Here is an email update the Carol sent out at 10:30pm tonight:

Greg took some baby steps forward today, literally and figuratively.

This afternoon the nurses had him stand and he's proud to tell me he took a few steps sideways in addition to standing. Our son Robert was in the room at the time and tells me the nurses gave Greg some breathing exercises to do while standing. Robert even assisted in some of this.

This evening, when I returned to the hospital, the small breathing mask that was assisting his breathing, in place of the respirator tube, was removed. This gives Greg more freedom to talk and just helps him feel a little more comfortable.

Greg still does nothing but lay on his back with a gazillion tubes (or it seems like that many) draining a bunch of different stuff from him. The fluids pumping from his newly-placed stomach are starting to clear up, a change from straight blood. He's even given a few weak smiles to us.

Except for the standing, these are such tiny bits of progress, it's hard to bank very much on them, but I'm grateful to see them and am encouraged that Greg will continue to progress. His talking is still minimal and he tires very easily--even talking to him sometimes is too much stimulation.

Your continued prayers are very much appreciated. Good night, All.

Carol Susong