LYNNE'S QUICK TRIP TO BALTIMORE

Lynne's sister Ruthie went into the hospital for an anything but routine appendectomy last weekend. Her appendix had ruptured, spreading peritonitis infection throughout her body. Additionally, although she hadn't complained of any symptoms, it was discovered during or shortly after surgery that she had double pneumonia. In addition to the fluid and infection in her lungs, Ruthie aspirated fluid at some time during the procedure. Further compounding an already bad situation, an abcess was discovered in her stomach. Ruthie's systems began to shut down and she was placed in the ICU in critical condition at Baltimore's Harbor Hospital.

Lynne received a call from Ruthies daughter AshlEY, on Sunday of last week giving us the initial report. The following day, Ruthie's condition worsened and she was placed on a respirator. By Tuesday her physician had told Katie (one of Lynne's other sisters in Baltimore) that it might not be a bad idea to gather the family together.

We had already made the decision to fly Lynne up there on Wednesday morning. I couldn't get away from work on such short notice, so Lynne got on a flight with her brother and sister Chris and Penny. They stayed at Katie's house in Baltimore.

By Thursday, a medical decision was made to place Ruthie in a paralytic state of sedation (NOT induced coma) to expedite her healing. On Friday Ruthie was upgraded to serious condition, but remained on a respirator. Lynne returned home Sunday evening after five long days in which Ruthie's condition remained much the same. We have appreciated all of the prayers and well wishes for Ruthie and her family.
We also want to express our love and appreciation to Katie for allowing everyone to crash at her house in Baltimore. She's a sweetheart and continues to keep us updated. We love and miss her and all the 'fam' in Maryland. Our thoughts continue to be with Ruthie. As of this writing on Tuesday, she is a bit more alert, but remains on a respirator and is still on mega-mega antibiotics. Her white count continues to be elevated as she fights off infection. It's going to be a long, hard road according to Ashli and Katie. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.

Lynne brought back some pictures of the family and some sights from the Baltimore Harbor area that we are sharing with you.