Monday, August 19, 2013

Home sweet home! The Final Post


My apologies for not updating the blog in the last few days…  This will be the final post in this blog and I’m so relieved at the note we’re leaving on!  Richard came home from the hospital last Tuesday evening (August 13th) to the surprise and delight of ALL of us!  I’m sure part of it is that there’s an amazing spirit in my Old Man full of fight and tenacity that’s helped him through; however, I KNOW that the faith, prayers, and fasting of family and friends more than tipped the balances.  It’s truly a miracle that Dad has come through this the way he has and in the condition he has!

 

            Mom and the family still have a few hills to climb with dad needing physical therapy to strengthen his left side.  Dad will have some mild short term memory issues for a while as well as a bit of flat affect personality.  Flat or Blunt Affect is a condition where the individual isn’t as emotionally expressive and doesn’t initiate conversation as readily.  All of these are very temporary and are vanishing as the days go by. 

 

            Please feel free to call or come by the home and visit for the latest and greatest news!  Your company would be most welcome! 

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Every Sunday my Mom makes Sunday dinner and anyone who can make it is invited. And knowing my mom, that really does mean anyone.  :)

This Sunday we kept up the tradition, just at a different location!

It started off with hugs in the hospital bed.  My dad is up to his usual tickling.  They loved it.


Then a few climbed aboard my dad's wheelchair and Nikolas drove.  He did a great job and only ran into one bush during our adventure.  


We dined at the hospital cafeteria, and yes, some of us are heathens and purchased our food.  Just for the record, my mom brought hers and didn't spend a dime.  


Sometimes 8-year-olds forget how to feed themselves.  Especially when surrounded by goofy, cute cousins.  


Then it was off to see the waterfall.  We decided not to stay too long.  Do you see Ryan there?  He has a fondness for hospital ponds.  He swam in the McKay pond just last week.  


We continued our walk and found some shade.  Nikolas let my dad borrow his hat.  Doesn't everybody know scars shouldn't see sunlight?  And those of you who know my grandpa Harold, isn't there a likeness?


The children ran around a maze.  Someone really smart put that in.  It kept them entertained for a good hour while my dad watched.  


And then we had to take a few minutes for a parent/daughter photo op.  Good grief I am enormous.  



We returned a very tired grandpa to his room and found a can of root beer on his table.  Some wonderful person left it while we were gone.  The grandchildren insisted that it be opened and a few had to taste it to make sure it was good.  It was!

We all agreed that was the most fun we had had in a while.  So grateful to have had it with you, Dad!



Sunday, August 11, 2013


     I came home from the hospital to find the yard festooned with pink ribbons the significance of which brought tears to my eyes. Thank you secret sneak. He will see it all soon.

     Mother took great care that I never missed a day of school through grade school, junior high and high school so that I could get that 100% attendance certificate at the end of each school year. I am sure that I spread every communicable disease that a child could impart to her fellows in the accomplishment of that attendance. Weekends and summer vacations were the times for flu, measles and so forth.  True to form, Mother has got to be behind this.

     Richard will come home Wednesday, and school begins Thursday. My children and friends will be tending my dear husband for a few weeks on the days when I am working while he gets stronger and becomes independent.
    
     The rapidity of his homecoming and recuperation is a miracle. We have been carried on your prayers. They have been tangibly helping us through the shock, trauma, and now his miraculous recovery. I feel very deeply and have since the beginning of the blog, that there are those who are reading this who will feel the spirit, gain a testimony of the power of prayer, and come to know our Savior better because of all of this. Maybe it is just that we needed to, but dear readers, maybe it is you.

     Richard enjoys your calls. Thank you for your friendship. We will all be changed for the better.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Two Weeks Later....


Well... while the hospital is entertaining
and all... he is ready to be done.
In fact, as of this weekend or possibly as
'late' as Monday, he will be!
It is rather astonishing to me!!
The man just had brain surgery for heavens
sake! He says he is terribly bored and wants out!
He is doing amazingly well!
His memory seems to be bouncing back every day.
Though he has told a few people that he was
admitted for a four wheeler accident, some get
"I think I was having seizures" or "I'm not sure but I
want to get out of here."
Therapy is going extremely well!
He has physical, cognitive and speech and he is doing great things in each of them!
He has a gnarly scar on his head and supposedly
all 65 staples get to come out any day now.

until his hair grows back - bald is beautiful.
Think of Sting, Bono, Bruce Willis..... um Sting......

We are just so so so grateful!
We love Daddy ever so much and he truly is
a bit of a miracle!
I am so grateful that we get to keep him and that
he is going to recover!
Thank you so much for your prayers and your calls!
Thank you for visiting him and taking care of my mom!
We are surrounded by the bestest people and it has been amazing to see the love and concern that so many of you have shown for our family!
Thank you so much for helping us through this!

Monday, August 5, 2013









Today my dad got to move to the Murray IHC hospital for rehab.  My mom was able to transport him and it seems that at some point during their conversation he was finally able to tell her that he knew he had been in a four wheeler accident.  Maybe what we thought was cloudy thinking is really just a way for him to keep his four wheelers. He's in denial! 

My mom said the facility is beautiful and is one of the best for rehab.  There is even an indoor track.  Go Dad, go!  He is on the twelfth floor and has a beautiful view of the Salt Lake valley.  

We are so grateful for all of those who came to visit him at McKay.  He loved being with you, even if he couldn't remember the visit later.  We know it will be more difficult to visit him during the 5-10 days he is in Murray, but we know he would love a phone call (if he will pick up).  His direct number is 801-507-1219.  Also, he won't be able to visit until after 4:00.  He is a busy boy now! 

We love you all!  Thank you for your prayers on his behalf!

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Day #12

Sunday, August 4


It is hard to think back on the last week and a half and not be humbled by the outpouring of love, prayers, and blessings. Thank you. To see what Richard is able to do today, what he looks like, and how he talks is nothing short of miraculous. I have a testimony of the power of priesthood blessings, the power of fasting, and the knowledge that the Lord knows best. We go to rehab tomorrow. He may be home in 5 to 10 days!


Saturday, August 3, 2013

Day #11

"E.T. - phone home."
It can be hard to not keep glancing at the very bright and
cheerful glow on the tip of his finger. Today we thought we
would document it for him.

Daddy had some visitors today, and it meant so very very much! I just have to share one bit of a conversation that was had....
Chuck, good friend of Dad's, came. He asked Dad, "So Rich, (I am going to paraphrase here) how did this happen? Do you know why you are here?"
Dad pondered for a moment and then replied, 
"It has not yet been revealed to me."
We giggled about that for awhile, and then became rather sober.
We kind of took the day and ran with it. We were all feeling a bit like emotional whoopee cushions ready to pop at a given moment. So, Mom and Char visited with Daddy in the morning and told him what we were about and that we would see him in the evening.
We spent the day in Park City playing so we could unwind a little.
It was much needed!
Mom, Char and I (with my three littles) went to see him in the evening and as we were about to enter his room, his nurse caught us and said, "Oh, he has been asking where you are!" (to mom).
We went in and gave hugs and smooches and Dad immediately took Mom's hand and said, "When can I go home?"
Oh heart!
There is some confusion and again memory recall that we are working on. He is doing so very well! He is rather fuzzy on details. He forgets why he is there.
Mom said, "Who came to visit today?"
"Nobody."
"What about Craig?"
"Oh yes, he came!"
"Yes, and who came with him?"
"Blake."
So it is there, he just needs a few gentle hints.
He ate dinner and talked to the kiddos.
Char and I got him to laugh really hard and it felt really good to see him so happy! He was even teasing us and when he overheard Mom talking to his sister and mentioning how 'near death' he had been he said, "Geez, Ma... I'm right here." We had a good laugh.
He is just a sweet and gentle giant and is making leaps and  bounds every day! The nurse said he would probably be fuzzy for awhile and that it is normal.
Meanwhile, it is hard to leave him there.
He is so loved and we are so very grateful for the visits he had today! He needs his family and friends!





Friday, August 2, 2013

Day #10


Well - Daddy used a walker and was
able to get himself around on his own a bit
today. He got a shave for the right side of his
head and looks absolutely brilliant!! His left
eye is mostly open and he is doing fantastic!!!
The raspiness of his throat is gone, though he doesn't
have his usual BOOM of a voice. Rather soft spoken just now. He got to see his grand kids today and
the look on his face when he held my youngest was just priceless!! He is eating and doing fantastic!
There are a few memory glitches, but even the ones from
yesterday are back. Meaning he forgot a few names. But today, he knew them all! We aren't worried!
He has gotten rid of a few more tubes and we got
some smiles out of him.
Still extremely tired, but compared to even a few days ago he is something of a miracle!!
I am so very grateful, because we need him desperately!

So come on over and see him!
Visitors approved!
If you wouldn't mind, just keep your visits short.
Even to just five or ten minutes. He gets
pretty tired really fast!!
Just be warned that Monday, he will be moving. Possibly to another facility. We are hoping that he will get to stay. The problem being that they don't have a bed available in the rehabilitation section until Wednesday. They have already approved him to move on he is doing so well!
You can't keep a good man down!!!
Thank you for being so understanding about the visits!
He will be so excited to see some new faces!
Again, just keep it short.
We are so grateful for all the thoughts and prayers!

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Richard with his sister Lorna

Two steps forward, one step back, and so on.  I was in a business meeting this morning and I got a call from the hospital.  I took the call and heard Richard's voice, "Shaye, how are you?"  It was a shock.  Michelle helped him call all his children today which was awesome.  Today Richard was doing well enough to stand up and walk down the hall with the assistance of 2 aids. He was bearing his own weight and initiating the steps. He pulled out two more tubes.  Yes, again.  This time he pulled out his feeding tube and his oxygen line.  Again, both self improvements proved timely.  They decided to see how he did without them and he did well. With the ventilator out, the other tubes out, and marked physical improvement, he was moved from the ICU to a medium care room.   He had a great big breakfast (first meal in over a week), then he had a nice lunch.

He has been very kind and easy going.  He rarely complains about pain and always says he is doing good. He got to see some of his grand kids today for the first time which he liked.  He has been asking about them. We brought a video that was made for his 60th birthday which is about 40 minutes of pictures from his life.  He watched the whole thing and seemed to enjoy it. He also got to talk with his sister Lorna on the phone today which you could tell he enjoyed.

He is still a bit cloudy and having a hard time remembering or putting things together.  He isn't sure why he is in the hospital, he doesn't recall the accident, he tried calling his mother who is passed away, and a few things like that.  But he also remembers many things from past and present. He recalls several names, past events, circumstances, names of songs and the like.  But it is just a little fuzzy for him at the moment and he is a bit confused. He asked me about 4 times today, "What's the plan here?" So I tried to explain that we are going to do this hospital thing for awhile and then he can go home.

He had a beanie on his head to cover his surgery, but he won't allow it. So the nurses just gave up and took it off.  He told us today that he doesn't think he looks good in a white beanie. He has about 70-75 staples on the left side of his head and quite a scar.  I showed him a picture of himself (of the non scar side) and he said, "handsome." Whoever shaved his head for the surgery would be fired if he/she was a barber.  They basically shaved 2/3 of his head and left the rest. Given the emergency nature of the surgery, I'm sure they were not thinking about his vanity.  I brought some clippers and am going to finish the job in the morning with the nurses help. BTW, he has a nice head for being bald.

The no visitor rule is unfortunately still in play.  He mostly needs his wife and children around him and lots of rest. Thank you for prayers, kindness, and support.  Michelle is holding together well but is also in need of some private time and rest.  If you would like to say something to him, comment on this post or send a text and we will read it to him during one of his more awake times.  Thanks again, Shaye


John 5:8 "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."


 I believe in God.  I know that He exists, and I am a witness that He hears and answers prayers.  A day ago my father was on a ventilator with a touch of pneumonia in his left lung in the ICU.  He was responding hit and miss with positive signs (hand squeezes, nods of the head, etc.), but 90% of the time simply asleep.  The doctors were planning for days more in the ICU and contemplating a tracheotomy if my father’s dependence on the ventilator continued.

                Friends and family have been praying and sending their love.  My mother asked our family and anyone who would care to join to fast on behalf of my Dad.  Almost immediately my father ripped out his ventilator and remained stable (See last post), and began speaking!  Last night my sister Andrea and I were giving him little sponge tastes of orange juice (lots of coughing at first but after a while his swallowing improved and the hoarseness in his voice improved as well!).

                This morning he took my mother’s hand in his and kissed it in greeting.  He also ripped out his N-Tube (nasal feeding tube) on his own (that took some guts!), and begged for juice, melon, and anything else he could think of!  Luckily he passed his swallow test first thing so that he could imbibe!  During his first physical therapy session they asked if he could get out of bed.  When he responded “Yes” they put a belt on him and with a physical therapist on both sides of him he WALKED DOWN THE HALL AND BACK!!!  This is the same man who 24 hours beforehand needed the help of 4 physical therapists just to stand like a wet noodle and immediately be put back in bed.  He’s still a little weak on his left side, but WOW! 

                My father recognizes everyone by name.  He is lucid.  He is stable, and he’s going to be moved out of the ICU once the doctors make their rounds today!

                It was one week ago today that my father had his surgery and was admitted to the ICU.  At that point the physicians were bracing us for the very worst.  One week later my father is walking (albeit not on his own), sitting up in the hospital recliner, and conniving for juice and food stuffs - all this with no apparent permanent damage to his mental or physical abilities.   Within the last 24 hours we have been witnesses to an absolute miracle. 

                My family and I are keenly aware that more righteous, faithful, and deserving men and women have been called home to their Father in Heaven in similar circumstances.  The mysteries of God are great and I don’t pretend to understand them.  I do know that I’ve witnessed a miracle and that my family and I are grateful for the outcome. 

My father should be strong enough VERY soon to accommodate visits and phone calls (I’m so happy to say!).  We’ll announce that time with bells and whistles when it does!  Thank you for your continued prayers, thoughts, love and patience!  It’s made ALL of the difference!   I’m in awe of the capacity for love and compassion that I’ve witnessed among all of you that my family and I are proud to call friends.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Day #8 (part 3)




The watch that daddy was determined to have back.
It was dropped overboard and obviously, Daddy couldn't get
it off of his mind. So he made a deal with some friends from the ward.
They put on their scuba suits and found
it on the bottom of Pineview, a week later, still ticking.
The power of Suunto.

Just to round off the evening....
Matthew and I stopped at the hospital hoping to get in on some awake time with Daddy.
Success!!! He opened his eye and we had a great little conversation! His throat is very sore. The doctor said that usually they deflate the balloon before pulling it out. So when these rebel guys take out their own tubes, they miss out on the opportunity of dealing with the professionals and it can be quite painful!
He was extremely lucid, and knew who we were. We were wondering if there was some slight memory loss earlier, but he was right with us on everything.
He would keep falling asleep and then every 30 seconds or so would wake up and we would keep going with the conversation. He kept asking for some water. We were allowed to let him suck on a sponge on a stick that we dipped in water. After a few swabs of those he sighed and said "can't I have something else?"
(he sure sounds like my grandpa Harold
with his raspy throat!)
We rounded up a nurse and got him a tiny bit of orange juice. 
"Oh that is excellent!"
"Give me some more!"
"More please!"
"That's delicious!"
"More please"....

"Daddy, who is your favorite kid?"
"You. More please"
His voice got a little less raspy. But oh was he tired. He gave our hands some very strong squeezes! We couldn't get him to open that left eye for us, though he had done that earlier.
We played him the theme song from "All Creatures great and small" and there was a definite look of satisfaction with that little tune.
It was so good! He is definitely with us! We are just praying that his oxygen levels stay up so that he can stay off the ventilator. The doctor said that just maybe he could have something to eat tomorrow. Mom laughed when we told her that he was continually requesting food. Apparently, every time he wakes up from anesthesia, he always wants grapes and cantaloupe.
He said "where is your mother?" 
"She is on a walk with a chum."
"Oh boy!"
He was so very tired! He kept squeezing our hands and fell asleep squeezing mine. We could have stayed all night!!
He had a few coughing fits that scared us. He kept adjusting to get comfortable on that short little bed. And oh boy, was he a sucker for the orange juice!!
Still no visitors, he still isn't strong enough. But we are hoping that he will be moved soon.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!!! What a tremendous fast! I know that it helped him and it sure made us feel a lot stronger and more optimistic!  

Today was awesome and included some laughs.  This is Shaye.  Around 5pm, I went back to visit him.  He was wide awake and said, "Hi." when I walked in the room.  It's amazing to hear his voice after silence for so long, even though it is quite groggy/froggy.  I said, "Hi there.  Isn't this a crazy situation?"  He said, "Yeah."  I asked him several questions and he was answering most of them.  I even told him that he was the one who pulled out his ventilator and he said, "Wow, really."  I asked him if he wanted to watch some All Creatures Great and Small movies and he said he did.  I asked him if he could see the TV which was showing Jeopardy at the time and he said he could.  I asked him if he needed anything and he said, "Root Beer."  I explained that he couldn't have any of that and he said, "I'll talk to the girl (nurse) about it."  When I was leaving, I said, "Rich, I gotta go now and get home to Amanda and the kids. So I will see you tomorrow."  He raised his hand to me and said, "Carry On."  We saw his old personality today which made us all laugh.  Earlier during lunch, after a large burp sound, he nodded his head proudly and Amanda said, "Glad you still have your sense of humor," which made him nod again.  Progress is slow in some ways and fast in others.  It may be a long road, but everyone feels blessed right now. 


Day #8 (part 1)


We had a feeling that he was being trixy, and he was!
He pulled out his ventilator!
Apparently he figured he was done with that.
The nurse said that he is doing so well, that they are leaving it out for now and hopefully for good!!
The nurse said "Rich, how are you feeling? Can I get you anything?"
"Good.... water and sports."
Very froggy sounding, but as clear as you can get after having a tube down your throat for almost a week.
He got the sports but can't have the water.
A sucker maybe? Do they keep those in the ICU?
She gestured to my mom (who apparently screamed when she walked in and saw that the ventilator was gone) and said, "Richard, who is this?"
"That is my wife, Michelle."
He still cannot have visitors, but he did
get to hear some grand kids on the phone.
"Papa! I having juice! Lets swing!"
I wouldn't be surprised if my mom was walking around
the hospital hugging everyone!
It had been a bit of a dismal morning, I think that this news at lunch time has us all rather elated!!

some really good reasons why we love him so much









Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Day #7 (a thrilling little update)


"tall guy in a little bed.... tall guy in a little bed!"..... if anyone has seen Tommy Boy

Over 12 hours without his pain killer and guess what? Good things are happening!
The nurse was showing my sister just how swollen his left side was and opened his eye for him - his left must weigh bricks - but she opened it for him and he was able to keep it open! Wow!! He was able to hold all the pictures that are hung up behind his bed! Charlotte handed them to him one by one and he held them by himself and looked at them with both eyes!
He was very active! He is doing all he can to lay flat in his bed. He must hate that 30 degree angle because he is scooting down so he can lay more comfortably. Also she said that he is doing everything in his power to pull out his breathing tube. He wiggles down and follows his restraining straps with his hands, and is tugging on them and scooting his head down to pull that thing out! We have a Houdini! Not only that, but his gag reflex seems to be coming back full throttle and he is starting to cough and gag on it! This isn't torture, those are the signs that indicate that the breathing tube won't be necessary much longer. The nurse says we are well on our way and we are keeping our fingers crossed!!
Matthew went after work and gave Daddy a blessing. He gave Matthew's hand a big squeeze. He was tired by that time.
Mom was laughing at what a conniving guy he is and warned the nurses that he would find a way to pull out his breathing tube and that they should watch him closely!!
Goodness! Things were feeling so heavy, and not that things have improved a lot, but this is all great news!!
Hurray! Daddy is gagging!.....
Thank you for your prayers and your thoughts! Only a few hours into this fast and already we are seeing so many wonderful things! This long road ahead doesn't seem so rough tonight!!

Day #7





(It is a Polish tradition to put a lock on this particular
bridge. It means your love will last forever.)
 
We anticipate that Daddy will be in ICU for another week. Medium care will be for approximately two weeks and then aggressive hospital physical therapy will be another 3 to five weeks.
His recovery may take months or even years. Again, he isn't allowed visitors for now. The reason for no visitors is because the stimulation that his brain must have right now, must go towards standing, swallowing,
eating, moving his arms and legs and all the other 'normal' activities that we usually don't have to think about. Conversation and visits divert his brain from what is necessary right now.
We are fasting for him today, and breaking our fast Wednesday at dinner and we
are fasting and hoping to be inspired as to how we can help him the most and bless his heart, to get
that man to progress enough that we can get that blasted tube out. We already are feeling some inspiration and here is what has come to us.
First, since he does suffer from anxiety, we are going to reassure him and constantly tell him specific encouragement that he will have an enjoyable life.
Number two, we are going to ask the surgeon if we could use music in any of his therapy. Daddy LOVES music so much that if we could just play some of his favorite tunes during physical therapy? Who knows, maybe.
Third, we have maybe 20, 8x10 pictures of him and family and we are going to take them off the wall and show him a few a day for healthy reminders of what he has going for him.
 
 In physical therapy, they
are trying to get him to stand up. Four people holding him and completely
supporting him is 'much progess'. We discovered that his pain medication might be the reason why he is so stinking drowsy in the morning when the doctor sees him. He doesn't take pain medication during the day, but the night nurses have given him some when he requests it. So the doctor ordered tylenol for future pain relief and we will see how that affects things. It is so hard to get him to try and do things when he is asleep.
Not much by way of hand squeezing today. He is so tired from physical therapy!
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
The doctor says that everyone is different and heals at a different rate. He is very optimistic for his recovery.
 

(A medieval Polish prison)

To Grandpa, From Nik
With Love!

Monday, July 29, 2013

Day #6 (part 2)


Daddy and Mom bought a sailboat this last spring and on one of their first voyages out it fell right off the trailer due to a preemptive strap removal.  Daddy and the boat took a tumble and here is where everything skidded to a stop.  The dock guy looks a little disappointed, but the proud owners maintain joy in ownership.
Daddy had his first physical therapy session this morning.  It pretty much consisted of the therapist doing every bit of the work, swinging his legs over the side of the bed to the floor for him and holding him up.  She tried to get him to support himself in a sitting position, but he wasn't having it yet.  He peeked one eye open and that was the sum-up of his performance.  We couldn't help but feel pretty discouraged.  In the afternoon session of therapy he was able to hold himself up with the therapist assisting his balance.  Andrea called her baby girl, Scarlett (The Bop) to be a motivating voice over speaker phone.  He tried to lift his head when he heard her.  It was pretty sweet to hear and see. He still can't talk because of the breathing tube.  We worry about weakness on his entire left side, but realize that we are in the very beginning stages of this and just need to be patient. Mom told him that he needed to help in his recovery by trying to do strength exercise.  So, he gripped the sides of the bed without opening his eyes and tried doing some crunches and leg lifts.  That made him pretty tired so he slept it off for a few hours.   
On a brighter note! Daddy interlaced his fingers between Mom's fingers like he always does to hold her hand.  He waved at Andrea when she came in the room...as much as the restraints allowed. This daddy of ours likes to pull his tubes out. He pulled out his arterial line which reads his blood pressure all by himself! How helpful of him. :) The nurse said that they were planning on taking it out anyway so he was just being very involved with his care.
He also gave me (Char) 2 great big yawns when I stopped by after work today. I'm trying not to be offended. :) Last but not least he gave one of his strongest coughs today!
For anyone interested, we are having a family and friends fast beginning tomorrow evening at 6.  If Daddy doesn't come off his breathing tube within the next couple of days they are going to do a tracheotomy.  Though temporary, it is something we really don't want him to have, so our fast is for him to be strong enough to breathe all on his own.
Thank you all again for your love and prayers sent our way! We feel like we're living in a hug these days:)



Day # 6 (Part I)

Thank you SO much for the outpouring of prayers, thoughts, and love directed towards our father and family. When you stand in my father's room in the ICU it feels like you're standing on holy ground.
 
In the way of an update, quite a bit happened this morning! Dad was taken in first thing for another CT scan and the results were very positive. His brain had been pushed to the side 1.6 cm from the pressure created from the hemorrhage and now his brain has shifted nearly back to normal.  Hopefully the phrase, “that guy’s just a little left of center” won’t apply to my father for very much longer. J
 
Today also started my father’s first regimen with Physical Therapy…  A team of physical therapists had him out of bed and moving (this blows my mind – and they’ll be doing this twice a day for the next little while).  He’s very weak on his left side.  This could mean a lot of physical therapy in dad’s near future.  He’ll be thrilled…
 
A concern is that he’s still dependent on the ventilator for breathing.  He’s just not waking up enough to breathe on his own.  Even though he’s making wonderful progress, responding to questions, giving hand squeezes, and moving both sides of his body, he’s still got some work to do to get out of the ICU, and getting rid of the ventilator is priority one for right now. 
 
Finally, my mother is holding up well.  I’m amazed at what a pillar of strength she is - Truly an elect lady. 
 
Again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  They make all the difference! 

I’ve included one of my favorite pictures of my dad from my childhood.  He spent over two years in the Cook Islands as a young man, and yes, he did catch this shark (as he tells it with a rope, hook, and rotten fish).  You can only imagine the thoughts that crossed my young mind when I first saw this picture of my Old Man - Yeah, he’s pretty cool!

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Day #5

(wearing his dad's glasses and hat)

This morning, dad gave the nurse
two thumbs up and opened both eyes
and wiggled all of his toes!!!
It was a very quiet day and he
is exhausted from yesterday!
The nurse said that we had to whisper
because even hearing the tones of our
'normal' voices made his blood pressure go up.
Mom stayed with him all morning.
She was told that he was doing very well,
but very tired. Yesterday she said "honey, it's me. Do you know who I am?" (squeeze) "should we sell the four wheeler?" (nothing....)
The goal for today was
to 'wean from vent'. He is doing most
of the breathing and when I was there it was
rather frightening because the ventilator would
beep saying "the last two breaths were less
than they should be" (so to speak) but the nurse
said that was all a part of him waking up.
Since he was taking very deep breaths after
that - she said to keep calm - all was as it should be.
His neurosurgeon came and flipped on the lights.
Dad immediately started to stir.
He had him open his eyes, squeeze his hands and wiggle his toes. He asked him to lift up his legs and arms but he was too tired. The doctor seemed very pleased and said, "if you wouldn't mind stepping out I am going to remove the drain from his head.... sucher kit nurse!"
Yes sir!!!!
He is now wearing a white turban, as opposed to the
band aid colored one... and drain less!
Two more things before he can leave ICU!
Cheers!!!!
When my brother and sister (and their spouses) went to visit, daddy opened his eyes and saw them. He nodded in response to my nephew's plea to "please don't sell the four wheeler." He followed the nurse with his eyes and moved his head to keep her in his sight.
He seemed hot and when the nurse asked him if he wanted a fan she got a big 'yes!!'
He gets another CT scan tomorrow and the doctor says he is making excellent progress and they need to be getting him moving about soon.
He squeezed my hand many times today and they were strong, good squeezes!
Thinking of You Today, Dad

 

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Day #4



Apparently he ran two marathons today!
The sedation-vacation was a huge success!
Apparently daddy is a bit of a light-weight when
it comes to sedation drugs.
10 minutes after they took him off the sauce, he
became agitated. He started being very responsive
to the nurse and the doctor said it was 'amazing and
rather astonishing'.
That was VERY good news!
The moment Amanda walked in the room he saw her and gave her a little wave.
(that was my favorite part of the day)
He opens his right eye. The left appeared to be
a little swollen. Though I think he opened that later. He looked right at my mom and squeezed her hand. He made eye contact with me and looked at the wall where all the pictures that the grand kids had made were plastered. He squeezed all of our hands. He moves his head around to adjust himself on his pillow.
Apparently his foot had an itch so we rubbed some lotion on it and gave his feet a massage.
He shook his head no when asked if he was in pain or if he was uncomfortable. He gagged and coughed every time they repositioned him. Though the breathing tube is his friend, it sure doesn't seem that way to him.
understandably.....
He became rather over-stimulated, so we had to leave and let him rest. Thus limitations with visitors and with ourselves as well.
Today was huge! Probably too huge.
Tomorrow they will very likely remove the drain from his head. He is now breathing on his own but with a bit of added pressure from the machine.
We got huge thumbs up from the doctor
and the nurses. Though now there is a sign on his door saying to 'shush' and let him rest.
His blood pressure is borderline though that
is very likely because he is in pain.
Oh we love him so!!

Also, they need to find a bed that is tall enough for him.
His poor feet keep pushing against the foot board.

Day #3


Lots of good things today!
He is moving both arms and legs so
we know he isn't paralyzed.
He tried to open his eyes for the nurse.
He squeezed some hands.
He responded to the neurological tests fairly favorably.
The drain tube was collecting mainly cerebral fluid and not blood so we were told that it might be removed tomorrow.
He moved his lips in response to mom talking to him.
It was a very delightful and rather sweet moment, especially considering what she said,

"i don't envy you of the headache
you will have when you awake.
Meanwhile, sleep well,
and dream of large women." (the princess bride)

He was obviously agitated by the breathing tubes and would try to raise his hands to fix 'whatever that was'. His pupils are no longer dilated and are responding normally. His cat scan today showed that his brain was almost back to normal. No more bleeding! It had shifted quite a bit due to the pressure.
He tried to override the breathing tube, which was a great sign. He was given a blessing, which was awesome!
We were told that things were still up in the air from the nurse and his doctor.
He had a very slight fever, but that was normal. His temperature was back down shortly after having a few ice packs placed on his arms.
Today felt more positive - especially after the blessing. He is obviously listening and could hear us. We tried desperately to be still and just hold his hands. He furrowed his brow a lot and it just seemed as though he could open his eyes 'any minute.'
My brother said "Dad, I'm going to go now, I love you!"
Daddy reached out trying to find him, and when Matt grabbed his hand, Daddy squeezed it.
(that was my favorite part of today)
The doctor ordered a 'sedation vacation' for tomorrow morning. Meaning that they would take him off the sedation medication and see how well he responds.