Dear friends,

Some more pictures from today — thanks Geri!!!

As you can see, Mustafa is feeling so much better. Ahmed said he hasn’t looked this good in a long time. It is so wonderful to see his resiliency – now there are smiles and laughs and lots of eye contact. All who have visited are so impressed by how really bright and observant he is. He (and Ahmed) are definitely in our hearts!!

In case you don’t know it, Mustafa loves soccer!!

So…here is what is immediately ahead: surgery next week — probably on Tuesday to…

1. Remove a large and obstructive bladder stone,
2. Some form of revision of his colostomy (what this will be is yet to be determined), and
3. removal of one kidney that has failed (leaving it in is dangerous as it may become the source of infection).

This is a big surgery, so he and Ahmed will need lots of support in the coming days and weeks.

We just want to say a huge thank you to ALL who have been so amazing in their generosity through visits, friendship, gifts, food, interpreting, and sending warm wonderful wishes. Ahmed is so very appreciative.

Please feel free to stop in for SHORT visits between now and Monday. We will let everyone know how Mustafa is doing immediately after surgery on Tuesday evening. We’ll also be sure to put out the news when he is ready for visitors after surgery (probably not for several days). Mustafa is still in the same room at Doernbecher, 9 North, rm 38. There is a guest book in the room if you’d like to sign it with a greeting, note, poem, etc. for Mustafa and Ahmed.

Thanks for being part of this project of healing and repair of body and spirit,
Peace,
Maxine and Ned