Eric has had the most progressive days yet — and I’m holding onto that with so much hope.

Over the weekend, Rafa stayed by Eric’s side, giving me the chance to step away and recharge. Coming back refreshed made all the difference. Since then, I’ve been helping Eric move his arms, stretch his legs and feet — every little motion made in anticipation of today. It feels good knowing that, together, Rafa and I have done everything we can to help get Eric to this point.

He’s still a bit delirious — a side effect of the heavy immunosuppressants and steroids he’s on — and there are moments where he won’t speak to us or respond to our questions. It’s hard, but we keep showing up, trying, hoping. He’s also battling insomnia, which we’ve learned is another frustrating side effect. Even with melatonin, sleep doesn’t come easily. But I know he’s trying. I know he’s giving it everything he’s got.

Today, he’s heading back to IR (interventional radiology) to have a new PICC line placed. This time, it’s not for meds — it’s to remove his current arterial and central lines, which means more mobility and more accurate blood pressure readings, since the new line will sit closer to his heart.

Speaking of his heart — I got to see an echo of his new one, and wow. It’s so different. There’s a fully formed left ventricle and a right ventricle. I could have cried. Actually, I kind of did. To see that… to see that inside him… it’s nothing short of a miracle.

Every day is still a battle, but these moments? They keep us going.