Dad had what his care team call, “Good” sleep and rest. As if one can actually sleep or really rest though anything in ICU. The plan was almost successful. Dad had his spa Day. He also got a new trach, he did not however make it to the MRI for the scan. Something about, well to be honest, I have no idea, but I certainly can come up with a very convincing reason why Dad has to wait. Give me a second. OK, the reason will start out with this group of Bikers who... maybe we will wait for that story for later time....
What I do know is Dad’s MRI is on the books for Monday. Then we can get back on this train of recovery. Of course we are assuming that the scan comes back telling us his neck is clear. Keep praying about this. We are all still wondering just what pain in his neck he is indicating. Yeah I know, you were thinking that pain in his neck is me, but we still don’t know. Good news though. With this new trach thats in Dad is now able to “talk” to us a bit. Still several days out, but his talking will become a more regular happening as both Dad heals and the trach is reduced in size. In the official notes Dad’s care team mentioned that he first asked if he could “go outside and go for a walk”. I just have to stop, allow that tear to splash down my cheeks, and smile. Not only does that tell us that Dad is ready to get on with this process of recovery, it tells us that he’s looking to the future. The ICU can be a place where the mind checks out, but such praise and what a miracle. Dads is going to be OK. Yes it’s down a really really long road, but he is going to recover. The care team says full recovery should be in about 3 years. Yikes, it already feels that long. How long has it been? 3 weeks? I still cant sleep right. When I do, its a weird half sleep, and I don’t have all the alarm bells and beeps going on around me. Its in the quiet where my mind gets lost. I can only imagine how mom is coping with this current saga. She is a rock. Going on strong. Keeping her wits about.
I am constantly asked how mom is doing? She has her days. Just like me, just like everyone. There are those good days and the days where, as my daughter says, “Daddy, you just have to pretend that your going to have fun.” For better or worse. Mom is the wife of a retired yet adventurous fire man. Every day of Dad working to put out fires, rescue kittens stuck in trees and save lives could have been the day Dad didn’t come home. Each morning mom had to mentally process through. Today could be that day. Not to be morbid, but reality says that we should all recognize that today could be that day. Its the end of life that keeps the circle going. The Bible tells us to never let the sun go down on anger and to cherish, each and every moment with our loved ones because only God knows the plans set for us. After 30 years processing this daily, Mom has some mental safeguards already in place. She knew the process and steps she would take and simply started down that journey, a few steps ahead of everyone else. I compare it to cooking with a seasoned chief. They know 17 steps ahead of in the recipe exactly when the salt is sprinkled in when I am at step 3, still waiting for the water to boil. Mom is going on, because there is no pause button for life. Mom is doing good. Mom is recovering on schedule. Mom has her good days and the rest. She, just like me, just like countless of other folks who know and love Dad, needs prayer and encouragement. We all have many recovery miles to cover.
~With Integrity
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