Long Day

Okay - not to complain the THAT IS A LONG WAY AWAY! The trip was good with out any traffic jams so I should be thankful!

I haven't seen dad since Tuesday. He and mom both looked okay. Mom is holding up better than most would in her situation. I'm very proud of her. Dad isn't going to win any beauty pageants but didn't look like he was on death's door either! Dad has the respirator going into his mouth. I hadn't seen him like that before and it took my breath just for a moment. Not the big bruit man who used to let me jump on his tummy while holding my hands for balance. He is very swollen on his arms, hands, legs and feet. He started having signs of dehydration a few days ago so they have been pushing fluids. The swelling is a sign of that extra fluid. His blood pressure continues to jump into the 200s one minute and five minutes later is pitting in the 50s. UofM cut his sedation down so he is a little alert. I said a few different things to him and he responded with a slight head movement back in forth (no) or up and down (yes). One of those conversations was about his friend Gerrit from Godwin. The man mom was thinking of was not right. Then I described a guy I had seen a couple of time and he gave us a no. He then opened his eyes to talk - I told him to let it go, he could introduce us later. Also, when I first got there I leaned over and give him a kiss, said Randy and Ben were with me and that I love him. He gave a slight smile and moved his mouth. Of Course I know he was saying he loves me the most of all us girls (not really - but it sure sounds good). There were a few other times when mom and I were talking that dad would open his eyes and try to see us. I think he wanted to have a part in the conversation. I never saw dad move his limbs, but he squeezed moms hand when she asked him to. When we went to leave he also closed his mouth and leaned my way when I was kissing his cheek.

Dad has a very long way to go - but I feel we are in the right place and he is fighting to come back to us! The staff has been wonderful to mom and dad. I shared all the comments and emails we have received. Mom was thrilled and a little overwhelmed.

Sister Heidi found a great hotel for mom to stay in. Cheep week day rates and very clean. It's only about 10 minutes from the hospital. The best way to get them a note is email or a card sent to the hospital or their house (I brought up 4 cards today). Okay, okay - here is a funny! I opened the cards and read them to mom and dad. The third one was a postcard. I opened it and it was dad's chest x-ray from St. Mary's on July 8 stating that the chest x-ray was normal - opps! Defiantly not right! Mom and I had a good laugh over that one.

Uncle Stan is going to visit mom tomorrow (he is mom's little brother). We all continue to do well. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I KNOW mom and dad can feel the peace of the Holy Spirit with them.