Dad responded well again this morning, although he was not differentiating between left and right (which he has been able to do in the past).  They have left him off sedation and do not plan to give it to him again unless he isn't resting well. 

He most likely will not be taken off of the ventilator today because he is still relying on it to breathe.    So that is a little disappointing.    He will have his chest tube in for a few days to drain the fluids from the rib surgery.

I just have to say that I have such an amazing family.  My brothers have been taking work off and someone has been at the hospital around the clock.  My sister-in-laws have put their lives on hold to take shifts at the hospital and to help my mom out.  Shari had the great idea to set up a calendar and have everyone sign up for shifts, so that there is someone there at all times (except during the late night/ early morning).    That way we don't have everyone there at once and then no one there at other times. My brothers make sure someone takes my mom to the hospital every day and someone brings her home at night, so she doesn't have to drive herself or be alone. 

My sister came in from California two day ago as well.
For me personally, I am not able to be at the hospital as much as my brothers because of my young kids (and my husband has a brand new job and is not able to take alot of time off right now to help out).  I have been able to find time every day to visit, but it has been hard for me to hear so much of this information second hand.  Doing these updates makes me feel like I am doing my part.  Also, I work for my dad, so I have been putting in extra hours / days working to keep his company afloat from the business end.    I want to make sure that if he is able to come back to work there will still be a company for him to come back to.  But it is hard not being at the hospital all of the time. I know that is where all of my family's heads and hearts are when we are not there.

I can only imagine how much harder this is for my mom than it is for the rest of us.  She is really starting to show signs of physically wearing down.  I tried to convince her to take a day off to stay home and rest all day, as this is sounding like it's going to be a long haul, but she of course also doesn't want to be away from my dad.   So please continue to think of her and pray for her.