SO VERY THANKFUL

Let me start this off by saying that everyone in our family is fine right now. We had a near tragedy last night, but I want to make sure you read this with the understanding that there was a happy ending.

I am typing this post from a hospital where we spent the night with Silas. Just before dinner last night he drowned. He was at the bottom of a pool, not breathing, and without a heartbeat. Tim pulled him from the water and began CPR. My dad quickly joined in giving CPR. My stepsister called an ambulance. My dad's wife gathered up Devon and Naomi and took care of them.

When Tim began CPR there was no heartbeat. None. After doing CPR for a while, Tim felt a heartbeat. Then Silas started breathing. He puked. He cried. Never before have puke and tears been such a great thing to witness.

Because chest compressions were given, the paramedics transported us to the hospital to get Silas checked out. That's when we found out there was some fluid in his lungs and they needed to keep him overnight to monitor him. As of now, at 7:30am, he is asleep. His vitals are good. His lungs have improved. The doctor will make rounds sometime between 8 and 9. We're hoping to be discharged at that time. Otherwise we sit around til evening rounds and try again. It looks like we'll be able to leave, but we don't know for sure.

We made it through the critical 8-12 hour period after the drowning without any problems. Now the main risk is for pneumonia, which would only happen if any of that pool water in his lungs formed some bacteria before being absorbed by his body. If that happens, then it would be in the next week or so.

I realize some people will wonder how he ended up at the bottom of the pool, but it doesn't really matter. We're focusing on the fact that he's alive, not how he almost died.

We are very thankful to still be the 5 Ws.

UPDATE: You can read my my dad's version of the drowning here and my description of some of the silver linings here.