"Normal"

Dad is back home and things are returning to "normal". The last 9 months or so have redefined what we consider "normal". In our own way, each of us has had to come to terms with Dad's condition and accept the fact that our family will be forever changed as a result of Dad's condition. Dad was diagnosed in August of last year. Then in the fall we were all in crisis mode dealing with the quick and severe turn in Dad's health. So, it wasn't until the last few months that it really began to settle in that this was now the new "normal" for our family. This is not a journey any of us, especially Dad, was prepared for nor would we have chosen. We all had different plans, different expectations of what our life as a family would be like. But, this is the journey that was chosen for us. We know that God is faithful, and cling to his promise in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". However, we have all wrestled with God along the way trying to understand in our own humanness the why. Why my Dad? Why now? Why this? We know we are not likely to find the answers here, but we still ask. Like Jacob in Genesis 32, even though we wrestle with God, we are still hanging on to Him trusting in His blessing.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Dad. His health is relatively stable right now, but he is often frustrated by his lack of physical abilities. Please pray for his physical healing as well as his emotional well-being as he continues to adjust to his "normal".

Hospital sweet hospital

Dad was planning for home sweet home today, but his visit to Lakeland Hospital has been extended a little. He has been eating well, his output has slowed down, but he keeps having blood pressure drops. Today, he told the nurse his blood pressure felt a little low and she should probably check it. When she checked it, the machine read 54/29. She thought there must be a problem with the machine she was using. So, she got a different machine. Same reading. Obviously, the machine wasn't the problem. The doctor had taken Dad off his IVs yesterday in preparation to send him home today. But, that little blood pressure issue got him hooked up to the IVs again. At this point, the doctors aren't sure why his blood pressure keeps dropping like that. He cannot go home with those kinds of drops. That is what caused him to fall and break his hip. Who knows what he could break next. So, at this time, the doctors are thinking Dad will be in the hospital another day or so providing he doesn't have another blood pressure drop. As Grandma Griffin would say, "One day at a time, sweet Jesus". We would also like to ask that you pray with us for our dear friends Bob and Bev PeArt. Bev's mom passed away yesterday after a lengthy illness.

Same ole, same ole

Not much news. Dad is still in the hospital receiving IV fluids and shots to slow down his output. Dad was also put on a liquid diet to give his digestive system a rest. The doctors are pleased that his output has slowed considerably, but he is hungry! (we're not sure if the output has slowed due to the medication he is receiving or simply that there is no input.) Hopefully, he can begin eating some food today to help get his strength back up.

Here are some photos from Mother's Day. Mom proclaimed the day "Grandmother's Day". So, here she is in all of her glory.
Mom and Dad with friends, Bob & Bev.

Thanks for your calls and visits. Dad gets a little bored in the hospital and enjoys company.

Off to a Rough Start

Dad's week has gotten off to a rough start. He has made a couple trips to the doctors office for IVs and they just haven't been able to keep his blood pressure up. He has also been having unusually high output from his bag. So, doctors conferred today and decided it was best to admit Dad to the hospital until they can get his output under control and keep his blood pressure at a healthy level. The team of doctors treating Dad are all very familiar with Dad's case and are grateful that he came to the hospital when he did so they can get this under control early. Dad is at Lakeland. I will post updates as I have more information.

On the Move

Dad is doing very well. The surgeon is very happy with his progress. He continues to get physical therapy at home. Dad is also getting a little stir crazy. Mom is trying to get him out of the house on a regular basis. He feels good enough that he wants to jump into all kinds of projects, but his mobility is still a little limited. It is encouraging to see Dad feeling well and enjoying being out and about. Thanks for all your encouraging calls and visits.