The vigil continues

Ford's sedation was turned off yesterday, to give his body a chance to show signs of life. He very quickly started to breathe on his own and we occasionally see his eyes twitching and feel his limbs move and flex. It's still too early to tell if it's intentional motion or just postural reflex. His blood pressure rises in response to stimulation - moving, pinching, etc - he coughs when he's suctioned and his pupils are sluggishly reactive to light. All of this shows a basic level of brain function but says little about the potential return of his consciousness or personality. Predictions are still hazy, mostly shrugs and wait-and-sees, but those are matched by the slow trickle of staff coming around to say goodbye to Ford without really saying goodbye.

Last night the nurse switched his crib for an adult sized bed so one of us could climb in and lay next to him. We haven't left his side much since Wednesday and are now going to be able to sleep with him at night instead of leaning uncomfortably on the crib rails, trying unsuccessfully to doze. We talk to him all the time and have been passing on your comments, telling him about all the people who are with him in spirit. We really appreciate hearing from so many of you over the last few days.

Things will probably continue like this over the weekend while we account each day for any signs of recovery and chart them against the overall poorness of his condition. Still, as before, there isn't a lot of hope and we are both being briefed, and bracing, for the inevitable "decision" that will have us moving through the exact same circumstances we had to endure with Emmett's death 4 years ago. It was hard enough the first time, I can't believe we're about to do it again.