This is Elisa making a weekend posting. I flew in Friday afternoon and surprised my parents at the hospital. The first thing I saw was Dad waving his arm to say "hello" to me from across the room!
I have been amazed by all the changes - all the progress - that Dad has made since I last saw him in the ICU. The highlight was having real conversations with him - and his voice sounds just like him. Each day the enunciation was getting just a little bit better. We looked at pictures, read the newspaper, watched some football and listened to music together. Dad rested a lot which was the doctors' orders for these days. He does well on the trach collar, but it is really hard work. He can become thoroughly exhausted in the blink of an eye.
Dad is still my Dad. Yesterday's story: Dr. Kenny's colleague (new to us) came in for a routine examination. After the usual checks, he asked Dad to move his hands and arms, then he asked, "How are your feet and legs?" and threw back the covers. John's quick answer, "They just don't match." just stopped the doctor cold.This time was priceless to me. But what I take home
with me is the realization that he is still very, very sick.
Dad is working hard and waiting for nerve growth.
It is still a long, long road ahead.
Wow... Titled as "John's Journey" seems almost comical compared to the epic components that are documented on this blog! The title would more likely be on the same genre as the major classic works. John appears to understand that it is a journey with ALL of his family (both immediate as well as extended)... and "A Tale of Two Legs", "The Old Man and Disease", "War and Pieces", "Les Misery", or maybe even, "The Hobble" seem comedic enough to also hint at the epic healing and majesty of love being displayed on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteI wish you (each of you!) continued blessings in your personal healing journey and testimony of your love journey as well! Thanks for the blog to keep us in the loop!
Gary B.
I'm late coming to the scene....again. Yesterday Joyce B sent me the link to your blog and I've read the whole journey with tears and faith. A preacher/teacher who can't talk needs all the prayers s/he can accumulate to get back on track. Evan and I are in Tucson for the winter so will drive up to Phoenix to give you a hug.
ReplyDeleteAnn Thomas