. Well not really, we have therapy for months and he will take a lot of time to be back to his old self - but I am kind of liking this sleeker looking guy. Guess what Aunt Le May he brushed his teeth today, and he is getting steak and mashed potatoes for dinner! Woohoo!

Well off to pack up the room! I did a little more Christmas shopping today - we are going to need to rent a U Haul to get home.

This is truly going to be a Merry Christmas!

Love The Henrys

WE ARE COMING HOME

It is true Hawks, we are coming home! The night went fantastic and Bill the tube is going gone!

Josh and I slept a lot last night and are perky and ready to come home.

Josh is looking forward to heading to the gift shop today, and ready to spend that money.

Release date is looking tomorrow afternoon, so watch out family we are coming home! Josh is wanting to some of Grandma's Fried Chicken.

Hawks you have nice looking heads and we are looking forward to seeing you play! Next year you will have Josh! Victory in sight!

Have a blessed day praising the Lord!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Jots from Josh

This is a picture of David and I making the ballad of Little Pete. Little Pete is the dragon I got from my buddies on Sunday.

Today was a very busy day. I had Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Music Therapy and a CAT Scan. Today I took a walk all around the 3rd floor.

I have great nurses today - this morning was Stephanie and tonight is Amy. I feel asleep for a couple of hours after Dad left.

I am having a hard time remembering all these names - but we have great people helping me.

The best part of going home is seeing my dog and seeing my friends. Also not having to be in a bed all day. Also being able to move around without having a nurse with me all the time. (Mom note - I or Daddy will be there).

Thanks for praying for me. If you don't know Jesus ask me, cause I want to share with you what HE does!

Good night!
Josh

Test Results are in!

This picture is from yesterday with our angel nurses - Christina x2! I can post pictures again!

Okay you are all waiting - the CAT Scan results were in before Josh was back to the room! Bill the tube is out tomorrow and if the CAT Scan in the morning looks good we are out of here on Wednesday - without having to come back on Friday. We still know there is the possibility of a shunt down the road - but we serve an awesome God that will take us through that adventure.

I have been asked to keep posting as there are many who would like to follow the blog and keep track of Josh's recovery. Today he shared that he is looking forward to the Henry Family Campout this summer - why? Because he is going to 10 Mile Lake and catching a 15# Bass!~

Well this mom is off for the night - unless we get service in the room - because Josh may want to post - we shall see.

Thanks for storming Heaven for us!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori , Josh and Sarah

Missing You Sarah

Sarah - Josh and I just want you to know how much we are missing you and love you bunches and bunches. We are glad you and Aunt Kathy are having a great time together! Josh loved his card. You continue being the awesome princess and we are praying we will be there on Wednesday.

Josh says that Dr. Sarah is awesome!

Remember the great time you had with Child Therapist Jen! We love you!

Love Mom

Still Waiting!

Josh is doing awesome - he is just laying down for the first time today and resting. Most of the day he has been sitting up and walking. He did a loop of the entire floor and some of it with no one holding on to him. Woohoo! We know that we are not sure until the CAT scan, but we are trusting God - as Josh says - to have Bill out. There is no headache - no grogginess - no anything that is not suppose to be there. Woohoo this is awesome. They are saying - now just saying, that the tube may come out in the morning, and we have to hang until a Friday for another CAT scan to make sure all is good - but in the big picture what is another day!

To our nurse Angel Jane - thank you for checking in - you are amazing to care about each patient. So Josh's advice if you need surgery - Children's is the place to be.

Josh was sharing with us this morning - that his prayer is that each of you that reads this will take the time to really ponder on God and how much he loves you and how much you need Jesus. That is why Fred was in his brain - for Josh to share the miracle healing power of Jesus. Makes you think - this mom too!

God Bless Each of You that reads and shares - you bless us so much!

The Henry's Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Today is the Day!

Okay this mom snuck out last night and went over to Ronald McDonald house and slept like a rock. While I was there the boys had a fishing party and were watching TV, snacking and sleeping. Not a long stretch of sleep but lots of it.

So why is today the day???? Dr. Patrick came by this morning and we are waiting with the CAT Scan until this afternoon - because Bill the Vent tube is clamped. We are waiting to see if Josh can make it with it clamped (like taken out) and if in the CAT Scan there is no swelling of the ventricles - then woohoo out comes Bill. Please join us in praying that Josh's brain valve is draining and we won't need a shunt as we are all ready to blow out of Children's. Now don't us wrong we adore this hospital but we are soon approaching 3 weeks.

If this does not happen - then we have more surgery for the shunt to go in - and at least another week. Although we have a favorite nurse Stephanie today - we want to go home!

Okay you are asking when will he be back in school - probably not till after Christmas vacation and then only half days. Join us in praying about that - who will care for Josh - our dear LeeAnn and Jeanette have volunteered but we are waiting to see if Bruce can!

Talking about work - both Bruce and I are so blessed by our workplaces - LPMS and Chemult RD you guys are the best - thank you for your loving support and caring and helping us not stress about work. Ms. Borton - Josh says you rock my world by taking such good care of my kids. He said I have not worried at all about school - which is so true. Suzie Q you made my day with your love and caring - Nanette - we know you run the school and you are such a blessing to me. Aloma - your secret is safe with me and thank you for lifting that burden.

LPMS and LPE Students - Josh and Sarah are going to the best schools in the state - okay world. Thank you for all your love and caring. They miss their friends so much - only Captain Rakshak the dog more.

The town of La Pine - you have blessed us by your love, concern and understanding - thank you for loving this family through this adventure. We see big things happening!

Well this waiting mom is going to go and have some breakfast and then work on grades - watch out my students.

The Henry family wants each of you that reads this, to stop and hug those close to you today and tell them how much you love them.

Mom - standing firm on the promise from Jesus that he is there and praying earnestly that Bill comes out!

We Slept - We Slept!

Praising the Lord - we got some sleep! Josh and I had a slumber party watching Trading Places and other shows - munching on everything we could find. Daddy's snores serenaded us through our party.

About 2:15 he was out! When our Night Angel, Nurse Julie came in to do vitals, she was able to calm him and take them without waking him up - amazing as he had to have a flash light in his eyes!

6:30 came and he woke up with having the jitterbugs - his steroids episodes - woohoo praises going up! Yesterday was a step back, and last night was three steps forward - right Aunt LeMay!!!

So buds are coming up again today - probably no CAT Scan today - so a quiet day after that. We have our awesome Angel Christina with us and another Christina.

Last night was another blessing the Charge Nurse Christie came and is working on having our favorite nurses here till the end of our stay! Thank you our precious Christie. Josh is so spoiled that he may not want to go home!

God Bless You!
Happy and Blessed Mom - Lori

Good Night

Okay after messing around for an hour - I did something and can no longer use the pretty colors or pictures - man oh man and Mr Fields log on and it was fine for him - hmmmm I will check from another computer tomorrow and see if I just messed with this one.

It is time to say goodnight. Bruce and I are doing the shift thing - we love that! This is suppose to be my sleep shift.

A busy day in room 3026 - the friends were such a blessing, but it made me realize how very sick my Josh was and is as he wore out quickly. We had more drainage today on the vent tube - but still normal, and he had several problems with the itching - and of course he can not scratch because he has an open site where the tube is coming out.

Still looks like Wednesday is the day to leave - but we don't want to do anything to damage that. The vent tube comes out on Monday. So what is happening in room 3026 tomorrow - we start our morning with a CAT Scan - please join us in praying that the valve is open and draining! Unfortunately he can not go to church because he has the tube and a nurse must stay with him at all times - but we will see if Chaplin Ron can visit on Monday. His buddies are visiting tomorrow before heading home and then a walk again.

I am sorry I am not posting as much - the recovery is worse than surgery and I am exhausted. I slept off and on all afternoon, praise the Lord Bruce is feeling good.

Monday will be a zoo - Dr. Patrick and Dr. Ojemann are back and out comes the tube and then add in a blood draw and all three special therapist - woosh I am tired of thinking of that day. Then the walk down to the gift shop - maybe in wheel chair - he has gift certificates he is ready to spend.

Mom needs to get working on those grades - so that will probably be tomorrow - watch out my students.

Well I am off - we have a special nurse Julie on tonight - she is now a fast favorite and the charge nurse Christie is the best so we are in good hands at Childrens!

Take time to the thank the Lord!
The Henry's
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

My Buds are Here!

Today is Saturday. I just had DK, Chris, Kirsten, Andrea and Mr. and Mrs Karrer and the Rosengarth Family here visiting with me.

Chris and DK are just crazy! I went for a small walk and got to hang in the chair! They are coming back tonight so mom, dad, grandma and grandpa can go to dinner. Plus they will be back tomorrow.

I slept better last night and now am ready to nap again. I am going to eat my chicken strips and then crash for a bit.

Thanks for checking in!

Josh

Good Night From Seattle

Okay it is time to say goodnight - I have filled your ears tonight. Another blessing his eye check went really well and they expected him to be where he was expected.

His steroids were cut in half and he had a mild reaction but nothing like he has had. Our major praise - his headache is gone! Bye Bye Headache. We now have a jump on the pain and will be keeping ahead of it. Woohoo!

He has a busy day tomorrow - we are having company and is Josh pumped! His buds and are coming! We look forward to seeing DK, Chris and Kirsten tomorrow! Woohoo a party in room 3026! He thinks this is even better than having Captain.

Tomorrow night we are calling the Doggy Inn so he can call Captain and see if he comes to the sound of his voice - he is missing him and wants to know if he is missing him!

More tomorrow night - we are on our way to bed soon! Laundry is going and Aunt LeMay is on night duty. She has to go home to Brendon and Uncle Doug tomorrow, and boy or boy are we going to miss her!

Have a blessed evening!
A rejoicing mom! Lori

THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Okay I have to post these before I forget - I tried to do one long one, but my signal is too week.

What blessings we have been having from our friends and family.

The Youngs - wowowow you overwhelmed us with your outpour of love. The blankets are wonderful - Josh can't have his on for long because of the steriods making him to hot - but the snacks were the best. Thank you for the rainy day! Sarah is cooking up a storm with Aunt Kathy so she will have stuff to share.

Billy Ray and Peggy - Josh has not been up to opening his gift - but mom peeked and you are awesome. He will be opening it later. Sarah's is for when we get home, thank you for thinking of her.

Donna and Max we got it today - but he will open later. He is going to be pumped - he was trying to talk me into getting it for him. He just opened them and is jazzed. The book is perfect for him to work on reading again with his poor eyesight. Josh said you got him the best book.

Welty family - so how did you do that - you are amazing. He hasn't looked yet - but great job. You are taking such good care of our Angel.

Stephani - he loves the game and is waiting not very patiently for his eyes to clear so he can play. Then he wants to compete against you.

Grace Fellowship - you amaze us!

Our Children's Hospital Family

Dr. Ojemann - you are truly a blessing from God and your hands are a gift. Thank you so much for loving our Josh and being the "world known surgeon". Hugs to you!

Dr. Ellenbogen - Thank you for your blessing to this family. You are an awesome man and I am so glad you spilled the secret. You made this mom so happy!

Dr. Patrick - what can we say, we would love to have you as Josh's uncle. You are a favorite and Josh looks forward daily to your visits - it is his highlight. The whole family loves you and we thank you for answering our endless and very silly questions sometimes!

Liz - what a wonder woman you are. Taking our Josh into your heart and loving us all so much. You have answered endless questions and patiently listened and let me cry. We thank you! Josh wants to know how often he can call you!

Kathy - you were the best thing God did for me in ER. You were patient and let me rant and rave and share my frustrations. Josh thinks you are awesome.

Miss Fiona - you are our angel. God blessed us the day you walked into our room. Thank you so much for answering our endless questions and loving us as your family.

Stephanie - you made our first day so awesome. There was so much fear and anxiety, but you calmed us down and helped us adjust.

Erin - our night angel. After last night words can not express how much we love you and what a blessing you are to us! I have tears streaming down my face in the love you shared!

Christina - you are amazing and we love you over and over. You are as beautiful on the inside as you are the outside. Thank you for the loving care you give us all.

Other third floor nurses, blessing upon you, know that you are on our praise to the Lord. We have decided that Children's only hires the best!

Our ICU nurses -

Beth - there are not words to express how awesome you are and the amazing things you did as he recovered. When our patience wore thin - you were there and helping us laugh and see the joy in his recovery.

Gretchen - you humor and smiles lightened up a very tense time in our lives. I love laughing with you about my rest in MRI! You are great!

To our therapists - we thank you so much for taking Josh into your hearts and working with him! Thank you for helping us in our adventure!

Ron our Chaplin - Josh so appreciates you and your keeping him in your prayers, he is praying that you will blessed repeatedly for the giving you do to others.

Other staff at Children's - you have blessed us so much with you love and genuine care of children. What an amazing group of talented people.

Last but not least our precious Jen from Child Play Therapist - tears of thanks are running down our face. You knew what we needed before we knew we needed. The time you took with Josh and Sarah to help them understand, you are the best. God blessed us by bringing you into our lives. Sarah is still asking about you because she loves you! Thank you so much!

To our family and friends that don't know these precious angels - please join the Henry Family in praying for them and thanking the Lord and help us rain praises down upon them. We love them so much!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh, and Sarah

Josh is Walking!

I have been trying for the last 3 hours to post and it won't let me - but look I did it!

Praises and more praises in Seattle. Josh had an okay night - but is having a fantastic day and making some great strides. He started off this morning with a CAT scan and it came back awesome. Right now it looks like the valve is opening up and he won't need a shunt - but we still have till Monday to know. Keep those prayers rolling, but if no shunt we are on our way home.

Then the physical therapist came and Josh got up and walked out into the hallway. He was awesome and so focused. He then had his speech therapist and he sat down in a chair for the entire time! What a guy he is and doing so well!

Keep on joining us in prayer - our God is an awesome God! We are sending praises upward, please join us!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Josh sharing!

Hi this is Josh! It is Friday, the worst part about today is I have had a pretty bad headache. It is pretty boring. All I have been doing since surgery is test, test, test and more test. Today I am going to have a CAT scan.

I had school yesterday and she is coming back today.

Thank you Amoz, Dakota, Aaron, Chris, and Jake for shaving their heads.

Hey to Kirsten, Nicole, Dani, Holly, Kali, Justynn, Luke and all my buds.

Thanks LPMS for your prayers!

See you soon! Hopefully!

See you all later -
Josh

DK and Chris I need some serious help here so ship yourself here and help me.

Sarah Bear

Sarah - look I am using pink. I am sorry you were crying, but you know what Josh said tonight - he wishes he was playing with you and Ryan and Marcia. He thinks you are having a lot of fun without him. So you ask Ryan and Marcia and Aunt Kathy if over Christmas break you all can spend the night together at Aunt Kathy's and have more fun.

We miss you too and know that you are getting the attention you need with Aunt Kathy - mommy and daddy are busy helping Josh get better so we can come and get you and head home to Captain.

We love you and keep this picture close so we won't miss you too much. I love you my princess!

Mommy, Daddy, and Josh

We are finally resting!

Josh is sleeping, and this is Josh this morning! Still as handsome as ever!!!!!!!!!!

It is 1:05 am and my shift - takes both Bruce and I to replace Aunt LeMay. She is going to let us get a good night's rest tomorrow night before flying home again. Thanks Doug and Brendon for sharing this angel with us.

I know you all want to hear from Josh, but his concentration, his eyesight and strength are so low right now - he could not type in and really is not interested much - but he loves hearing your posts as we share them with him.

We have another praise - he is doing so well we are off the two hour checks from the nurses and back to the normal four! Amazing remembering just two nights ago he was in ICU. So many of you want to know from home, when are we going to see him. We don't know and neither do the doctors - it all depends on the drainage - he has a tube coming out of his head draining the spinal fluid - normal procedure. FRED was sitting upon the top of the valve where the fluid should be draining and we don't know if that valve is open or not. Josh has a CAT scan later this morning. If the valve is opening up - which we are praying - then we could be released on Wednesday. If it is not then a shunt will be put in and we don't know how much longer. The fluid draining off is less than it was - about half - this could be a praise as it could be draining inside- or the fluid could be building back up - we don't think that because his headaches have not returned.

School - that is up to Josh he could go back for half a day if he is up to it - or may not return till after Christmas for a half days. His healing will direct what we do. Right now he is a miracle child - nah it is just continuing from birth. But I do know he is excited to return and share his science project of FRED with pictures and all.

Well I am going to try and answer some of my email and then work on grading some papers and figuring my awesome students grades. Thank you all for your outpouring of love to us - you will never know the impact you made on this family!

Goodnight
The Henrys