Today, we visited Ethan at the hospital. He’d already had his dressings changed and had managed to sit on a little toy car with wheels and push himself down the hall with his feet. This was the first time he had actually put any pressure on the very raw, skinless soles of his feet. The physical therapist was pleased with his progress, but soon after performing such a promising feat, Ethan was in so much pain that he required narcotics. He fell instantly to sleep and was out of pain for an hour or so, and was clearly ready to play again once he woke up. By then, his other grandma had arrived, and we all headed to the playroom together. This time, Ethan rode on his car with his feet up while his mom pushed him.

I was able to hold him for a while right after he received his medication, and then later, I carried him out in the hall to look at all the paintings on the walls. He was happy to have me carry him, and this gave Liz and Ron the smallest of respites in their constant care. That made me happy even though we weren’t gone very long. Grandma Cindy stayed after Ray and I left, so she was there to offer additional support for two very weary parents.

Liz wrote later that, overall, Ethan had a pretty tough day with lots of pain. The healing process is going to be slow going, especially with 3rd-degree burns. Luckily, the nurses were all very supportive, kind, and responsive. I could see that Liz and Ron truly appreciated the professional help they were receiving from such kind-hearted people.

There is no word yet on when Ethan will be allowed to go home. He’s definitely on the road to recovery, but exactly how long it will take for his little feet to heal remains to be seen. Still, he is on his way, however painful that may be. In the big picture, that is wonderful news.

Here are a few photos of today:

Liz, Ethan, and Ron after Ethan’s big morning

Grandma Len with little Ethan while he slept

Grandma Cindy, Ray (Grandpa), Ron, Liz, and Ethan on the way to the playroom

Auntie Sarah arriving with more delicious food

Ethan finally eating something after a day filled mostly with nursing