Uncle Alan update

We just got home from Salt Lake where we spent the night with Joyce and found out what it was like to sit in the waiting room outside of the ICU hoping for signs of life from Alan. When we arrived and I saw him for the first time it was a shock to see a trach coming out of his throat and an incision in his skull where they were draining the fluid from his brain into his stomach. He was not too responsive but did open his eyes part way a couple of times. But I felt very strongly that he was going to be okay and I told Joyce that. She seemed encouraged by our positive outlook and she took on new life. We were invited to the Sorenson's (Her former mission president) for dinner that evening. Pres. Sorenson gave her some encouragement also. We had a good dinner then retired to her condo for the night. This morning Les and Mindy were coming bright and early and Joyce planned to go home with us to have a break. We went into Alan's room and began talking to him, trying to get him to open his eyes. Well, he opened his eyes and held Joyce's hand and it made us cry to see him respond to our voices. He didn't try to talk but we could tell he knew we were there. Joyce felt so much better that she didn't mind leaving him for a day. They were going to move him out of ICU today and they are trying to find a rehab place to move him to. Things are looking up. Thanks for all your prayers in his behalf.