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.

Therapy

Dad wanted to start contributing to to blog so here is a little video snippet of Dad doing one of his many, many therapy exercises.

It's only short, but don't worry, there's plenty more to come!

~With Integrity

Official Release Date. August 31 (yes that's mom's birthday too).

75 Days in Hospital

37 Day in ICU

Surgery’s to fix his leg.

Surgery’s to put his face back on. First his nose. Then chin, then orbits.

Surgery time for the damage caused to his retina. Surgery time for the damage caused to his retina, again. Did I mention Surgery time for the damage caused to his retina?

Surgery time for dad is counted in days, not hours.

To have a quick glimpse at dad’s medical records, X-rays, CT’s and other array of exams, one has to dig through a mountain of paper work several feet thick.

He has fallen, and All the Kings horses and All the Kings Men have been putting him back together again. In the beginning few hours the doctors were polite in the words they used, however they didn't expect dad to leave the ER trauma table, much less get out of ICU. Leaving the hospital? That is proof of miracles happening now!

August 31, 75 days after most of the hot air was knocked out of Dad, he is going to be rolling out of the RVMC Rehab ward and gently floating down I-5 back to his home.

We are going to be fastening our seat belts because this journey is going to be bumpy for a bit. For those of you folks who offered some kind of help, now is the time to make good on those offers. We no longer have full time kitchen or medical staff waiting on dad hand and foot. There will still be several visits of home health therapists and other care team members, but being home things are going to be different. He is finally coming home and we are now starting to see just what kind of help we could use as this journey takes another turn.

~With Integrity

Dad is doing so good.

He has had some great visits from people and this done his spirits good. I know lots of you would love to visit dad, please feel free to do so. If you do, please call first and please do remember that he gets tired easily.

I had a great day with Dad today. I am very blessed to have this time with him and be able to strengthen our “man-to-man” relationship. He was asking me questions about his accident, so I started digging and asking him what he could remember. It was kinda scary for both of us, but in the long run I feel it was good therapy for us too. Dad asked me some very thought provoking questions. Questions like, did I have any guilt for not being there when he fell? If I knew he was falling would I have tried to catch him? We had a good bonding time and we were able to shed some manly tears also. Dad wanted to know what I was thinking the first few days of his accident when the doctors didn’t know if he was going to make it much less get up and hobble in a walker just 2 short months later. I reminded him of the blog and he asked me to read it to him. I started at the beginning and choked down tears as I revisited some tender, heart wrenching emotions. Dad was so greatly moved by the responses and comments you all have left. He wanted me to tell you especially a heartfelt thank you for your prayers and suport. As I read these comments to him, he would stop me and comment about the person or something special he remembered. It was so amazing, please continue to comment with memories or encouragement. It would mean so much to our family to be able to read them to Dad.

FYI. Dad has another eye appointment tomorrow morning. Let’s keep it in prayer that the retina is healing and the eye pressure is where it needs to be. Also, it looks like dad’s release date might be changed...not because of anything bad, mostly they just want to make sure he is 100% ready to go home. This will give his tummy some more time to heal from the removal of the feeding tube as well. So as for now his official release date is Aug 31st. Mom’s big birthday present is Dad coming home. Think I’ll get Sarah to bake a cake :-) we can tell dad its a welcome home cake.

~With Integrity

Can't get enough of this Hospital Stuff.

It seems the Foster Family just can’t get enough of the “Hospital life.” I personally would rather more of the “good life,” but for now it seems more trips to RVMC are in order. Friday I was feeling the effects of what I thought was too much sun, and not enough H2O. Little did I know something more sinister was waiting around the corner. At about 2:30AM I awoke to a clatter in my brain. A pounding so sharp accompanied by blinding lights that I thought Sarah had accidently hit me with a baseball bat while I was asleep. My personal Dr/wife came to my rescue by reassuring me she had not pounded me, and offered me some sleeping assistance medication. A warm glass of milk, and a few hours later with no sleep and only more stabbing pain, Sarah organized a drop off point for our kiddos and off to the hospital we went to try to ease the pain before my eyes exploded from my head. At the registration desk I was asked if I had ever been to RVMC before. I remember laughing. Not a maniacal evil laugh because it was funny, more a laugh of the unavoidable irony. After many hours and a battery of tests, the pain was just as excruciating, but the hospital meds left me unable to move and sleepy as could be. So I dozed between tests and questions and stabbing pangs throughout my entire body. They even called in the neuro surgeon guy to look me over.

While I was sleeping the sleep of a drugged man, Sarah took a break from the ER and took our youngest, Haven, up to visit her Grandpa. Apparently dad was super excited to see her and requested a snuggle. Haven didn’t mind obliging one bit.

Late Saturday night they released me to go home with what they classified as a “non specific headache.” No visit to RVMC is complete without a tour of Dad’s floor and an old fashioned handlebar mustached howdy, so before we left we journeyed to the 6th floor for a visit. Evidently I even posed for a pic with dad. I’m the one with the orange sweatshirt and the silly drugged smile. Uh, the guy with the blanket in my lap to keep me warm...um, how about the one without sunglasses on. :-)

After a groggy Sunday and Monday I feel better. Kinda. Mostly like I was run through an old fashioned clothes dryer. My personal physician/wife says its due to overwhelming amounts of stress from keeping tabs on dad, my grandma passing away, life spinning by, and any other forms of stress I can add to my bag. I just think she’s nuts and I keep looking for her hidden baseball bat. Perhaps I could take a vacation from this so called thing called stress.

Dad’s coming home soon !??!?!

Yup you heard right. It looks like officially Dad will be leaving the hospital home and coming home on the 28th of August. An early birthday present for Mom. (BTW her birthday is the 31st of August and yes I have a present for her, do you?) Should be fun. His eye pressure is starting to look good and he is able to bend his knee far more. His leg is still not up for any weight, but its one small step in the right direction.

~With Integrity

Special Thanks to the Care Team! Whoever and Where ever you are...

On Friday dad got an awesome opportunity for both him and some of the members of his care team. He was able to sneak down to the ER department and visit with some of the staff who were on duty on June 18 when dad first arrived. I know it was good therapy for dad to say his thanks and shake hand with some of the rescue folks, but I also wanted to make sure that everyone on Dad’s care team was thanked. This is a pic taken when Dad was in ICU and letter from some of Dad’s care team.

**********************************************

In this photo is the crew that transported Eldon by helicopter. Chelsea Swensen, RN and Dean Rising, FP-C, the pilot was Austin Swan but not available for the photo.

I would like to stress that the care provided at the scene by the first responders and Paramedics prior to our arrival was outstanding and was instrumental in the quick transition by flight to RVMC. Eldon’s case is a good example of multiple agencies coming together as a team to really make a positive impact in patient care.

Best of luck

Dean G. Rising, EMTP, FP-C

***********************************************

How cool is it to know that dad has had a positive impact on people all through his life. Even in his most critical moments he was able to reach out to people and connect in his own special way.

I am sure we all think the big guns when we think care team. The Mercy Flight team, the fire department from GP who were the first on scene. Dad’s Ballooning crew, the eye, bone, and other specialists, and a passel of doctors, nurses. But do we remember to say a super duper special thanks to the folks who help dad wake up in the morning, remember his daily regiment of pain medication and eye drops. The slew of folks who help dad get in and out of bed, eat meals, be on time for therapists of various sorts, get showered, ready for bed, and everything else in between. Now we mustn’t forget the folks who prepare dads meals, wash his laundry and taxi dad from one location to the next. What of the people who have been praying for dad’s healing? I am sure I have missed some of the folks doing something that has been related to the healing journey dad, so let me say SUPER DUPER THANKS to all of you.

Now as your job with dad finishes and you can move on to the next people who need as much dedicated care, our lives will become more, shall we say interesting? Without the specialized care and support we have begun to rely on life is going to be more full. As if that’s even possible. Between our families (mom, and my brood of 4) we get to do all these tasks, plus look after ourselves. Sounds a bit overwhelming. I wonder what this is going to look like.

~With Integrity

What a Wednesday!

For some reason the eye drops have been causing what dad calls a burning and stabbing pain. So another quick trip to the eye guy to check on it. He says its fine, but somehow there is a tiny scratch on dads eye. It’s OK, something normal and will heal without any consequences or ramifications, but there will continue to be the “ouchy” feeling until it heals a bit more. So dad, like a trooper is working through it. During dad’s rehab therapy today, many comments were made about how many hurdles he has jumped over in the last week alone. It looks like the time will be coming up soon for Dad to make the transition from the rehab wing in the hospital to the less than hospital grade rehab facilities at home. Excitement and fear exude from that thought. It will be good to have dad finally home after such a long battle, but this is when the rubber will really hit the road. The journey of recovery is by no stretch over. In fact, it’s just starting.

~With Integrity

Whew! Jam Packed Couple of Days filled...

Usually one finishes that sentence with, fun, painting the house, exciting adventures, making applesauce... You fill in the blank. Mine was a bit different. Many emotions followed by dazed and confused looks. As you know, Monday was supposed to be a simple day of Dad going to his eye guys for a follow up from his last eye surgery. Apparently, God had scheduled some different events for us to weather through.

The first event lined up was just after 4 am. God called Kisser Gram (my Grandma, Mom’s mom) home. Sleeping soundly and peacefully for the first time in many months, Gram heard the trumpets of heaven and left. When my phone rang, I just knew. Its not that it was an unusual time for my phone to ring. Often someone from the hospital calls or Dad calls, so I have become more adjusted to the after hours phone usage. But somehow the ringtone this time was different. If I could only differentiate when telemarketers called life would be, well, I would answer less irritating phone calls. But I digress. Hearing the news about Kisser Gram from Mom was difficult, but truthfully it was almost a relief. For I know Kisser Gram is in Heaven doing what she loved the most. Conversing with our Creator. So after some tears, prayers, and a scattering of emotions I composed myself enough so I could scramble out the door to meet dad at the hospital to take him to his “routine” follow up appointments for his eye.

My thoughts and emotions drifted as I drove over to the hospital, but I shook them away as I pulled in the parking lot. I didn't want to miss the good news about dad’s eyes. A wave of emotions flooded the room when the Doctor said, “oh” as he was looking through dad’s eye. Dad asked what was cause for worry before I could choke down the emotions. The retina surgery we just went through. The torture of keeping dad face down. The agony, was it all for nothing? The Doctor said hopefully we can get the tear to hold before it becomes to big and we lose any chance of vision. It was only a little tear, and the gas bubble placement won’t mean dad has to be face down this time. Good thing we caught it this soon. We need to repair this now. Surgery was scheduled for 6 hours then. I think I stood there like a stunned mullet, staring at the doctor. He asked me if we had any questions. All I could say was, “surgery again now?” “Yes,” he replied. OK.

Call mom. She’s dealing with funeral arrangements. Don’t call mom. As I asked myself, it was either out loud or Dad was thinking the same thing, because he asked me what I thought about calling mom. Dad’s thinking was remarkably clear and focused. He joked with me about who would be in more trouble if mom found out somehow without us telling her. It was a relief to have dad’s thoughts so clear.

The rest of the day and night was blurry as we rushed to the retina surgery center in Ashland and had Dad’s retina repaired again. Dad got to ride with the wonderful Mercy Flight folks back to his hospital room where we had a restless and uncomfortable sleep till 7 am Tuesday when we again saw the doctor for another follow up. This time Dad’s only restrictions are sleeping on his back, and no straining at all for about a week. Ok, we can handle that. now what? I am torn. Part of me is grateful God has so much faith in me, because I know He will not allow me more than what I can handle, however often times I wish there was less to carry. It’s a good thing I don’t have to do this alone. I just need to remember to give this to God and let him keep it... If only I didn’t keep trying to take it back from Him.

~With Integrity

Stand proud and tall

*UPDATE* - Just finished with the eye Dr. Looks like dad has a tear in the retina on his left eye. He will be going in for surgery this afternoon in a last ditch effort to restore some sight in his left eye. He was also told today that there is no hope, ever, for sight in his right eye. Please pray for a miracle.

*Original post*

Well, Dad has gone and done it! He stood up! He stood up and hopped on one foot! He stood up, hopped on one foot and even shuffled down the hallway with the assistance of a walker and therapist! Dad is cruising through this rehab side of his accident and to celebrate he had some pizza. Well, it was hospital food, but it sure looked like pizza.

We have some appointments today for more info about his eyes. The doctors are taking another stab at determining what is happening to his right eye, but the good news is that his left eye is looking remarkably good. It is tracking, dilating, and doing all the things a healthy functioning eye should do. He gets blurry glimpses through his peripheral occasionally. It’s described as looking underwater, but dad seems to be coping well with his newfound lease on life.

We had some good kid and Grandpa time with Dad. Our 4 delightfully rambunctious and squirmy kids all attempting to be quiet, was probably louder than a heard of buffalo stampeding by. Dad’s hospital wing will never be the same. The other patients and staff alike smiled as we tried to reign in the forces of children happy to see their grandpa and wanting to share that joy with the world. Dad had the biggest smile. I know it was good therapy for dad. It was great for us too.

On a different note, early this morning my Grandma passed away. My mom’s mom. Please keep our family in your prayers. We will keep you updated on any service plans. Thanks.

~With Integrity

Good day.

As I stood in line at the hospital cafeteria waiting for my gruel, someone casually asked me how my day was. I replied without thinking, “Good thanks.” That simple yet automatic reply started a chain reaction in my brain. I realized that yesterday was a good day for dad too. It was a long day. One day after his latest eye surgery, and we are already going on a big outing. We visited 2 different eye specialists.

Just a side note, 57 days in the hospital and this is the fourth time Dad has left RVMC. Two times he left for relatively quick surgeries designed to “restore” his sight, and his other two trips were for follow up visits after his surgeries.

This last jaunt was the most uplifting for everyone, including dad’s eye guys. They both were very happy with how his left eye is looking after his most recent surgery. The gas bubble that was placed in Dad’s eye to assist with the healing process was removed successfully. Then a special salty fluid was used to replace the gas bubble to allow for healing. Within a few short hours Dad’s eye was already showing signs of improvement. Although Dad’s eye guys were cautious of talking about complete healing they were positive and extremely hopeful about some sight being restored and Dad’s eye working more. During one exam Dad’s spirits soared about a hundred feet when his realized the that his eye guys said he didn’t have any more movement restrictions and his eye was healing and looking good. No more laying face down! He can sleep on his back! Also, his eye guys are planning to take another good look at dad’s right eye next week and reevaluate how it looks.

Dad was in such a good mood that he wanted to go for a walk, so instead of catching a taxi back to the hospital we wheeled him over the bumpy sidewalk though the bright and shiny day back to his hospital room. There he excitedly told his care team how good his day was so far. As Dad was settling in for his morning nap, we learned more good news. Dad’s leg appears to be healing as expected. We will learn in the next few days more accurately what that means, but good news is always welcome as we dance forwards and back in the recovery process.

Sometimes I forget how simple the good things are in life. A comfortable bed to sleep in, fresh air, warm sun, and laughing children. They all have lumps, bumps and storms that come and go, but they are all good.

Nine days of silence.

Wander back with me to July 26, Monday. I will never forget the sound of silence that occurred that afternoon. It went like this. Our well trusted "eye-guy" came to see Eldon and check his eyes. We greeted each other, chatted a bit about how we felt Eldon's recovery could only get better if the fallen lens implant was repaired. Then sat respectfully as Eldon's eyes were examined. Waiting, wondering, watching, and listening. The examination over, the "eye-guy," looked squarely at us and in a no nonsense yet gentle manner said, "there is no hope of restoring sight in the right eye." There was not a whisper of sound. I was sure the thundering pounds of my heart could be heard all through RVMC. Then I heard it, the sound of a deep sigh expressing the pent up waiting, and wondering. The quiet utterance of one word "wow" as to understanding the magnitude of the injury. Eldon broke the silence. As for the rest of us, our eyes were filled with tears.

A torn retina in the left eye and a small window of time for restored sight made for rapid surgery decisions. Set for Tuesday evening, became rescheduled for Wed evening.

Now we faced the creative challenge of finding a comfortable sleeping position for 2-3 weeks. It took hours, creative minds, and many crumpled up pillows, pieces of foam and wadded up blankets, folded, stretched out and wadded up again. Laughter became our strength in this project, as we attempted this task, while Eldon seemed to take it in stride.

Wednesday, August 4, was a week. Retina is healing as it should. There is pressure in the eye, causing the iris to push against the cornea. Sigh! Getting weary, legs, knees, backs and shoulders are sore. Again hearts ache. Stay with the program, and the " eye-guy" will keep an eye on the pressure. A Doctor’s appointment on Monday, August 9 gave us the information that there is liquid in the eye not draining as it should. Presented with another small window for sight, surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, August 11.

A story of trust from the book, And The Angels Were Silent, from a favorite writer of mine, Max Lucado;

“Reach up and take your Father's hand and say what my daughter Andrea said to me, ‘I'm not sure where I am. I'm not sure which is the road home, but you do, and that's enough.’”

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear: I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

From my scribblings,

Sandy

Eye surgery week... whew!

Well the big surgery started Tuesday a little after 5pm, and it was I guess a quick surgery. Although any time when you’re on the “table” for repairs it is quite an ordeal. Dad, he was a trooper. Dad’s care team and eye specialist guy used words to describe Dad’s newly repaired eye like “extraordinary” and “quite remarkable”. He even went so far as to complement Dad’s entire care team for their hard work and dedication at keeping Dad in the best position for his eyes healing. Keep in mind, Dad’s right leg is broken and must be kept straight. His left shoulder cannot be brought up into a “sleeping” position because of his titanium shoulder replacement from a couple of years ago. Dad’s healing position is on his left side, or his stomach, and just released to be on his right side sometimes too. Have you ever tried to lie on your tummy and not arch your back, bend your legs, or stress because the pillows are in your face? Yikes. Mix in some jumbled memories due to a massive impact to the head, and the medications that follow

suit, and you get an interesting journey. The mind is a dangerous place to get lost and if you’re a bit fuzzy... Well you get the point. It’s been a constant campaign to keep Dad physically, mentally, and emotionally comfortable.

After well over a full month of not seeing correctly, now his eyes are playing tricks with his brain... or vice versa. I have been a tad concerned about his emotions drifting downward during these next few days, but as I watch him I wonder about getting lost in my own mind as I burn awake hours driving back and forth from home to the hospital to help with Dad.

I have been pulling the night shift with dad for the last couple of nights. Being by dad's side for 14 or so hours is taking its toll. The last few nights Dad has been quite... how do I say it... uncooperative with the nursing staff. As polite as he can Dad has said many times that he just wants to go home. My job has been to keep him calm and remind him that he's here so the nurses can help him and that he needs to relax.

I'm exhausted. I go from taking care of Dad all night to spending a little time with my family and grabbing whatever sleep I can, then it’s back to the hospital to do it again. Mom is exhausted. She is doing the same thing, just during the day. The wonderful Mr. Bill is joining in the fun as well.

Please keep us in your prayers. This ordeal is be

ginning to take its toll and cracks in our stoic veneer are starting to show.

On a more positive note, Dad spent a little time with his youngest grandchild tonight! While he was sitting in a wheelchair, I put Haven in his arms for a little snuggle. They both loved it! Haven babbled away and tried to eat Dad’s hospital bracelet and Dad stroked her soft skin and smiled some very big smiles.

Just a quick post to let you all know that Dad’s surgery went well. The surgeon used words like “remarkable!”

Dad is spending the majority of time on his tummy, not a comfortable position for a man with a broken leg.

More soon, right now I need to go and try help Dad get comfy!

Game Plan B?

This weeks game plan. Vision. Sound familiar? Well the big surgery for today was put on hold for tomorrow. How much in the recovery road do we hurry up and wait?

So I guess we will have Monday’s plan on Tuesday.

Please Pray for Dad’s vision. The doctors, care team staff, and everyone trying to make the best decisions possible for Dad’s speedy recovery.

Lots of post eye surgery info to come... eventually :-)

~With Integrity

Monday July 26

This weeks game plan. Vision. Arguably one of the most important functions of the body. I mean sure one can function without sight, but thats not the way we were designed by God. Just look at God’s handiwork. Sunrises, Painted Hills, Night skies... of course Dad would say Balloons in the Sunrises, Painted Hills, and night skies but you get the point.

Vision: Dad has a group of eye guys working on a plan to help him see. Just so we are all on the same page, Dad has partial peripheral vision in his left eye, and the idea is that with the repairing of the lens and other bits he will get “more vision”. Still no vision from his right eye. Essentially his right eye is just not seeing. It is fully intact, it tracks with his other eye and, for the most part, dilates with light. More details will be available as we learn them. Pray for this. Miracles do happen. We have watched countless of miracles so far through this adventure. Perhaps his sudden vision will be added to that list. Perhaps Dad’s positive attitude will impact one of his care team members. We are only tools in the Master’s hands, it is God’s vision that we have yet to see.

At this point it looks like the plan is for Dad to have a surgery tomorrow on his left eye. The eye specialist care team says this surgery has a limited time window, and time is not on our side. Good news? Now is the perfect time in his healing and recovery process for the surgery. This is where it gets interesting. We wont know what the results of the surgery for a few weeks. During this recovery time, Dad has to be either on his stomach or on his side. Did we forget to mention he has a massively broken leg? This is going to be an intriguing few weeks of recovery.

Please Pray for Dad’s vision. The doctors, care team staff, and everyone trying to make the best decisions possible for Dad’s speedy recovery.

Pray for this adventure. Dancing 3 steps forward, we don't know which direction this eye surgery will be. Back, sideways, or...?

~With Integrity

Today is day 36...

It has been a crazy week. Milestones blurring by almost as rapidly as hours in the day. I wonder what to write. Mostly I wonder where to start. How to share all the exciting miracles, encouraging triumphs and hurdles we have faced in the last few days. Bottom line? Dad is doing amazing. Goals have been smashed. We have a long way to go, yet with the seemingly constant barrage from his “family of care” team, Dad has been keeping his spirits up and motivating along. Sure we have been dancing the recovery dance. 3 steps forward, 1 back, 2 to the side and back again. Dad has some days where the medications seem to be working on overdrive confusing and muddling his thoughts, while other days are much better. He is still in a fair amount of pain and trying to think through the narcotics is tough enough, much less focusing through a good rattle to the brain.

We had another eye specialist come in and look at Dad’s eyes. Right now he can only see very limitedly from his left eye. Is this an injury thing that will self correct? Is it some trauma that can be healed? Only time will tell, and Dad’s eye guys are putting a game plan together designed to restore as much sight in Dad’s eyes as possible.

Dad’s fine motor skills are clicking along. Buttoning a shirt is a snap, almost. While working on bringing a spoon to his mouth to eat soup, Dad stopped and thought for a few moments. Then smiled and picked up the bowl with both hands and slurped away. My kids would have been proud.

Dad had a therapy dog come and visit him as well. An unexpected and awesome treat for Dad. Nothing brings a smile to a face better than shakes and snuggles from our hairy 4 legged friends. Maybe one day Dad will have a therapy dog of his own.

Dad is increasing his standing time during his physical therapy. As well as his coordination and upper body strength by wheeling himself around the hospital wing. Imagine the concentrating grin on his face as he, very nearly blindly, follows the voice ahead of him down the path. Steer to your left, now straight, slow down a little you have a wall coming up. Dad asked if he had a special racing wheel chair, because he noticed the wheels had a slight camber to them. He seemed a little bummed to learn his chair was just a “normal” chair. It matters little though because soon Dad will be racing along.

Please continue to pray for Dad’s healing, especially for his sight. Also, please pray for us, his family, as we attempt to maintain some sense of normalcy for ourselves and the kids while trying to make the hour long trip over to see Dad everyday.

Thank you all so much for your constant prayers, please don’t forget to leave a comment so we know you’re there, sometimes I feel like I’m writing to update myself... emails and phone calls work too.

~With Integrity

Milestones

When asked about Dads progress, “big picture style,” I have to stop and look at the gigantic hurdles he has leapt past every day. Thirty-two days of recovery since his mishap. Dad is out of ICU, and into the rehabilitation phase at RVMC.

He is able to talk to us. Dad has been able to drink and swallow blended food. Dad is able to almost hold his own cup with a straw and help his spoon find his mouth. These simple tasks mean he is on the path to rehabilitation. His brain is working at telling his muscles what to do and they are listening. Dad is starting to process tasks like, move your arms this way, move your legs that way. You can hand Dad a small piece of rope with a knot in it, and he can untie it and tie a better one for you. Dad is flying by these milestones. Some of them so fast that we don’t really have a chance to dwell on how awesome they are. Dad is able to think about something he needs or wants, and about 97% of the time is able to express his thoughts clearly to us.

Yesterday the bright sunshine was streaming in through the window. It was causing dad’s eyes to hurt. His face starting squinting. He moved his head from one side to the other. Then he shielded his eyes with his hands. Still this didn't help, finally he asked for sunglasses. These are significant markers along this route. After any brain trauma, the body takes time to rebuild pathways, reboot, and restart all the operating systems. The doctors have said it could take him several years to fully “reboot” his brain. The brain is far more complex than a broken leg and knee. These also take time to heal, but we are able to “watch” the improvement.

In a few more weeks we will know more about the game plan of Dad’s knee. Right now the main goal is to get it healed enough that he can start to put some weight on it. Speaking of weight, today during therapy, Dad stood up. We helped him pull himself forward, and balance on his “good” leg. Three times Dad was able to do this. Each time becoming more steady. Woo hoo! Another milestone surpassed. 32 days in and our first stand up. Soon he will be trotting around the hallways.

Seeing for Dad is a major prayer request. His vision is limited at best. We have a special eye guy putting a game plan together for us to best help Dad. We knew his vision was going to be affected. You smack your face, you see stars at the very least. Dad has one eye that looks like it should be able to have some vision restored. The other eye we might not be so lucky. God knows the ultimate plan while we only can see glimpses. Please pray that the specialists, Dad and us are wise in our decisions during this part of the recovery phase.

So many miracles, so many miles to go.... Give us strength, and peace.

~With Integrity

Today I wanted to make a special note to say SUPER-DUPER THANK-YOU for everyone who has stopped to take a moment and pray for the process of Dad’s speedy recovery. Thanks for the hugs, meals, random distractions, calls, e-mails, text messages, letters, and postcards. These acts and words have helped bolster ours and Dad’s spirits through this journey. Thank you!

Dad had some very special little visitors yesterday. Riley (5) and Corban (3), finally were able to come and hold dad’s hand. Corban, a little bothered with how Grampa looked in his fashionable hospital gown, was cautious to approach the bed where Grampa was resting. Corban clung on to me, yet wanted to see Grampa up close. While I was answering Corban’s questions about Grampa’s owies, he broke into a little song of “I Love You Grampa.” You could see the smile slowly spread across and take over Dad’s face. As we left Grampa’s room, Corban also insisted on saying “amens” for Grampa. “And God, I just bless you to help Grampa feel better,” he said before he skipped away to draw a picture for Grampa of a rocket ship. A little while later Riley was taken aback as she first saw Grampa. Just at the moment, Grampa is not the infallible pusher of swings and mender of broken things. “He is tired and working on feeling better,” I told Riley. Not wanting to be too close to this overwhelming change, she was happy to draw some pictures of Grampa flying in the sky with an airplane and clouds in the background as I visited with Dad. Riley slowly crept closer until she was in my lap. You could see the joy on Dad’s face as Riley’s fingers wiggled in her Grampa’s hand. I overheard one of Dad’s care team saying, “now that’s the best medicine we can get.”

This morning Dad kept asking me where Riley and that nice little boy were. His brain gets things a bit muddled these days. His care team says it will take a while for that to fully resolve. In the meantime, we will continue to reintroduce Dad to his grandkids and watch his face light up at their songs and snuggles.

Out of ICU, and Into Rehabilitation

At this time, attempting to update you all, I find myself struggling to find the words. I feel dazed and confused. Yes, Dad is out of ICU. Yes, thats a miracle. I keep being reminded of the countless miracles we have seen just to get where we are. Simple things we take for granted. Breathing on our own. Swallowing. Talking. Sitting. Dad is doing all these things and more. I should be elated that Dad is where he is, but for some reason I am sitting here staring at the blank page. This recovery time is a process for us all. This dance is still 2 steps forward, 1 step back. There will be good days hurdling past milestones, and days struggling to reach one. Although yesterday was another amazing leap forward, Dad did have a bit of a setback. Somehow, in the rehabilitation wing, Dad fell out of his bed and hit his head...again. The good news? No injuries. CT was clear. Just a little bump and cut. AAARRRGGGHHH! Really?

Today Dad sat up in a chair for about 4 hours. In this new recovery phase he is being “encouraged” to move his arms, wiggle his toes, remember and say multiple sets of words, to cope with a barrage of multiple sounds and stimuli, all while “resting” and recuperating. He started to get a bit agitated earlier and we quickly realized by closing the door in his room he relaxed and calmed. Now keep in mind he has been “sleeping” for over 3 weeks, so multiple voices all talking at once can be confusing.

This is going to be an adventure balancing the line between pushing Dad towards recovery, and pushing Dad backwards.

I will lie down and sleep in peace,
For you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

~With Integrity