Praise God!

After the wonderful report from two days ago it seems as if Dad has had a bit of a slow-down in his progress. Yesterday morning when we walked in to see him, Mom and I noticed right away that he looked tired. When we asked the nurse about his condition she said that he only slept for 2 hours during the night and that his blood oxygen level was a little low. She also said that he needed to go back on the ventilator! My heart dropped. Then later that day we heard from Dr. Stern’s covering physician, Dr. Krige (pronounced Kreeger). He said that Dad seems to have developed a small infection in his lower left lung and that he will begin treating him with antibiotics. He went on to say that this will probably clear up in a few days and that it is perfectly normal. He said many Guillian-Barre Syndrome patients have 2-4 attempts before they are completely weaned from the ventilator and that we should not be alarmed. He also said that as soon as he feels Dad is able, he will take him off the ventilator and put him on the oxygen again. He too was a very friendly Dr. who took time to answer all of our questions.

Today when we saw Dad he seemed well rested. He slept well throughout the night with the assistance of the ventilator and he was very upbeat. The nurse told us that the Dr. gave orders to put him back on the ventilator for a few hours during the day which she did. He was off the ventilator for 6 hours today and he managed pretty well. He complained of course, but the nurse told us that they have to push him, if they don’t his lungs will never develop. When we left him tonight he was back on the ventilator and resting. So, what shall we say about all of this? “I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.” Psalms 71:14

I Stand Amazed!

Today when we arrived at the hospital Mom and I immediately noticed that the ventilator was turned off and that Dad was breathing on his own strength, with the assistance of oxygen. We had a good visit with him although he seemed to be physically tired from breathing without the ventilator. We told the nurse that he was a little tired and that he might need the ventilator. The nurse said she would watch him and that if he needed the ventilator’s assistance she would be sure to put him back on. When we returned for the afternoon visit Dad was still on the oxygen and again he looked tired, so we asked the nurse about it and she told us that all of his vital signs were completely normal, including the oxygen levels in his blood, and that he would not go back on the ventilator unless it was absolutely necessary, in other words, only if he begins to show physical signs of oxygen deprivation. When we left the afternoon session Mom and I went to see Dr. Stern (the Mexican) to see if what the nurse told us was accurate. He concurred and added that Dad is doing extremely well and that it was time to talk about SENDING HIM HOME! He said that he had been in contact with the branch of the hospital that coordinates with the insurance companies to see if they could coordinate an aerial medical transport. Dr. Stern also told us that he would be going on vacation this Friday for three weeks and that hopefully he would not see us when he returned! We all had a chuckle and he said that we shouldn't worry since Dad will be left in the very capable hands of his very close colleague, who has experience in transporting patients overseas. Dr. Stern has never done this before. He wished us well and saw us out of his office for what will hopefully be the last time! When we returned for the evening visit Mom and I, together with the nurse, explained to Dad why it was important for him to stay off the ventilator and he understood. He seemed encouraged. Then Dr. Britz the neurologist(Tommy Franco), came to the room and told us how great Dad was doing and that the next step was to start sitting him more upright in the bed. (The nurses have already begun to position his bed at about a 60 degree angle) Dr. Britz also said that over the next few days the nurses will start to wean him from the oxygen and then they will remove the tracheotomy! This might happen over the weekend, so let’s keep praying. Isn’t it awesome how God is coordinating everything? The lady yesterday, Dr. Stern handing off to a Dr. who has experience transporting patients overseas, and Dad’s continual improvements… I stand amazed. I also stand a little nervous… as it turns out God has also chosen this time to answer one of my prayers. A few months back I asked God to give me an opportunity to preach outside of Rock of Salvation Church so that I could gain more experience and grow in my gifting. Well, I wasn’t specific in my prayer and now God has me preaching in South Africa to a congregation of 2,500 people. Pastor Neville spoke with me this morning and asked me to prepare myself to minister to his congregation this Sunday morning. Please pray that God uses me to bring a powerful blessing to this house!

Excuse Me!

Here is a picture of the infamous ventilator, if you look closely you will notice that there are no numbers displayed, that’s because it is OFF! Praise God! Today it was off for a whole 8 hours! Dad did not need the assistance of the ventilator for 4 hours in the morning and another 4 hours in the afternoon. In addition, Dad was very calm and very relaxed throughout the entire day so Mom and I were able to speak with him, read Psalms to him, and do exercises with him. The movement in his right hand gets better everyday. He can now grip a small sponge ball with his right hand and actually hold on to it while I lift his arm. When Mom holds his arm in an ‘L’ position he raises his hand up and down as if he is saying goodbye. It’s really cool to see. Everyday it seems as if there is another victory to celebrate. Today after our evening visit Mom and I went to a small café that the Hospital has on the ground level. I knew if I asked Mom she would say no so I didn’t ask her, I told her that I wanted to get a Latte. So we broke the routine and stopped in for a small snack and some “joe”. As we were finishing our snack a complete stranger came up to Mom and said “Excuse me, are you the lady who’s husband is in the ICU with Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?” Mom nervously said yes and the woman proceeded to tell us that she had just been up to talk with Dad because she herself had GBS 13 years ago and was treated in this same hospital! She came to the hospital to visit her sister-in-law and the nurses told her that there was someone in the ICU with GBS. When she heard the news she told us that she could not leave the hospital without speaking to him and with us. We had a wonderful conversation and she gave us some very comforting words as well as some very good advice. At the end of our conversation she asked if she could come see Dad during the evening visit this Sunday. We said yes, of course, and she gave us her email address and phone number and told us that if we ever need anything or if we have any questions regarding Dad’s recovery to please call her. Her name is Debbie and she is a dynamo, the word that comes to mind is bubbly. She seems to be in her late fifties and has a very athletic build with absolutely no visible signs that anything was ever wrong with her. It was very comforting to see... isn’t God awesome!

On/Off

Yesterday was a really rough day for Dad. The nurses had to given him pain medication and it really made him drowsy and delirious. He kept saying all of these strange things. It left Mom and I really concerned, but the nurses assured us that things were O.K. When I arrived for the morning visit I was surprised and delighted to see that the ventilator was shut off! He was breathing only with the assistance of oxygen that he breathes through the tracheotomy. He was breathing with the oxygen for about two hours before he asked to be put back on the ventilator. He said he felt winded, which the nurses tell me is normal. When I went to the afternoon visit the ventilator was back on, but the nurse said she would turn it on and off over the next several days until he is totally weaned from the machine. Then they’ll have to wean him from the oxygen. Once he’s weaned from the oxygen they’ll close the tracheotomy and start more intense physical therapy. Let’s pray that this all will happen faster than expected.

Say what?

When I first arrived in Port Elizabeth Dad's entire body was limp and flabby. The word that best describes his muscle texture at that time is "watery". He had absolutely zero muscle tone. Over the past two days I've noticed a big improvement in his muscle tone. When I lift him or when I massage him, his body no longer feels watery, it feels more solid. I mentioned it to the nurses and they tell me that they've noticed as well and that this is a great sign. He continues to breathe on his own and the physicians are slowly weaning him off the ventilator. The nurse told us today that it will be a few more weeks before he is completely off; let's pray that it will happen sooner than that. Communicating with him continues to be a struggle, but we somehow manage. As if reading his lips wasn't enough, we also have to deal with his hearing. It seems as if his hearing has gotten worse. You have to really yell at him in order for him to hear you, and even then you have to repeat yourself a few times before he understands. Mom says he's always been like that. He's also having trouble keeping track of the days and time, which is totally normal for people who are in an ICU long term, the doctor's call it ICU syndrome. Keep praying for him and for us. Pray that God would continue to stregthen us.

The Mexican

When Mom and I walked into the Hospital this morning Dad quickly told us that the doctor was in to see him and that he (Dad) wanted us to ask the doctor a few questions, apparently the doctor is also having trouble reading Dad’s lips. When we asked him which doctor, he said “the Mexican one”. You have to see this doctor in order to appreciate this, he has a huge mustache but he is not Mexican! Dad may have momentarily lost the movement in his body, but he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. Anyway, after we laughed I noticed that the ventilator breath rate was set at 0. This means that he is not getting any breathing assistance from the machine and he is breathing on his own, Praise God! Although he is now breathing on his own the ventilator is still supplying air pressure to his lungs. This pressure now needs to be slowly weaned. Once this is done then he can come off of the ventilator… it will be soon.

5, 4, 3, 2…

When we went to the Hospital today Dad looked great. After saying hello to him I glanced over at the ventilator and noticed that the nurses had changed the ventilator’s settings. The ventilator works by measuring the lung activity, if it senses that the lungs are not working then it will provide breaths of air to achieve a set per minute “breath rate”. As a Gillian-Barre Syndrome (GBS) patient begins to improve, the Dr. slowly lowers the “breath rate” so that the lungs can slowly begin to take over. When I first arrived in Port Elizabeth 11 days ago the “breath rate” was set at 12. Two weeks ago the Dr. tried lowering Dad's rate to 10 and Dad became very uncomfortable so the rate was put back to 12. Yesterday the Dr. lowered the rate to 10 and by the end of the day it was lowered to 9, this morning the rate was set at 7. When we went for this afternoon’s visit the rate was set at 3, and when we returned for the evening visit it was set at 2 and Dad was breathing fine! Another important number on the ventilator is the number that measures the lungs effectiveness; these are the numbers John was referring to in an earlier blog entry. A normal healthy lung measures around 20, as John explained earlier… well, today this number was hovering around 15-17 and in some instances it went as high as 24. These are all terrific signs and they help us see God’s healing power at work. We serve an awesome God!

Club Soda Anyone?

Today we met with Dr. Britz and I had to laugh when I saw him because Rodney gave the perfect description. He looks just like Tommy Franco all grown up! He is also a very down to earth Dr. who took his time to explain the finer details of Guillian-Barre Syndrome. He told me that Dad has improved considerably, praise God. He went on to say that his muscle strength and breathing have improved as well, although he is still not breathing much when he is tired or when he sleeps. Dr. Britz believes, however, that Dad will be off the ventilator within two weeks. I asked Dr. Britz how long he thought it would be before we could fly Dad home on a commercial flight (first class) and he said in order to do that Dad would have to; breathe without any assistance; control his bowel movements; and sit upright on his own strength. The Dr.’s best estimation was an additional 4-6 weeks after he comes off the ventilator, this means it could be two more months before he comes home. Let’s pray that God will accelerate the process.

Today while we were visiting, Dad asked for his favorite drink… Ginger Ale! To my amazement the nurse said he could have it if he wanted. Unfortunately they didn’t have Ginger Ale, but they had his next favorite drink… Club Soda! So we served him some with a syringe and he swallowed it! He was actually able to swallow. He hasn’t swallowed anything in six weeks! It was amazing to see… he looked very satisfied and he kept asking for more. When we left him he looked content.

Watch This!

Today was a very good day, Dad seemed more like himself. He seemed comfortable during our visits and he was very positive. The movement in his right hand gets stronger each day; today he was tapping it on the pillow with enough strength to make a patting sound. His left hand is still kind of weak but he moved his left shoulder today with enough strength to wiggle the bed. When he realized what he had done he motioned to Mom and me, as if to say “watch this!” and he did it again. Communicating with him is still a challenge, but Mom and I are getting better at reading his lips as the days go on. The white board helps. Tonight we were able to stay a ½ hour past visiting hours and he seemed to enjoy the extra time. At the end of our visit we prayed and we told him that we’ll see him in the morning; he seemed disappointed that we had to leave but we assured him that he would be fine. He keeps asking me when I’m leaving; I think he’s concerned about things back home but at this point I really don’t want to talk about business with him… maybe later.

Here is a picture of the car that we rented. It is quite a challenge to drive on the left hand side of the road although I’m starting to get used to it. Yet every once in a while I’ll drift to the right, or I’ll walk on the passenger side of the car and realize that the driver’s side is on the other side, Mom does the same thing, although I’ll never let her drive here… I don’t even want to imagine that!

Sit Down

Today was a good day for Dad. He asked us if the Doctor's have said when he would be able to talk, and when he would be able to leave. We told him that he is making good progress and that each day puts him one day closer to leaving. He shook is head and kind of shrugged his shoulder as if to say “oh brother.”

He rested a lot today, at one point during today’s visits he looked at me and told me to take a seat. That is very unusual, he’s usually asking for something, I was shocked. Yesterday night I downloaded an audio-book from itunes, it is the book of Romans dramatized with a musical score and sound effects… really cool. I thought it might be a good way to occupy his mind. So I tried playing it for him today and he listened for about 5 minutes and then asked me to turn it off, I could tell that he really didn’t enjoy it too much. When we went for our evening visit I asked him if he wanted to listen again, and he graciously agreed to take another listen. I think he didn’t want to let me down, so I put it on but only for a few minutes. I think I’ll try something less dramatic, maybe just a plain reading of the bible, no enactment and no music. I think that might be more to his liking. At any rate, he had a good day. Keep praying for him and for Mom. These days are pretty grueling emotionally.

Peace

Today’s visits can best be described with one word, peace… Yes, God answers prayers! They took an x-ray of Dad’s chest today and everything came back normal. They also checked his stomach to make sure that the peg was functioning properly and everything check out well. He looked really good tonight. He was smiling with us as we spoke with him. He seemed much more at ease tonight. While we were talking with him on a few occasions he wiggled his shoulders and chest with enough strength to actually shift his body. He only moved it a fraction of an inch but he moved it! I am thankful to God for this, and I’m equally thankful for what is to come. Keep praying!

Make an Effort

Dad was wide awake for all of our visits today. He was very fidgety and kept asking us to move him. He had us lift his legs, lower his bed, raise his bed, twist his torso, raise his arms, lower his arms, and no matter what we did he didn’t seem comfortable. He was not in any pain; he just wanted to be moved. He also kept saying that he had something in his mouth. So we would suction his mouth but no matter how much we suctioned he insisted that there was something in there. The sister said that this was occurring because the nerves in his mouth and tongue are returning and he is gaining more feeling in that area. So although it is bothersome to him at this point, it is a good sign.

The evening visit was another good sign but it was extremely painful to watch. When I entered the room his eyes were closed and he was frantically moving his head from side to side, I thought that he might have been dreaming but when he opened his eyes he quickly motioned to me to come closer to him. As I got closer, I noticed that sweat was beading off of his forehead, neck, and chest. I immediately became alarmed thinking that he might have a fever so I asked him if he was hot, but he didn’t pay attention to me. He kept trying to tell me something. I then touched his forehead and when I went to touch his arm the sweat from his forehead dripped from my fingers. I knew this wasn’t normal. I started to call for the nurse, but he motioned for me to stop so I stopped but I told him that I needed to wipe him down. I wiped him with paper towels and after several failed attempts at communicating, mom and I finally figured out that he wanted us to close the curtains to the room. When we finally had the room curtained off he turned to us and said “O.K., now stand me up.” Once we convinced him that this wasn’t a good idea, he said “O.K., sit me up.” When we told him that this wasn’t possible either he said adamantly “I have to make an effort!” We had a long talk with him about all that is happening to his body and about all of the options regarding his going home, none of which are feasible at the moment, and he eventually calmed down. He seemed very disappointed. When he was calm, I prayed with him and afterwards I asked him if he wanted me to read a Psalms. He said yes, of course, and I asked him which one. While he was thinking I suggested Psalms 23 and he nodded yes. As I read it to him I could feel God’s presence and when I was done, a tranquil look appeared upon his face. Mom then asked me to read Hosea 6: 1-4; (the word that God spoke to us the other night). When I finished reading he smiled. He then asked if we would be there tomorrow and we said yes and he said “I’ll see you tomorrow.” As we left the room it occurred to me that all of the sweating was due to the effort he was exerting to get up.

It was very difficult to see him so anxious, but this fierce determination is going to serve him well throughout his recovery. Please pray for God to give him peace in his heart during this time.

Reflection

Yesterday evening’s visit was a wonderful cap to a difficult day (to watch Rod say goodbye and for us to say goodbye to him wasn’t easy). Dad was wide awake for this visit and he was very talkative. Although Rod was pretty good at reading Dad’s lips, I am having a difficult time understanding him. To make it easier, I bought a small “white-board” and a dry erase marker so that he can spell the words that Mom and I can’t make out. It worked like a charm. A few times during our visit he pointed to the whiteboard with his lips (we Puerto Rican’s do that quite often) so that he could spell-out certain words.

When we arrived at the hospital this morning the nurses (or sisters as they are called here in South Africa) had Dad positioned on his left side, a position that he does not like very much. As soon as we walked in the room he started to tell us that he wanted to be moved on his back but when we asked the sister to move him she explained to us that he had been on his back for too long and that he needs to give the skin on his back some air. Dad wasn’t happy with that and he insisted and insisted that we move him. Since he was uncomfortable and a little desperate, the whiteboard didn’t work so well… he was giving us directions a mile a minute and the only words Mom and I could understand were “me caso en na-!” which he would say each time we couldn’t make out the words he was pronouncing. It was rather frustrating but also kind of funny. In the end Dad’s persistence and stubbornness got him what he wanted… just before we left, the sisters turned him on his back and we left him looking content and satisfied that he got his way! As they were re-positioning him, I got a good look at his back, which looks clean and as smooth as a baby’s skin. These sisters are doing an amazing job at preventing bedsores. He is receiving tremendous medical attention in this hospital.

Throughout our visits today I also noticed that Dad was looking up at the ceiling quite often, but I couldn’t figure out why, then at one point during the day he motioned to the ceiling with his lips. I looked up and saw the dark T.V. screen so I asked him if he wanted to watch T.V. He shook his head no, but then proceeded to motion with his lips to the screen. I looked again and I could see the reflection of him lying on the bed. So I said “Oh, you can see yourself!” and he smiled and shook his head yes. Up until now he hadn’t seen himself and he looked pleased with what he saw. He really does look like himself, although, he desperately needs a haircut! I told him so and he laughed in agreement. My Dad is strong willed and I know that he will pull through this. What an amazing person!

Passing the Baton

John and Rod have come and left and now it’s my turn, with the daunting task of updating the blog as well as they did. They both have done and incredible job of keeping everyone informed and at expressing the feelings and emotions that one experiences while being polished by God. I firmly believe that this is what God is doing. Through this trial God is polishing us all! So, Rod and John, thank you for your sensitivity to God’s spirit as you wrote your entries. Whether you knew it or not, God was using you.

Not much new to report regarding Dad’s condition. He was a little drowsy at this morning’s visit and he slept for the duration of our afternoon visit. While he slept Dr. Stern came to the room and spoke with both Mom and me, a wonderful doctor who looks you in the eye and speaks with you in plain South African English. He said that Dad’s heart is in excellent condition and that his blood pressure and heart rate are normal. We asked him a million questions and he patiently took his time to answer them all. The answers to all of our questions had the same theme… time! His recovery and his breathing will take time. In the interim we continue to pray for a quick healing with the assurance that God has the ultimate word as to when Dad can return home. While here in South Africa, however, I am learning as much as I can about the people and the country. The folks at Ebenezer Centre are amazing. Their support and love have been an inspiration. They are showing me what it means to demonstrate the love of Jesus… true Christians.

February 11th 2008 (Last night)

Ok people your prayers ARE WORKING! Praise the Lord!
Also mom finally found peace and joy. She managed to find a vacuum and spent the morning vacuuming the room over and over and over again! For those of you that know mom you know what a vacuum means to her.

Dad had a GREAT day! He was wide awake during all three visits. He was showing off a bit and it was wonderful to see. He gets stronger and stronger everyday. I told dad that God is amazing. He waited to send our family “trainer” last to get him in shape so he can come home to us. So get pop in shape Mark! He looks fantastic but is still assisted by the ventilator. Though his breathing is getting better, it is still a challenge that he will overcome! Dad is a fighter and a humble servant. His determination is written all over his face and he will beat the odds and statistics laid down by our doctors. He will leave this place with everyone in awe of God’s power.

Tonight will be my last entry to the blog as Mark will be taking over.
I take the long trip home tomorrow afternoon. Though I am looking forward to seeing my family I find it more difficult to leave as the hours tick by. This experience shall be one I will cherish for the rest of my life. To be with my family the way we have been the past few weeks has been amazing. I feel like we are all together again at our home where we grew up. Having experienced the amazing power of God and meeting a man like Pastor Neville has awaken something inside me. I will never forget the wonderful people I have met I can call friends. In fact they feel more like family than anything else. I will miss them immensely, they have touched my heart and I will cherish our time together. I have learned a lot from the people of South Africa and I pray that at some point our family can come back and visit this country together. I leave my mom and dad in great hands and I can not express the new found respect and love I have for my brothers. They have grown, no longer my younger brothers I used to pick on, sorry guys! I love you very much!

February 10th 2008 (Ebenezer Centre)

Wow, the church here is amazing what a service this morning! Pastor Neville is surely anointed. We really enjoyed the service and we did not get to see dad until the afternoon.
One of the sisters there named Marina is a real blessing. She takes GREAT pride in caring for dad. She attends Ebenezer Centre also and is a great woman. We want to bring her home so badly, keep her in your prayers as well. Mark addressed the church today in fact when he was introduced he was presented as Pastor Mark Santiago, I was very proud of him.

Dad had a great day and he looks wonderful. He was wide awake for our visits today and it was very encouraging to see him that way. He was quite talkative and had us laughing also. His breathing is getting better yet he still seems to have difficulty doing the breathing on his own when he sleeps. He is getting better and we just need to be patient and wait on the Lord to heal him. In fact last night while Mark was praying he received a scripture that was wonderful.

“Come, let us return to he Lord! He has torn us in pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time, he will restore us so we can live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him! Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea - Chapter 6:1-3

February 9th 2008 (First day)

Mark arrived safely thank God and now begins his tour of duty.

This morning dad was a little groggy. He had a rough night but he is doing better. Dad has been sleeping for most of the afternoon visits. When we got there for our evening and final visit of the day dad asked me for some water. I explained to him he can’t really drink yet. How quickly we forget just how precious the simplest of tasks are. We wet his lips with some ice, he really enjoys that. Mark had a few highlights of the Super Bowl on his iPOD and we showed dad. He was smiling a lot but then told us to stop. He said he wanted to watch it once he got home! We can’t wait to get this man home! Keep praying for him and our family.

God Bless

February 8th 2008 (Copasetic & A new arrival)

Praise God our latest relief has landed safely and he has been trying to take a shower for the past hour and mom and I won’t let him. I don’t know if it’s because we are happy to see him or mom and I need a break from each other. Anyway, Mark has made it safely and now has been brought up to date – soup to nuts.

Dad is doing great and everything is copasetic. Dad grows more inpatient has he waits on his body to repair itself. I had a nice conversation with him today and explained to him to relax and wait on God, to trust and be patient. One can only imagine the conversations he must be having with God. I like to look at it as if God has drained dad of all baggage he has carried for so very long. Now God is building him back up little by little, providing him a new vision a new message a new body? Anyway, that’s what I like to envision it. Dad is doing well and is gaining more strength day by day. His breathing is still a hurdle he needs to overcome.

As I have stated earlier please keep mom in your prayers. Only a woman like my mother could endure such a test. I’ve learned a great deal from her and my dad. Keep her in your prayers as she is being tested everyday. I see now how much she loves and trusts God. I thank God that I have had the privilege to spend these past few weeks with her. Of course I can’t wait to get away from her but I love her. Only kidding mom you’re the best.

Lastly pray for number 2, my brother Mark and his family. Brenda don’t worry I will take care of Mark. Ok now you’re worried, right? Mark will be taking over and dad will be in good hands.

February 7th 2008 (Good day)

Dad is getting better. He had many visitors today and he seemed to enjoy the company.
He slept during our morning visit however, he was wide awake during our afternoon and evening visits. He did not seem to be in a lot of pain. He looked rested and rejuvenated this afternoon and evening.

We did a lot of physiotherapy on his legs and arms. He asked to hold my hand and he tried making a fist. He is getting stronger, praise God! He’s breathing has not changed. He breathes well between assisted breathing and not so much when he is a sleep.

We continue to get a lot of support from the church here; these people have been such a blessing. They serve with such eagerness and humility no matter the calling. Mom and I have been doing a lot of reading so I will leave you with this. We came across this quote in a book I found called – Will God Heal Me? By Ron Dunn

“Religion is for people who are afraid to go to hell,
Spirituality is for people who have already been there”
- Martha Manning, Undercurrents

February 6th 2008 (Recovery)

Dad continues to do well. He is in a lot of pain still and it is so difficult to witness. His breathing is getting better while he is awake as well. Mom and I are exhausted but what gives us the right to complain. I continue to rub his feet, hip and back, anything to bring him comfort. Unfortunately at this point all we can do is try to make him comfortable. He is dealing with the pain as best as he can. So I talk to him softly in his ear and try to calm him down. His body continues to twitch as his nerves and muscles are beginning to come alive. Must be a great feeling for him although painful.

I met with Dr. Britz, for those who remember he looks like Tommy Franco! He is a brilliant man. In fact all the doctors here are amazing. They are approachable unlike NY doctors. These guys welcome you in as a walk in and will take as much time needed to explain things. I was skeptical at first but dad is getting top notch care, really, what a blessing. Anyway, Dr. Britz is very happy with dad’s progress. Dad is suffering from what the doctor called ICU syndrome. Dad really is confused as to where he is and what day it is despite our best efforts to enlighten him. However he can remember to tell us to bring a Ben-Gay patch he has in his black bag, this man is too much! Back, to Dr. Britz; he said dad is doing better and is on an up swing from the plateau John discussed in an earlier blog. He still sees dad being on the ventilator for another 2-4 weeks. Then it’s just a matter of dad getting strong enough to make the trip home.

Keep praying as God is doing miraculous things here. It has been a great learning experience for our family in so many aspects.

February 5th 2008 (1 month)

It’s been 1 month since dad has gone into the hospital. Not really an anniversary worth celebrating but a landmark all the same. Prognosis has not changed as dad continues to heal. Dad is experiencing more and more pain. Nerve endings are firing off all over his body and there is nothing mom and I can do. We do our best to make him comfortable, such a helpless feeling I must confess. I don’t think either of us has ever felt so useless before. The sisters have been very helpful in accommodating dad but it’s frustrating on both sides I am sure.

I have an appointment with dad’s neurologist tomorrow afternoon at 5pm. I just want to make sure dad is on pace and if there is anything else we can do for the pain. Please keep dad in your prayers but I would also like to make a special request. Please pray for mom, this experience would not be easy on anyone given the circumstances.

I don’t know why our family is going through this experience and I don’t need to know. We need to trust the Lord and wait on Him, after all He’s plan this long before our time. We must be true steadfast in our prayers and put our worries in God’s hands. Whatever God has in store for my dad is between God and dad. So pray for our family not for healing or understanding but for patience so that when the answers are revealed we’ll recognize it and be at peace.

February 4th 2008 (Happy Birthday Mom)

So thank you to the New York Giants for reading the blog and wining one for dad! G-MEN!
I just want to get this out of the way; I did believe in my team and predicted victory! Happy Birthday Mom, there’s your present!

This morning I rushed in and could not wait to tell dad that our team had won. So mom and I rushed in the ICU we both went right up to dad and said the New York Giants won the Super Bowl. He looked at us smiled then frowned and gave us a look like yeah right. He did not believe us at all! He was in pain and is coming around. Though seeing dad in pain hurts us more I think it is a good sign. Yes Lord thank you for his pain! Wow did I just say that? So this morning was pretty much the same ritual. I rub his feet mom pretends to play nurse and smack him out of sleep, much like new parents with their first child. Agreeing with Marina (one of our sisters) we show dad a calendar every morning and show him what day it is, the date, the month and the time. He seems to enjoy it. In fact he seems more determined to get out of this bed. This afternoon dad seemed a little sedated which is unnerving because we do not see the progress he is making. He spends that time of our visit resting, he needs it anyway. This evening he was in great shape. He is moving a lot more and his breathing has come a long way. We’ve noticed him actually trying to take a breath, it’s exciting. KEEP PRAYING! He understands time better and he looks great, again a direct result of John’s hard work and your prayers.

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”. NELSON MANDELA

Fitting considering the situation I think. I always thought of my dad as such a man. Lying there and fighting with every ounce of strength he can muster has been more than inspirational, it’s been the affirmation of just how great a little boy’s dad is! I see every one of his congregations’ faces in his eyes because true to form dad wants to get better for all of us. That’s why he’s my hero and always will be!

February 3rd 2008 (GO GIANTS!)

We missed our morning visit. Mom and I went to Ebenezer Centre for the morning service and to be honest it was absolutely awesome. It was a great service and an awesome experience. Pastor Nevelle Goldman is obviously anointed and just loves being a servant for the Lord. He spoke so eloquently. His message – “from that day on” read 1 Samuel chapter 16 verse 12. At one point he asked the youth to come and stand with him and I tell you half the church was standing with him, an awesome sight to see.

We went and visited with Dad afterwards. He was a little sedated as he had a rough night. However, we explained to him why we had missed our morning visit obviously he understood. He looks like dad again and he asked we not touch him. His body is coming alive again and I can't even imagine what that must feel like. We laugh often; he's convinced he can sit up. This evening he was wide awake and acting like Dad, telling mom financial things and his normal worries. He's actually throwing kisses (LOL) he is too much. Your prayers are working and God is taking his time but we must understand and be patient. I would also ask that you pray for a little boy in the ICU. We do not know his name but it is doubtful he will make it through the night. Pray for him and his family. Refer to him as the little boy with the head trauma.

I told Dad the Giants were playing today and he had a big smile. Ok we all know win one for the gipper how about win one for Dad! GO GIANTS!

February 2nd 2008: (Thankful)

Today was a GREAT day for dad! He is doing very well. The swelling in his arms has gone down considerably and he continues to show us his strength. He is in a lot of pain however this is a great sign. His nerves are beginning to repair themselves and he is beginning to feel his body aches. His back hurts quite a bit and he has been asking me to rub it more and more. Today mom lifted his arm and he was able to hold it there for a few seconds. This evening he asked me to rub his feet. As I began he started pushing me away with his feet, I looked at him and he smiled, AWESOME! I never realized how much I loved his smile! He is working very hard. Mom and I remind him to take it easy and to be patient but you all know my dad, there's his way and his way. Today was a day we saw much improvement and we are so thankful! He is still on a ventilator and still not ready to breath on his own. We know your prayers are working and our family appreciates your support! Oh one more tidbit – mom is now addicted to Pringles! Has to be her nerves.

Changing of the guard

Feburuary 1st:
I know it was difficult for John to leave yesterday but I must tell you we should all be extremely proud of him. He did a wonderful job, not only with dad but with staying informed on daily edical treatments and helping mom. I was so proud of him, he had a routine down with dad and it worked. He kept the nurses (sisters) laughing and of course everyone just loved him. Way to go John mom and I will miss you!

Dad continues to improve. We communicate much better (thanks to John) in fact he is getting his humor back. He attempted to say take me home. Mom kept asking him, take you home? He shook his head no so after the third time I went over to him and he said very clearly take “her” home! We had a good laugh; he smiled and gave me a wink, good old dad. The routine John laid out works and I am sticking with it. I rub his feet which he just loves and his lower back. The doctors are pleased with his development however they remind us it is a very slow recovery. Mom and I notice he is getting stronger day by day. Keep praying for him and mom as we continue to have faith in the healing power of God.