Back in His Mommy's Arms

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 
Psalm 73:26

Over the night Shaun woke up, was able to open his eyes and see his Mommy- Praise the Lord!, but then seizure activity started up again. In the morning the EEG showed that Shaun's seizure activity had become generalized.  So he went back into status epilepticus despite all the anticonvulsive medications that they have given him.  The doctors have decided they have done everything they can do to stop the seizures but that Shaun's brain has degenerated to a point where this won't stop.  They put him back up on the pentobarbital.. and while they could keep him forever in a coma on the ventilator with dopamine and other life supporting medications -- being in a constant seizure state would hurt.

Denise asked Shaun to tell her when he has had enough, and she said that our little Champion is done fighting this battle.   Stephen and Scottie were at the hospital today visiting with good friend, Krissy.  Denise has been able to talk with them, telling them that Shaun is ready to go be with Jesus and their big sister, Sarah, will be waiting for him with open arms.

Shaun getting fingerprinted by teacher Chelsea

The nursing staff unhooked Shaun from the EEG earlier today and Denise has been able to hold, hug and kiss her sweet boy - something that she has ached for during this entire hospital stay.   I heard from a friend that as Denise kissed sweet Shaun, you could see the corners of his mouth raise in a smile -- as if he knows that he is back in his Mommy's arms.

Shaun held by Krissy

Shaun and Mikey, who has been at the hospital with Shaun this entire admission

Shaun's family and close friends are gathering at the hospital tomorrow and Saturday to say good-bye to Shaun. Once everyone is there, they will change his status to DNR and take off the life-supporting measures while keeping him comfortable and to keep him from convulsions.

Tonight the boys are staying the night with Mikey at the Ronald McDonald house, while Shaun will move out of his crib and into a "big boy" bed so that he can sleep cuddled with his mommy... exactly where he wants to be.  Denise and Peter are heartbroken parents but know that this is his time, and Shaun won't have to suffer any longer.  Our Champion has run a good race and finished the task that God set out for him.   He has been such a fighter, with a loving and joyful spirit, and touched the lives of so many.  We praise God for Shaun's life, and pray that "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all comfort" will be ever close to Shaun and his family and friends especially today and in the days to come (2 Corinthians 1).