5-21-2006

Aliyah continues to slowly improve and is quite stable. They are keeping her sedated for now, so she is still not awake yet. With all the blood and other liquids put into her during the surgeries, Aliyah gained about 25 pounds of water. They want to get most of that excess liquid out of her before taking out the respirator tube that helps her breathe. That may come out in a day or two and then they will bring her out of sedation. Again, that will be the tough part and is when she will need the most support from Dana, me, and everyone else. Aliyah does not know yet that her heart did not kick in and that she will now be listed for transplant when she is physically ready.

Dana, I, and the nurses are playing Aliyah's music for her while she sleeps. Pray that she sleeps peacefully. Pray that Aliyah will be strengthened in her spirit by God and hope in Him.