It's been a very long day and Steve remains in critical but stable condition. His doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists have been working around the clock to ensure Steve is receiving the very best medical care. We are thankful. Steve continues to be intubated but there were times today when he showed that his lungs are strong even though the machine is breathing for him. Although Steve is still heavily sedated, the doctor removed the paralytic from his IV and he is doing well without it. He is very swollen which is to be expected as they are pumping him full of fluid. The immediate plan is to perform a tracheostomy, insert a feeding tube, and wire his jaw shut, however, we're not sure when this will all be accomplished. Until then, we're taking it one moment at a time.
As for the Jenkins kids, they are so very brave but they miss Daddy. They have a lot of questions and we are telling them the truth in a way they can understand. Kylie asked, "What does the guy who shot Daddy look like? Does he have a long beard?" And Janie was explaining to Granny that Daddy couldn't come on the upcoming field trip. Granny was very sympathetic and then Janie exclaimed, "Even if he wasn't shot, he still couldn't go. The teacher didn't pick his name out of the hat." Ryan hasn't said much about all of this. He's been very quiet and satisfied to play his favorite video games. But at bed time tonight they cried and wanted to know why everyone else got to see Daddy and they couldn't. That was hard.
On behalf of Steven and the entire Jenkins, Merkovsky, Murphy and LAPD families, thank you for all the prayers and healing thoughts. We are grateful beyond words for the endless love and support we are receiving. I can't wait to share all of this with Steve.
2 comments:
hi beth! i have never met you but i am sheran mcnulty's sister, joyce. i am just devastated by what happened to steve. when are you guys going to catch a break? sheran updates me from time to time on your family. i always especially like to hear about the triplets. you are in my thoughts and prayers and i hope something good comes from all of this. your children will surely grow watching the strength of their wonderful parents. joyce
Beth, My friend said the same thing after reading just two of your posts. "her kids are going to grow to be such strong, mature, amazing people because of the great example they've had in parents." Never met you either.
I am inspired myself by the way you have handled so much and continue to do so with strength, intelligence and grace. Then, write about it so eloquently.
Ironically there are profound lessons in between the lines of your blog. Wish you hadn't had to go through so much, but I believe your family's lives are inspiring and helping so many. Just can't tell you what a "Badass" you are!
Sending Love to Steve, you of course, and the whole family. Jen
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