Update #4 November 22 2010

The human spirit is an amazing thing. Let me rephrase: the human spirit is amazing. it's not a "thing" at all, but LIVING, powerful, consistent and always there. When people choose to tap into that energy, exceptional things occur.  It's not to say that things always go the way you want them, but rather that there's meaning in everything that happens.

At least that's what I believe...

Thankfully, Dr. Bove has chosen a career, where no doubt, he is best able to tap into that energy daily and make lives better for so many people. We are honored to have met him, and know he is always going to do not just what is best medically, but what is best for EMERSON.  Dr. Bove is well known, but I still don't think most people can appreciate his surgical talents which are crazy wicked good. His real talent is the ability to "slow down and think"...which seems contraindicated when you are in surgery, on the inside of a kids heart. That is what Emerson required. And Dr. Bove made the right choice.

Emerson had all three chest tubes removed under light sedation, he is no longer on IV fluids or oxygen.  His incision looks great. Emerson looked at his chest yesterday and said, "oh I look ugly" and I told him it will heal and it's not ugly at all.  Emer was walking yesterday on his own, using the remote and his ipod...starting to get back to being Emer!!

Tomorrow he is getting xrays, ekg, echocardiogram. if those tests are good, there's a chance he could go home. AMAZING. Thank you everyone, thank you for thoughts, prayers...they are extended directly to Emerson, I tell him evereything. The team of nurses and docs are aware of all the good wishes as well. Thank you thank you thank you!  I will update again, as always ROCK ON!  Love, Jen