Thursday Update

Hi everyone! Another long day, any of you who have 'been there' know that sitting around a hospital all day is exhausting, and today was no different. When we got there, my dad was a little more alert and 'perky' but still confused and didn't understand where he was and why! They had just gotten him a bath and put on a clean hospital gown, and he seemed a little better.

I let my mom and aunt spend most of the time in the CCU room as I always feel I'm in the way, and he gets more confused if there are several people in there. (This is a small hospital and if you are quiet and he's stable, they will let us stay in there most of the time.) So I spent most of the day alone in the CCU waiting room (just across the hall from CCU). They have redecorated it since last time we were there about a year ago, and it's quite nice and more comfortable. I worked on a red felt heart ornament with tons of buttons sewn on, and then played catch-up with reading blogs.

Anyway, back to my dad. About 4:30 or so my aunt came out and said he's better. He had been asleep - a true, deep, restful, healing sleep for a long time, and when he woke up they could tell he felt better. His pillow was wet and his face was beaded up with sweat, but when they took his temp it was normal. Once again - a healing, deep sleep. He asked where he was and why. He had no idea he had been there for 48 hours or why! I went in and visited with him for a few minutes, and there's definitely been a little improvement. His blood count was better, he is urinating better, his bp was better, too. They are still worried and can't figure out why his stomach's swelling isn't going down - or really why it's swollen even. But we'll take 'a little better' any time.

I know he's really not out of the woods yet, and I also know these spells are going to become more frequent and possibly even more severe until finally one takes him from us. We've been told by several doctors he is a 'living legend' and by all rights should not be with us any more, but he has a strong will to live - not to mention he's stubborn as can be! Which, when you are 78 y/o and in horrible health, is a good thing.

Both my dad's sisters will be there tomorrow, so that should be interesting. But we'll be there, watching out for him and taking turns visiting with him.

Once again, thank you so much for your continued prayers and good thoughts. I saw results of them today - both in my dad's small improvement and my own calmness - and am grateful more than you will ever know. Thank you, Thank you! And many blessings to you, Becky