3:37pm - Eric is resting comfortably right now. He's back on the ventilator and his vitals are good. He had his eyes open earlier and was able to squeeze my hand with his left hand. The doctors say that is a reflex. We have asked to meet with all the doctors together to see if they can all agree on the same prognosis. Hopefully we will meet with them tomorrow.

His aunt Betty had to return to California this afternoon and his sister Angela will not be returning to Iraq and will return to Florida after her leave.

9:24am - Eric had a bad day yesterday and was moved back to intensive care last night. The doctor first thought that a clot had worked its way to his lungs but after looking at the CT scan he said no that was not the case. His white blood cells are elevated (about 3 times what they use to be) which means his infection (somewhere) is getting worse. He was coughing all day and getting stuff out of his lungs.

He opened his eyes many times yesterday and I looked into his eyes and talked to him. At times, he seemed to want to talk and moved his mouth, at other times, he just blinked. I know he was in pain and when I found out that they had reduced his pain medication to almost nothing, I asked for them to give him more.

The hardest part is knowing what the truth is. The doctors can only treat what they know and with Eric's brain injuries, they just can't do anything becasue it's too deep in his brain that in order to get there, they would have to remove too much of the good parts and risk damaging more.

It's not our intention to have Eric survive in a vegitative state or living a life that requires 24 by 7 assistance. All we are trying to do is give Eric the chance to heal enough to be evaluated properly so we know what his condition really is and if by chance or miracle he can be saved then we need to give him that oppurtunity.

In reply to one of the comments posted yesterday, I have the following reply: I know that all of Eric's friends are hurting as well and especially the ones that have had the chance to see him in the hospital. All I can say to you is have faith in Eric and God and know that his mother and I will do what is best for Eric. Don't judge our actions or intentions. We raised this young man to be the friend, brother, and son he is now and we know what is best for Eric.

I'm sorry to have to give such sad news after raising everyone's hopes and spirit but, you need to know the truth as many of you care and love Eric in your own way. Believe me, that last night we (his family) were crushed by some of the changes and prognosis.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.