7:59pm - The doctors removed the feeding tube from Eric's nostril and inserted it into his stomach. Eric's face looks so good. It's still swollen but it's nice to see his face without tubes all over. After a consultation with the neuro-surgeon, we agreed to let him remove the shunt / valve that has been used to reduce his pressure. The doctor believes that Eric does not require it but if tomorrow the CT scan shows different, then he will insert a new shunt on the opposite side. Additionally, the doctors suggested that a filter be inserted in his veins to protect clots in his leg to travel to his lungs. We have decide ti wait in this as 30% of the time, the filter cannot be removed. For now, they will continue to monitor the clots for movement.

It's critical that Eric regains consciousness as soon as possible. After 30 days, his chances for recovery diminish each day. For the most part, Eric is now breathing on his own without the ventilator but still getting oxygen.

We will continue to talk to Eric and see if we can get him conscious again. He needs to respond to our commands. Please keep the prayers coming. Thanks all.

2:25am - I would like to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers for my son Eric. God is listening. Eric has survived over 14+ days and 11+ hours of surgery. In order for Eric to improve, he has to wake up, the sooner he does, the better his chances are of recovery.

I need your help again. This whole week, each day at noon, please think a good thought and / or say a prayer for Eric and please pass this request along to as many people as you can. Eric can use all the prayers we can give.

While we are praying for Eric, it wouldn't hurt to maybe include the following prayer:

"Gracious God, suffering seems to eagerly eat at the edges of life until people are worn down with sadness and despair. Even though I do not understand the reasons for suffering, I believe that you are a God of love, a God of compassion. I pray that you will be with all those this day that are in pain, who suffer silently and alone, who feel abandoned and left by the side of life’s road. Wrap your arms of grace around them, until they know they are safely held in your embrace. And, I pray, that you will fill my heart with the same compassion, and give me eyes to see how I can lovingly be a part of their healing. I ask this for the sake of your great love. Amen"