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It's hard to believe that it has been thirty days since I first got the call about Dad. Today has been sort of a turning point. Roger, Dad's nurse, and a Doctor all spoke with Dad this morning regarding the tracheostomy procedure. Dad was very alert, and seemed to understand everything. He declined it once with all of them there, and again later when Roger asked after the others had left. His wishes are now known to all the staff and I have confirmation of what I believed his wishes to be. I spoke with his attending a few minutes ago. He also spoke with Dad and believes this to be his desire. He has high hopes that Dad will do fine with the tube removed. They have turned off the ventilator completely and he is doing OK like that, although his blood pressure increased some. The plan is to extubate in the morning. They will not re-intubate or do an emergency tracheostomy if he does not do well or crashes as we all agree he does not want that. By all reports he has a lot of strength now, knows what is going on, hates being where he is, has tried to escape, tried to extubate himself, and is letting everyone who sees him know he is not happy about things as they are. I told the doctor of my concerns about moving him back to the 6th floor since they let him get so dehydrated. He seems to be aware of that, and was very understanding. I think they will be much more aware of things this time. I am sort of in a pickle though. My second daughter is to be born 11 days from today (unless she comes early) and I have a lot to do to get ready for her arrival. I also would like to be in Nashville to be with Dad. I would ask that all who pray, please say extra prayers for Dad during the next few days. It is sink or swim time for him, at his request, and I ask that the Lord helps him swim.