Today has been very productive.  They took the chest tube out today.  That has caused quite a bit of discomfort b/c of how the tube was in his back so everytime they had to roll or move him it put pressure on that spot.  The Dr said, now this is the proper way to pull out the chest tube not what you did the other night!  They also were able to take him off the ventilator today and his breathing has been good.  Not near as rapid as it had been.  He's been awake and very alert and  is back to himself today.  This morning they were slowing bringing him out of the sedation so they could do a test to see if he could have the vent out.  The Resp Therapist said, "Now when the Dr comes in you need to show off for her so she will see that you're ready to go off the vent."  The Dr walked in and said hello and there he laid, eyes closed and all, and he started swinging his wrist and snapping his fingers like you would to music.  The therapist said, "He's showing off for you!"  LOL  We all cracked up!  His spirits have been good today which has been so good to see after what went on the last 2 days.  They got him up to the chair and then pivoted back to the bed and he did real well.  The infection is still there and Dr said he's not out of the woods with it, but things are definitely going the right direction.  After a discouraging setback, he's bouncing back!  It's been a good day !