more (gradual) improvement

When Yvonne and I showed up today at the hospital, Dave had been moved to the regular ICU, where there had not been an available bed when he was admitted (he's been "boarding" at the cardiac ICU).  We found him initiating his own breathing, which is a huge step forward, but still on ventilator support.  He also has not had a fever for a couple of days now, or just a tiny one, and looks better, too.  We have high hopes the doctors can get him off the ventilator before next week (that's the goal).  He shook or nodded his head to questions today about whether he is feeling pain and whether he understands what was just said.  In short, Dave is doing better physically and mentally today, and we are hoping along with you for continued progress in this direction.