Exhausting Monday!  I went to work early today due to knowing that we were going to see Dr. Hatch at some point today.  The dr. office called to say we needed to be there at 9:15 - so I had to step it up a bit to get there.  Dr. Hatch has to be one of the most caring Dr.'s ever.  They shot some dye in R's Eipdural Cathater to see what was going on.  What he discovered was there is quite a bit of scar tissue that has surrounded itself on the tubing inside R's back and it is not allowing the medication to get to the root of the pain.  We knew going into the ordeal that this was a temporary fix.  He would like to put a pain pump into his back that would be there forever.  So at this moment Dr. is clearing the hurdles to get that accomplished.  When you are in hospice care - things work a little differently but we are understanding that isn't as difficult as we thought and tomorrow we should have an answer as to when they will put the permanent pump in - more than likely yet this week. 

He is having some pain issues starting to be persistant - bringing back the memories of the bad pain and he has a huge fear that he is going to hurt like that again.  Pray that we get the ball rolling on the permanent pump to get him some relief and comfortable once again. He has done very well for a good deal of time now. We need to get back to that good comfort level.   Please pray for a restful and comfortable night and a good day tomorrow to begin a new month.  Spring can't be far - We hope!!

The day was much better than I had anticipated it might be given the circumstance we dealt with last night.
The extra pain pills are working when he needs them.  The pain comes and goes right now.  He's been an eating machine today.  He was disappointed this morning - we were supposed to host our sunday school class but after last night he decided we better cancel until next week.  Hopefully it will work out. 

He's done alot of "nothing" today for a change - which is what he should be doing to keep the pain at a managable level.  I went through the "Jar of Hope" today.  We very much appreciate all the little notes, prayers, songs, letters, and encouragement many of you sent to us.  Thank you! 

We begin a new week!  Very grateful for the good weeks we've had here lately. After yesterday it makes us appreciate how well things have been going in the recent past.  May you all have a wonderful week and keep focused on the little things. 

2 Corinthians 4:18

It started out a very good day today.  R got to have breakfast with about 33 men from our church at a nice restaurant.  He did very well on his morning out.  Thanks D for taking good care of him.  He enjoyed seeing everyone and had a great time.

He then had me take him to the dealership where we purchased a new vehicle for me.  It will get much better gas milage and it's got way too many features for me to learn - but it will save me money.  I do like it - but I feel bad that he isn't able to drive it.  He won't get any enjoyment from it and therefore I feel guilty about having it - but he wanted me to have it so now it's all good.

After that - he was done for. He pretty much fell asleep eating lunch.  I talked him into a nap which he willingly took.  He then had some visitors and shortly thereafter the day fell apart.  His pain began to get worse. The nurse was called and she came over.  She got us set up with some oral pain med to work with the eip pain pack as a boost to help with the extra pain.  There could be a couple of things going on.
1.  His pain is getting worse....or......2.  His epi cath is leaking and it could be leaking medication out instead of going on like it should...  so we see Dr. Hatch on Monday to get that cleared up.  The eip cath isn't made to be permanent.  Dr. was hoping we would get a little more time out of it than a month but it could be that it's lifespan is up.

Pray for a restfull night tonight. He is currently sleeping very soundly.  Pray for strength as we endure the unknown.  Keep on being the awesome prayer warriors you have been for us thus far.

It was a much better day today and evening tonight than the last few have been.  He rested more during the day and that makes the evenings tolerable.  Yesterday he had his sister out to the car dealership in the morning and then he wanted to go to Lowes for a new refrigerator filter......and then go get coffee.  He had to of been exhausted after that.  The nurse changed his pain pack today and thought that his back was looking pretty much the same as it has been.  He's got some numbness in his left leg - not quite as bad as his right leg - so we'll keep an eye on that.  Now that I think about that - maybe he just likes the massages he gets on his legs - so that's a good excuse to keep that up... hmmmm.  I shall ask about that one.

Today - he didn't go anywhere until he wanted me to take him to the car dealership tonight after I got home from work and we had a delicious dinner.....we went, however.....they were closed. Probably should of went when he told the salesman he'd be there.....  Maybe tomorrow - esp. after we seen the gas prices tonight.  Yikes. 

The sunshine was wonderful to see today.  We pray for a good weekend for everyone. May we have more sunshine and see visions of spring!! 

Isaiah 40:28-31

Here we are awaiting another snowstorm......wishing that it would make a turn for somewhere other than here.  I'm so ready to be done with snow!!  Praying that we don't get what they are calling for.  Last time we got the biggie snow they didn't plow our road until 2 p.m.  The nurse is to come tomorrow to change out his pain medication and I hope she can get here. 

Thanks to my dad and son in law my new couch is back upstairs. Thank you!!!! R hasn't set on the old one since it reappeared upstairs so I thought we might as well enjoy the new one once again. We had a delicious meal made by my momma......nothing like a mom's cooking!  Thank you momma.  

He's still having some issues with his epi cath tonight - we'll be addressing that tomorrow... and he was very anxious to get to bed.  He has a headache and was just very tired.  He fell asleep pretty quickly. 

Pray for a good night's sleep for both of us.  We haven't slept much the last couple of nights.  Pray for his anxiety to subside.  When he's anxious it puts us all on high alert.  Pray for strength, wisdom, courage, understanding and strength to cope with the unknown. 

"Visualize, 'prayerize' , 'actionize', and your wishes will come true."

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. 
 It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

The day began early today with the batteries dinging they were on their last leg at 4:00 a.m. this morning.  By the time I got them changed - I was wide awake and ready to begin the day.  I think R has been awake since then as well.  He has endured more trails today again - this time with his epi cath leaking a little - the nurse came and changed the dressing again and we'll watch it and if it continues to drain a little - we will probably have to return to see Dr. Hatch. Hopefully they won't have to do it all over again.  He has a couple other issues going on that we continue to keep an eye on as well.

He's been busy today talking to car dealers again. Trying to get that brand new car at the best deal possible.
According to his sister he's spends quite a bit of time on his new laptop.  I'm glad he's enjoying it.  He mentioned tonight he wanted to start doing the stairs tomorrow - where did he get that idea???  I would say NO.  I'll have my handy poppa throw him a step together with some wood and he can use that in the middle of the living room floor.  I think he may be ready for one step but not multiple steps.  We told him if he goes down - he probably isn't coming back up.  

We were talking tonight at dinner - how the help we are receiving has made us more aware than ever of helping those who are going through any type of crisis.  We are so grateful for  everyone who has done even the slightest thing.  It means so much to us.  We have told you before - but we are truely blessed with great friends and awesome family members who are all so willing to be here for us and do whatever we need.  From the bottom of our hearts - know you are appreciated and loved.  You are in our prayers.

   

What a day......  We had an appointment first thing this morning with the Wound Dr. at the St. Joe Hospital.
Might I just add - if you don't have to go there for anything......DON'T GO! That place has always been scary to me. Turns out it was pretty much a wasted time for both of us.  He didn't do anything different that what we are already doing.  He suggested we see the Neurosurgeon again.  And the neuro surg pretty much said it was up to the plastics guy........  so what just happened here???  We are back to square one and we will continue the treatment we have been doing thus far.  Amen.  

R has had a pretty anxious day today. He is settled right now playing on his new laptop.   Pray that he settles down tonight and sleeps well.  I think we have righted everything that possibly was wrong in his book today -so we'll let it go and begin anew tomorrow.  We are both anxious to get into the "Jar of Hope".  Thank you to all who had a hand in it's creation.   

"God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons we could not learn in any other way.  The way we learn those lessons is not to deny the feelings but to find the meanings underlying them."



 

R didn't have a dr. apt this morning like we all thought.  In these days of slow brain processing - I remembered that the neurosurgeon had pretty much wiped his hands of Randy's incision issues and had turned us over to the Plastic Surgeon while we were still in the hospital last month.  The oncology dr. had made the apt. for us to visit the Neuro guy.  I called first thing this morning to find out they actually wanted to see us under the circumstance or if they wanted us to go onward.  They talked it over and called me back and said - Dr. thinks we should visit the Plastics guy. So tomorrow at 8 - we visit the Plastics guy.  He is the same guy we saw at the hospital.  So we'll have a report on that tomorrow. 

He had a meaningful visit today with a good friend.  He enjoyed that tremendously.  He got a new Laptop. He told me he'd be able to see what he is doing much better than on the IPOD.  Kids.....you'll be proud of your dad.  He did his homework and I drove out in the snow to pick it up.  (twice - I might add - they sold me the wrong one the first time - so I had to go back.)  He'll be like a kid in a candy shop tomorrow.

Pray that the surgeon has some non evasive things to try to get the little hole in the back sealed up.  Pray for his pain level to remain where it's at.  It seems to want to creep up from time to time.  Pray for his leg/nerve issues to not get any worse.  Pray for the snow to depart the area - so I can get him to the dr. tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone who's helping out.  YOU are appreciated.  Love you all.

Today was pretty much a repeat of yesterday minus the beautiful sunshine.  We visited with good friends and family.  We said good bye to our brother in law who went back to Florida today.  We enjoyed a good game of scrabble with friends. 

We are ready to begin a new week.  Randy is anxious to see what can be done with the little hole in his back. So hopefully we will get an answer on that sometime this week.  He has a little more leg pain going on so that was an issue most of today.  I can't get him to stay off of his feet for long - so we shall see what happens there.

May your week get off to a great start.  Seems the cold weather is back for awhile... but we enjoyed the little tease of spring we got Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  

"Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears, not to oust them."

Nothing like a day of sunshine to make everyone feel better.  He got upset with me this morning because I gave one of his "man jobs" away to my dad.  The garage door opener needed a new light bulb....he said he'd climb up on the ladder and do it....I said......no I don't think so.....  I knew I could do it...but why - when I have all these people standing in line to help me do something.....right???  And besides...... he has trouble getting up two steps into the house.... 

His trip out and about today with me consisted of going through the car wash this morning.  At noon three of the guys from work brought lunch and visited for awhile.  He enjoyed it alot - Thanks Todd, Chris, and Aaron.  He got some treats today - homemade rubarb pie (which was super yummy) and DeBrands.  He got to spend some time with his brother.  I left him in the care of his brother while I ran a couple of errands.  I'm sure they talked non stop and enjoyed every minute of it. The nurse came today to give him a refill of his wonder drug.   It was a good day all around.    

We still continue to seek out that miracle as we journey onward one day at a time.  Keep up the prayers! We know they are working.  You are all appreciated more than you know.    

Gotta love Friday's.  Our brother in law is here from Florida and took R to get some errands done out of the house today while it was nice outside and I appreciate getting some things crossed off the "list".  He even took him to the storage unit to see his corvette.  Thank you JR.  He had a couple of unexpected visitors today.  3 different family members - one who has had cancer for the last 4 years... at one point you could hear the laughter of "wonder drug stories".  It was great to see you all today.  He even enjoyed the sinful stuff Culver's makes. Our financial advisor made a house call to check up on things and help get some things in order.  She was amazed at R's attitude with everything that is going on.  His attitude has been amazing that's for sure. 

We are blessed with people all over the place - but yesterday I was touched by a poem that I received from one of our motorcoach drivers and his wife..... I want to share it with all of you... I think you will be touched just like we both were.....

Drinking From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune and it's probably too late now, 
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow
And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed. 
I'm drinking from my saucer, Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I think God for His blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed...

Oh, remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin?
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again...

If God gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough!
And may I never be too busy to help others bear their loads...
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, Cause my cup has overflowed.

Good things about today:

Nurse Judy came to the rescue with a cath issue.......  Thank you!!

The Fed Ex guy delivered quite a nice surprise for R .... Garretts Carmel Corn  from Chicago - rumor was that he was like a kid in a candy shop when he saw what came to the house.  Thank you!!

His sister is feeding him very well......  he eats all day long.  Thank you!!!!!

He enjoys visits from those who stop by.

He talked to our son and i'm sure the youngest grandaughter.  :)

He spent some time watching Gaither Video's that a friend loaned him.

He had some great steaks for dinner.

F.Y.I. facts:

His back isn't getting any better.

His legs & feet continue to be tingly.

He gets very tired early.

He is sleeping in his own bed at night.  Saves the hospital bed for the daytime.   That is when he rests.

God is Good.



                                                                  

 I just seem a little short on thoughts & words tonight.  My gut is telling me that things may be on a slight downhill slide right about now.  I hope I am wrong.  His nerve issues with his legs & feet are getting a little worse.  The nurse came today and I do believe she told him he needed to rest more than he is.  He's been up and about alot the last couple of weeks.  He just didn't seem as peppy today when I got home.  But he is entitled to a little bit of an off day. 

The picture is from a surprise "candlelight dinner" we enjoyed with dear friends who showed up with everything from the tablecloth to the salt & pepper shakers and pampered us with a meal like we would of had at a very fancy restaurant.  They knew our eating out days ended long ago so it was very special.  Thank you so much G & A.  We all enjoyed your company and delicious food.  

 

Praying for good days to outnumber the off days.  Praying for strength and courage as we face the unknown.

If only we had a crystal ball - but I've been told there are none to be found.  Praying for all of you who continue to pray for all of us.  We so very much appreciate all the meals, cards, notes of encouragement, visits and everything everyone is doing.  We are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Romans 8: 26-27

  

 

Grateful for another good day overall.  He doesn't feel the greatest tonight - but he's been blessed once again today.  Treats and visitors and a super delicious meal.  He has so many things going on tomorrow - he had to make a list to see if it was all going to work.  :)  I'm sorry I am missing all the well wishers that come around when I'm at work.  He's always excited to tell me about his day.  Our brother in law from Florida came to visit for a few days today.  He came to see R - but he was also missing his wife who's been here for a couple of weeks now being an awesome helper & caretaker.  

We have an appointment with the neurosurgeon next week to see about the itty bitty hole in his back that refuses to heal up.  Sure would be nice for it to miraculously disappear by the time I change his bandage in the morning. 

Keep the prayers coming. We see daily evidence that they are working for all of us.  The journey continues and we are so fortunate we aren't alone. Love you all!!!  

A new week. R has some new issues going on. Today his dr. made a house call. He may be making a trip back to see the surgeon to see what he recommends with the hole in his incision.  It's not getting any bigger and it's not infected - so we are hoping that a miracle will show up overnight and heal that little pinhole up all on it's own.   He gets very tired in the evenings anymore.  He sort of shuts down by 7:30 every night.  His feet are still tingly and numb feeling and they seem to be swelling a little.  He's been doing so well - every day when I get up - I never know what i'm going to be faced with.  He mentioned the calm before the storm tonight and I've been avoiding the storm......out of sight out of mind....... 
I heard this song on my way to work today and it has stuck with me all day..... so I wanted to share it with you all.

Right Here by Jeremy Camp

"All the world is watching, all the world does care
Even when the world weighs on my shoulder now
these feelings I can bear

Because I know, that You're here everywhere I go I know
You're not far away You're right here, You're right here

All these thoughts I've wasted all these thoughts I've feared
Even when these thoughts are faded I still know that
You hear so I can rest my hope in You

Everywhere I go I know You're not far away
You're right here, You're right here

The many times that I have felt alone the many times that I have felt the world was
crashing down upon me You always stood here by my side
You were always there

Everywhere I go I know You're not far away.
You're right here, You're right here"

 I know that God is keeping us all close at hand.  He is standing beside me, my family and our huge support group.   He has total control over this entire situation.  Pray for calmness, peace, courage and understanding.   

Two days of beautiful sunshine and snow melting...... It's worth every bit of slop that ends up on my clean vehicle!  The sun makes everything better.  R had another good day.  When the visiting nurse came today - she stated when she saw us in the hospital - she didn't think he would ever come home.  She is amazed at how well he is doing.  He's up walking around the house with no walker today - dressed in his sloppy sweatsuit as he calls it.  I think he looks good in it.  We worked on some things on my bucket list - and I was happy to get some of that accomplished.  More good visits with great friends and family today.  The nurse suggested I take a picture of his area on his back that won't heal so he can see it.  I never thought about that.
He sometimes freaks out when we talk about the tiny pinhole he has back there.  So tonight I'll do that for him. A couple of times today he has gotten up from where he's setting and forgotten to take his pain bag with him - he soon remembers that is attached to him....He can't get very far away without it...  He does some funny things now and then.

Before I forget......many of you have ask if my time is incorrect on my computer.  The Blog site is actually located out west - so it uses the PST zone.  So take the time you see and add 3 hours to it.  :)

We are so thankful for good days, tolerable pain, hardy appetite, and tons of blessings being sent our way.
Your prayers are appreciated so very much!!!  You all mean the world to us.  Thank you for everything!!!

True hope dwells on the possible, even when life seems to be a plot written by someone who wants to see how much adversity we can overcome. 

The blog says I have 72 posts..... so it has been 73 days of having the "C" word invade our world.  Wow!
Hard to believe.  We have been through so much - most of it seems like a blur right now.

Funny thing happened today.... The car salesman brought a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox for us to see.  R's first trip outside the house was a ride in the car today.  I go out carefree without my purse, phone, etc... and was thinking.....oh finally somone to drive me around for a change.......then I realized that if we are interested in this car....I have to drive it to see if I like it.  I put this all together when the salesman got in the back seat...  so I come back inside  grab all my stuff...and we go for a ride.  While we are out driving - I say to R - Too bad you can't drive this - I think you'd like it.  He says why can't I drive it..... I say well for one the "hard stuff" your body is sucking up right now does not allow you behind the wheel of a car - the salesman says - oh it's ok.....I'm a cop..... I was cracking up.  He wasn't serious about R driving - but he was serious about being a policeman.  BTW - I did like the car.  It's not as big as what we have now - but it gets better gas milage and it would be a nice vehicle.  So we shall see......

R's sister came by to give him a haircut.  He was happy that happened.  We had lots of good friends stop by for a visit as well as some family.  We enjoyed everyones company.  Thanks for making it a great day.
The nurse comes tomorrow - I'm anxious to see what she says about the little hole in his back (from his incision) and his numbness in his feet.

Time to call it a day.  My alarm will buzz soon for that midnight pill.  :)  

   

Thank goodness for Fridays!   This week seemed to fly by.  Not sure how much I want them to fly right now.  Savoring the moments of the here and now. 

Today was a repeat of yesterday.  R was doing well today. He's eating great which is good with all this wonderful food that keeps showing up at our house.  :)   He is taking care of some things off the bucket list (today he was working on my list).  Seems his list is a little different than mine.  His includes a new car... mine is more about the everyday stuff that I hope to accomplish.   Today held good company - delicious food - even a card game with good friends! 

We are thankful to God for yet another good day.  Praying for his back to surpise me and heal up on it's own.  The dr. said something may have to be done if it doesn't heal up on it's own.  P L E A S E..... he doesn't need one more thing to deal with right now.  Continue to pray for our journey down this unknown path.  He has been on this amazing journey the last couple of weeks.  I know my guard is down and things could change at any moment and the roller coaster begins again.  We aren't completely ready for it but yet I know it lingers out there somewhere and we'll have to be ready! 

The Surprise Visitor

R knew he was going to have a visit from our son today and our youngest grandaughter up from south of Indianapolis today.  However...... I got a call when he was pulling into our addition that he had our 9 mo. old grandson with him as well.  Brave father to drive that far in the cold with two little people.  R was very surprised and they all had a great visit.  I ditched work for a bit to come home and have lunch with everyone.
Miss A was very excited to see me!  That made me feel very special.  I got to see Mr. T crawl across the floor and even stand up at the couch!  I got the honors of feeding him cold green beans - which he did not like.  Turned out he was tired and needed a grandma's shoulder and out he went.  Loved that little snuggle time.

Kuddo's to another blessed day.  Some good company and good food showered upon us once again today.
The visiting nurse came today for her second visit.  I was here to meet her - which I was hoping would happen.  She's very sweet.  We needed refills of some of his meds today - what a great feeling to walk out of Walgreens with a receipt that says the charge is $0.00.  Perfect!!  Insurance comes through when you are with Hospice. 

R is still having a little issue with healing of his incision on his back.  There is a little tiny hole that refuses to close up.  The dr. will be making a home visit soon to take a look at that.  We have this special stuff to keep it covered with and it was supposed to promote the healing - but so far not completely.  His left leg and foot continue to be on the numb side.  Other than that...... we have been given another day in which to be thankful for.  May they keep coming. 

I set here tonight - just feeling the blessings pour over me.  We are blessed beyond measure.  We have an awesome family - wonderful friends - amazing suppport system.  You all make us feel very special and loved.  We are so grateful for everyone - you may think you aren't doing anything - but trust me - you are!  We feel your prayers, your thoughts, hugs and everything you all shower upon us.  We are thankful for everything everyone is doing, has done and your willingness to be called upon again. It's been a little over two months since our lives did a huge downward spiral and you have all stayed with us faithfully. We are so very fortunate!!!!

God has put you all in our path for a reason.  We have both learned to accept the help and support from everyone of you.  This illness is so much bigger than any of us.  It's completely out of our control.  Each of our stories have already been written.  We live them - we wait for the plan to be revealed to us.  There is a reason for everything that happens - doesn't mean we have to like it.  God is using this to teach us all a few things. It makes you stronger to have a huge trial like this to deal with.

Thank you just never seems like enough.  Please know you are all appreciated so much more than you will ever know.  Keep praying!!!!  We need them today just as much as we did 2 months ago. 

I started my day really early today when the Epi Cath battery pack decided to die at 3:30 this morning........but I got him all up and running and thus my day began because I could not go back to sleep.
I think he's pretty much been awake since then as well.

An exceptional day for R.  If he stays this good - we are taking the phone away from him, giving him NO caffine and he will not be allowed to call the shots!  :) So far today - he called a car salesman to bring a brand new car for me - which he did - but he didn't really like it - so he's bringing something else on Saturday. I was at work today so I never saw the vehicle.   He called my dad to take him to Lowes to get new "guts" for the spare bathroom toilet.  I'm going to call dad back to say go get the stuff and he'll watch you do it.  I ask him how he was going to get to Lowes to do the shopping...he seems to forget that not allowed to drive.  As far as the Caffine - he wanted a McDonald's Coffee this afternoon and he drank the whole thing - he was pretty much on a high when I walked in the door.  We had a great visit tonight and a very yummy dinner with good friends!  Thank you to K & D!  Nice surprise after a busy day for me.

As you can tell - he is doing really well today.  Tomorrow may be a different story - but we don't think about tomorrow - we deal with the moments of today.


   

Monday's seem to be a tired day for R.  By 7:30 tonight he was pretty tired.  He's got his 9pm meds now so he can go to sleep.  I set my alarm for 11:59 p.m. to make sure he gets his midnight meds. Luckily I can get back to sleep pretty easy.  His wonderful sister is here from Florida to help me out.  She is a god-send.  I stayed at work today the entire day -- which was quite different for me.  I haven't worked a full day since the middle of December.  Another sister came for a visit today and rumor has it - she's bringing breakfast tomorrow -- I'll miss it - We have an important audit tomorrow at work.    

He's having an issue with his feet and some numbness today.  He's still up walking around - so that's a good thing.  His sister didn't think he was on the move as much today as he has been.  Hopefully tomorrow he'll turn that around.  

Everytime we turn around someone is wishing us well.......praying for us........providing meals........giving us encouragement...... helping out around here.......willing to do whatever....and we want you to know it's very much appreciated.  Our support system is out of this world.  Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!!!

Hope is the light....and Prayer is the way it shines through.

   

 

Super Bowl Sunday

R has had another good day.  He's been on the move alot today.  He's also been talking non stop about food all day.  He actually ate a good dinner and wanted pizza and wings for supper - so we oblidged.  He's also been talking non stop about a turtle sunday from Culvers.  Nobody ran there for him - I Know - D & M - we should of called you. But he got the next best thing - Homemade Vanilla Yogurt by Blue Bunny.  :)  I even put chocolate syrup on it.  All it was missing was pecans and caramel syrup.  :) 

Friends stopped by with a gift for him.  If you didn't read yesterday's blog - I gave him a Dora sippy cup because he spilled juice all over
- so they thought he needed a man sippy cup......and how appropriate for Super Bowl Sunday.  Great Idea. We got a good laugh from it. 
G & A - You two are the greatest. 

The Visiting nurse begins her visits here tomorrow.  She will be coming on a regular schedule for keeping up on everything we can't do and making sure everything is good for him. 

We welcome you for a visit if you would like to visit.  He's up for company and right now will talk your leg off.  Praying for the good days to keep coming.  Praying the weather allows our son to make it up here for a couple of days this week.  Still praying for a miracle.   

We all had a great day today.  It was wonderful to be home.  Not so wonderful to have snow duty again so soon.  He didn't seem to mind that he got out of shoveling and running the snow blower again.  :)  R's appetite was good.  He made a few trips around the house.   We had some good visits with family and friends.  He got a Pedicure....from me.  We had to laugh this afternoon - he called for me - he had about an inch of Prune Juice in the bottom of a juice glass and must of fallen asleep with it in his hand and it spilled and went all the way through the 2 blankets, his top sheet, his sweat pants and the cushy pad on the bed.  He wanted more prune juice after I got the washer going.....so he got it in a sippy cup.  :)  He laughed and drank it right up from the Dora cup.   I'll take the good days.  We'll all take the good days.  We have a good handle on the med schedule and that's working out well.  I have a hunch I'm going to be up putting batteries in the eip cath pack soon.  2 of the grandkids were here and glad to have Grandpa home.  They haven't been here for a long time.  It was great to set in the toy room and color tonight with Miss A!  I've missed that so much. 

Keep your fingers and toes crossed for the good days to continue.  It's time we had more laughter in this house like we used to have.  Good night all.....  Thank you for continuing to check on us faithfully.  Hugs to you all!! 

Home To Stay

We made it home today about 1:30 p.m.  It was a little bit of a process to get him checked out of the Hospice Home. They were sad to see us go.  He was a bright spot in their days.   His ride home was ok......but we were both amazed at how stiff he was just riding 15 miles in the car.  He toured our home like it was a brand new place.  And after being gone for 40 + days - it was like brand new to him.  He likes the new scenery.  I think he's glad the hospital bed went into the living room.  He can be comfortable anytime he wants.  He is resting peacefully now.  I just have to stay semi-awake to give him meds at midnight....  tough one for me but it's great to have him home - I'll do it!!!!  We'll get into a routine and it'll be easier (hopefully).

We appreciate all of you so much!!!  Your prayers have helped bring us this far.....  He received this saying on the front of a card today.....  I'm sharing with you all......

A prayer warrior is a person who is convinced that God is omnipotent --
That God has the power to do anything, to change anyone,
And to intervene in any circumstance....
A person who truly believes this refuses to doubt God.

I can't guarantee it just yet.........but it looks pretty good for coming home tomorrow.  PTL! 

He had some great visits today with friends and family. 

Our daughter & 2 of our grandchildren brought him Taco Bell - nice treat for lunch for him. 

Friends brought Culvers burgers for dinner..... and they were GOOD!!  Thank you G & A.

He said good bye to his 2nd pain pack.  Now he just has the epi cath doing it's job!  May it continue to keep the pain at bay.

Hoping to give you great news tomorrow night!  I'm thankful for the progress he's shown and thankful that he's ready to be home.  The hospital bed was delivered tonight so he's got all sorts of places in the house  to try to see what's most comfortable.  It's been since right after Christmas that he's been here - so it should look pretty good to him.  Pray for a good transition for him.  Pray for all of us to remain strong and keep on keepin on!! 

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer"  Matthew 21:22

Old Man Winter sure knows how to make the world stop for a bit.  My work was closed today with all the snow.  I really was getting antsy for the snow emergency to be lifted and my road to be plowed so I could get my wheels moving southward.  I got out of my drive close to 2 p.m. today.  R was anxious for me to get there because it was really quiet today at HH.  All of the Hospice people that are usually filling the halls on the week days were gone today as well.  We had a nice visit.  He's very talkative right now.  If you have some free time and want to visit with him - please do so. 

We won't be coming home tomorrow (Thursday).  They are removing one of the pain pumps tonight and want to observe him tomorrow with the oral mediation they replaced the pain pump with. I was really looking forward to packing him up and getting him home --- but we wait another day at this point.

He did manage to lose his footing today juggling his walker and a glass of chocolate milk.  He isn't even sure what happened - he landed in the window seat which is a good place to land.  Not as far down as the floor. Maybe that will teach him to let someone help him with his drinks.  He manages a cup of coffee and his walker and gets all the way to the sunroom with both most days without spilling.  So far....  He was fine but I later did think about the possibility of breaking a bone.  I don't even want to add that to the mix.  

"Be ever soft and pliable like a reed, not hard and unbending like a cedar."  

For all of you wondering about my car.... one of my wonderful Bosses fixed me up this morning.  No more warning lights or loud dings which is a blessing because it was very annoying.  Today was a weird day.  We closed our business early today so we could all get out before the weather hit.  So I headed out to the HH. Spent some time with R and then stayed just a little too long because it was snowing pretty good on my way home.  It was very rare for me to be home by 5:00 since I stay with him until 8ish.  It felt good to be home for a change although I felt bad about leaving him early.  He didn't want me to be stranded and kicked me out. 

It's looking like we can come home on Thursday.  Pray hard for that!!  Today is the first day I heard him say anything about wanting to be home.  So - I guess he's ready.  He's feeling pretty good and getting around very well.  It's a little tricky with his two pain packs to haul around - but he gets them hooked on his walker and off he goes.   He had a friend from High School stop to see him today.  We had actually ran into him this summer and got reaquainted so today he visited.  Thanks KH!  He enjoyed seeing you. 

I checked on him awhile ago - and he said to find a way out there tomorrow - he needed the company.  So - depending on what happens tonight with the weather - I'll more than likely do that.  This should make him more than ready to vacate the HH. 

We continue to be blessed and we thank you all for everything.  You mean so much to us.  Keep praying!
Your prayers and support are what keeps us going.