Some Days Are Better Than Others

Yesterday Dad had a rough day. R2D2 started acting up again. They went in and made some adjustments to it. Now we keep our fingers crossed that those adjustments did the trick. He also had a rough night on Sunday. He was up several times and got very little sleep. So, today we pray Dad has a better day and that R2D2 starts behaving himself. For my new readers, R2D2 is what Dad named the big machine that pumps his heart. When it is not working properly, if Dad moves around it beeps. I am sure you could see how annoying that might get.

To end on a happy note, I thought I would include some pictures of the grandkids.

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Another weekend in the hospital has come and gone. Every weekend we all tell ourselves that this is going to be the weekend. But, as you can see, this was not the weekend. It was, however, full of family and food. Would we have it any other way?

Actually, I should back up a bit and tell you what a normal week is like for Dad. During the week Dad gets daily morning visits from my sister Kelly. Her and Dad enjoy coffee and breakfast together before Kelly begins her day at work and Dad begins his day just hanging out. They have both begun to really look forward to that time together. I must say I am a little jealous of that time. Then around 2 Mom goes for her daily visit and stays until 4. I know Mom and Dad both wish she could stay longer but this schedule works out good because it keeps Mom and Kelly in somewhat of a normal routine. Then 1 or 2 nights a week my Aunt Marlene takes Dad dinner and they enjoy their quiet evening over a delicious meal. To top that off, my Grandma Ann stops by occasionally after her visits to the hospital. This is all in between his daily exercise and visiting with his neighbors. So, as you can see, the week is sometimes just as busy as the weekend.

So, back to this weekend. Saturday afternoon Danny, Steve and Randy spent the day working on the shipping container (Mom and Dad's somewhat unconventional but very cool living quarters). They are putting up beautiful wood walls in preparation of when Dad gets to come home. They worked hard and the place looked great when everyone left today. Victor spent the day napping with Aunt Kelly while Taylor and Mimi helped the boys work. Abby and I got to spend the evening with Papa. It was a terrific visit. We had Italian for dinner, played cards and snuggled. Janice stayed back in Bryan and baked and cooked tons of yummy stuff to share with everyone on Sunday.

On Sunday, Randy and Steve did some more work on the container while the Guindi Family went and visited with Papa again. Victor is still very skeptical of all of the machines and is sometimes scared to get near Papa. However, this time he seemed to be getting used to everything and even joined Abby and Papa for a few rounds of thumb war while laying in Papa's bed. That is progress. We then all met back at Kelly's for Danielle's 18th birthday party. The entire family was able to make it and it was nice seeing everyone. Finally, Janice and Randy took Mike dinner and some sweets. They even fixed the nurses up with some goodies too. Taylor is missing his Papa a lot so he joined Janice and Randy for their visit.

It is amazing how experiences like these can change your perspective on things. This has made the entire family realize how truly lucky we are to have such a strong and wonderful family. We have had experiences that would never have been possible without this little detour in our lives. Dad is on an adventure and we are all lucky enough to be on it with him. Thanks Dad for letting us be a part of this. We love you.

37 Days

Today marks Mike's 37th day in the hospital. I have no big news to report, but I do have a few small updates. Dad is in great spirits. Even though he is pushing almost 40 consecutive days in the hospital, he is staying positive and optimistic.

Although I am happy for Dad, it is somewhat frustrating to give this part of my report. Dad is getting fed home cooked meals and gets goodies to eat all week long, but as of yesterday he has not gained even one pound. What! Most of the rest of us would be elated to be able to eat all day and lay and bed and still maintain our figure. Some things just aren't fair. None the less, way to go Dad on this accomplishment.

Dad also has been getting out more these last few days. Things have been slow and has been going for more walks these last few days. He even got a rare treat yesterday and got to meet some of his neighbors. The gentleman next door is waiting on his second heart. Dad got to visit with him and his guests. Even better, apparently he had some musical talent visiting yesterday and Dad joined him in listening to them play and sing some gospel music. I think it was just what he needed. It was uplifting and beautiful.

Papa's grandkids are beginning to struggle a bit with Papa being in the hospital. Taylor was not too happy when he found out the lady on one side of him got a heart after waiting only three days. He couldn't figure out why the doctor's wouldn't give Papa one when he had been waiting longer. If it only worked that way. Abby has also been asking lots of questions. She hasn't figured out why her Papa looks "normal" but can't go home. It is tough on the little ones. But we are grateful they are able to go to the hospital and spend time with their Papa. The glass is defiantly half full.

So, all in all, things are going well. It would be easy to get frustrated and impatient, but when we remember the awesome gift my Dad is being given...what an unbelievable opportunity he is being blessed with...it is easy to take a deep breath and trust God's perfect timing.

New Balloon

Yesterday afternoon Dad got a new intra aortic balloon put in. His other one had moved slightly and was causing alarms to go off regularly. The procedure went off without a hitch. He also got a new PICC line installed. Hopefully now he can get some much needed rest.

One Month

Today Dad has been in the hospital for one month. Time flies when you are having fun! It may seem odd to say, but these last four weeks have gone by faster than we all anticipated. Even though the circumstances aren't ideal, we have all made the most of the situation. We have taken this opportunity to cherish many special moments together. So, even though we have spent a lot of time in the hospital, it hasn't been all bad as we pass the time.

Tonight or tomorrow Dad will go back in for another procedure. His intra-aortic balloon has moved and it needs to be put back in the right spot. This should be a fairly minor procedure and will hopefully be the last one before his big day!

21 Days

Today marks Dad's 21st day in the hospital. I'm not sure how he doesn't go crazy sitting all day. Waiting. He doesn't like tv and doesn't do much reading. I know if I were in his shoes I would already have blown through a dozen or two novels. However, Mike is more content occasionally browsing the internet and reading a magazine here or there. The boredom is bad on some days and on others the day flies by. Please join me in praying for the light at the end of the tunnel.

Dad had lots of visitors this weekend. On Friday night mom and I spent the evening with him. We had greek food for dinner and enjoyed a nice, quiet evening. On Saturday mom and I brought Taylor for a visit. Marlene and Leslie dropped by and Danny, Abby and Victor also showed up to say hello. Victor did much better this time will all of the machines. The gummy bears Papa gave him helped a little. Finally, today Janice and Randy took Dad a home cooked meal and spent the afternoon with him. All in all it was a nice weekend in the Nall Ward of the hospital.

Life Goes On

Some days I struggle to find something to write. Some days it is just easier to let the time pass without a comment. Today is not that day. Today I feel compelled to write about something very specific. Today I want to acknowledge the incredibly strong network we have called family. Today I want to acknowledge all of the people sending love and prayers to Mike. Everyone that surrounds my Dad with love and compassion is cherished in a way they can not imagine. The visits, the food, the phone calls, the emails, the hugs and yes, the occasional tear, will never be forgotten.

It is because of the people in my Dad's life that he marches on. There is no pity at this party. There are no regrets. Today there is only room for hope and optimism. For smiles. Today, life goes on.

Progress Report

Well, today I do not have much new news to report. Dad continues to do well on his machines and is keeping himself occupied at The Methodist Inn. This weekend he had many visitors and lots of home cooked meals. The circumstances could be better, but he is enjoying the grub.

Last week and weekend also came with it lots of sick family members, including myself. Thank goodness for the urgent care clinic up the street. Anyway, we are hoping that this week brings healthiness for the family and maybe, just maybe, a new heart. A girl can dream.