Update - 06.10.09 8:18am

Nathan continues to improve. His breathing is getting better and he has many treatments through the day. It was noted yesterday that he had a great/stable day. He continues to have a breathing tube in his mouth, which they hope to replace with a trach on Friday (the tracheotomy was not previously done). The tracheotomy will provide more comfort for Nathan. These are all very positive steps to his recovery.

Nathan is heavily sedated but can briefly open his eyes when prompted by Mr. Schuster or Sonya. Much of his swelling has gone down, yet it is closely controlled so that he has enough to support his spine. It is constantly noted that Nathan continues to have the best hair of anyone around. In saying good night to him last night, I told him to have dreams of visions of sugarplums and Baywatch Babes dancing in his head. Today will be a good day!

As the school year wraps up, Nathan will receive grades based upon his performance prior to the accident. Anyone that knows Nathan knows that these will be very high marks. We have a status meeting at the high school this morning with the guidance counselors and members of the administration.

Ryan and Brittany are at home and coping with the frustration of being homebound and reliant on others for daily needs/chores. They both struggle with getting enough pain medication to compensate for what they are feeling. They are, however, two of the most well accessorized people in the country. Ryan looks debonair with a cane, and Brittany is sporting a plastic back brace that fashions something similar to Lady GaGa. Brittany laughs and says that she is going to paint a "W" on the brace for Wonder Woman. Anyone who knows Brittany knows that she is not kidding. Haley continues to be the love of everyone's life, despite her eating habits - putting ketchup on EVERYTHING.

Sonya and Mr. Schuster are quite the team. They are rocks for each other and communicate frequently. They have quite the connection with the critical care unit staff. They couldn't be happier with the medical care that Nathan is getting as well as the personal support for the family. They are the perfect blend of medical jargon, personal connections and spirituality.

Please keep the prayers coming. The Schusters have a long road ahead of them, but with the support of those around them, they know that they are very well-loved.

Colette