For as long as I can remember, my Dad and his heart have been a big part of my life. When I was little I didn’t really understand the seriousness of my Father’s disease. My parents did a good job of shielding us from it and I never would have guessed that my dad would face years of battling heart disease. However, over time I became more aware of my dad’s condition. Once I moved out of the house, late night calls sent me into an immediate panic. I would wait to hear the tone in my mother’s voice before deciding how to react. Plans were made with the reality that we may never see them through.
Don’t get me wrong. My life with Mom, Dad and Kelly was wonderful in so many other ways. My parents were adventurous, spontaneous and never ran short on hugs and kisses. I will never regret for one minute the life I have with my family. My dad’s illness has allowed me a unique perspective on life that I was blessed to learn at a very young age. My glass was never half empty.
So, what does my Dad’s heart meant to me? Everything. It means we get to make plans for the future. It means I get to imagine my Dad watching his grandchildren grow. It means I get to see the most important woman in my life grow old with her soul mate. It means I have a chance to have my daddy around to give me a hard time, make fun of my hair and tell everyone where my kid’s good looks come from. This beautiful gift from God will never go unappreciated. I will always be grateful. Yes, this heart means so many things to so many people. For me, it means I get my Dad back.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Blog Project
I can't believe it has only been four months since the transplant. It seems like a lifetime ago that we were given the news that Dad's heart had reached the end of its useful like. I remember that day so clearly. It was the beginning of an experience that forever changed my family.
While Dad was in the hospital awaiting his heart, the jokes were non-stop. Laughter filled his room. It was not the scene of a man who's days were numbered. No. Life surrounded him.
We all stayed strong while on this adventure. We rarely got upset in front of Dad. We saved our tears for private moments when we could release the fear, frustration and exhaustion without an audience. Over time I just assumed that the emotions would get easier to handle. I knew we would all be full of so many emotions after Dad got his heart, but I thought time would calm those down. Ironically, the opposite has happened. It doesn't take much to send the entire room into tears. We know we have been given a gift. We know we are blessed. That is such a strong emotion that you can not help but let it out.
This brings me to my new blog project. We each have our stories. We each have gained something different from this experience. I thought everyone would enjoy getting a glimpse of what this heart means to us.
While Dad was in the hospital awaiting his heart, the jokes were non-stop. Laughter filled his room. It was not the scene of a man who's days were numbered. No. Life surrounded him.
We all stayed strong while on this adventure. We rarely got upset in front of Dad. We saved our tears for private moments when we could release the fear, frustration and exhaustion without an audience. Over time I just assumed that the emotions would get easier to handle. I knew we would all be full of so many emotions after Dad got his heart, but I thought time would calm those down. Ironically, the opposite has happened. It doesn't take much to send the entire room into tears. We know we have been given a gift. We know we are blessed. That is such a strong emotion that you can not help but let it out.
This brings me to my new blog project. We each have our stories. We each have gained something different from this experience. I thought everyone would enjoy getting a glimpse of what this heart means to us.
Two Cute Stories
I have to tell two cute stories about Victor and Papa. I need to give a little background first. Victor had his 4 year vaccines a few months ago. Dad can't be around anyone for a few weeks after vaccines because of his weakened immune system. Dad came to visit about two weeks after his shots and we were still being cautious.
When Dad walked in the door, Victor went to give him a kiss and a hug. Victor went to kiss him on the lips and Dad turned his head and asked for a kiss of the cheek. Vic asked why and we explained about the shot and how we have to keep Papa safe.
Later that night we all went out to dinner. After dinner the kids all asked for a penny to throw in the fountain to make a wish. Mimi digs some change out of her purse and asks Victor what his wish will be. He thinks really hard and then responds, "I will wish that I could give Papa a kiss on the lips." Needless to say, the entire table broke into tears. So sweet.
It gets better. A few minutes later Victor asks Papa if he will take him to the bathroom to wash his hands. Dad tells Victor that it might be better if someone else takes him. He explained to Vic that he is still moving kind of slow and has to make stops along the way to regain his balance (all the meds are still taking their toll on him). Victor looks up and Dad and says "Don't worry Papa. I will hold you hand." He then proceeds to walk with Dad to the bathroom at a snails pace. He took very good care of him.
All of the grandkids have really been great through this. They are all so concerned about Dad and have such compassion. I am so glad they all have had this experience to learn and grow from. It will serve them well in the future. I know it has for me.
When Dad walked in the door, Victor went to give him a kiss and a hug. Victor went to kiss him on the lips and Dad turned his head and asked for a kiss of the cheek. Vic asked why and we explained about the shot and how we have to keep Papa safe.
Later that night we all went out to dinner. After dinner the kids all asked for a penny to throw in the fountain to make a wish. Mimi digs some change out of her purse and asks Victor what his wish will be. He thinks really hard and then responds, "I will wish that I could give Papa a kiss on the lips." Needless to say, the entire table broke into tears. So sweet.
It gets better. A few minutes later Victor asks Papa if he will take him to the bathroom to wash his hands. Dad tells Victor that it might be better if someone else takes him. He explained to Vic that he is still moving kind of slow and has to make stops along the way to regain his balance (all the meds are still taking their toll on him). Victor looks up and Dad and says "Don't worry Papa. I will hold you hand." He then proceeds to walk with Dad to the bathroom at a snails pace. He took very good care of him.
All of the grandkids have really been great through this. They are all so concerned about Dad and have such compassion. I am so glad they all have had this experience to learn and grow from. It will serve them well in the future. I know it has for me.
Busy Times
I have to apologize for not posting more often. Now that Dad is getting better, life is returning to normal and we have all been busy! First, an update on Dad. He has been in one time since my last post for blood tests and a visit with the doctor. Everything looked great! They assured Dad that four months post-transplant is nothing and that he should not discouraged when he isn't feeling 100%. They are amazed at how well his heart is working. The doctor told him that it is working far better than his first one ever did. It really is amazing how well he is doing. We cherish every day he improves.
Mike is finally getting up and around. A few weekend ago he went with Kelly, Steve and Taylor for their first trip in the camper. I think Taylor was thrilled to have his Papa with him. Last week Dad spent a few days with his grandsons and took them to the junkyard. He is staying busy and the kids are loving it! A few more months and we may not be able to keep up with him.
Mike is finally getting up and around. A few weekend ago he went with Kelly, Steve and Taylor for their first trip in the camper. I think Taylor was thrilled to have his Papa with him. Last week Dad spent a few days with his grandsons and took them to the junkyard. He is staying busy and the kids are loving it! A few more months and we may not be able to keep up with him.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Progress
I feel somewhat like a new mom posting statistics about her baby. Except this is about my Dad and his new heart. He had his regular checkup yesterday and the news is all good.
Biopsy = 1.
Labs = negative for infection.
MRI = no abnormalities.
Pressures = excellent.
Hard of hearing = nothing they can do about that (but Mom did ask).
He also was informed yesterday that he could begin to do some traveling later this year as long as he doesn't fly. I know he is looking forward to getting out there and enjoying life.
On another note, Mike saved some one's life today. He was at Luby's when a woman began choking. He ended up doing the Heimlich on her and dislodged the food. There really is never a dull moment in this family.
I have to continue to thank everyone for their continued support and prayers. Dad could not have done this without his family and friends!
Biopsy = 1.
Labs = negative for infection.
MRI = no abnormalities.
Pressures = excellent.
Hard of hearing = nothing they can do about that (but Mom did ask).
He also was informed yesterday that he could begin to do some traveling later this year as long as he doesn't fly. I know he is looking forward to getting out there and enjoying life.
On another note, Mike saved some one's life today. He was at Luby's when a woman began choking. He ended up doing the Heimlich on her and dislodged the food. There really is never a dull moment in this family.
I have to continue to thank everyone for their continued support and prayers. Dad could not have done this without his family and friends!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Another Good Report
Dad had a quick check-up at the hospital today. All went well. He had some blood work done, an echo, a breathing treatment and a doctor visit. He got good reports all around. Next visit is in two weeks. Keep praying for good results!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Doing Well
Sorry for my lack of updates these days. Things have been crazy in my household and I haven't had many free moments to give an update. The great news is things are pretty uneventful with Dad at the moment. His last biopsy and doctor visit ended with good lab results and he is now down to once a month for his biopsies. Dad is still struggling with the weakness and adjusting to the massive quantities of medication, but he is finally beginning to feel normal again. He is driving and going places on his own, making plans for camping trips and has even come to Bryan for several visits. We are so very thankful for these normal days and weeks where Dad can take time to heal and we get to spend time doing the one thing we love most...being a family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
