It started out about 10:30 Wednesday night...

...Dad noticed a change in his “vision.” Up until this time he had what was described as a black line across the bottom of his sight line. This line we later learned was the gas in his eye receding from the last surgery. This phenomenon is supposed to happen as dad’s eye heals, but the sudden change was different. This new blackness was encroaching from the top. Dad called it a basketball shaped dark that was drifting in from the top of his vision, blocking and clouding what blurry shapes he could make out. Yeah, definitely not supposed to happen. A quick call to Dr. Rinkoff, or as we know him, “dad’s eye guy,” and by 8am Thursday, dad was sitting with the doctor, eyes plugged in to various lights and machines shimmering as the sorting out of these new changes began. They even called for some ultra sound and extra exams. After about 4 hours and a big sigh from dad’s eye guy the diagnosis was made. Dad’s cornea is clouding over. This is partly due to the extensive amount of trauma his eye has gone through. The big black spot was another tear developing. This time the original fix had done its job. There was nothing that could have prevented this. In the 26 years and thousands of retina repairs the doctor has done, he has never seen a healthy eye like dads do this. Well we all knew dad was special, but really? Even according to Dad’s eye guy, Dad has done everything possible to help the healing process; it was just his eye feeling the weight of the trauma. The entire room sighed. Several gulps, and plans for yet another surgery were being hatched. By 4pm dad was being prepped and awaiting the start of his 4th major eye surgery in as many months. 3 retina repairs, a buckle, a relief valve, and a displaced lens… it kind a sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. Oh, and this is his good eye.

Good news? Dad’s surgery went great. The new tear was repaired and all other trauma repair seems to be holding ok. A massive amount of scar tissue was removed without too much fuss, in a little under 4 hours to be exact. He spent the night in the hospital recovering and made it home around noon today.

The not so good news? Restrictions. Dad must remain on his face. Tummy down. Sleep, awake, pray, wait, heal, all facing down for at least 2 – 3 weeks. Yes, this is going to be fun. Praise though, we have a massage table for him to lie on. I spent about an hour “tuning” it just so for him. Finally dad said, “that’s perfect, the only thing were missing is a massage therapist”... Lucky for him though, I might have had to shove him over.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

~With Integrity

I am not sure how to label this moment just yet, but I do know we need to pray.

This escapade we are trudging through definitely has its moments of joy, and its moments of questions. After 2 weeks of settling in to a home routine, yikes... things quickly can change

At some point in the night dad’s very limited vision started to alter ... not in a good way.

After a very early morning conversation with his eye guy, Dad is going now to find out what exactly is happening. As we wait for information please pray we are patient, have peace and are wise in our decisions. Also pray for the Dr. as he examines dads eye again to determine just what is going on.

I was talking with a friend of mine who has been going through her own personal adventure of suffering. Her perspective on life was changed a few months ago, through a series of events that, I am sure she would have chosen differently if she had been given the choice. The basics of the conversation circled around Peace Faith and Hope. Hope of when everything looks so bleak somehow God will show us a silver lining.

Faith of the knowledge that through all things the Glory of God will be shown. Regardless if it be miracles, or attitudes, or...only God knows. And Peace. The calming that only God can provide during the tempest of the storm that is raging about us.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5, 1-4”

Another week

Whew, another week in the journey of recovery. I am constantly amazed at how many folks have been impacted by Dad’s accident. Constantly I am stopped, called, or e-mailed to ask how Dad is doing and to reassure the prayers and wishes for a speedy and smooth recovery. Thanks everyone.

So my calendar, I think its broken. It indicates that this is the middle of September. I should know this because my birthday, Riley’s birthday and Sarah’s birthday are all this month. But I feel like I am stuck in mid July, or maybe even the beginning of August. Surely not September 20th. 3 months since Dad’s accident. As our 2 year old, Eli, would say, “What the Heck!?” How can so many hours, days, weeks, and months slip by so quickly? Over 2 months in the hospital and now 2 full weeks home.

This last week we seemed to finally get a rhythm of home h

ealth care and therapy visits. We also were able to cram a couple of doctor visits and a surprise birthday party for Sarah too. Wednesday’s doctor visit was with the eye guy. He seemed very happy with dads healing and looks forward to the next 3 weeks as Dad’s eye heals more and the retina continues to repair. Words like remarkable and promising were used while describing Dad’s retina. Cautionary terms were also used, but the visit left us with hopes and spirits lifted and looking bright.

Friday Dad made the long trip over to see his leg guy. This doc worked on his pulverized femur and knee 3 months ago on that fateful morning. What seemed to be a temporary fix that may not work, actually held far better than anticipated. After several hours of x-rays and poking and prodding, Dad’s bone guy had some good words about how his left knee looked. Dad has almost full range of motion in his knee and with some more therapy should have a good recovery, however the leg bone itself has not healed like it should have. Evidently the “hail Mary” fix didn't cover everything. Dads leg bone should have healed more by now and because it hasn’t we are facing another surgery to add some more bionic-ness to Dad. Right now a bunch of screws and metal are holding his leg bone and knee in place and keeping them from rubbing together. So, on the 28th, Dad is going to have his leg worked on again. It is thought that he will only spend a couple of days in the hospital recovering and then be able to once again come home to the

Foster’s recovery ward.

Please pray for the surgeons that will work on Dad and a rapid recovery and trip home for him. We kinda like having him home so we can see him without traveling for over an hour.

Wow, it's the weekend, already?

How did that happen? Where did the time go? I thought with dad being home we would be able to kinda catch our breath. Sure, we would miss the constant presence of the hospital care team, but I didn’t realize just how quickly the days would blur by. So, let me rapid fire the main details of week. Sunday and Monday were days of well wishers stopping by. It was great. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were spent with home health care team members being introduced to us and getting to know dad and what they can be doing for him. Although they are helping, it seemed to be a bit of a bumpy process. Every person needed the full story, all the details and current up date information then they needed to “cross check” that information. It seems to me they would have at known about dad and his basic details before they all showed up together, but I am just a caregiver watching what seems to be a disjointed schedule. The scheduling process leaves a bit to be desired, but their assistance and knowledge is invaluable.

We have also had several folks come over and visit with Dad. Thanks so much to all you who have been able to hang with share with laugh with and be with dad. He much appreciates the time spent with you, and wants to share some of his insights and experiences.

We were also able to nearly finish the ramp project for dad to wheel into the front door of the house. Yes, there are some bumps and its not perfect, but it will withstand the test of skateboards, bicycles, wheelchairs, walkers and high heel shoes. Special thanks to the gang who helped build, provided the tools and resources to enable the completion of the ramp. Without your contributions the ramp still might be a dream waiting to happen. While the construction phase of the ramp was taking place, Dad got to twitching his fingers and needed a project. For those of you who know dad, this last few months have been difficult for him to not have a mechanical project to work on. So mom provided a much needed release. The front door knob had a squeak. After gathering dad’s needed diagnostic equipment she set him by the door and left him to tinker. Moments later, dad happily removed the squeak and sat basking in his accomplishments. At some point this week I asked dad if he could remember how to tie a prusik knot. With a couple of small ropes in and about 10 minutes he proudly held up his knot and replied very excitedly “you tie that in the dark!” I had to laugh, he was so tickled because not only had he remembered how to tie a knot he hadn’t used since his fire man days, but he was able to tie it with only the “sight” his hands offered.

Dad’s spirits are amazing. He is doing so well. He still gets tired easily, but he remembers more and more each day.

BTW, mom is a trooper. She has really rallied the energy and stamina to become the full time hospital staff replacement. Rearranging the house to accommodate dad’s chair, making some meals, maintaining the medical routine, helping dad with his everyday activities. I have been hanging with the folks helping mom get a break from the “doldrums” of keeping up with dads busy schedule. Often I bring some of my goofy kids to add to the hustle and bustle of the Foster’s hospital. Corban will often borrow grandpa’s wheelchair and push it around the house with his stuffed animals in it. If you ask Corban what he is doing, he will go into a long winded story of how his favorite stuffed animal was hurt and in the hospital, but is better now and he is helping him. Perhaps because of Corban’s empathetic and compassionate personality he will grow up to be a doctor of sorts. This is of course just after I watch him fight a sibling for another cracker. Ah the emotional roller coaster a 4 year old rides.

Our recovery journey has its ups and downs. Some days we are tired, and others we have all the energy to keep running. Pray we keep focused, and not allow the stress of every day life, compiled with the what if’s of the future to get in the way.

~With Integrity

Well, it’s the weekend.

Whew! Lots of changes this week. Lots of pic’s coming soon, and some good stories in the works. For now just some of the other important stuff. Mostly so you know how to pray. Obviously Dad being home is a major praise and big deal, but with his home coming alterations and adjustments have to be made. For instance, mom has been working on the inside of dad’s house. Creating quite dramatic a transformation as the hospital bed has replaced the couch, and once useful furniture has been shifted to accommodate the graceful and wide berth of Dad in his chair and his daily needs. Several good folks have been added to the care team and they have made their visits and suggestions. I am sure there will be more to come as the next few weeks flow by. Other changes like a permanent/temporary ramp has been installed outside the front door. Some modifications are also in the process of being made to the rest of the house as well. Little things we take for granted like standing in the shower, have to be thought through and adjusted. They make shower benches? Dad realistically will be sitting in his wheelchair for a while. How long we ask? As long as it takes for his body to heal. So we process what he needs to not only survive for now, but be able to have an environment that he can recuperate and thrive in. I’ll be going in to “work” with Dad a couple of days a week, as mom gets to escape and run errands, get groceries, or have a few hours out of the house. This will allow for some more normalcy in both of our families as my kids never really know when I will be home or helping with grampa.

I guess now pray for the major changes that we are undergoing as the reality sets in and we are actually put to the test of Dad’s recovery. Also, please continue to pray for sight for Dad and energy for the rest of us as we all continue down this road of recovery.

~With Integrity

He's home!

We have been waiting for Dad to come home since early Friday morning June 18, but now, finally, Tuesday, August 31 about 2:30PM Dad made it home. A fantastic birthday present for Mom and one a day early for me. His fearless taxi driver Tim, was able to go the last few miles with Dad and help him, wheelchair and all, up the steps and into home. Now it’s just a matter of time until we completely convert mom’s house into a hospital grade rehab center. All we need is a full time kitchen and linen staff. We are only slightly worried (thanks by the way for the meals and help). Right now we are scrambling to rearrange the chairs and tables around the house so Dad can maneuver through. I never realized how skinny doors were until I tried to wheel Dad around.

Throw your hats in the air, hoot and holler, cause Dad is home! Come by and visit, bring a meal, (watch out for our mushroom allergies please) Laugh with Dad, share a story. Listen to Dad, he loves to talk and share some of his hospital adventures. Ask him about his visit to say thanks to some of the ICU care team. Give mom a hug or coffee or both, don’t forget a chai for Dad. Most importantly, come by and let dad and mom know you have been thinking, praying and caring for them. We must, however, keep in mind that he still gets exhausted very quickly because his body is still in overdrive repairing his leg, retina, and the rest of his bumps and bruises. He still gets tired quickly and needs lots of rest to fully recuperate. If you’re going to stop by please call one of our cell phones first just to make sure Dad is not sleeping or doing his therapy regime (if you don’t have our cell numbers, leave a comment with your email address and I’ll fire it off to you). If you do just happen to swing by and Dad is resting, there will be a sign on the front door indicating this. Please be respectful of this sign and do NOT knock on the door or ring the doorbell. Every now and then Dad does need to be still and rest. His bed is in the living room and we all know how polite Dad is. If you show up, he will visit with you even when he knows he needs to be resting.

I, for one cannot believe that this day has finally arrived. It’s been a long journey to get us here. Far too many days in ICU, and rehab, but now we start the rehab process at home. I am not sure how much longer this adventure is going to last. He has made some amazing leaps in the last 2 weeks. His memory is starting to have less gaps. He seems to be able to keep track of things far better now, even when he’s tired. No, he is not 100% better, but he is improving by miraculous jumps every day.

These next few miles are gonna be an interesting time as Dad recovers while Mom adjusts to even more now that Dad is home. I was given the lyrics to a song the other day from someone who is going through their own “similar” situation.

“Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change He faithful will remain.

Be still my soul, thy best, thy heavenly Friend

thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still my soul, thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still my soul, the waves and winds still know

His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below!

Thanks, Jeanette. These words were a calming balm to my worried and stressed-out soul. It not a vacation, but it will certainly help.

~With Integrity

ICU visit.

Remember when I posted about Dad meeting the people who saved his life? Well Dad loves to share this story, so here he is letting us all know how his visit to the ICU went.