"The Ben Saga"

Our extended family -- and many other kind folks -- have been actively taking part in 'The Ben Saga' over the past ten days.
It all began when our grandson, Ben, age 21, music student in Columbus, Ohio, didn't feel well, was coughing a lot, and went to seek medical help. He was diagnosed with pneumonia, prescribed some antibiotics, and sent home. The next day, his cough worsened, and he lost all his energy, so he returned to hospital for tests.
The medical experts discovered right away he had lost the use of one lung, and the other was working at only 30% level! 
At this point, they notified our large extended family, and we all began contacting cousins, friends, associates, et. al., around the world and asked for Prayers for Ben.
Let me tell you that my wife and I alerted many 'prayer networks' in our parish, other parishes, the Sisters of Charity in Halifax and in Wellesley Hills, MA, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Congregation Notre Dame, and their respective Associates.
It proved to be a vigil like no other: his parents began sharing detailed medical updates by e-mail twice per day by Smartphone, along with posting short blurbs and photos of Ben … directly from his room, in I.C.U.!
Throughout the week, the reports related the many on-going diagnostic tests and efforts to gradually turn down the oxygen levels and pressure (so as not to damage his 'good' lung), as well as to moderate his drug regimen. The changes in levels seemed to be agonizingly slow; the big breakthrough would happen when the ventilator tube could be removed.
Meanwhile, one entire wall of his hospital environment had been decorated by floor-to-ceiling 'Get Well' messages from his siblings and friends, near and far.
His parents -- who were driving 2-hour return trips twice each day -- commented on his treatment by the medical team, and his gradual progress to easier breathing, return to consciousness.
Finally, we read the two-word news flash we were all waiting for: 'TUBE'S OUT!!!!' The ventilator could now be replaced by a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine, equipped with a nose clip.
Transparency: I know all about CPAP machines; I've been using one with a mask for 13+ years to treat Sleep Apnea.
Ben was "somewhat irritable" at first (Who wouldn't be?), but then regained his smile and offbeat sense of humour when he learned the details of what he had experienced and how many folks had been supporting him. His major regret was losing his college semester, but he can make that up in future.
He was released from I.C.U. to inpatient, and began sessions on Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy; he will be transferred to a hospital closer to Dayton. He appears to have no after-effects of his ordeal.
His parents have asked that we extend our thanks … "for the medical team at Grant Hospital, especially Ben's pulmonologist. Excellent blend of experience, wisdom, compassion, and teaching skills."
And this 'Facebook' Flash was posted yesterday afternoon by his Mom:
"Ben's being discharged! I'm taking him home!! He will probably need outpatients."
So, with the help of his devoted -- and exhausted -- parents, excellent medical care, and the awesome Power of Prayer, he is well on the road to recovery!