Day 9, 1 a.m.

A quick update for the early risers/late stayer-uppers.
Sage had a quiet day today, and as a result is more settled tonight than she has been in the past few nights. She is oxygenating well and remains on a broad range of antibiotics to cover as many bases as possible. Her white blood cell count remains high. Cause of infection remains unknown.
The gastroenterologist came by late this evening for a second visit and consultation. We are increasingly convinced that, apart from the ARDS afflicting her lungs, something is happening in her abdomen that must be dealt with. To that end, we are hoping for an ultrasound first thing in the morning through which guidance the g.e. could extract some of the fluid in her belly for analysis (we'd be looking at white blood cells and possible bacteria). That would give us a useful clue, and a sense of the next steps to be taken. There is at the very least one of us, usually two or three, at her bedside 24hrs/day, touching her, holding her hands and feet, massaging her fingers and toes, speaking to her, reading to her, singing to her, reminding her that we are here, that we love her, that we have been waiting for her all this time, that she is not alone and never will be, and that we want her to return to us. Her heart remains strong (no surprise there) and her youth works in her favor. She is a fighter, and a good one at that.

Dear ones, we cannot express in words how much the love and support you show Sage and all the rest of us means to us, what a difference it makes to our spirits and hence to what we are able to bring to Sage. Thank you. It cannot be easy for you as well to be so far away; but know that your comments are for us a lifeline and a buoy. An inspiration. A glorious Yes! to life that we share with Sage. Please stay with us. It means so much; it helps so much.

Mark and Nathan are flying in from Germany today, arriving this evening (Friday evening). Please pray for their safe journey. Please pray as well for the remarkable team of nurses and doctors who have been caring for Sage and continue to care for her. Please pray that together we will find a way for Sage to return to us.