The word from Bethesda is that Aaron was able to get a little sleep last night, which was a relief, and which meant that everyone else was able to sleep also. Here's what we need to pray for today: Aaron has been on a lot of drugs since the attack, and the process of trying to switch him to a drug and dosage that adequately manages his pain without knocking him out has been very difficult. He is somewhat unsure of where he is at times and is hallucinating off and on. This is a little frightening for Kelly and Mom and Dad, but the doctors say that this is very common for soliders who have been through what Aaron has been through and he should be better in a day or two. After a good night's sleep, Dad was sitting with Aaron this morning, and said that Aaron seems to be somewhat calmer today. Pray that God would continue to calm Aaron and help him stay clear about where he is and what is happening. Please pray for Mom and Dad and Kelly, who are constantly trying to find the right way to respond to Aaron depending on if he is in reality or is confused at the moment. It is very tiring for them both physically and emotionally. In Aaron's more lucid moments, he is still joking with people. His most recent escapade was pulling loose a sensor that was attached to his body and then telling his nurse that a colonel who was visiting him at the moment had done it. I'm sure he shouldn't do that, but it's weirdly encouraging to us to know that he's still Aaron in spite of all this.
As far as physical concerns, Aaron is supposed to have another surgery on his leg today. This is nothing uncommon, but it will mean he has to be put under again, so pray for that. Also, the doctors have told Mom and Dad that Aaron has a piece of shrapnel or something in his eye and is going to need surgery on it. They are not going to do it right now because they want to take care of Aaron's major injuries first, but pray that it would not cause too many problems for him and that they would be able to deal with it relatively soon. It is making Aaron see double and that is not helping with his confusion. It also frustrates him because he can't do simple things like read the name tags of the nurses and doctors.
Thank you all so much for lifting us up in prayer. Please continue to do that for us. We need it so much. Thank you also for your many emails to Aaron ... I am printing them out and mailing them to him today. More information as I have it.