Happy Day of Love

 Happy Valentines Day. 

In times of crisis we often are reminded of all those that we love and who love us. I was re-reading some blogposts to retrieve some dates and info, and I am constantly in awe of the love and support that we receive as a family. Truly, your love in many forms is what gets us through good and not so good times. 

So, obviously, I'm updating for a reason other than to thank you for your constant love. Last night Brent spiked a fever. Protocol for him is to head to the ER for anything over 100. He was 101+. We were feeling ok to go to Murray, meaning he wasn't crashing hard and fast. So, just a public service announcement . . . stay healthy. The ER was insane and the hospital was full and on Divert for all ambulances. Spent nine hours in the ER and finally got a room. Fever wasn't breaking and his blood pressure was getting low but CT scan looked good and initial blood work was good. Cultures were drawn from his central IV line. No obvious cause of the infection/fevers. The IV line is always the first suspected cause, and rightfully so. He's been septic so many times due to line infections even though he is meticulous about his line care. 

This afternoon the cultures already show positive for staph aureus. His central IV line has to come out. This is very frustrating for several reasons that I won't elaborate on because some of them are quite maddening. The Dr's will also check the heart valve extensively to make sure that the staph hasn't gone to the artificial aortic valve. 

So far, he is being given broad spectrum IV antibiotics. 

Some of you like specific things to focus your prayers and energy on. If so, please pray that the heart valve is clean and that the staph isn't in his blood stream. If it is contained in the IV line, that would be best case scenario. The necessity of a  third heart valve transplant is not good. 

So, on this day of Love, with the symbol of a heart, how apropos that we pray for Brent's heart and to recognize the good hearts of all of you, and especially the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior. Love is found in many forms. Thank you for your love.