Yes, it's true! Dad came home today!!! We are all so excited! While dad probably won't be dancing a jig just yet, he is on his way to recover! Thank you so much for all your love, prayers and support during this difficult time.
Dot was nice enough to send me a daily report on her time with Mordecai and they had a great weekend together!
This is going to be a good week.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
God Still Listens
Yesterday I left you with kind of a cliff hanger, waiting to hear from dad's doctors. I wasn't able to write last night again as I was busy being involved in a miracle. Why don't I start there:
If you are reading and a part of our lives you know that we have been concerned about Mordecai. Due to travel schedules and such a hectic life, we have not been able to give him the time and attention he needs and deserves. (Because for those of you who don't know Mordecai is a STELLAR dog!) Due to boredom he had started to tear things up in the house and it has been an ongoing battle for about a year. Read below to see a few of his funny stories. ANYWAY - About a month 1/2 ago I finally decided it was time to try and find a new home for Mordecai so I posted on Craigslist about how wonderful he was and the 3 scenarios I thought he would do well in. I was very specific. I was contacted by a lady named Dot. Dot was very interested in meeting Mort, but by that time I had lost heart and just couldn't do it. Well, with all the happenings of the last 3 weeks poor Mort has been left behind in the attention department and he acted out last week by chewing a hole in dad's fence. Needless to say this did not sit well with Pat or Dad. So, I reached out to Dot again to see if she was still interested. She was and we agreed to all meet last night.
Dot is an answer to prayer. I won't go into all the details about why this is such an amazing situation for everyone involved, but let me just say that God answered my prayers in every way and then some! It almost seems to good to be true. Dot even has investigated and wants to have Mort trained to be a therapy dog. She has MS and he will be trained to help her with tasks like picking up things she may drop or going to alert her next door neighbor if she needs help. This will be so wonderful for both of them!!! He is staying the weekend to see how they do. I have to resist the temptation to call every couple of hours to check in on them. Thank you God for hearing me and caring!
So, on to dad - The test results showed that there is some stuff going through his intestines. It is hard to monitor how much b/c the test was done via x-ray, but they believe it was an improvement over last week. So this morning they have turned off his G-tube and he will start to drink Ensure and see how he does. If he can drink the ensure 3 times a day and keep it down, there is a really good chance he will go home on Monday!!! Of course you know this is a real answer to prayer! So, we will be on pins and needles over the weekend hoping he is able to drink the Ensure and keep it down.
Be on the look out for the next praise report that announces his going home day!!!
If you are reading and a part of our lives you know that we have been concerned about Mordecai. Due to travel schedules and such a hectic life, we have not been able to give him the time and attention he needs and deserves. (Because for those of you who don't know Mordecai is a STELLAR dog!) Due to boredom he had started to tear things up in the house and it has been an ongoing battle for about a year. Read below to see a few of his funny stories. ANYWAY - About a month 1/2 ago I finally decided it was time to try and find a new home for Mordecai so I posted on Craigslist about how wonderful he was and the 3 scenarios I thought he would do well in. I was very specific. I was contacted by a lady named Dot. Dot was very interested in meeting Mort, but by that time I had lost heart and just couldn't do it. Well, with all the happenings of the last 3 weeks poor Mort has been left behind in the attention department and he acted out last week by chewing a hole in dad's fence. Needless to say this did not sit well with Pat or Dad. So, I reached out to Dot again to see if she was still interested. She was and we agreed to all meet last night.
Dot is an answer to prayer. I won't go into all the details about why this is such an amazing situation for everyone involved, but let me just say that God answered my prayers in every way and then some! It almost seems to good to be true. Dot even has investigated and wants to have Mort trained to be a therapy dog. She has MS and he will be trained to help her with tasks like picking up things she may drop or going to alert her next door neighbor if she needs help. This will be so wonderful for both of them!!! He is staying the weekend to see how they do. I have to resist the temptation to call every couple of hours to check in on them. Thank you God for hearing me and caring!
So, on to dad - The test results showed that there is some stuff going through his intestines. It is hard to monitor how much b/c the test was done via x-ray, but they believe it was an improvement over last week. So this morning they have turned off his G-tube and he will start to drink Ensure and see how he does. If he can drink the ensure 3 times a day and keep it down, there is a really good chance he will go home on Monday!!! Of course you know this is a real answer to prayer! So, we will be on pins and needles over the weekend hoping he is able to drink the Ensure and keep it down.
Be on the look out for the next praise report that announces his going home day!!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Stop the Ride, I Want to Get Off
There are 2 types of people in the world. People who love roller-coasters and those that hate them. I am personally in the LOVE camp. I love the anticipation, that nervous feeling you feel in your stomach as you snake through the long line, waiting your turn. The excitement mounts when you get in the little shoot, you are up next. There is always that thought as they close the safety bar - what if it doesn't hold. People that HATE roller coasters think people who love them are crazy, but I am an adrenaline junky!
But the thing about roller coasters is they only last about a minute! There is a big build up - a short adrenaline rush - and then it's over. Even though I love roller coasters, I don't want to stay on the ride for days. You need a break.
The last 3 weeks as been one LONG roller coaster ride. Some days have been hour by hour, then others have been more stable and we are on a 12-24 hour high then low. Yesterday was both an up and down day. Dad was in good spirits during the day and had a lot of visitors. Even old friends from Rocky Mount came up to spend time with him, which was awesome!
The down time came when we all gathered at the hospital to celebrate little Avery's 4th birthday. Dad was pretty quiet. It was hard to see him have to sit out of the celebration and watch from a distance. He wasn't able to pick up his grandchildren and hold them.
Today dad is having what is called an upper GI series test. They will be able to see if any of the inflammation has gone down in his intestine. So today is an hour by hour roller coaster ride. Depending on what they find will depend on the next steps. The doctor should be back this afternoon to give us the test results and talk about options for next steps.
Today I am also taking Mordecai to meet a woman who may potentially adopt him. As you can imagine, I have very mixed emotions about this. I want to do what is best for both my family and for Mordecai. Please pray for wisdom in this decision. If it is a good fit, I believe I can let him go, but I really need peace about it. Yes, I realize I am asking you to pray for a dog, but this is a bid decision for me.
The good news about this whole thing is I know God is the safety bar holding us in and he won't let us go or let the ride go longer than we can handle.
Until this afternoon....
But the thing about roller coasters is they only last about a minute! There is a big build up - a short adrenaline rush - and then it's over. Even though I love roller coasters, I don't want to stay on the ride for days. You need a break.
The last 3 weeks as been one LONG roller coaster ride. Some days have been hour by hour, then others have been more stable and we are on a 12-24 hour high then low. Yesterday was both an up and down day. Dad was in good spirits during the day and had a lot of visitors. Even old friends from Rocky Mount came up to spend time with him, which was awesome!
The down time came when we all gathered at the hospital to celebrate little Avery's 4th birthday. Dad was pretty quiet. It was hard to see him have to sit out of the celebration and watch from a distance. He wasn't able to pick up his grandchildren and hold them.
Today dad is having what is called an upper GI series test. They will be able to see if any of the inflammation has gone down in his intestine. So today is an hour by hour roller coaster ride. Depending on what they find will depend on the next steps. The doctor should be back this afternoon to give us the test results and talk about options for next steps.
Today I am also taking Mordecai to meet a woman who may potentially adopt him. As you can imagine, I have very mixed emotions about this. I want to do what is best for both my family and for Mordecai. Please pray for wisdom in this decision. If it is a good fit, I believe I can let him go, but I really need peace about it. Yes, I realize I am asking you to pray for a dog, but this is a bid decision for me.
The good news about this whole thing is I know God is the safety bar holding us in and he won't let us go or let the ride go longer than we can handle.
Until this afternoon....
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Back to Bedlam
Dad is feeling pretty upbeat toady! On my way into work I called for my morning talk and he said he was having a staff meeting. Several of his guys from work had come by to see him. Not sure how much actual work they were getting done, but it was good for his spirits.
We are all getting somewhat back into the swing of normal activity and visiting the hospital has just becomes part of the daily routine. Mom and I are back to work full days and go over around lunch to visit. Erin pops in when she can.
Today is Avery's 4th birthday. For those of you that don't know (but how could you not know if you know our family), Avery is Erin's oldest daughter and the first grandchild. We are going to all go up to the hospital and have a little celebration. Dad will get to eat ice cream for the first time so it should be fun for everyone.
Last night Pat and I fixed the fence to keep Mordecai contained, so hopefully we are all quiet on the dog front for awhile.
Tomorrow is test day. They are going to run a series of test of dad to see how much the inflammation has gone down and determine when he can go home from the hospital. Please pray that today there is a miraculous healing in his body and that they determine he can go home by the end of the week. We all need him to come home at this point!
We have started to take baby steps on rescheduling the wedding. Depending on what they say tomorrow we hope to be able to move forward with a new date soon. Will keep you posted.
We are all getting somewhat back into the swing of normal activity and visiting the hospital has just becomes part of the daily routine. Mom and I are back to work full days and go over around lunch to visit. Erin pops in when she can.
Today is Avery's 4th birthday. For those of you that don't know (but how could you not know if you know our family), Avery is Erin's oldest daughter and the first grandchild. We are going to all go up to the hospital and have a little celebration. Dad will get to eat ice cream for the first time so it should be fun for everyone.
Last night Pat and I fixed the fence to keep Mordecai contained, so hopefully we are all quiet on the dog front for awhile.
Tomorrow is test day. They are going to run a series of test of dad to see how much the inflammation has gone down and determine when he can go home from the hospital. Please pray that today there is a miraculous healing in his body and that they determine he can go home by the end of the week. We all need him to come home at this point!
We have started to take baby steps on rescheduling the wedding. Depending on what they say tomorrow we hope to be able to move forward with a new date soon. Will keep you posted.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Cleared for Liquids
Have you ever been SO thirsty and all you could think about was getting a glass of water? Imagine being without anything to drink for 8 days. With that in mind, you can imagine it was a big celebration when the doctors told dad today he was cleared for liquids.
Both of dad's doctors were gone for the weekend, so this is the first they have seen him since Friday afternoon. I have only heard the report from the surgeon, but he was VERY pleased with dad's progress.
This was good news for everyone, and helped to perk up both mom and dad. Mom is going to go back to work today for the first time. Not sure how much work she will get done, but will be so nice for her to be around a good support network. Dad had a couple of his good friends that came by to visit with him last night and that also helped to boost his spirits.
The vodoo doctor - aka the acupuncturist - is coming back today at 11:45, at the prompting of both Erin and I. We are not really sure if it helps, but we know it does not hurt anything. The concept is that it helps promote healing in the body. Since we are waiting for his body to heal itself, seems like a good move.
Last night dad was talking about what he has learned from this experience. He said he has learned patience and has been reminded of how loved he is. Thank you so much for all the people that have called, emailed, sent cards, sent flowers, come to the hospital, brought food, sat with us the list goes on... Your love and support is overwhelming!
We have been experiencing magic elves at my parents house. My parents neighbors were planning on mowing the yard on Saturday, they went outside to do it and there was already a truck of guys, out there mowing and edging. Somehow the trash has magically been taken out on trash days. We don't know how is taking care of these things, but we are grateful!
Please have a wonderful week and remember to enjoy the beautiful sunshine we have! You never know when it might start raining.
Both of dad's doctors were gone for the weekend, so this is the first they have seen him since Friday afternoon. I have only heard the report from the surgeon, but he was VERY pleased with dad's progress.
This was good news for everyone, and helped to perk up both mom and dad. Mom is going to go back to work today for the first time. Not sure how much work she will get done, but will be so nice for her to be around a good support network. Dad had a couple of his good friends that came by to visit with him last night and that also helped to boost his spirits.
The vodoo doctor - aka the acupuncturist - is coming back today at 11:45, at the prompting of both Erin and I. We are not really sure if it helps, but we know it does not hurt anything. The concept is that it helps promote healing in the body. Since we are waiting for his body to heal itself, seems like a good move.
Last night dad was talking about what he has learned from this experience. He said he has learned patience and has been reminded of how loved he is. Thank you so much for all the people that have called, emailed, sent cards, sent flowers, come to the hospital, brought food, sat with us the list goes on... Your love and support is overwhelming!
We have been experiencing magic elves at my parents house. My parents neighbors were planning on mowing the yard on Saturday, they went outside to do it and there was already a truck of guys, out there mowing and edging. Somehow the trash has magically been taken out on trash days. We don't know how is taking care of these things, but we are grateful!
Please have a wonderful week and remember to enjoy the beautiful sunshine we have! You never know when it might start raining.
Monday, September 1, 2008
A Little Down Today
Just returning from a visit with Dad and his spirits are a little down today. He and mom both were kind of down. He didn't have any movements today and his belly was pretty quiet each time they listened to it. His regular doctors will be back tomorrow so we are all anxious to hear what they have to say when they get back. He did continue to have a steady stream of visitors today which is always appreciated.
I think he was bummed he was in the hospital on a holiday weekend when it was so nice outside. I plan on taking him for an outing tomorrow. There are some nice garden areas at the hospital so I think we will wheel down there tomorrow.
We also had a minor set back with Mordecai. He chewed a hole in the fence tonight while we were at the hospital. As you can imagine with stress levels being very high, Pat is about to blow a gasket. I'm certainly more patient when it comes to Mordecai, but then again, he is my dog.
Please pray that we all have a better week this week.
I think he was bummed he was in the hospital on a holiday weekend when it was so nice outside. I plan on taking him for an outing tomorrow. There are some nice garden areas at the hospital so I think we will wheel down there tomorrow.
We also had a minor set back with Mordecai. He chewed a hole in the fence tonight while we were at the hospital. As you can imagine with stress levels being very high, Pat is about to blow a gasket. I'm certainly more patient when it comes to Mordecai, but then again, he is my dog.
Please pray that we all have a better week this week.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Miracles Still Happen
There is great news to report today. Dad had 2 bowl movements, one lasts night and another this morning.
Side Note: From time to time when I have been retelling this story I have been amazed at how comfortable terms like gut, bowl movement, vomit etc... Have become. So here is another "funny" one for the books. Last night my dad called me to tell me he pooped, and we all celebrated. Who knew you could get so excited about that.
Dad's doctors are on vacation since it is labor day weekend, of course he is being monitored but they don't know about these latest movements, so we haven't gotten word from the Dr to what this means. I don't know if this means the inflammation is gone or if his gut is awake or what, but for today we are just celebrating the miracle of bowl movements!
Dad's spirits are much higher today. Mom got a good night sleep and everyone is feeling really great today. We don't know what tomorrow will bring, but today we will celebrate the small things.
Side Note: From time to time when I have been retelling this story I have been amazed at how comfortable terms like gut, bowl movement, vomit etc... Have become. So here is another "funny" one for the books. Last night my dad called me to tell me he pooped, and we all celebrated. Who knew you could get so excited about that.
Dad's doctors are on vacation since it is labor day weekend, of course he is being monitored but they don't know about these latest movements, so we haven't gotten word from the Dr to what this means. I don't know if this means the inflammation is gone or if his gut is awake or what, but for today we are just celebrating the miracle of bowl movements!
Dad's spirits are much higher today. Mom got a good night sleep and everyone is feeling really great today. We don't know what tomorrow will bring, but today we will celebrate the small things.
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