Some good news (we think).

Ben's blood work came back from the lab squeaky clean. Our worst fear (shunt infection) has been eliminated. The semi-bad news is that we honestly don't know what is going on. We have two theories that we think are happening simultaneously. An inner ear infection and the beginnings of a stomach bug that has been making it's rounds here locally.

This is another aspect of living with an exceptional child. He can't tell us where it hurts or why he's so sleepy. We just know that his pattern of behavior has remarkably changed the past few days. No fever. Regular bowel movements. No strange colors coming out of places where strangely-colored things sometimes come out of.

Those looking in wonder why have we jumped to panic mode. We've seen some horrible outcomes occur from illnesses that began with the mildest of symptoms. As we were putting Ben back in the van after his doctor's appointment Jenny lamented about something which me and Joan have known for most of Ben's life with us. These special kids may look so very normal when peering into their bodies whether through x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound. But the reality is that their insides work much different than mine or yours.

Therefore we are always on guard. Please continue to think of Ben over the next few days. The worry is indeed still there.