Surgery went well.  We got home late last night pretty worn out.  I would have updated you sooner, but the laptop decided not to work again!  I was about ready to chuck it out the 5th story window of the hospital let me tell ya!  There was some good news and not so good news.  The bone graft went well and they feel like it will be good.  We weren't sure what to expect with the recovery of this but, it's been a little tougher than he thought.  The donor site was his right hip and it's causing him quite a bit of pain.  It also has to hold all of his weight because the left leg is still no weight bearing so it's making it very difficult for him to move and get around.  He had gotten to where he was getting around pretty good so he doesn't like being down again.  It shouldn't take too long to heal, though.  They weren't able to fix his knee.  The tissue in his thigh is attaching to the rod they put in and so it's causing his knee not to bend.  They decided to wait to fix it because they worried if they did it now it might attach again so he will have to have surgery on that in about 6 wks or so.  He was kinda frustrated about that, but it'll be ok.  He has made a lot of progress and so we start to think he's almost out of the woods, but then we're reminded that it's just going to be a long process.  They're not just dealing with one injury, there are multiple injuries.  So we just have to take a deep breath and take it step at a time.  He will get there, it will just take a while.  We go back to Columbia in 2 wks for lots of xrays as they will monitor the healing of this very closely.  In the meantime, we're gonna get ready for Thanksgiving and enjoy the fact that he's home and not in the hospital!  I like to think that we're usually very mindful of the things were grateful for, but this season will be even more so.  We're thankful for life, for time together, for God's healing, and for family and friends who have walked alongside us during this journey and helped carry the load when it seemed too big .  I guess that's what it means when it says, "In all things, give thanks."  Even in the midst of tragedy and hardships, there are so many things we have to be thankful for.  We love you all ~

We are leaving today and heading up to Columbia.  His surgery is scheduled for 10:00 tomorrow morning.  We're praying things go smooth and successful so we can be back home in a couple of days. 

A New Update!

Hello, friends!  You know the ole' saying when it rains, it pours.  Well, that has definitely been the case with us!  You name it and it's broke in our house in the last 2 months!  Our computer was really messed up and we haven't been able to use it and Dan's laptop wouldn't work either!  I've wanted to update you, just haven't been able to.  Things are going good.  KY3 came and did a story on him.  I think most of you have seen it, but if not you can watch it at ky3.com.  Dan is back at work this week for a few hours a day.  He is REALLY glad to be back!  He is so grateful to everyone who kept everything running so smoothly while he was out.  We've got an amazing team at school!  We are going back to Columbia on Sunday for his next surgery scheduled for Monday morning.  They will be working on his knee this time and will do a bone graft on his lower leg.  He's probably looking at one more still after this one, just not sure yet when.  When we went last wk for his checkup, though, they are pleased with the xrays and said he's healing faster than what they expected.  We knew that already, because God has been working in extraordinary ways!  He is the Great Physician!!  They told us that his foot will probably need a brace from here on out because the nerves were severed across the front of his leg just below the knee.  We're just continuing to pray and ask God for complete healing and restoration of every bone, muscle, tendon, and nerve.  He's hoping to be back to school full time after Thanksgiving.  He's very driven and determined to do more each day.  I'm so proud of him and I admire his courage.  Thank you for continuing to pray for us!  We hear from so many people who are praying and encouraging us!  It's making ALL the difference!!!