So I woke up this morning to a phone call from my sister. She was wondering if I had checked in w/ the hospital yet---something I do every morning to see how my fathers night was and then I report to her and my mom---it's hard for my mom to make that call. So I got up while the house was still quiet and came downstairs with my husband. He had opened the door to the side porch so we stepped outside. It was one of those perfect summer mornings, temperature was just right, nice breeze, birds chirping, sun (FINALLY) shining and it smelled so good out there. It was the kind of morning that made me wish I drank coffee and read the newspaper so I could sit out there and do just that. Then I thought of my dad and how he'd love to do that and then I thought of something my mom told me he said every morning to her---be it 20 below zero or raining.... "good morning--look at this beautiful day God has given us". I couldn't help but think it was going to be a good day!
The phone call to the hospital was good news. His nurse said he had a great night, he was moving his right arm a bit and that his ICP (brain pressure) was at 2. WHAT? Are you kidding me? Our visit today was good. Dare we say he's turned a small corner? We walked in to find him w/out a single tube on his face and looking much more relaxed and comfortable!!! He is still not awake but he is breathing completely on his own. Every once in a while he forgets (he has been on a ventilator for 9 days) and that's a bit scary but he gets it right back. He was lifting his right arm up and moving it, moving his big toe on his right foot, his shoulder and his head. Lots of swallowing, moving his mouth and steady breathing when I read to him from his bible again. His fever was down, his swelling near the bone flap was down, his blood pressure is still a bit high but much better than yesterday. No results from the neurological tests yet.
Let's hope and pray that this is the first of many good days on his road to recovery. We know it's going to be a really long road but we've all signed up for the ride.
Thanks again to all of you who are reading this and praying for him. Please, if you're reading, leave a comment. I know when my Dad is well he will love to read about his journey back to us and to see how many people were praying for him!
Also, thank you to all of you who are visiting us at the hospital. It means so much to the entire family. If you haven't stopped by but want to, please do. We'd love to see you. The waiting room gets lonely sometimes and the clock ticks slowly.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
God is good!!! Prayer is powerful :). I was so hoping and praying that when the intibation tube was removed he would be more comfortable and not so agitated and upset. I know my mom was. This is such terrific news!! I am still praying and keeping all of you in my thoughts. I do believe this small corner was turned and even more to come!! God bless you all. Hugs to you all as well.
ReplyDeleteJan
I pray for you guys everyday in my morning and nightlies... Just knowing that He is working though you all. Lots of love and prayers and healing thoughts. Today is the first of many good days.
ReplyDeletePatti (cm)
Ahhh...that is such good news!! I can tell he is such a fighter!! He will come back to you and your family!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the most wonderful posting..you write beautifully and are most kind to keep this blog for all and you are right..your Dad will one day be reading this all.
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled beyond words for your family and especially your dear mother, our flickr friend. One day at a time, one hour at a time but it seems the journey is looking most hopeful ...peace and prayers. Lila Rose
Absolutely wonderful news Lisa!!! I'm so happy for you and your entire family t hat it looks like a small corner is being turned. I remember those days fondly with my Dad and your Dad will love to come back and read this one day when he is well. I'm excited beyond words and still sending out loads of prayers. xoxo
ReplyDeletePraise God!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that prayes are being answered! This is a great step in the right direction! Your Dad is so blessed to have such a wonderful and dedicated daughter and family. He is fighting and trying so hard to come back to all of you. Prayers will continue...Love you guys. Ali
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteOur journey has been like a roller
coaster, sending us through many high
and to many lows. There were times it took effort to breath or even smile.
Times with my faith was tested and times it was restored. We had days when emotions ran high. Yet we reached
out to one another and it comforted
our pain. To those outside the family
who reached out, my gratitude is unmeasureable. God sent us so many angles. This has united our family and made us strong. I have spent more time with my family these past two weeks then this past year. I have treasured every second and realize now what the meaning of live is. It is our legacy our love. All the small things we worry about are so
insignificant. In a hospital bed lies
a man who knew all to well the meaning of life. He was not searching his faith was strong. My Dad is kind and caring and the most unselfish person I know. He has always been my hero. To know Kraig is to love him.
After the day he had today, I feel like God is hearing our prayers. The best day will be when my Dad opens his
eyes. I miss his beautiful blue eyes. I do know that when God finally brings my father back, I will cherish every second ,every Minute, every day. This has been a bitter reminder. Please, to everyone following Lisa's blog continue to keep Kraig in your prayers. Lisa you are a gifted writer. So I will end this by quoting My Dad, this was a beautiful day that god gave us!
arrrgh.. great and release...this is such a great news.. as i know bout all this how he has gone thru and i know this is the first step of knowing he is a strong man and will aok soon.
ReplyDeletemy dad was in in his situation for more than three weeks..and be fine
my prayers be with you always..
and to the family.. He needs your support more and more each day..
the strength that you gave to him are marvellous.. love... ari
I´m so glad to read good news, Your parents are one of the most beautiful and lovely couples that I have seen in Flickr.I will keep praying for him and for all your family
ReplyDeleteLove
Gabbcan
How glad I am to read such a good news this morning.
ReplyDeleteAs you said there's a long way ahead of you but your father seems to be a strong and fighting man, all the prayers and love surrounding him will give him the strength needed to overcome all this little by little.
I keep on praying for him and all your family
Hugs Stéphanie ( Baloochester)
What good news to wake up to this morning Beez! It's really encouraging to hear of the small steps Kraig's taking towards recovery and the day when he awakens and you can once again tell him I love you and he'll be able to respond in kind, either verbally or physically-all your prayers and attention to his care are the things that expedite his recovery, and he'd be so proud of you, and all of you...in reading the other comments, it's also good that this whole experience has also brought your family closer as well- also great news. I know that it did the same for us when Charlie was going through his illness, so continue on that path- you won't regret it...Love you always!
ReplyDeleteI so loved reading all of these wonderful comments this morning...I wanted to write last night...but I was so exhausted and overwhelmed with emotion. Coming home after a long day at the hospital...to an empty house where Kraig should be...sleeping on the couch..snoring away..saddens me. I miss him so...and have never prayed so much in my whole life. God is good..and he has brought Kraig this far...and we have to believe he will continue to improve. He is strong..and his faith is even stronger. So many angels out there praying...some for a total stranger. Somehow, they seem to know what an unselfish...kind and wonderful man your dad is, Lisa. This blog is a fabulous idea, and you're such an eloquent writer. Thank you for doing this for Dad...and all of us. I wish that more would comment....give their thoughts. I'm going to church this morning...to give thanks to God for all of the many blessings he's bestowed on us in the last couple weeks. I wish that dad could be there holding my hand. May the healing continue...and I hope that God continues to give all much needed strength. We need to lean on Him. Mitzi and Milo are looking out the window together...do you think they're looking for Kraig. :)) Much love.
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic news!! I pray for your family and you day every day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic post to read today!
It's encouraging to hear a bit of good news in this. I've been where you are and know how emotionally draining it can be. Your dad (and mom too of course) mean the world to me and are both amazing people. Knowing that your family is going through such a time pains me, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I predict that when Kraig, through his strength, family, and faith, emerges from this "bump in the road of life", the net outcome will be largely positive. It will bring your family closer together, give everyone a new perspective on things, and of course help to appreciate even more what you have that many other families don't - a great father/husband. Until things are back to normal, please know I'm continuing to pray for the whole family to get through this and that something positive comes from it.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Tammy and I am friends with Sherry on Flickr. I just wanted to stop by and see how Kraig is and to say that I am still praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that he had a good day yesterday, and I'm sure he will have many more now. I know you realize that there will be some bad days too, but with all of the support and prayers from family and friends, as well as Kraig's inner strength, you'll all make it through this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm Zim from flickr. Just checking to see how your father is doing today and very very relief to hear that he's improving. This is a nice idea, to keep a journal for him and also the family and friends. Will not stop sending prayers your dad's way.
ReplyDeleteI've been in these shoes you all are walking in now, not with a spouse, but with my Dad. I know each day brings on new and more emotions. Although my outcome with my Dad wasn't one I had hoped for as he passed away, every second I got to spend worth him is such a memory. It too brought our family together in such a incredible way. That bond has never been broken.
ReplyDeleteHaving worked in the neuro ICU, patients who seemed like they had no hope of recovery did so with amazing will. Kraig sounds like a person who has incredible will to make it through this. I believe he will. Patients like this seem to continue to run with a high BP, due probably to all the machinery they are hooked up to. Once he wakes up and is able to be off the vent.it should go down. The fact that he is breathing on his own is a very positive sign.
I'm praying for a complete recovery. But, even is there are some tiny challenges left over, having him here is waht counts.
You asll keep ahnging in there, for each other and for him. He needs to hear your voices, your touch, your love. When you go in to visit with him, mkae sure to keep everything as normal as possible. Laugh, tell jokes, converse in a positive way like nothing is going on. He will get a sense of normallcy and that he is fine.
God bless you all. Sending love an prayers several times a day. xoxoox
Michele (lizardgal)
....sending lots of prayers and good thoughts....
ReplyDeleteI know this is such a hard time for all of you. I know that God is watching over your dad, and your family.
{{{{{Hugs}}}}}
~Babs
("Babs1696" - flickr)
For I know that my Redeemer lives. Job 19:25
ReplyDeleteMitzi and Milo knew that Kraig will be back soon. they missed him too
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear such positive news about your dad. What a relief! I believe this is only one of many steps in the right direction for him. He knows you are there reading to him daily and holding his hand. Continue this close contact with him.....help him to know that you are there and waiting for him to come back to you. I am so proud of you for all that you have done these past couple of weeks. You are a strong woman, devoted daughter, dedicated mother and wife and wonderful friend. Hang in there and try to smile every day.
There is a poem/movie on-line called "The Dash." It was sent to me when my brother passed and helped to remind me how life should be lived. From all that I read in this blog and from talking to you, it sounds like your dad already lives life to the fullest, as this poem reminds us to do. For all of you who haven't read/seen The Dash, I'd take the time to do so. Turn up the volume...beautiful music accompanies each verse as well as gorgeous photos of nature. Your dad is going to pull through this, Lisa, and continue to live life as this poem intends.
Love, Jan Murphy
i knew how it feels when clock ticks too slow and lonely.
ReplyDeletei wish i could be there too ..