Just as I was getting to the point where I feel like the end of the rope is near, an extra boost comes along. 27 days and nights spent in ICU, 27 trips to visit Dad, 27 blurry trips home. 27 emotionally fraying at the edges days of overwhelmingness... 27 days of “yes dad is still in ICU, but he’s getting better.”
Day TWENTY-SEVEN... How many Miracles can you Count?
Today Dad moved to his new room. A room with a view of recovery. Yesterday was such a good day of adventures and progress in dad’s recovery journey. He not only went from a trach to eating, but he also went on his first outside stroll (in a wheelchair).
Monday’s plan following the 3 hour MRI was to let Dad rest and slowly downsize his trach to the point where it could be capped so he could start to talk. Change of plans team. Tuesday morning when the downsizing Trach’s process started, the decision was made to remove it entirely and give Dad a go at talking. This went so smoothly that some food and drink was offered to Dad. He requested some applesauce and a small drink. I think he’s been spending a lot of time with my kids. They think that’s the perfect snack after a good nap. OK, so over 3 weeks in ICU isn’t really a nap, but its a good snack either way. After Dad’s snack, he was feeling so good they helped him into a wheel chair and went outside for some fresh air. Should I say that again? 4 days ago, dad was still on a vent. He was being tube fed, and just had his jaw wires removed. Yesterday Dad went outside for fresh air. Dad went into the ICU on the 18th of June. 27 days later Dad had breakfast, and is going to get some more fresh air after his exercises. 27 days of talking to dad and his responses varying from nothing to a hand squeeze or slight nod, and today he requested to call home. Dad called Mom! What an awesome gift this morning. I just happened to be at Mom’s house with my son Corban and we all got to hear and talk to Dad/Grandpa for a brief moment. Spirits are all soaring. Dad’s got a lot of work to do before can jump up and push the kids on swings, or chase them in the backyard, but these last couple of days make me feel like we just might be able to survive the journey.
~With Integrity
Awesome news! Thanks for allowing us all to join in the joy! John and Cindy
ReplyDeleteAbsolutley AWESOME News. PTL!!! Thanks for the updates. Still in our prayers daily.
ReplyDeleteMarlin, what a wonderful posting, and an amazing gift you have with words. You painted us a picture and we are able to get into the experience with you all. Thank you so much. Our prayers and love are still with you all. Dorothy & Donald
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amazing, but then again we shouldn't be surprised, because your Dad is one absolutely amazing man!!!! Very exciting news, what a joyous Day. Thank you for keeping us posted through all of this. All of you are in my prayers. Cindy H.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for keeping us posted. Our God is an awesome God, mighty powerful and gracious! We will keep praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Thank you Lord!!! We love you Fosters and keep praying for ongoing and progressive healing!!! Lily (for the Morgans)
ReplyDeleteWow, amazing progress. I will continue to keep you and your family in daily prayer. Thank you for sharing and keeping us updated. Jamie
ReplyDeleteWe were a little delayed in learning about the accident and are truly grateful to be able to read the blog and know what is happening. Thank you for all the updates!
ReplyDeleteWe got to know Eldon and Sandy on our "adventure" in Valley of the Gods, Utah. He pitched in to help after I landed the balloon a ways out in the Valley, where we were forbidden to drive. It turned into an adventure for all of us with pack horse, white water raft crew and a few good laughs. Eldon's skill was a great help and his wonderful can do attitude helped save the day.
You are all living the nightmare all balloonist have... and it sounds like Eldon's wonderful spirit and faith are prevailing. The best to Elson AND Sandy, AND all of his family. We will be watching and hoping! Jay and Jane Jennings
Dear Marlin and Sandy:
ReplyDeleteYour situation is so close to home. Just 4 days prior to Eldon's accident my son-in-law Paul had a terrible head injury too. It left him in a induced come for over 10 days, he was in ICU at RMVC from June 10 until about a week ago. He too has to learn to speak, think, walk, eat, and like you said even breathe again. So far he is doing great. He is in rehab now at RVMC. I hope you have met my daughter and can relate, share and pray together. We KNOW the only reason Paul is still with us is unending prayer, God is SOOO God, and I beleive you have that same belief and knowledge of God in your dad/husband's situation. I have told my daugther, Lisa about Eldon and try to hook up together. I would like to become one of your prayer partners too, we have so much going on that is similar. Oh by the way, Sandy, I remember you in school. I am Janice Gorman, now Cottrell. Small world?
I am sure you will run into Lisa and Paul at rehab. He is getting around really good now, (when Lisa was told Paul's right side was affected and that side would be severely (walking) affected, (but it doesn't seem to be!!! It is so great to stand in the middle of this situation and see actual miracles unfold. Praise Jesus!!!!
My prayers are with you both and most of all with Eldon.
Janice