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