Sorry it has been a little while since the last update. I've been busy trying to keep up with church work and laundry! Suffice it to say things are still going amazingly well. It blows me away how, after so many days of struggle, she suddenly is making such great progress. As of this writing, they once again have Barbara sitting up in a special chair that lays flat so they can drag her onto it, then changes into a chair so she can sit up.
While her movements may seem small to some, they are very significant to us. Each day she has been able to move better and better. Yesterday she did 10 kicks with her left leg for the physical therapy people. Her kidneys and lungs are doing great. The area of greatest focus now is getting her stomach and digestive system working again. She is able to take small "pleasure bites", and ate a good amount of her favorite yogurt yesterday (again, small amounts by most standards, but big amounts for her!).
Today is our anniversary! Yesterday, Rachel and Kevin and Nicole brought us the most beautiful bouquet of flowers to help us celebrate. That was so nice! It has also been good to visit with a number of you. A big thanks to the area pastors who've stopped by and really made my day.
Well, I sit her with a lap full of work to do, so let me conclude with some prayer ideas:
Pray that her digestive system begins functioning well,
That her body grows stronger,
That she will be able to be off the respirator soon,
That she will stay upbeat emotionally.
Thanks, too for your prayers for Jackie, me and the family. Jackie and Peter will be heading back to Wilmore tomorrow. A sad day, but life must move on! Keep them in your prayers for the road trip. It has been SO GOOD to have them here! Jackie is such a beautiful, loving young lady, and Peter is such a loving, caring man. They are also striving to be godly people in all they do, and a parent couldn't ask for more!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
December 27
Here we are a couple of days away from our anniversary, and Barbara just seems to improve everyday. She is moving more and more (she managed to kick her left leg 10 times for physical therapy this morning). Her disposition has been good, and she seems mostly upbeat. She occasionally moves her arms and legs on her own, too. We were a tad bit concerned that in a regular room, she might not get the level of care that she needs at her present level of disability. However, she is next to the nurses station, and they seem to respond quickly to things like her vent tube popping off (I had no idea this could happen - but I guess its fairly common - it sure has happened to Barbara a lot).
Now, with all of that stuff in mind, I think we all need to pray for Jackie today. Just look what she's done while whiling away the hours here: click here.
Yes, that is Jackie's face.
Seriously, please continue to pray that Barbara can stave off all threat of new infections, and that her body and mind grows stronger every day.
Peace on earth.
Now, with all of that stuff in mind, I think we all need to pray for Jackie today. Just look what she's done while whiling away the hours here: click here.
Yes, that is Jackie's face.
Seriously, please continue to pray that Barbara can stave off all threat of new infections, and that her body and mind grows stronger every day.
Peace on earth.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
A New Reality
We are now in the "regular" room! One interesting revelation, though... we've discovered that as clear as Barbara's mind seems to be, she has no idea what year it is, or how old she is. Not really all that surprising, though, all things considered.
We are right by the nurses' station, which is also good. You are welcome to stop by and say hi if you want... Methodist Hospital in Merrillville... short visits are best... and it would be good not to visit if you have a cold or anything like that.
We are right by the nurses' station, which is also good. You are welcome to stop by and say hi if you want... Methodist Hospital in Merrillville... short visits are best... and it would be good not to visit if you have a cold or anything like that.
A New Room!
Just a quick note to share with everyone...As we speak, I believe the hospital staff is preparing a new room for Mom to get her out of the neuro-ICU. She's spent nearly a month and two weeks in this room and I am sure she's ready for some new scenery. I think we all are. They're talking about moving her out of here TODAY! I can tell from the look on her face that she is quite pleased. While she is still very sick and by no means back to complete health, this move will be a definite step in the right direction. The transition out of the neuro-ICU will be an encouragement to us all. I am loving these leaps and bounds!! Thanks for your prayers. That's how we are all getting through this.
As an aside, I just asked Mom if she needed anything. She looked at me, gave me a big grin, and mouthed very clearly, "Chocolate pudding." The nurse is ordering her some. :)
As an aside, I just asked Mom if she needed anything. She looked at me, gave me a big grin, and mouthed very clearly, "Chocolate pudding." The nurse is ordering her some. :)
December 26
Leaps and bounds. That's how we've described the progress Barbara has made over these last few days. To some, it may seem that she's only taking baby steps. After all we've been through, her progress amazes us.
I am still trying to be guarded against being overly optimistic since there is still a LONG way to go. However, I've decided to indulge in some Christmastime cheer at how well Barbara has been doing. If you've tracked our progress with these updates over time, you'll recognize that I have experienced a gamut of emotions along the way. I have become more at peace over time with the realization that there are any number of outcomes to Barbara's situation. If even still, the Lord decides to take her home, then it is well with my soul. If we still have a long battle to wellness her in this life, then all is well with my soul. I won't lie and tell you that I have or I will enjoy every bump and curve on this road. But even if I grieve, even if I get angry, even if I laugh, even if I cry, even if I get frustrated, even if I thrill, even if I have joy or even if I have sorrow, all is well with my soul.
Barbara's kidneys, after taking a brief nosedive, are now at almost 100%!!!!! She continues to move more and more, even though they are only small moves. She has been very alert and communicative, although still quite forgetful. Dr. Rifai told my sister that there are many things that Barbara will need to relearn with long term therapy. Infections and oxygen deprivation have caused Barbara to forget how to do some basic things (like blinking - occasionally she will forget to blink).
My good friend Michael Brown, pastor of the Merrillville Nazarene Church was just by for a visit and affirmed how helpful it has been for me to give you specific things to pray about. Truly, I have seen the hand of God at work in specific areas as you've joined me in prayer.
With that in mind, please pray that no further infections take up residence in Barbara (hospitals are a great place to get well, and to get sick - especially in intensive care where she is still relatively immobile),
Pray that the pneumonia does not return,
Pray that her movements get greater and stronger every day,
Pray for strength emotionally, and that all her brain functions become stronger every day,
Pray that her digestive system kicks back into working order.
She had one bite of apple sauce earlier today, and may have a few more bites later pending the results of a stomach CT scan taken yesterday. She has been much more upbeat emotionally - thanks your prayers that Christ would help her to deal with the struggles of immobility and the respirator situation.
Keep us all in prayer for good health. We've been trying to take good care of ourselves - rest, water, vitamins, food, etc. - still, being in the hospital every day is also a risk to our health!
Thank you again, many times over, for the wonderful ways you've blessed us! I hope that your Christmas celebration NEVER ends.
I am still trying to be guarded against being overly optimistic since there is still a LONG way to go. However, I've decided to indulge in some Christmastime cheer at how well Barbara has been doing. If you've tracked our progress with these updates over time, you'll recognize that I have experienced a gamut of emotions along the way. I have become more at peace over time with the realization that there are any number of outcomes to Barbara's situation. If even still, the Lord decides to take her home, then it is well with my soul. If we still have a long battle to wellness her in this life, then all is well with my soul. I won't lie and tell you that I have or I will enjoy every bump and curve on this road. But even if I grieve, even if I get angry, even if I laugh, even if I cry, even if I get frustrated, even if I thrill, even if I have joy or even if I have sorrow, all is well with my soul.
Barbara's kidneys, after taking a brief nosedive, are now at almost 100%!!!!! She continues to move more and more, even though they are only small moves. She has been very alert and communicative, although still quite forgetful. Dr. Rifai told my sister that there are many things that Barbara will need to relearn with long term therapy. Infections and oxygen deprivation have caused Barbara to forget how to do some basic things (like blinking - occasionally she will forget to blink).
My good friend Michael Brown, pastor of the Merrillville Nazarene Church was just by for a visit and affirmed how helpful it has been for me to give you specific things to pray about. Truly, I have seen the hand of God at work in specific areas as you've joined me in prayer.
With that in mind, please pray that no further infections take up residence in Barbara (hospitals are a great place to get well, and to get sick - especially in intensive care where she is still relatively immobile),
Pray that the pneumonia does not return,
Pray that her movements get greater and stronger every day,
Pray for strength emotionally, and that all her brain functions become stronger every day,
Pray that her digestive system kicks back into working order.
She had one bite of apple sauce earlier today, and may have a few more bites later pending the results of a stomach CT scan taken yesterday. She has been much more upbeat emotionally - thanks your prayers that Christ would help her to deal with the struggles of immobility and the respirator situation.
Keep us all in prayer for good health. We've been trying to take good care of ourselves - rest, water, vitamins, food, etc. - still, being in the hospital every day is also a risk to our health!
Thank you again, many times over, for the wonderful ways you've blessed us! I hope that your Christmas celebration NEVER ends.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Later On Christmas Day
Just a brief update to let you know that Barbara has had a GREAT Christmas. We all have.
Many of you have been praying for a "Christmas miracle" for Barbara. Well, you'll be glad to know she progressed by leaps and bounds today. Please understand that she is still in fragile condition, but we can't help but be excited by the events of this day.
She sat up for over 2 hours in a special chair that folds down like a bed so that she can be rolled onto it. Plus, she continues to make progress in her movements. She moved her shoulders today, and can make small but significant movements with her hands and feet now. Also, the infectious disease doctor has taken her off of 2 antibiotics. While she remains on several others, this is a good step. She continues to be off of blood pressure medicine and is remaining strong.
Also, she has been much more cheerful today. We all have had a blessed day with the visit of family members. A special meal was shared by all. God is good!
Many of you have been praying for a "Christmas miracle" for Barbara. Well, you'll be glad to know she progressed by leaps and bounds today. Please understand that she is still in fragile condition, but we can't help but be excited by the events of this day.
She sat up for over 2 hours in a special chair that folds down like a bed so that she can be rolled onto it. Plus, she continues to make progress in her movements. She moved her shoulders today, and can make small but significant movements with her hands and feet now. Also, the infectious disease doctor has taken her off of 2 antibiotics. While she remains on several others, this is a good step. She continues to be off of blood pressure medicine and is remaining strong.
Also, she has been much more cheerful today. We all have had a blessed day with the visit of family members. A special meal was shared by all. God is good!
Merry Christmas!
On behalf of all of us, what are you doing reading a blog on Christmas Day?
No... seriously... Merry Christmas. Your prayers and kind words have made this a wonderful Christmas despite the pain we share with Barbara. When your life narrows down to a daily, life or death struggle, you begin to focus on the most important things in life. But do you know what is even more important to me than Barbara's physical healing? The most important thing to me is that every one of you would know the inexpressible joy and thrill of a relationship with Jesus. Not just knowing Him... but allowing Him to penetrate every part of who you are. We become a blessing to countless generations to come when we allow Christ to bless us through a life lived in service to Him. This is the only place where I've discovered true freedom of life, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression. It's the only place where I've found true acceptance. It's the only place where I've found an ultimate love that gives me reason to face each day. And its the only way I've found that I can love others and learn what it means to have peace on earth. My Christmas prayer this year certainly includes Barbara. But more so, it is that you will allow Christ to be born in you today.
Barbara is having a good day. Her vitals are excellent. Her kidneys are improving. Her nose itches (!!!!). She is moving more and more. Her lung doctor even said that they might give her food tomorrow! Not a T-bone steak, mind you... but the prospect of jello and ice cream is really thrilling her.
Thank you for your prayers that Barbara would not be so down. While she is certainly quite sad at times, she is doing so much better today.
Yesterday, in our morning worship, I stepped out on a limb and did something I never imagined I would do in church before. It was something that God inspired me to do while at prayer, but I must admit I questioned it all week long. In our Sunday morning service, we sang popular secular Christmas songs, then connected them with a hymn that shows how we can celebrate Christ and His Christmas realities. The kids helped me with the first set... Rudolph combined with Jesus Loves Me (to show that we are all special to God), and You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch (!) combined with How Great Is Our God (satan may be evil, and there may not be enough bad stuff to say about him, but our God is great beyond measure, and there are not enough good words for Him). Later in the service we sang Blue Christmas/It Is Well With My Soul, and White Christmas/Whiter Than Snow. Much to my surprise, the Holy Spirit moved in such a way that 3 people came to the altar to pray during the secular songs! Talk abo
ut affirmation that we had been faithful to do what God wanted! It was a beautiful, sacred happening.
I am including a Christmastime picture from several years ago. This is Jackie and her cousin Paul getting into the Holly Jolly Christmas spirit. May this be a year of profound blessings to you. Remember - for those of you with hope in Christ - this is your chance to show others His love and to encourage the children around you. Peace on earth!
No... seriously... Merry Christmas. Your prayers and kind words have made this a wonderful Christmas despite the pain we share with Barbara. When your life narrows down to a daily, life or death struggle, you begin to focus on the most important things in life. But do you know what is even more important to me than Barbara's physical healing? The most important thing to me is that every one of you would know the inexpressible joy and thrill of a relationship with Jesus. Not just knowing Him... but allowing Him to penetrate every part of who you are. We become a blessing to countless generations to come when we allow Christ to bless us through a life lived in service to Him. This is the only place where I've discovered true freedom of life, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression. It's the only place where I've found true acceptance. It's the only place where I've found an ultimate love that gives me reason to face each day. And its the only way I've found that I can love others and learn what it means to have peace on earth. My Christmas prayer this year certainly includes Barbara. But more so, it is that you will allow Christ to be born in you today.
Barbara is having a good day. Her vitals are excellent. Her kidneys are improving. Her nose itches (!!!!). She is moving more and more. Her lung doctor even said that they might give her food tomorrow! Not a T-bone steak, mind you... but the prospect of jello and ice cream is really thrilling her.
Thank you for your prayers that Barbara would not be so down. While she is certainly quite sad at times, she is doing so much better today.
Yesterday, in our morning worship, I stepped out on a limb and did something I never imagined I would do in church before. It was something that God inspired me to do while at prayer, but I must admit I questioned it all week long. In our Sunday morning service, we sang popular secular Christmas songs, then connected them with a hymn that shows how we can celebrate Christ and His Christmas realities. The kids helped me with the first set... Rudolph combined with Jesus Loves Me (to show that we are all special to God), and You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch (!) combined with How Great Is Our God (satan may be evil, and there may not be enough bad stuff to say about him, but our God is great beyond measure, and there are not enough good words for Him). Later in the service we sang Blue Christmas/It Is Well With My Soul, and White Christmas/Whiter Than Snow. Much to my surprise, the Holy Spirit moved in such a way that 3 people came to the altar to pray during the secular songs! Talk abo
ut affirmation that we had been faithful to do what God wanted! It was a beautiful, sacred happening.I am including a Christmastime picture from several years ago. This is Jackie and her cousin Paul getting into the Holly Jolly Christmas spirit. May this be a year of profound blessings to you. Remember - for those of you with hope in Christ - this is your chance to show others His love and to encourage the children around you. Peace on earth!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Christmas Eve
Hi. This is Jackie again.
Just wanted to let everyone know how Mom's day was today. She had a pretty good day all in all. Her blood pressure is up to a very normal, healthy level without any blood pressure medications. Praise God! And her heart rate is fairly healthy too. She has been alert and responsive all day. It has been nice feeling like she is really there. Unfortunately, with her being unable to talk her attempts to mouth something to me are not understood. The lung doctor continues to give good reports that her lungs are healthy and looking good. However, she must grow strong enough to be able to move her arms in order to be able to come off of the ventilator. I guess her diphragm (the muscle used to breathe) is somehow connected to the muscles in the arms. Her kidneys have begun to function much better as well. The kidney doctor was very pleased tonight at how they were functioning. Things really seem to be looking up. I just pray that she doesn't turn around and have another bad day. Keep those good days coming!
I have been praying that I would be able to somehow communicate with her and to be able to be sensitive to what she wants and needs. It has been horribly frustrating watching someone you love so much just lie there, unable to communicate, and obviously suffering from so much physically and emotionally and not know exactly what you can do to help. Tonight I feel like I got a little bit of an answer to prayer for that. I asked her if I could move her arms and legs around for her. She was very pleased to oblige. It just hit me that it could help her feel better to actually move her muscles around a little bit after being so immobile for so long. She was making a concerted effort as I did this to try to start moving on her own. She succeeded in lifting her left arm about six inches or so off the side of the bed, squeezing me with her fingers, and wiggling both of her ankles intentionally. She was concentrating so hard, but it was wonderful to see that spunk in her. She was quite pleased with herself. I think it was really encouraging to her. I know it was to me. I think I shall start providing her some of my own physical therapy...free of charge of course.
While spending Christmas eve in the hospital is not a normal or even ideal way to spend the holiday, it was nonetheless wonderful to be there with her and Peter. We decided to put our trip to Tulsa on hold as many of you know, and I think that tonight alone was worth it. If Mom won't remember it, I certainly will for years to come. Well, everyone have a merry Christmas!
Just wanted to let everyone know how Mom's day was today. She had a pretty good day all in all. Her blood pressure is up to a very normal, healthy level without any blood pressure medications. Praise God! And her heart rate is fairly healthy too. She has been alert and responsive all day. It has been nice feeling like she is really there. Unfortunately, with her being unable to talk her attempts to mouth something to me are not understood. The lung doctor continues to give good reports that her lungs are healthy and looking good. However, she must grow strong enough to be able to move her arms in order to be able to come off of the ventilator. I guess her diphragm (the muscle used to breathe) is somehow connected to the muscles in the arms. Her kidneys have begun to function much better as well. The kidney doctor was very pleased tonight at how they were functioning. Things really seem to be looking up. I just pray that she doesn't turn around and have another bad day. Keep those good days coming!
I have been praying that I would be able to somehow communicate with her and to be able to be sensitive to what she wants and needs. It has been horribly frustrating watching someone you love so much just lie there, unable to communicate, and obviously suffering from so much physically and emotionally and not know exactly what you can do to help. Tonight I feel like I got a little bit of an answer to prayer for that. I asked her if I could move her arms and legs around for her. She was very pleased to oblige. It just hit me that it could help her feel better to actually move her muscles around a little bit after being so immobile for so long. She was making a concerted effort as I did this to try to start moving on her own. She succeeded in lifting her left arm about six inches or so off the side of the bed, squeezing me with her fingers, and wiggling both of her ankles intentionally. She was concentrating so hard, but it was wonderful to see that spunk in her. She was quite pleased with herself. I think it was really encouraging to her. I know it was to me. I think I shall start providing her some of my own physical therapy...free of charge of course.
While spending Christmas eve in the hospital is not a normal or even ideal way to spend the holiday, it was nonetheless wonderful to be there with her and Peter. We decided to put our trip to Tulsa on hold as many of you know, and I think that tonight alone was worth it. If Mom won't remember it, I certainly will for years to come. Well, everyone have a merry Christmas!
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