8/04/09 PM

The breathing tube came out today. Ed's oxygenation is at a healthy level, and his color remains good. He is opening both eyes and focusing, and will hold up his fingers when prompted. (Prompted means tiny little nurses yelling "TWO FINGERS ED!" at the top of their lungs, by the way. He must be thinking "what the heck, stop yelling!") He has had no sedative today, and instead has a painkiller to help him manage his discomfort.

The breathing, however, is not without problems due to the bronchial issues he suffers, so the transition from the breathing tube is not easy. However, we are taking it one day at a time and today we believe that positive steps, albeit tiny ones, were made.