BRENT - A LITTLE SWOLLEN BUT DOING OKAY

Brent is having a calm Sunday resting in his ICU "Penthouse". The procedure to change the vac dressing went fine this morning. The only challenge was that Brent's bowels are still swollen and they were not able to close up the abdomen anymore. The NG tube that was attached to his nose is now gone. Soon, Brent should be able to try some soft foods.
Otherwise, Brent is resting so the swelling can go away.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

SURGERY 29

Good morning everyone!

Brent's surgery from yesterday was postponed to today. Surgery twenty nine should be happening sometime today. The family greatly appreciates your prayers and concern.
Thank you.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble". (Psalm 46:1, The Bible NIV)

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

FEAR FACTOR

The last couple of days have been very slow going for Brently. Brent is recovering and healing at a very slow pace. Some cool things that are happening:

• Brent is no longer on the ventilator
• Brent is learning to breathe on his own again - he's on the trach mask with no oxygen
• The NG tube should be coming out soon (hopefully - this means Brent can start having soft foods again like yogurt, ice chips, smoothies from Booster juice etc)
• the vomiting has eased - hopefully this means the nausea has stopped
• the other night, Mom and Dad read him the birthday wishes from the blog
• Brent was also shown the video made for him by Tara featuring Toby Mac (rap artist)

Today, Brent will be going for his twenty ninth surgery to focus on healing that abdomen area. Yesterday, Brent did not want his Dad to leave his side. Scot ending up having dinner around 10 p.m. last night. Brent expressed that he was fearful and just wanted Dad with him. We pray and hope that this fear will subside. Brent has demonstrated remarkable courage and is defying the odds in persevering this healing journey. Brent is also having moments of being "down". Pray that Brent will feel more encouraged and at peace.

Scot and Carolyn (Cary) are doing the best they can. They are tired from this journey and in some ways just want life back to normal again. Pray for their emotions and physical bodies to be strengthened.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

DAY 90 HAPPENINGS IN THE ICU AT REGINA GENERAL

Well, it's a birthday day Brent never expected, however the celebration of Brent continued today. Too bad his favorite soccer team, Man U, lost the game today. Here's the latest on Brent:

• the renal profusion scan showed that the left kidney is working better than the right one at the moment (Brent is not on dialysis)
• the blood flow is not at one hundred percent yet in the newly installed artificial artery, but in a few more days it should be and with that the right kidney should be more active
• blood pressure is relatively stable today
• Brent's legs and bowels are swollen still from last week's surgery - once the swelling goes down, the medical staff want Brent to get his legs moving again (his right leg is very tender as that is where they made one of the incisions from last week's surgery)
• Doctors still have no idea what is causing the seizures
• Brent is vomiting often - it's important for the vomiting to stop because he will be able to have soft foods again
• the CT of the abdomen showed that everything operated on there last week is looking great
• Brent went for surgery twenty eight today and everything went fine

Please continue to pray for full recovery for Brent. Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

THE TESTS BEGIN

Brent is spending his birthday going through some tests today. They are doing a CT scan of his head, stomach and abdomen area. Then, they are doing a renal profusion scan to check his kidneys. Surgery twenty eight to change the vac dressing and clean out the abdomen area will be happening sometime late this afternoon. Brent is experiencing some fear and is also vomiting often.

Your prayers for Brent are greatly appreciated.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR BRENT

May 27 is Brent's 15 th birthday. Today, Scot and Carolyn (Cary) threw a birthday party for Brent in the MPICU at Regina General Hospital as he will have a busy day with tests on Wednesday. Brent's room was decorated and there was lots of food for the MPICU staff. Carolyn (Cary) even made treat bags for all the staff. Brent rested most of today, but he was aware enough to know that everyone was celebrating his birthday. Brent received from his parents a Man U Jersey that will have number seven and Ronaldo's name on the back. Brent also received a Man U hat from one of the nurses.

Here's what's happening with Brent:

• he was sleeping most of the day and some of the meds were lowered
• his blood pressure was a bit more settled today
• Wed - they will be doing a CT scan on Brent
• Wed - they will be doing a Renal Profusion Scan (this is to check and ensure kidneys are working fine)
• Wed - Brent will be going for surgery twenty eight for the abdomen area

Our greatest birthday wish for Brent is that he will fully recover and live a full life. We are thankful for Brent and what he is teaching us.

Thank you for your prayers!

Happy Birthday Brent! We love you!

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

Good morning everyone! Thank you for your concern for the Peterson family. They appreciate your support. This morning Brent is facing some difficult challenges again with his body. The medical staff informed Scot and Carolyn (Cary) that Brently had a major seizure overnight. Brent is heavily induced with medication at the moment. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) are anxious about the condition of their son. We are asking if you could remember to pray for them and Brent today. We will let you know more details as soon as the Peterson's are informed by the doctor.

Keep hoping.Keep loving. Keep praying.

(Brent's birthday is tomorrow)

THANK YOU

Scot and Carolyn are grateful for the support they are receiving from you as a community during this challenging journey. They want to thank:

• all those who were at the hospital last Wednesday for the big surgery - thank you to Mom & Dad Neufeld, Mom Peterson, Heather, Lindsay, and Josie.
• thank everyone for their prayers and wishes for last Wednesday
• to the incredible medical and support staff at Regina General Hospital
• to everyone who is praying, visiting and sharing this journey with them which is almost at the ninety day mark

Brent is recovering well from the surgery. There is still some swelling to ease up and the blood pressure is a concern. Here's what's happening with Brent:

• blood pressure needs to become lower and more stable
• He has a NG tube hooked to his nose - this help to get ride of bile and other stuff from the stomach - they are hoping Brent can go without this - they are capping this tube and if he does not vomit they will be able to remove it
• when this tube is removed from Brent he will be able to start eating soft foods again
• Brent is off the respirator and breathing with the trach once again
• this Wed. Brent will be going for surgery number twenty eight for the abdomen area and the vac dressing
• this Wed. the medical staff will do a Renal Profusion Scan on Brent to ensure kidneys are working properly - pray that both kidneys are functioning fine

This Wednesday is Brent's birthday. He will be 15. There was a request on the blog for an address to send cards for Brent - if you would like to send a card you may send it to the following:

• Brent Peterson
• c/o Regina General Hospital
• MPICU
• 1440 14 th ave
• Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
• S4P 0W5

You are welcome to post birthday greetings to this blog and it will be read to him. If you are posting a response please leave your name, and if you like, where you live. Thank you for caring about this family.

RESTING AND RISING

Brent spent most of Saturday sleeping and resting. He's on the ventilator at 30 % oxygen. The concern today is the blood pressure is rising. It's important for the blood pressure to remain consistent at a lower level. Pray for:

• the blood pressure to be lower and to remain consistent
• wisdom for the medical team looking after Brent
• encouragement and strength for his parents, Scot and Carolyn (Cary)
• for Brent to be able to breathe on his own

Thank you for your prayers.

Brent's 15 th birthday will be in four days!

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

HUSKY LOVE and SURGERY TWENTY SEVEN

Brent is recovering slowly from Wednesday's major surgery. The baby steps are even smaller, however this 'Little Man' is demonstrating big courage. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) bought him a 'Thunder the stuffed Husky Dog." Yesterday, when Mom and Dad arrived to see Brently he was holding the Husky dog. Last night, when Mom and Grandma Peterson left he blew them a kiss (significant progress is being made).

Today, Brent is still on the ventilator. He went for surgery number twenty seven this morning which lasted about ninety minutes. The surgery went well today. The surgery is like the others where it was cleaning the abdomen area and changing the vac dressing (remember, due to the major surgery last Wednesday, the repairs in the abdomen area need to be redone - this is a slow process that will take some time).

This morning as Mom and Dad visited with their 'Little Man' they demonstrate again sacrificial and unselfish love for their son. Their love for Brent is huge and at the moment, everything else in life doesn't really matter. If you have kids take the time to hug them more and snuggle with them. If you don't have kids take the time to be more friendly or kind to someone else.

Last night, Brent was still holding 'Thunder the Husky Dog' on his chest. When Scot attempted to take the stuffed dog away, Brent would not let go of it. Small things in life plus husky love equals the value of feeling alive that brings comfort to us all.

Thank you to the Regina General medical and support staff for all the wonderful work you are doing.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

(Please remember - due to the critical nature of Brent's condition, visiting will be restricted for the next two weeks. If you do plan to visit, please understand if Scot and Carolyn (Cary) do not give you access to Brent. Thank you for your prayers)

NOT JUST ANOTHER KISS

The first twenty four hours since the surgery has passed without incident. Brent is in critcial conditon, however he is stable and resting well. Here are a few details:

• Brent's ventilator is at 30 % oxygen
• a test today proved that his kidneys and liver are functioning well
• his blood pressure is doing well
• heart rate is a little high

Incredibly, Brent has been responsive today. There were brief moments of opening his eyes. Mom and Dad were by his side again encouraging him on in this fight for his life. When holding his parent's hands, Brent gently squeezed his Mom's hand. Carolyn (Cary) asked Brent if he could blow a kiss to her and he responded to her request. Who would ever think that blowing a kiss to someone would be so big and important? Carolyn (Cary) ecstatically received that kiss from her 'Little Man.'

Thank you to the medical staff at Regina General and all the support staff that are guiding the Peterson's through this journey.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and notes of encouragement you've attached to this blog. The responses to the blog are a source of healing for Scot and Carolyn (Cary).

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

THE DAVID VS. GOLIATH BATTLE

'Little Man' Brent is out of the marathon surgery to save his life. The surgery began at 9 a.m. and ended at 11:15 p.m. The battle is for Brent's life and just like David, Brent has overcome a huge obstacle today. Here are some of the details:

• the surgery duration was 14 hours and 15 minutes
• due to the length and type of surgery, Brent will be recovering over the next few days - he will need as much rest as possible
• Brent will be on special medication to control blood pressure and pain
• the medical team inserted an artificial bypass from his shoulder to his leg
• the infected aorta area - it took the medical team three tries to get the aorta sewn off completely
• there was blood loss of 15 litres
• Brent will be on dialysis for awhile
• Brent experienced an allergic reaction that lasted for about sixty minutes - otherwise the surgery went smoothly and everything was stable
• the circulation to the legs will not be as good as the blood flow will be less as the artificial bypass is thinner than a regular blood vessel
• circulation in kids/teens is resilient and will multiply in the next few weeks
• due to the surgery Brent's abdomen area is once again more open and he is back to square one in the healing process
• just before today's surgery, Scot and Carolyn (Cary) were told that Brent's left kidney would have to be removed - at the end of the surgery it was reported that they were able to save and keep the left kidney intact (major answer to prayer)
• Brent is breathing with the aid of a ventilator - he is at 35 % oxygen

Scot and Carolyn (Cary) on this their eighty third day in the hospital carried the weight and pressure of this situation very calmly. Today the strength of God empowered the Peterson's to face this battle. While the nurses transported Brent back to his ICU home, tired parents Scot and Carolyn (Cary) looked at their son. The anesthetist remarked, "He's a tough, little guy." Brent is tough and he is strong. Tonight, with the help of your prayers and God directing him, he overcame a giant obstacle.

The miracles continue in the life of this young man.

Thank you to the incredible doctors and medical team at Regina General.

Thank you to everyone who is praying for the life of this young man.

(due to the extent of this surgery, no visitors will be able to see Brent for at least two weeks - we thank you for your understanding on this matter)

(if you do leave a response to the blog entry, please leave your name, and if you like where you reside)

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

SURGERY STILL IN PROGRESS..........

SURGERY STILL IN PROGRESS

What a long day for Brent and his family. The surgery started at 9 a.m. and is still continuing. The family has received three updates thus far and everything is heading in the right direction. The surgical procedure involved is extensive and as of 5 p.m. Sask. time 60 % of the surgery is complete. Brent is still in surgery as of 7:19 p.m. The attitude in the operating room is calm and positive. Mom and Dad are hanging in there hoping for the best for their 'Little Man'.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

(if you leave a response to the blog, please end it with your name, and if you like, where you are from - thank you)

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

SURGERY STILL IN PROGRESS.........

Brent with Grandma and Grandpa Peterson

Brent with one of his teachers, Ms. Fooooouuuuuurnnniiier

'Little Man's' big surgery is still in progress. Thank you for praying.

Keep hoping.Keep loving. Keep praying.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

Brent is facing the greatest challenge of his life on Wednesday. We are asking you to find a moment to pray for healing during this surgery. The doctors met with Scot and Carolyn (Cary) today and communicated the risks involved with this surgery. The surgery will begin at 9 a.m. Saskatchewan time. The surgery is now expected to be a minimum of ten hours. This complicated surgery involves the infected aorta area. When the surgery is complete and the doctors have met with Scot and Carolyn (Cary), we will let you know.

Pray for:

• full healing for Brent
• strength and encouragement for Scot and Carolyn (Cary)
• supernatural wisdom and energy for the medical staff

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

SURGERY DATE AND TIME

Good afternoon everyone. 'Little Man' Brent is facing the greatest challenge of his life tomorrow. Brent will be going for surgery on his aorta on Wednesday, May 20 th at 9 a.m. This complicated and risky procedure is estimated to last for eight hours.

Brent is having a bit of a rough day today with vomiting and pain. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) are persevering and doing a great job loving Brent through this journey. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

SURGERY 25 AND 26

Hi everyone!
Brent had surgery twenty five this morning - a routine surgery changing the vac dressing and once again cleaning out the abdomen area. Everything went well with this surgery.

The big surgery (number twenty six) involving the aorta is now scheduled for this Wednesday. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

"I MISS KATIE"

Life is a precious gift. The moments we share together in laughter and sharing shape who we are as people. A reminder from Katie that we are always to make right choices. Making the right choices encourages us to better living and better relationships. A relationship that was strong was that of Katie and Brent, sister and brother.

There is still uncertainty in the air as Brent preps for the big surgery ahead this week. The medical team trying to organize and get a surgery date confirmed. Brently is receiving excellent care from the ICU staff and is in good hands. Once again the biggest concern is the blood pressure as the medical team would like to see it come lower. Ms. Fournier brought a sign for him today that says,"Parking only for Manchester United fans"- that should help bring down the pressure.

Some remarkable experiences shared today in the ICU 'penthouse' where Brent is living at the moment. When Scot was with a sleeping Brently this afternoon, suddenly Brent jolted awake. He somehow communicated to his Dad that he had a nightmare about the accident. Later on, Scot and Carolyn (Cary) were with Brent reminiscing about camping - one of their responsibilities was to bring the mennonite farmer's sausage. Sounds like they have great food at their campouts. They noticed that Brent was tearing up and crying. Communication is still somewhat a barrier, but it was clear to them what Brent was saying. 'Little man' of courage said, "I miss Katie."

Mom and Dad went on to share that they had Katie's memorial service on dvd for him and when he was ready he could watch the service. They also shared some other details of what happened with Katie. Brent was asked if he wanted pictures of Katie up on the wall and he answered, "yes." Brent understands fully that Katie is in a better place. While he's dealing with his injuries he's also grieving the loss of his sister. This is alot to handle for someone who is almost fifteen. Remarkably, this experience brought some healing to Brent, Scot and Carolyn (Cary). Yes, we all miss Katie.

Pray for:

• physical and emotional healing for Brent
• the nightmares that Brent is having to stop
• wisdom for the Regina General medical team
• wisdom, strength and encouragment for Scot and Carolyn (Cary)
• the upcoming surgery - that all will go well
• healing for the aorta

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

HEARTBREAKING QUESTIONS

PARENTS: please do not let your child or teen read this alone

If you are a child or teenager please do not read this entry unless a parent is with you. Thanks.

Life is full of wonderful moments that make our hearts full and alive. Many families this long weekend are planning fun things like camping trips, shopping at the mall, or just hanging out together relaxing watching movies. The Peterson family are entering this long weekend with hearing heartbreaking questions and experiencing draining uncertainty.

If you are planning to visit the Peterson family this weekend you will need to know a few things. You are always welcome to visit, but please understand that the next few days are critical that Brent builds up his strength. The next surgery, his twenty fifth, to once again repair his aorta is the weightiest and most risky challenge so far in this journey. This surgery can produce potential outcomes that might not serve the best interests of Brent. Also, there is a high probability that the aorta could burst before the surgery. Therefore, if you do plan to visit you might not be able to see Brent or if you do it will be only for a brief moment. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) are hoping you can understand this as they want Brent to be as strong as possible.

The hearts of these two wonderful, committed parents are breaking for their son. The meeting with the medical team produced questions they were hoping not to hear or face. Brent is in a very critical state. He will need an incredible supernatural intervention. Pray for:

• wisdom and strength for Scot and Carolyn (Cary)
• wisdom for the amazing Regina medical team
• healing and protection for Brent

Brent's spiritual heart condition is thriving. He lives for Jesus and according to the values found in the bible. Brent's faith gives to him hope for life on this earthly world and eventually hope for life eternally. Brent's physical heart may be broken at the moment, but his spiritual and emotional heartbeat is contagious affecting everyone who knows him. We love you Brent and we're cheering you on.

(Brent's surgery date is currently being discussed and organized by the medical team..when the date is confirmed we will let you know)

"The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way."

Proverbs 20:24 (NLT Bible)

Faith and Courage.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

(Scot and Carolyn (Cary) read the blog responses every night. At the end of your comment if you could kindly leave your name, and if you like, where you reside that would be greatly appreciated....your prayers and support are gratefully appreciated by the Peterson's.)

DELICATE SITUATION BRINGS BAD NEWS

PARENTS: PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR TEEN OR CHILD READ THIS ALONE

IF YOU ARE A CHILD OR A TEEN READING THIS - PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR PARENT IS NEAR YOU

Brent is in the operating room at this moment for surgery number twenty four. He is getting his vac dressing changed and they are doing routine cleaning up around the abdomen area (after about seventy minutes surgery twenty four is complete and went fine - this surgery ended around 8:35 p.m.).

Today has been an eventful day for the Peterson family full of unexpected bad news that brings a higher level of anxiety. The following news brings greater challenges ahead for 'Little Man' Brent. Here's what's happening:

• this morning Brent went for angiogram
• after a long day of waiting the medical staff finally met with Scot and Carolyn (Cary)
• unfortunately the news they heard during that meeting was not what they wanted to hear
• Brent has a hole in the aorta which is causing the leaking
• this leaking is not causing the seizures (the cause for this is still undetermined)
• the leak is much bigger than anticipated, therefore they were not able to repair the aorta today
• not only is the aorta leaking, there is an infection in the aorta as well
• one solution is that Brent will have to endure an eight hour surgery sometime next week to try and get this problem with the aorta repaired
• this surgery and repair is only temporary - if it is successful Brent will have to go again for aorta surgery in two or three years
• the surgery will involve high risks (especially with the possibility of the kidneys shutting down)

What do you say? Obviously these are serious challenges for Brent and his parents. I am a parent and I cannot imagine the emotions Scot and Carolyn (Cary) are possibly feeling. The most difficult part of this as a parent must be the sense of helplessness:

• we do not fully understand why this is happening to Brent
• we do not fully understand why we haven't seen full healing yet
• we do not fully understand the delicate complications of this situation
• we may question where is God in this whole situation

The delicate hope through this journey is the faith in Christ that brings strength and hope. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) have endured so much these past three months. The fact that they are functioning as well as they are only speaks of God's strength working through them. The greatest hope of faith in Christ is that we do have eternal hope. The bible describes a man by the name of Job who endured impossible circumstances to the point of questioning where is God. Job encountered incredible loss. The end of this book describes how the Lord totally honors and blesses Job for his faith and perseverance.

The Peterson family is experiencing great trials at this moment. They are placing their faith in the Heavenly Father, The Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. They or we do not know what the outcome of this situation will look like. They and we do know that God is in control and will continue to be with us.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

(Thank you for your responses to the blog. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) read them every night. If you do write a response can you please leave your name and if you like, where you reside - thank you!)

KEEP PRAYING

Scot and Carolyn (Cary) are still awaiting details as to what happened with Brent's procedure today. When they know we will let you know. Keep on praying.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

URGENT PRAYER ALERT NUMBER FOUR

Good morning everyone. An urgent prayer request for Brent. Brent will be going for an angiogram around 10 a.m. today. The doctors involved will be discussing what to do next. When they do the angiogram today, if they find a small leak in the aorta they will do a procedure to try to fix that leak right at that moment. If they find the aorta leak to be large they will be discussing other options.

Pray that the leak will be small and fixable. Pray for a supernatural miracle to happen and that the leak will go away altogether. Pray that everything will be fine as they look at his heart (anything to do with the heart brings great risk).

Pray for peace and strength for Scot and Carolyn (Cary).

Pray for supernatural wisdom for the Regina General medical team.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones."
Proverbs 3: 5- 8.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

PRAYER ALERT FOR BRENT NUMBER THREE

Hi everyone. Some unfortunate news today:

• Brent actually had four seizures last night
• He is on medication for the seizures
• the medical staff are not sure yet what the cause is for the seizures
• He is back in ICU at Regina General and listed in critical condition
• Brent's back in bothering him in a big way
• Brent is in excruciating pain
• His back is very painful and he's having a hard time coping with it
• the CT scan revealed there is a leak in the aorta
• the medical staff are discussing options for the action plan for Brent

The blog responses you are writing are being read to Brent to encourage and give him hope. Brently feels very loved and special after some of the responses were read to him. Your comments touch him in a huge way.

A parent will do anything to make sure their child is protected and living a healthy life. This situation brings a sense of helplessness to Scot and Carolyn (Cary). Today, Brent said to his Dad, "I love you." Scot is doing his best to remain strong in front of Brent, but today it was too much watching his son in so much pain. Scot became emotional and said to Brent, "I'm sorry Brent." Scot letting Brent know that he wish he could do something to take away his pain. Scot told him, "We're going to get through this Brent." Our God is sovereign - we don't understand the situation, but we understand that the Heavenly Father is in control and with all of us.

Please continue to reach out to this family with your prayers and words of encouragement on this blog.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

PRAYER ALERT FOR BRENT

Brent is experiencing some challenges still today. More details will be released when it is clear what exactly is happening. Brent did experience a second seizure early this morning. The medical staff is trying to determine exactly what is happening. This is causing great anxiety for Scot and Carolyn (Cary). Brent is back in ICU at Regina General. Your prayers for Brent are greatly appreciated.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

PRAYER ALERT FOR BRENT

We are requesting you pray for Brent at this moment. Brent endured a major seizure within the last hour. He is currently undergoing a CT scan and the medical staff is trying to figure out what is causing this action. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) obviously were caught by surprise by this event as Brent was having a great day today. When the CT scan is done, Brently will be heading back to ICU where he will stay to receive greater care. Another unexpected change in the course of this healing journey. The one thing that will never change is the power of the Heavenly Father that we trust. This power is with Brent and his parents. Please pray for healing, wisdom (for the medical staff), and peace.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

PAIN, PAIN GO AWAY

Change brings pain, but builds character. Brent is experiencing alot of pain in his bones (the joints especially). Scot and Carolyn (Cary) decided to sleep with Brent in his room last night. Instead they were up most of the night helping Brent manage his pain. All three got a good sleep from five to eight thirty a.m. Today, Brent had moments of pain but this is normal as his medication is lowered. A difficult step forward that is necessary in the progress of healing. Brent is also having moments of vomiting.

Today, Mom and Dad went and bought a CD stereo player for Brent to listen to his music as this new room had no stereo. Brent today started to cover his trach and had moments of talking longer (had a good chat with Grandma Peterson). This is a huge step forward for Brently as he overcomes this fear of learning to live without the trach.

Your prayers are effective. Thank you for praying.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Seventy three days later a whole new world opens up for the Peterson family on Mother's day. This new world brings progress and more significant changes. Change is the constant in our lives and when we are thrusted out of our comfort zones it can bring emotional upheavel. The ICU at Regina General had be home for this family - the sights, smells, and people sharing the journey in this season of their lives.

The fantastic news is that Brent is now listed in STABLE CONDITION. Today, he was moved out of the ICU and moved up to 6a room 19. This brings alot of change - new room, new staff to get accustomed to, and a new place to become home. This change brings mixed emotions for the Peterson's. Scot and Carolyn (Cary) are pleased with Brent's progress, however this move brings alot of mixed emotions for them. Pray for the following:

• Brent's pain to go away (he's not on morphine anymore)
• With less medication Brent is now feeling his true emotions - his emotions at the moment are erratic
• Strength for Scot and Carolyn (Cary) - for them to get used to the new change
• For Brent - for his fear (he's fearful of some things that are happening) to go away and encouragement and a new confidence in this young man to emerge

Through this journey, Scot and Carolyn (Cary) have shown tremendous flexibility and resilience. This Mother's day brings a tremendous gift for Carolyn (Cary) to have her son stable and healing well.

If you are reading this blog, please leave an encouraging note for Scot and Carolyn (Cary) as they go through this change. Brent is understanding things very well now so if you could leave a note for Brent that would be awesome.

Prayers are being answered - thank you for your prayers.

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

LITTLE MAN'S 23 RD COMPLETE

Brent's surgery went well. The doctor is very pleased with the progress of the healing.

BRENT JUST IN THE O.R.

Brently is in right now for his twenty-third surgery. They are changing the vac dressing and cleaning up the abdomen area. Pray that the cleaning goes well and that they can close up Brent's wounds further. Please continue to pray for his blood pressure - slowly it is getting better, but it needs to be consistently at a lower level.

Thanks for praying.

Keep hoping.Keep praying.Keep loving.

GREAT STUFF

Good Saturday morning everyone,

Brent is in ICU at Regina General, but some great stuff has been happening over the past couple of days:

• Brent ate over sixteen spoon fulls of frozen yogurt
• two spoons of chicken broth (didn't like this very much)
• a taste of mushroom soup (didn't like this one either)

Something really cool? Brent is talking a little bit through his trach. He said hello and phoned Grandma and Grandpa Peterson. When he phoned them he said he loved them (and for some reason after that he was very emotional). Brent also talked to his Auntie Nadine and said he loved her. Brent is saying only a few words at a time (he's not talking alot, but he is talking and one day it'll be non-stop).

Your prayers are working. Please continue to pray for full healing. Pray for more energy for Brent and less discouragement.

What great news for Carolyn (Cary) that Brent can talk a bit. What a great gift for her for this Mother's Day weekend. Well, you better pray for Scot - his Boston Bruins team is not doing too hot and is on the brink of elimination ...poor guy.

Keep hoping.Keep praying.Keep loving.

22 ND SURGERY OVER

Brent's surgery is over and everything went fine. Please continue to pray for full healing for this courageous young man.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

BRENT IS IN SURGERY

Brent just went in for his twenty second surgery. The surgery is involving cleaning up the abdomen area and closing it up some more. Your prayers are appreciated.

ICE CREAM..WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

Brent is beginning to conquer some of the eating issues. Just think, he's gone without solid food for approximately eight weeks. That's a long time! On Tuesday, Brent ate six helpings of ice cream in the morning. Then he wanted some more during the day. All this ice cream and no vomiting. It's very cool that Brently could eat this and have it stay down.

A few challenges are providing some obstacles for Brent:

• Brent's blood pressure is up again - this needs to stabilize
• that he could handle more food
• The medical staff want to cap Brent's trach, but Brent won't let them - he seems to panic and get fearful
• He goes for his twenty second surgery today sometime after 4 p.m.
• After eight weeks, Brently is still in critical condition at the Regina General ICU

We all want Brent to heal fast and furious, but it's going to take slow and cautious for him to heal properly. The next time you have ice cream, say a little prayer for Brent.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

AN OFF DAY

Every now and then we all have "off" days. Today, Brent had an off day. Brent threw up several times and the feed line was taken out. Also, that pesky blood pressure was at a high level today. Brent still cannot talk as this moment as he still has the trach. His writing is getting much better and he has not asked about Katie. Pray for the following:

• That Brent stops throwing up
• Brent's blood pressure become stable
• for Brent to not be discouraged or fearful

Brent is progressing very well, but we're hoping he won't have too many "off" days.

Thank you for praying for Brent, Scot and Carolyn (Cary).

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

SURGERY TWENTY ONE A SUCCESS

Brent is out of the operating room and he recovering fine at the moment. Brent is experiencing moments of fear. Pray that he would not be fearful and trust the medical staff is a greater way.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

DAY 65

It's day 65. The walls and smells in the hospital ICU waiting room have become more than familiar to them. Brent is still in critical condition and in the ICU at Regina General. Change came to this family real fast and the challenge for them now is not to feel isolated or lonely as they go through this journey.

Brent is in surgery in the operating room this morning for surgery number twenty. They are once again cleaning out the vac dressing and the abdomen area. Painfully slow process but everything is going in the right direction.

One wonders how Scot and Carolyn (Cary) long for the normalcy of life to return to them in Saskatoon. The greatest encouragement to them is that they have you to encourage and pray for them through this process.

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.

BRENT HAD A GOOD DAY

Hey everyone! Brent had a good day on Thursday. Brent's blood pressure and heart rate have been good. The trickle feed was taken out. "Little Man" was able to try a popsicle for awhile and then had to stop because of nausea. Later on in the day he tried ice chips and did very well.

Please continue to pray for:

• full physical healing
• for encouragement
• for peace when he feels sad

The Peterson's thank you!

Keep hoping.Keep loving.Keep praying.