We visited Tati/Ninang Malen today and we thank God that she seems to be improving each day that we visit. Praise God as she is more conscious and awake today. Her eyes, although red and look to still be adjusting to the environment, were also more open today. WE CAN ACTUALLY LOOK AT EACH OTHER NOW! Yay for another miracle! :D We tried to establish our mode of communication with her for now - eye blinking for Yes / No questions. I tried asking her questions about pain and comfort that she answers through blinking. We are still adjusting but we will get there. I explained to her that this is our mode of communication FOR NOW as we still await further miracles from God.

A lot of us visited her today and we encourage people to visit her and to talk to her. I was drinking coffee earlier and I just remembered how she used to make me coffee even when I don't ask her (directly...I do hint at it sometimes). I was drinking coffee and I cannot help but cry - how often do we take drinking coffee for granted? Yet there she is, on her own most of the time, feeling and understanding things, yet cannot move, speak, or communicate. It really must be painful and discouraging. That's why we encourage people to visit her and offer words of hope to her. And when you do visit her, please do not think twice on praying WITH her. We have noticed that she cries and gets stimulated whenever we pray for her. We may not always be there for her but it is good to remind her that God is with her at all times.

This morning, we are so excited to finally be "graduating" from the ICU and moving into progressive care. However, her main doctor advised against it. He said NOT YET. Although she is stable and looks to be improving (meds and respirator settings being gradually adjusted), it would be best for her to still stay at the intensive care unit. We are mindful of the risk of infection and complications and so we follow what the doctors think is best for her. Tomorrow we will officially be two weeks in the ICU. Apart from being difficult (being with her is limited), bills are piling up. While we believe God is our provider, we are doing our best in getting all the resources we can to sustain her and provide the best care for her. Again, we thank you for supporting her road to recovery. We truly appreciate your share and we pray that God will bless you beyond what you can imagine.

Thank you everyone! Let us continue to storm the gates of heaven with prayers! God is good and in control.

Grateful and staying hopeful,

Ynnuh / Innah

Katrina Mercado

P.S. Should you wish to support her road to recovery through direct bank deposit, please contact me or her sister directly