Our prayers are being answered!!!

First of all I would like to thank everyone that has had Joseph in their prayers... He has done very well today!!! He is off the respirator, feeding tube, and sedation!!! He was able to say a few things to my brother Ryan today. He still cannot have anything to drink (for fear that he will aspirate it), but was able to try eating a few things and have ice chips. He is still very nauseous and tired but seems to be improving, which I consider a miracle after how crazy the beginning of this week was for him. We are still not sure when/if he will be transferring back to his base or if he will be able to come home to rest for a while. I would love to see him and give him a big hug!!! My Dad said that he will most likely be out of the ICU and into a regular room tomorrow as long as he is continuing to improve like he has been. We are going to continue praying that he keeps going in this direction even if it is in baby steps!!! Thank you again for keeping Joe in your prayers!

Updates on Joseph

My younger brother Joseph, that recently finished boot camp with the Marines, is in the ICU at Columbia University Hospital in Missouri. He went to the hospital last Thursday and started treatment for double pneumonia and was in intensive care on Saturday. He was getting worse and was life flighted to Columbia very early Saturday morning. My parents caught the first flight out to be with him and I am staying with my brother and sisters in Utah. They think that he has an allergy induced pneumonia and he is in critical condition. The doctors put him on a breathing machine, feeding tube and insulin, have done a lung biopsy and had him in a medically induced coma to keep him stable. They are now trying to bring him down slowly off from the sedation and see if he can start breathing on his own. It has been a roller coaster because his vitals get a little crazy when they try to reduce the sedation. The doctors are hopeful that he will continue to improve, although tonight may be a tough night since they are trying to back off the sedation again. Please continue to keep Joseph in your thoughts and prayers!!! Also thank you to all of our friends and family that have been so supportive during such a difficult time.
** For updates please see Niki's Blog under friends and family**

***As a side note I will try to post pics of Karlie from the pumpkin patch and Halloween as soon as I get home or have a chance.***