TheScreamer

Monday, October 06, 2008

Dad has a neighbor.

The neighbor screams.

The screams last all day.

All day screams go into the night.

Into the night fades exhausted Dad.

Dad has a neighbor.

Intramural Sports at TheSelect

That's right ... Monday's are "intramural day" at TheSelect. This week's game ... Patient Hockey. Since Dad can now wave his hand, he was in charge of dropping the puck. At half-time, good ol' ZamboniGuy came out to re-ice the hallway.

100% Update: Dad Waves Hand

No! Dad does not have a bionic hand. But he did wave his real hand this afternoon when the doctors came for assessment. O-Therapy 1.0 came to visit Dad first and was really impressed with Dad's responsiveness this early in the aftermath. When introduced to O-Therapy 1.0, Dad waved, as if to say "hello." Dr. Rehab 1.0 came into the room about 15 minutes later and Dad waved to him as well. [ ... Looks like Dad may be ready to go on the parade tour with Sarah Palin ... look at that wave ...]

The team started Dad on a new antibiotic for his LungJunk. They are still no recommending a blood thinner for the BloodClot because of fear of increased bleeding near the head trauma. So, for now, you get a pillow for your left arm.

[ ... As Mom was relaying this update, P-Therapy 1.0 came in for the first assessment of physical therapy ... we will let you know whether Dad did any jumping jacks ... I'm kidding! ]

Rooting for Ray! (#1)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" ... then send us your pic. This week's FeaturedFoto is the JerseyLand family, a crazy crew representin' the East Coast from Jersey to Maryland. Rumor has it that this family is somehow related to Aunt Ostrich. [ ... thanks for loaning her to us for a 10 days ... ]

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.

Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,

we want to hear (and see) from you!

100% Update: A Peaceful Night and Morning

As we went into yesterday evening, we very concerned about Dad's fever and fluid on the lungs. After the many evening prayers from Pastor PadreAmigo, PrayerWarrior1, PrayerWarriorToo, and VillageSis, Mom settled down for a quiet evening with her hubby.

Nurse HeadBand, Respy BubbleGum, and Tech HighSchool were regular faces for the Sunday evening shift. Regularity ... Consistency ... Reliability ... are good for Mom. [Remember that "Respy" is the "respiratory therapist" and "Tech" is the nurse technician ... we love them all no matter what you call them.]

By late afternoon, Dad's fever had broke. However, by 9:00pm it started to come back. Mom, asserting her stuff, got HeadBand and BubbleGum to beat the fever by starting the TempJuice (... Tylenol ...) before the temperature rose. Good one, Mom!

Mom also found a new best friend early this morning ... TechPrayzer ... a lovely caregiver who came to give Dad a bath this morning. As Prayzer cleansed Dad's physical body, she prayed over his spiritual body. Talk about a GodThruMan moment ... one of God's servants washing the feet of and praying for the well-being of another one of God's servants. Thank you so much Prayzer!

Today's shift begins with Nurse SouthernComfort, who reminds us a lot of Nurse SweetTea at the TraumaCondo [... perhaps they are sisters ... they have same sweet Southern voice... ] and Respy Q1 and Respy-in-Training Q2 [...again, that's so cool how they give their respiratory therapists the same name so we don't have to remember as many names ...] and Tech Kansas. Here's an update on Dad:

• Dad waved his right hand to say hi today.
• When Mom was praying this morning, she prayed for Dad, CaveBear's family, and my family ... Dad held his hand up and pointed at Mom ... she forgot to pray for herself. GodThruMom moment this morning. Wow!
• Dad got another half haircut this morning. Now he will fit in at the TalladegaRaces with it all shaved up top and long in the back ... in true mullet fashion. [No...it's not that bad ... yet...]

Continue to pray for:

1. Recovery from LungJunk (...pneumonia...)
2. Clear the BloodClot in left arm.

Two Morning Letters

Dear TheSelect:

This does not seem too difficult to rig. Let me know if you want to join the 21st Century. If the GoldenArchesCafe can do it, you can too!

Sincerely,

One Unhappy Self

.......................................................

Dear World:

You will have to remain patient over the next few days until we can figure out a work-around for the above (... see letter to TheSelect ...). Until then, our postings may be in chunks or sporadic or irregular. (...I know, I know...I could have used better sounding words...)

Thanks for your understanding,

Self

100% Update: Gracias a Dios

Sunday, October 05, 2008

As you know, Dad had a procedure called NeedleSuckGunk (... or thoracentesis ...) performed early this afternoon in an effort to remove the fluid from Dad's lungs and to test for additional infections. The procedure was done at the adjoining hospital, JohnMedical, and the doctors were very kind to Mom. They removed about 300 cc (or 1/2 liter) of fluid from Dad's lungs. The culture tests came back negative for any new infection.

VillageSis, PrayerWarrior1 and PrayerWarriorToo stopped by to love on Mom and pray on Dad. We also got a special visit from Pastor PadreAmigo and his familia who came to say an
oración ( ... prayer ... ) for Dad. [... Gracias, PadreAmigo! ...]

As we head into another evening, please pray for the following:

1. Protection from fever.
2. Protection from infection.
3. Continued neurological healing.
4. Strengthening of the lungs.

To the VeraWangSisters

Thank you for stopping by to check in on Dad (and Mom). For those who don't know, the VeraWangSisters are the 4 daughters of MamaDot, a neighbor of Dad at the TraumaCondo. When they went to check on Dad on Friday evening, they found out he had been transferred to TheSelect. They hunted Mom down just to give her this VeraWang purse and share their words of encouragement with her.

VeraWangSisters, we are continuing to pray for your mom.

A Life is Worth More than $3

As you know, Mom had been consoling and praying for the family of $3 Victim, a young man in a local restaurant who was shot last week during a robbery. He was one of Dad's neighbors at the TraumaCondo.

Tonight out prayers go out to the family of Karim Khakimov, the 24 year old victim, who passed away late Friday evening, October 1, 2008.

This Place Has a HouseBand!

Can you believe it? I cannot! As Mom and I were switching shifts last night, we heard a melodious sound coming from down the hall. We jumped to our feet, stuck our heads through the door, and what did we find? OldTimeGospelHour ... featuring ...

TheSelect's very own HouseBand!

(... leave the comments to yourself ...)

100% Update: Point of View

If you were me, you could write this update from two perspectives: (1) it-was-a-very-rough-night-and-I-am-discouraged perspective; or (2) Dad-made-it-another-12-hours-and-God-is-still-in-control perspective.

My instinct is to write from the first perspective, but I would not be true to my faith unless I wrote from the second perspective. Perhaps it is better to stick with the facts as I know them and let God work on the "how":

• There is a small blood clot in Dad's left arm. Dr. Rehab 2.0 says they cannot give Dad a blood thinner (to resolve the clot) because of the risk to the brain trauma and internal bleeding.
• Dad continues to fight the pneumonia infection. Dr. Rehab 2.0 ordered a NeedleGunkSuck, which is a procedure to help remove the fluid building outside the lungs. [If you a medical guru, you know this procedure to be called a thoracentesis ...]
• Dad struggled with a bad fever, heavy breathing, and elevated heart rate from about midnight to 5:00am.
• Dr. Rehab 2.0 called in Dr. EyeGuy to check out the infection in Dad's eye.

On this SabbathDay, please pray for all these things.

100% Update: I’ll Watch Him, Mom

It's 2:22am and my body, mind, and eyes are toast. [...ever heard that phrase? "I'm toast!" ...]

Mom and I talked by phone earlier this afternoon. Dad’s not ready to be fully alone during the night, so I decided to play WatchDog tonight. Luckily, Tech HighSchool was back with a smile. Respy BubbleGum, with as much gum-chewing compassion as VerucaSalt from that WillieWonka movie, checked Dad every hour to make sure his LungRobot was doing its job. It was. Nurse HeadBand, at first quiet but then as bubbly as ever, gave me some encouraging words about Dad’s recovery: “He’s gonna get better.”

Hey! Here's some great news. When I first arrived, settled my overnight bag, and scoped out my crib for the evening, I decided to take Dad for a NeurologicalWalk [... that's a new one for us ... it's probably better to say NeurologicalTestDrive ... you get the picture now ...] Upon command, Dad held up one, two, three, four, all five fingers. That's right, five separate commands, five separate responses. Then, as he was looking me in the eyes with his left eye, I said, "Hi, Dad! Can I stay the night." He nodded, "Yes" I continued:

• Do you remember CaveBear ... SisterFargo ... and their little ones? 5 separate nods "Yes"


• Do you remember Self ... Beloved ... and our little ones? 7 separate nods "Yes"


• Do you remember Mom ... Ostrich ... UP ... BroBill? 4 separate nods "Yes"


• Do you remember Pastor GentleSpirit ... Pastor LittleBabies ... Pastor FishFry ... Pastor Goatee ... Pastor Beard ... Pastor Quick? 6 separate nods "Yes"

At this time, the Vandy-Auburn game was blaring on the BoobTube. I asked whether he wanted to watch the football game. No "yes" ... No "no" ... instead, he shrugged his shoulders. [Self, I thought in amazement, he can now give me more than Yes's and No's. Let's try something else.]

"Dad, can you stick out your tongue?" Out pushed a little dry, yucky smelling tongue. I smiled.

"Dad, can you smile for me?" Up went the corners of his mouth in the most ugliest-beautifulest smiles I have ever seen. The next greatest smile in history was Beast trying to woo Belle. Dad, you're better than Beast.

For those late night G&G Addicts, here are some prayer requests for the rest of the evening:

• Lowered heart rate – it’s still too high.


• Lowered respiratory rate – it’s still too fast.


• Continued rest tonight – he's finally sleeping.

100% Update: Resting and Nodding

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Today was a day of rest for Dad. He deserved it after having to move all the way across town (actually about 20 blocks) to his new place. Here at TheSelect, we are learning about the daily players, which include:

• Dr. Rehab of some sort (called “Dr. Rehab ___”)
• Nurse of some sort (called “Nurse _________”)
• Nurse Technician of some sort (called “Tech _________”)
• Respiratory Technician of some sort (called “Respy _______”)
• Random Helper of some sort (called “___________”)

Today, Dr. Rehab 2.0, Nurse Riddler, Tech Kansas and Respy NigerianSmile were part of Dad’s team. Mom also met PolaroidJohn, who assessed and cared for every physical wound on Dad. Here’s what happened during the day:

1. Dad was responsive to Mom’s voice and Ostrich’s voice
2. Dad held up two fingers on command
3. Dad nodded his head
4. Dad was visited by StrawberryMom and OuterCircleChic … he immediately responded to them just so they would leave
5. Finally, the RehabTeam discovered a blood clot in Dad’s left arm. Nurse KrisKringle, a jolly guy decked out in red, placed a new PICC line in Dad’s right arm with the hope of reducing the clot in his left arm.

[… Just so you know, I was kidding on that #4 ... he likes you both …]

Chapter 2: Introducing TheSelect

If you are just joining us (because you somehow stumbled upon this site or because a friend sent you the link or because some random dude with 5 kids walked up to you with a card and a smile), then take a minute to get caught up starting here. Actually, it might take you more than a minute. We’ll wait.
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You caught up? Not yet. Okay, but only a few more minutes.
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If are you still confused at what is going on, then call one of our G&G Addicts [ … a delicious name we give to those readers who are compelled to neglect their work, family, and sunlight while they wait for the next post here at www.growingandgrowing.com … ].

Yesterday afternoon—after serious questions of whether we would get approval for admission into the best acute rehabilitation facility—we received word of the approval and transfer to TheSelect. Here begins the second saga.

Friday, 3:30pm: I met My-Favorite-Admissions-Advocate-in-the-Entire-World in person. After signing more forms than required for the purchase of a new home, we were ready to call Allied Moving for the transport. Fortunately for Dad, he hitched a ride with another OrangeSpeedRacer over to TheSelect.

Friday, 6:40pm: After settling into the new diggs, we met another patient MotorComa and his wife. They (yea, both of them) have been here for seven weeks. She only leaves his side ever few days for a shower. [I said a quiet quick prayer for them.]

Next, we met Nurse PumpkinPatch and Dr. Rehab 1.0. Mom was forced to talk about issues she did not like—things like Code Red and resuscitation. We talked about the difference in staffing and other expectations we might have between the TraumaCondo and TheSelect. Dad was not longer a trauma patient requiring two nurses 24/7—he was now a rehabilitation patient sharing one with five other patients. I immediately thought, “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Mom cried. It was one of Mom’s darkest days since the ViolenceSilence.

Just as the night set in, we experienced our first GodThruMan moment at TheSelect. [Did I tell you how much I love these GodThruMan moments? In case you’re new here, it is a time when God works through man to demonstrate His existent, presence or power.] Well, at a time when Mom was weak and needed a little comfort, we met Tech HighSchool … the night nurse technician who happened to be an old high school friend of P-Pet. HighSchool’s parents are involved in ministry, just like Mom and Dad. HighSchool made sure that both Mom and Dad (and especially Mom) were comfortable during their first night of unknown at TheSelect. Thanks HighSchool!

Nurse Ninja came and went throughout the night without a peep . . . or did she?

Pony Up, Dad

Dad, I know that you were looking for Mom this afternoon with your left eye. Here's a couple pictures of No. 2 and No. 3 ponying up while you were playing finger games with Mom.

NewsMinute: Nightly Prayer Request

We interrupt your regular Vandy-beating-Auburn-celebration for this NewsMinute. Dad is getting real agitated this evening, his heart beat is running like a racehorse, and he’s breathing pretty heavy. Before you return to your festivities [ … or sorrows if you are an Auburn fan … ], please pray for the following:

• Lowered heart rate – it’s too high.
• Lowered respiratory rate – it’s too fast.
• Lowered hands – they keep trying to pull out the ventilator.

Have a good evening.

Coming Soon!

What do you do when the movie is not complete? ... when the play has not been written? ... when the book is not finished? Hollywood says that you move the release date back a few months and send out a teaser.

The Bible says that "[t]here is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven . . ." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Since there is a time for everything in God's plan, then it's okay to wait.

Let's do both.

.....................................................

You read the first chapter. You watched day and night to see what would happen at the TraumaCondo. You laughed ... You cried. You fell in love with the characters. The newbie nurse who got married. The head nurse who floated around the floor with RubySlippers and spoke with forceful grace (and a grin). The doctors, usually straight faced, who finally broke with a smile and even a hug. And just when you were comfortable with the pace of the story, life dealt this humble little family another challenge.

This time, they took on the big conglomerate InsureYouCo. But instead of using brawn and might, this family (and their warriors all around the World) knelt to their knees to find hope, inspiration, and ultimately an answer to their predicament. And their cries were answered!

After settling in a new home at TheSelect, the family immediately experienced new fears, doubts and unknowns. For them, it feels like they have instantly flashed back to the very first morning of the ViolentSilence--that terrible accident two weeks ago that crushed a pastor's body, that sent a wife of 42 years into darkness, and that brought two sons closer together. This family believes in the Word of God and understand that there is a time for everything. And during this time, they (and all their friends) rejoice for the 14 days of life that God has sustained their husband, father, brother, friend and pastor. They know that the work is not yet done.

You don't want to miss the miracles to come. You don't want to miss the post, "The First Words" and "Dad Kissed Mom . . . and Liked It!" and "Pastor Ray Preaches from the Pulpit Today." Stay tuned for these ... and many more.

And spread the Word by passing the word.

A Little Snack Until Later

You . . . are like a hungry stomach. Not famished hungry, but hungry hungry. You have not eaten since yesterday afternoon. And the food was really good. You keep coming back to this cafeteria, but it is closed every time. Here's a word of encouragement, the cafeteria will open back up this afternoon. They are catering a soccer game for No. 2 at 1:00pm.

I . . . am like a tired cafeteria worker. Yesterday, I had a very, very, very busy day. After yesterday afternoon's meal, I waited and waited and waited and waited to share a new meal with you, but could not do so. I wanted to get back to the cafeteria to make a new meal, but by the time I did, I was so tired that I simply passed out. ( ...It's not good to cook a meal with your eyes closed ... )

He . . . is like someone who has been in a terrible accident and is slowly recovering. Actually, he is someone who has been in a terrible accident and is slowly recovering. He is now at TheSelect, that acute rehabilitation facility, and Mom was able to stay with him overnight. We will let you know later today some more about the where (he is), how (to pray), when (to visit), what (to do), and why (this happened) later today.

But for now, here's your snack. Dad has entered a new chapter. When asked by Mom last night whether he could hear her, Dad nodded "YES." When asked by Mom last night whether he could see her, Dad looked (actually searched) with one eye and nodded "YES."

Try to Keep Up!

Friday, October 03, 2008

World, I am going to go fast ... so try to keep up!

• On Tuesday morning, we asked you pray for this.
• On Tuesday night, we asked you to pray for this.
• On Wednesday morning, we asked you to pray for this.
• On Wednesday morning, we learned that Dad was going to Jerusalem.
• On Wednesday night, we asked you to pray (by email) for this.
• On Thursday, we learned our (and your) prayers were half-answered.
• This morning, we asked you to, not think positively, but pray for something specific, because "anything is possible if we believe..."
• Less than an hour later, we asked you to pray for this.

And, now, at 2:16pm, I received the following email from My-Favorite-Admissions-Advocate-in-the-Entire-World, who happens to work at TheSelect (...you know the acute rehabilitation facility that we have been praying for...):

"His insurance has approved, they will be giving him an in-network rate as we are in-network with a national contract."

What can we say? Prayer works! Here's where it starts getting faster and faster:

• I have to be at TheSelect by 3:30pm to sign admissions stuff!
• Dad gets to take another OrangeSpeedRacer from his TraumaCondo to TheSelect ... (Lucky, that's 2 trips in one year!)
• Beginning this evening, we start a new chapter with new characters, plots, and miracles.
  

Thanks, World, for sticking around. Stay tuned for more.

Mom: "Ray, Can You Hear Me?"

Dad: ... knods head ... (eyes still shut)

100% Update: By Phone

I still did not get a chance to meet Nurse NotYetMet, but I was able to speak with her by phone today. I thanked her for watching over Dad last night ... for giving of her time ... for our comfort ... I heard her smile. [ If you have ever heard someone smile, you know what I mean!] NotYetMet reports the following:

• Dad had an "uneventful" night. But he also seemed real agitated.


• Dad did not drink through his veins any NoHurtJuice and CalmBrainJuice ... he is dealing with his pain with the same medication that LortabLady was using ... except the team crushes it up and gives it to him orally.


• Dad had a minor procedure yesterday afternoon -- a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy -- but we will just call it like it is: Dad got a FeedBag installed on his tummy. We have to wait for 24 hours (later this afternoon) before they can crank up the chow.


• Dad's left eye has cleared up, but there is still EyeGunk in the right eye.


• And the good news of the evening: Dad's blood pressure maintained where it needed to be all night.

You probably already know them, but here are some prayer requests for today:

1. InsureYouCo. approval ... [If you don't know the words, use these at the bottom.]


2. Continued neurological responses to exams.


3. Healing for all traumatized body parts (heart, lungs, spleen, head, pelvic, arms, ribs)

Think Positively?

As I said Wednesday, before we can send Dad to the acute rehabilitation center that he needs (... we call it TheSelect ...) we need special approval from a specific company out there that has agreed to pay for Dad's medical bills (...we call them InsureYouCo. ...)

Unfortunately, TheSelect is not one of InsureYouCo.'s friends, and InsureYouCo. is looking for another one of its friends for Dad to go play with ... The final decision has not been made, but it does not look too promising.

This eerily reminds of me that dude in the New Testament (Mark 9:14-29) whose son was mute and would regularly have seizures -- falling to the ground, foaming at the mouth, and convulsing his entire body. The MinistryPosse (... the 12 Disciples ...) could not help this man (or his son), so the father turned to the true source, JesusChrist.

After the true source released the spirit from the boy and raised him up, the MinistryPosse was amazed, thinking "What's up with that?", but saying, "Why could we not drive it out?"

The answer from JesusChrist was clear: "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."

We know from previous stories that the MinistryPosse was able to cast out demons and heal the sick. We have no clue whether their faith had faltered with the foaming-mouth kid (... like my faith falters everyday ...) or perhaps they did not have special authority from God for their trip. What remains clear from the text is that prayer gives us the ability to serve JesusChrist. You see, His words above do not meant that we can "think positively" to get what we want, but that anything is possible if we believe ... because nothing is out of the reach of God ... and nothing is too little for His consideration.

World, will you join me?

Dear GodProvider [... some say Jehovah-Jireh ...], we lift up Dad's situation this morning. Since You are a creator, a healer, a maker, a sustainer, and a provider, we lean on your promise to PROVIDE THE BEST CARE that Dad needs right know. Allow your name to be glorified through one small approval process. Not for our sake, but for Yours!

Amen.

To the Okies (Not from Muskogee)

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Thanks for coming out and watching these:

(From top to bottom: No. 4, No. 3, No. 2, No. 1, No. 5)

Pray for $3

Mom spoke to the LeftOvers of the $3 Victim tonight. [...In case you did not hear what happened, click here...]

Wanna hear another GodThruMan thing? A woman came up to Mom and asked her if she would get Self (me) to contact our prayer warrior in Jerusalem -- you know, the one who will be praying for Dad at the Wall -- to see if they would pray for $3 Victim and his family. God's Word spreads quickly.

Slow is Good

Despite being told 100's of times, it is a concept that is so difficult to swallow, accept and embrace. Slow is good. . . Slow is good . . . Perhaps that's why life seems like it has come to a stand still right now. Kinda like the water balloon exploding . . . you know the result . . . you wish it the water would just splash all over . . . Wake up, look at me . . . I know the result . . . I wish you would just smile . . . I know you will . . .

Dr. Trauma 4.0 came back to the Dad's room later this afternoon. He remains pleased with Dad's slow progress. You've heard about the baby steps taken so far. Here's the new ones:

• Dad's immediate goals are to lessen the amount of BrainCalmJuice and NoHurtJuice so that Dad can come through the fog. [That's the best that I can describe where Dad is right now ... in a fog ... ]


• Dad's eyes have a new infection and he started new antibiotic eye drops.


• Dad experienced low blood pressure today. It was abnormal and the team put him on a new medication.

Nurse BlondeWisdom did a great job taking care of Dad today. We like the fact that knows us, by our walk, by her walk.

Unfortunately, we did not meet Nurse NotMetYet from last night. When I came to visit Dad early this morning, she was showing love to another patient. And that's okay. We hope to meet NotMetYet tomorrow morning so that we can say thanks for standing watch over Dad in the night. [ ... If you are a late night G&G Addict, go to bed now! . . . Same for you Self! ... ]

100% Update: Well Kinda

TraumaRounds started earlier this morning ... we got back to Unit #14 by around 9:00am. However, Dr. Trauma 4.0 had been called to an emergency surgery and he was unable to complete rounds. The rest of the team, including Dr. TraumaLite 2.0, finished the rounds, but did not report back to us or allow us to cross-exam. (... shucks! ...)

Update (from what I could overhear):

• Blood pressure lower than usual
• EKG was performed for some reason ... no results discussed (... only whispers ...)
• Blood work came back regular for O2 saturation levels

Administration Update:

• Medical approval for TheSelect (...the speciality rehabilitation place ...), but still waiting for insurance approval

Bonus Update:

• Nurse BlueEyes -- nice smile, good sense of humor, and cheery disposition -- came to open the TraumaDaySpa for Dad, which included a nice bath, shampoo, and shave.
• Nurse BlondeWisdom said that Dad tugged his ventilator tube off twice during the night. Since Dad was supposed to have been doing WindSprints (... a few hours on, and a few hours off, the LungRobot ...), Mom asked whether the ventilator tube had been taken off for WindSprints. The joker that she is, BlondeWisdom said, "Yes, when he pulled the tube out."
• Nurse NextDoor, a dude, came by to say hi to Mom .... I guess he was NextDoor yesterday as well.

$3 Robber

To the $3 Robber: This is not nice!

To the LeftOvers of $3Victim in the waiting room next to Mom:
We are praying for you. The World is now praying for you.

Our Little Corner is Their Little Courner

Everyday this week, Our Little Corner has been hi-jacked by another family. [That's almost as bad as hi-jacking a website!] Actually, it was not taken by force, but by circumstance. Someone else's circumstance brought their family to this humble, safe, quiet corner in the hospital. Someone else's circumstances will bring waiting, anticipation and doubt. Someone eles's circumstances will allow God to work.

We are very grateful that Mom can now go home every evening now. We thank all those who came to sit as WatchDogs over our pillows, blankets, snacks, bibles, and tissue boxes. In addition to those thanked here and here, we thank ...

Pastor Quick, who was here at the beginning and will bark at Dad's sheep for a few months; HeadSong, who ducks in and out quietly just to let us know he's there; JuneBug, who planned for lunch, but provided dinner; LadyO2, who cheerfully sat, talked to others, and just smiled; the other BessieHarrisKids that ventured out their comfort zone; the Kennedy's who seemed to always have one representative of their family bringing food, watering plants, or just saying hello; the BakersDozen who walked and prayed for Dad; and the World for the 100's of emails, posts, and calls!

Y'all Come Back Now, You Hear?

I received an email from Mr. & Mrs. SecretAgentFaith -- some very, very, very close friends of Mom and Dad -- this morning. Here's what they say from the Southwest:

Thank you so much for sharing your feelings (and the updates) with us on the blog you hijacked from [your wife]. So many people here in Albuquerque are holding up your dad and all his family in prayer. . . . I cannot imagine the feelings Mom must have seeing her life-long mate (friend, helper, companion, lover) struggling to recover from the ViolentSilence. Sometimes we think there is so little we can do and then the FACT of our faith comes forth and we KNOW the power of a fervent prayer. What an awesome God we serve. We know that He has already felt on the cross the pain we now feel so He knows how to minister to us as only He can do.

I don't know if this makes sense or not. There are probably no words that are adequate to express the feelings I have now. So, I'll keep praying and holding y'all up to the Awesome God of the whole universe to minister his Grace.

SecretAgentFaith, it does make sense. Thank you.

[World, isn't it funny that people from the Southwest even say "y'all" in their emails? Funny. Funny. Funny.]

Pillow Talk

World, my wife is going to kill me for inviting you into our bedroom like this, but I did not have the confidence to ask her ... [Self, lack confidence? I cannot believe that Self has ever lacked confidence. He's too proud of himSelf ...] Anyway, in this situation, 'tis better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Let's take a look:

..............................

Self: (Whispering, because baby is beside us) ... Honey, do you think Dad's gonna pull through?

BeLoved: There's no doubt in my mind.

Self: Really? ... sometimes I get so discouraged.

BeLoved: Oh, wonderful, good-looking, manly Self ... [emphasis added] ... you have to remember that we are only at Day 11. Your Dad had near fatal injuries. Remember what everyone said at the beginning ... that he really was not supposed to make it this far ... Think of how far he has come. Think of the progress every single day. Your Dad is in God's hands, and God has delivered him from death. There is no doubt in my mind that Dad is going to be fine.

Self: I love you, too.

A Bit of Peace

Yesterday afternoon, as we were eating lunch, Mom witnessed a GodThruMan moment. Admist all the confusion, doubt, hurt, pain, exhaustion, sorrow, yearning, anticipation, joy, wonder ... God sent MusicHardhatMan to bring a little smile on Mom's face ... See / Hear for your yourself.




UPDATE:
For a rendition of "Desperado" by the MusicHardhatMan, please CLICK HERE.

Rough Day

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Mom had a rough day ... please send a note ...

Urgent Email to God!

I just talked to admissions at TheSelect (the excellent, acute rehabilitation facility that we've been praying for) and we are almost there! Send an email (or prayer) to God asking for:

InsureYouCo. approval

I just talked to Mom at the hospital. Nurse BlondeWisdom and the Team are concerned about some erratic heart beats. Send an email (or prayer) to God asking for:

Peace, comfort, rest and regular heart beats below 100

100% Update: Randomness Spotted

If you know me or my BeLoved, you know that Randomness strikes our family often. In fact, we expect Randomness, we look for Randomness, and we cherish Randomness. Take, for example, this Randomness that I saw on the street a couple of months ago as I was driving to lunch ... random, huh?

Today's Randomness happened after TraumaRounds. Mom and I were spending our last ten minutes of visiting hour with Dad, when RandomPaintGuy comes walking through the TraumaCondo with normal maintenance clothes, a paintbrush, and a can of baby blue paint. He was doing "touch-up" throughout the condo. Random.

[... I guess he is part of the condo maintenance crew like BedFixerGuy, whose sole job is to make sure the beds work, or RefrigeratorFixerGuy, who helped Nurse BlondeWisdom fix Dad's t.v. yesterday so that it would play soft music ... ]

This morning's update from TraumaRounds:

• White Blood Count = 9 = normal
• Neurological response (left foot) = good
• Neurological response (right foot) = good
• Neurological response (left hand) = good
• Neurological response (right hand) = good
• You do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around, that's what it's all about!
• Dad still sedated ... no eye focusing

iPhone

iPhone Loaded with Songs and Videos = Good

iPhone Blaring Jimmy Buffet Songs with Extra Humming by USNAVY-Sweatshirt Dude in Trauma Unit Waiting Room at 6:00am = NOT GOOD!

Dad ... at the Wall

FaceBookMiracle. I just connected to PrayerChair, a faithful warrior who got word of Dad's accident. PrayerChair became disabled about seven years ago following a (poor) knee surgery. She has now started a "Prayer Partner Ministry" ... much of which is done through the laptop. [... "Thank you," BillGates ... (sarcastically) ... no really, "Thank you PrayerChair." ... ]



Here's the true impact of PrayerChair's ministry:

"I am also going to send Pastor Ray's name and your site to a Jewish friend of mine in the Holy Land. On Friday, her ministry will be taking names to the Wall to pray for and insert. I will be asking for Pastor Ray's name to be put into the wall with a prayer for his complete healing so that he can testify to all ears that God is still in the healing business."

In case you don't know, the Wall ... the West Wall of the Temple Mount ... is said to be what was left of Solomon's original Temple after its destruction.

According to our friend Wiki, "The sages state that anyone who prays in the Temple in Jerusalem, 'it is as if he has prayed before the throne of glory because the gate of heaven is situated there and it is open to hear prayer.' Jewish Law dictates that when Jews pray the Silent Prayer, they should face mizrach, towards Jerusalem, the Temple and ultimately the Holy of Holies, as all of God’s bounty and blessing emanates from that spot. According to the Mishna, of all the four walls of the Temple Mount, the Western Wall was the closest to the Holy of Holies and therefore that to pray by the Wall is particularly beneficial."

Wow! Thanks again for your ministry PrayerChair!

A Family ... A World

FavCuz-L just posted this comment:

"I passed a sign outside of a church on my way to work yesterday afternoon: A family in prayer is the most powerful force on this Earth. I thought it appropriate. Love you."

I guess that means a World in prayer is REALLY the most powerful force on this Earth.

With that much force, Dad, you'll be thumbs-upping, eye focusing, lips moving, chipped-teeth smiling, head bopping, Mom kissing, two-left-foot walking, joy-for-Lord jumping, pastor preaching real soon.

100% Update: Rest

" ... and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Last night, I nestled into No.2's bed to read a story, sing a song, and pray a prayer. It was so peaceful ... the ViolentSilence and the resulting havoc escaped my mind for those few moments. I am so amazed at what our little ones teach us during times like this. [You probably saw No.3 saying her prayer before dinner a few nights ago ... precious ...] Well, No.2 prayed with the same faith last night.

My friend Oswald says that a complete life is the life of a child ... that a child of God does not seek the will of God or is not aware of the will of God because "he is the will of God." Oz says, "A child of God never prayers to be made aware of the fact that God answers prayer, because he is so restfully certain that God always answers prayers." Thanks for the understanding, Oz.

Here's the update from early morning:

• Nurse UPsKid [ ... welcome back ... and thank you ... ] said that Dad rested all night long. Do you wanna know why? Because he was off the LungRobot ... uninterrupted ... for almost 9 hours yesterday. You go, SheepDog! And so, at 9:30pm last night, UPsKid let Dad rest.
• Dad was starting to move his left arm more. [That's really good because he's a Lefty and will need that hand and arm to sign autographs on the book tour ... not that anyone was able to read Dad's handwriting before ...]
• Dad is not only squeezing on command, but he is releasing on command, which UPsKid says is a good finding.

In the words of a child [ ... see above ... we just talked about it ... ], let's pray for the following:

1. A thumbs up ... left hand.
2. A bed
3. A "yes"

100% Update: Today's Forecast

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Probably the last completely accurate forecast was when God told Noah there was a 100 percent chance of precipitation.


Yesterday morning during TraumaRounds, the team told us that Dad's lungs were getting stronger. You also heard the other good news. Well, here's what happened throughout the day, after I left to work:

• Dad was off the LungRobot all day!!! They gave us a forecast [... get it? see joke about forecast above ... I am witty, honey ...] that he would do two hours off the LungRobot and then four hours on it ... Well, Dad proved them all wrong and went from 12:30pm to 9:00pm.


• They also recommended that Dad transition from liquid meds to oral meds ... Dad was simply in too much pain to go cold turkey on the switch. They will try a little more slowly.


• Finally, Mom wanted me to send a special "mom to mom" thanks to Nurse BlondeWisdom, who was once in CorporateHealth, went back to school during her wisdom years (like Dad), and became part of the TraumaTeam -- all because their family experienced a ViolentSilence. Wow, amazing story! BlondeWisdom was able to take care of Dad yesterday "with true heart-filled compassion" because she (personally) had walked the same walk as us ... thanks .. (tear) ...

Prayer requests in their simplest terms remain:

1. Increased neurological responses [Start waking up, Dad!]


2. A bed at TheSelect, the rehabilitation facility they are recommending for Dad.


3. Approval by InsureYouCo. for coverage of this particular facility.

So Sorry . . .

MyBeloved,

I did not mean to "hi-jack" your blog. Here's a new one for you.

In the,

Doghouse

________________________________________

World,

Check out MyBeloved's new blog, since I apparently stole hers.

Self.

A Tribute to LostMom 9/30/07

[This is a tribute to a special friend who lost a special friend last year.]

LostMom left us a year ago.

She's laughing, and singing, and dancing right now ... it's a whole better place. But that does not provide the comfort that we, the Remnants, the ones left in the wake of forever tragedy, want at this time. We want LostMom back. We want to see her smile and smell her cooking. We want to taste (and share with others) her soup that cures all wounds.

I wonder what SheepDog would say? I wish I could ask him, but he's focused on 12More ... the twelve more years of ministry he promised his bride. [Something tells me he will get it.]

SheepDog would tell us that its okay for Remnants to cry; it's okay for Remnants to hurt; and it's okay for Remnants to mourn. But then he would say, it's not okay to QuitLife (to give up living your passion and desire, or serving others, or building the future, or loving your spouse). He would say that God cannot work fully in your life until you are ready to allow Him to do so. He would say that your best tribute to LostMom would be through your resolve to LiveOn. And then He would give you a SheepDog hug.

"God called to him. . . . And he said, 'Here I am.'" (Exodus 3:4) Are you ready to LiveOn? I'm no SheepDog, but I can point you upwards and give hugs!

[P.S. LostMom is not lost ... she's you!]

Another GodThruMan Moment

I received another email from one of our crazy readers this morning.

First, a little background. On the day of the ViolentSilence, we met another family of LeftOvers. They were hurting for their son, Sk8er, who suffered severe head trauma in a skating accident. Mom and Sk8er's Mom have been close ever since. Late Saturday night, Sk8er woke up! The story gets better:

. . .we discovered last night that your Dad's neighbor Sk8er (glad to hear the good news of his waking up) is the son of Sk8er's Mom, our daughter's school librarian. Our daughter is a big fan of Sk8er's Mom and was so touched when she realized that the blanket she/we prayed over on Sunday is the same one that went to Sk8er. The look on our daughter's face was just priceless...she knows what Mama's prayer blanket meant to her, so I think it came full circle for her. It was a God moment. :)

Thanks for sending in the GodThruMan moment. Are there any other GodThruMan moments that you have seen or experienced as a result of our journey? Please do tell!

100% Update: SheepDog Turns Corner

What's the good news? Dad is doing remarkably better! Dr. Trauma 4.0, Dr. TraumaLite, and Dr. TraumaLite-ette were part of the rounds this morning. This was the most enthusiastic crew yet. They saved the best for last -- Unit #14 was the last of their TraumaRounds this morning. Nurse BlondeWisdom immediately welcomed us and answered all questions.

Here's the update ... news worthy of praising:

• Lungs and heart strong.
• Dad will do WindSprints today -- 4 hours with LungRobot and 2 hours without it.
• Dad will be weened off the liquid BrainCalmJuice and NoHurtJuice -- that means he can start waking up.
• LungJunk (pneumonia) is being treated.

And here's the new truly worth praising:

• Dr. Trauma 4.0 believes that Dad can start the process of being transferred to another facility ... TheSelect, which is like rehabilitation on steroids. It will help Dad transition off the LungRobot. In other words, it is between TraumaCondo and CrappyRoom ( ... a less than desireable rehab facility ... )
• This anticipated move could happen over the next 3-5 days, but we will need your help.
• CaseWorker Bridge, who helps patients cross the bridge to rehabilitation, will be fighting in our corner.

Here's how you can fight for Dad. Pray for the following:

1. An available bed at TheSelect
2. Full approval from InsureYouCo.
3. More purposeful responses to neurological exams.

That seems pretty simply, right? It is necessary for 100% recovery.

A Prayer for Health ... and Horses

Dad,

No. 3 prayed for your boo-boo's last night. She's a mess! A good mess, but a mess!

Love always,

Self

100% Update: Early Morning Traffic Lights

Did you know that traffic lights sleep, too? That's right, not all of them, but a good few of them, sleep until about 5:00am. It only takes about 15 minutes to get from the Remote Feed 1.0 (my home) to the TraumaCondo at this time in the morning.

I talked to Nurse UPsKid this morning. She's new to Dad. Isn't it funny how UP just came into town this weekend, UP has a kid named UPsKid, and Dad's nurse overnight is named UPsKid? Truly small world!

5:30am Update:

• UPsKid reported that Dad slept most of the night. Thank you Psalm 92:1-2!
• Dad has been hanging out with LungRobot since the first day here ... Last night, they decided to separate the two ... Dad and LungRobot ... for about an hour. Dad did great!
• Nothing else major to report this morning. [ ... slow is good ... slow is good ...]

Growing and Growing ... On the Internets!

The power of the "w"ord of mouth is amazing. [And if you are a regular here, you know the power of the "W" is more amazing.]

World, I want to thank you all for letting your friends, families, enemies, acquaintances, strangers, lovers, children, associates, colleagues, companions, relatives, taxi-cab drivers, postmen, grocery baggers, neighbors, one-time-passers-by, and everyone else in the world, about this site. Dad appreciates the knowledge that you are thinking about him.

Here's what we know about the growth of http://www.growingandgrowing.com/:

Unique Monthly Visitors before the ViolentSilence: ......... about 85

Unique Monthly Visitors over the past week: ......... over 1,500

Website Hits before the ViolentSilence: ......... about 700

Website Hits over the past week: .......... over 127,000

Thanks for stopping by to read about the life of a hurt SheepDog (a local Nashville pastor) and his beautiful wife of 42 years ... their temporary stay at the TraumaCondo (the best trauma unit in the Southeast) ... the love and support of two sons (CaveBear and Self) and their families ... and the faith of the World who are claiming 100% Recovery.

100% Update: 12-Hour Delay

World, when we last spoke about Dad's condition, he was doing good. Seems like we are always praying for rest. Well, all that rest was worth it because Dad got HospitalBed-Jacked by a couple of "Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy" thugs yesterday afternoon. We will call them PTOT-Thugs, and apparently they will be back to the bedside all week long.

PTOT-Thugs, when working with Dad over the next few days, please be like the deodorant Secret -- strong enough for a man ("push Dad hard"), but made for a woman ("not too hard")! Here is an update for yesterday afternoon:

• Lungs continue to grow stronger.
• Heart continues to pump strong.
• Blood pressure has maintained steady.
• Therapists came to start moving Dad's body: legs, arms, neck, head. Tomorrow, they want to try to sit him up.
• Nurse Ponytail had good neurological responses from Dad, including: (a) holding up four fingers when commanded to hold up two [... Dad never was a math whiz ...]; and (b) holding up thumb when commanded to hold up thumb.

Nurse Ponytail explained what's in store (for the regular patient) over the next few months. [Remember, SheepDog is a little different than others ... he's got a StrongPower working through him, on him, and in him.] In a nutshell:

1. Dad's other injuries stabilize and begin to heal.
2. Dad's head injury stabilizes and he begins to show normal responses to commands.
3. Dad sells his property interest in the TraumaCondo (because he is no longer critical).
4. Dad buys some redevelopment property.
5. Dad recovers 100%.

[Note: U.P. prayed out loud this morning (for the first time that I could ever remember) that Dad would be (not "if" or "should be", but "would be") restored 110% because he will come back as a better man!) Tell me that's not a GodThruMan moment, and the perfect words Mom needed to hear. Thanks, U.P.]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

I know that this may not be your best birthday exotic destination location, but the TraumaCondo has much to offer. Mom says that she's turning 29 this year, which challenges all bounds of reason to me because I just had my 37th Birthday in July. [If someone can figure that out, please let me know.]

If you have a minute today, please send Mom an email or a card to: 2080 Stanford Village Drive, Antioch, TN, 37013. Let's pound that mailbox!!!

We love you Mom,

Chris, Deb, Mik, Bryn, Macen

and

Matt, Courtney, Alie, Dylan, Addy, Faith and Cooper

TraumaCondo: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Monday, September 29, 2008

You've cried. You've laughed. You've wondered. You've wanted more. We know that Dad's stay at the TraumaCondo has you thinking about all kinds of things. [... You can admit it ... some of you are dazed about what happens after your own race is over ... others of you are challenged to change your own daily routine to make a difference ... yet some of you are simply lost ... and that's okay, too ...]

This evening, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the TraumaCondo, a place where shattered lives are slowly put back together by "blessed hands." Come take a look ... and try to keep up.

Floor One = SafeHaven: You have seen Our Little Corner and the Rhea Chapel, both of which are located on the SafeHaven. On weekdays, it sounds like an airport hub or hotel lobby ... primarily due to the scheduled surgeries. On weekends, it sounds a little more eerie. The cries, sighs and good-byes make it very difficult to process your own reason for visiting this place. The SafeHaven Ladies greet every visitor with a smile ... no matter what your walk in life. One of the regulars, Ms. Scissors, had even heard about Dad before I shared our story. Whoa?!?!

Floor Two = CribColony: This place offers you a place to seek some refuge for your blistering eyes. I told you earlier that it's too hard to sleep on those red, stinky, three-seat couches on the SafeHaven. [The best explanation I have for the stench is that "those" couches have one purpose ... to sit on ... while the good-smelling couches in our homes do not get as much (or as diverse) "bottom" exposure. Make sense?] Well, CribColony offers nice, pleather, "can't seem to recline all the way back" chairs ( ... SleepKnots ... ) for your cribbing pleasure.

You can also find the doorway to the GoldenArchesCafe on this level. Tell me, does that make sense? The GoldenArchesCafe located in a TraumaCondo? It's a lot like having a state-of-art video gameroom built in the school library. Go figure.

Floor Ten = HurtUnits: Yep, this is where Dad (and us) have been hanging out since the first day of the ViolentSilence. First, the two waiting rooms. The ColdRoom is near the main entrance right off the elevators. Maximum temperature = 58 degrees. That's good for me, bad for Mom. There are only six SleepKnot chairs in this room. There are HUGE (sarcasm) lockers to make your extended stay feel welcome.

The StinkRoom is on the other side of the floor. It is closed off, no ventilation, minimum temperature = 100 degrees. There about 20 SleepKnot chairs in this room. Did I say that it smelled? [That's a good celebrity deathmatch ... the StinkRoom versus the First Floor Stinky Chairs ... ] "Family consult" -- where we first met Dr. Trauma -- is a place where the facts are delivered to the LeftOvers, the ones left behind to hurt and wonder why.

I have to tell you, there are some really, really broken people on this floor ... both patients and visitors. Of the patients we have seen, there are a lot of critical injuries caused by Donorcycles, those two-wheeled vehicles that some call motorcycles. Of the the visitors, I've met LortabLady (who needs medical assistance to get through the tragic shooting of her boyfriend), LightSheepGirl (who has been ostracized from her family because she found God), and LonelyGuy (who spends every minute possible by his dad's side ... a dad with whom he recently reconciled).

The signs throughout the HurtUnit tell you what you can and cannot do ... they tell you where to go ... and when to go ...

Next time, we look at more behind-the-scenes, including a close look at the parking lot, the elevators, and LifeMachines.

Attn: EarlyBird Warriors

The Men's Ministry has met every Tuesday morning at 6:00am at the Church for weekly small group study (... in the Word ... about the Word ...) Last week, we changed location to meet at Our Little Corner.

Here's an open invitation to all those EarlyBird Warriors ... whether you are part of our Church, part of our denomination, part of our Faith, or part of our species ... you are invited to come by to Pray for Ray tomorrow, September 30, 2008, at 6:00am at the First Floor of the TraumaCondo. See you there.

100% Update: Late Trauma Rounds

Since Dad signed a new lease the TraumaCondo, a nice little one-window room called Unit #14, we were last on the list of TraumaRounds. [For a good description of this process, click here.] Usually, the rounds are done by 9:00am. This time, we were well into the "Breakfast is over!" call at the GoldenArchesCafe before rounds were done. Here is what we know:

• Nurse Ponytail is back and ready for a third day of action. The throat cultures came back ... positive for LungJunk (pneumonia) ... the good news is that the bacterial infection can be treated with an antibiotic ... the good news is that Dad can stop taking the other antibiotics ... the good news is that we can pray this bacteria out of Dad ... Remember? We all have GodThruMan strength to pray for healing and wholeness.
• Dr. Trauma 4.0 who will be here all week, said he was pleased with Dad's status. [I don't think any of these WhiteCoats (...or "doctors" for the literary-challenged readers out there...) believed that Dad would still be here.] Dad is the ultimate GodThruMan example this week!
• Dr. Trauma 4.0 reported that the ICP port had been taken out; that Dad relies on the LungRobot less and less (which means his lungs are getting stronger); and that Dad should continue to rest and heal.
• At one point, Dad wanted to start a hand-wrestling-war with me, but Nurse RubySlippers came in at the right time (...just as I was about pin Dad...) She upped his meds temporarily. Exit "flailing arms" ... Enter "peaceful ZZZZZ's"

Other than that, TraumaRounds were unremarkable. We are still waiting on an XRAY of the face, as well as the results from the CT Scan performed last night.

100% Update: Remote Feed 2.0

Good morning...or Good afternoon, World! Yesterday I posted from my Remote Feed 1.0, which was my home. Today, my fingers are able dance a little more quickly on the keyboard at Remote Feed 2.0, my work, because it is a large keyboard with large screen. [ ... nice ... nice ... nice ... ] Here's the report from last night:

Sunday, 9:00pm: I snuck away from my humble home to see Dad. I like going at night because this is our "quiet time." Upon walking into the room, I immediately noticed that he was "resting" ... no wrinkles on his forehead ... no strained breathing ... peaceful ZZZZZ's ...

Nurse SweetTea introduced herself, but just let me be with Dad. After a good Word (Psalm 92:1-2), and a little prayer, SweetTea and I chatted ... [I still have not found the origin of the word "chit-chat"... please help ... anyone?]

SweetTea explained head trauma in a way that it finally hit home. Dad's got a lot of hurt going on in his body. Most of the other parts (heart, lungs, broken bones) are at the point of JustRest, meaning that they have stabilized and simply need rest for repair. On the other hand, the head has been severely bruised. That injury needs ExtraJustRest ... the head has been bruised and will need extra time to rest. We do not believe that Dad's sedation (by HeadCalmJuice) will cause further problems. The goal remains to lower the meds to allow continued neurological exams....

Thanks for the info, SweetTea.

2:00am: Mom called the TraumaCondo, just to get a word of assurance. That's what SweetTea provided ... [BTW, Mom named you ... because you had the sweetest, Southern, sounding voice ... Personally, I didn't notice ... remember ... I'm HAPPILY married! ...]

Thanks for Mom's assurance, SweetTea.

100% Update: ... Actually ...

We are still waiting for this morning's TraumaRounds. Don't be alarmed. Be silent. Be in prayer. Dad had a good night of rest and I will update you later. Thanks to Nurse SweetTea, who gave Mom a word of assurance over the phone at 2:00am last night.

How can you pass the time this morning while you wait? How about actually working! Your employer is paying you money to work. Justify your paycheck. How about actually reading to your kids! They need you more than we do right now. You can check back later during their mid-morning nap. How about actually calling a friend, or writing an email, to someone else on your mind! They could probably use the word of encouragement and would love to hear your voice. [We would, too, BUT we are waiting for TraumaRounds right and we won't be able to receive your note at this moment.]

I promise, I promise, I will let you know after I hear about what's in store for today.

[P.S. MyBeloved, I know you are not reading this right now ... you're reading books ... fixing EggToast ... and building the future. I love you.]

I'm Sick, You're Sick, Dad's Sick

Sunday, September 28, 2008

You can probably tell from my last few posts that I am major ZZZZ-Deprived. [Bit'O'Honey, that means "sleep deprived" ... I know ... I know ... it's hard keeping up.] After making more than 70 posts in the past week ... all related to the ViolentSilence ... I have decided that:

I am a sick man!

But that's okay, so are you!

I knew that I was going crazy when I stepped in the elevator the other day by myself ... that rarely happens at the TraumaCondo ... as I was riding up, the elavator stopped at the Fifth Floor. Get this, 6 Doctors piled into the elevator with me and pressed "11" ... I was going to "10" ... In those few seconds of silence, it took every ounce in my body not to say, "Doctor ... Doctor ..." [If you get it, you love Leslie Nielson. If you don't get it, you are either too old or too young.] Either way, if you are still reading the site, you are just as sick as I am.

And Dad is sick too!

The best way to describe Dad's condition at this point is "remains critical, making good and slow progress." Self, how can that be? Dad remains on significant pain and sedation medication, NoHurtJuice and CalmBrainJuice. The goal is to reach that fine line where the TraumaTeam can lower the meds to a point where Dad will respond neurologically and maintain a comfortable level without significant pain.

Can Dad raise his hand? Yes.
Can Dad move his arm? Yes.
Can Dad raise his thumb on command? Sometimes.
Can Dad open his eyes? Sometimes.
When he opens his eyes, can he see me? Don't know.
Does he know we are there? Yes.
Can he hear us? I strongly believe so.

What remains clear is that Dad has not been fully awake, fully revived to a point where he can open his eyes and say, "Hello wife dearest." or "Hello my son." or "Where is my other amazing child?"

You see, Dad's sick. And that's okay because so am I, and so are you.

100% Update: Remote Feed

This is the first time I am reporting from home. After a lesson from LogicLove on Matthew 21:23-32 ... Actions speak loudly ... I went home with MyBeloved, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5. Wow, that's a mouthful! That's the first time I've said that or seen it on paper (screen). We had a great lunch of leftovers (little "l").

Talked to Mom at 2:30pm ... she reports the following:

• Nurse Ponytail spent the day with Dad. He's been restless all day. Temperature has been good. Due to the major trauma dancing uncontrollably through the TraumaCondo, not a lot going on with Dad. Ponytail shaved Dad's beard ... Sorry PastorBeard, no competition in the Longest Beard Contest at this year's PresbyPicnic.
• Dr. Trauma, [yea...the first one...] came by Dad's new unit, looked in, and said, "I am very glad to see you are still here." We are, too.

Prayer requests for the day and evening:

1. Dad needs rest tonight. [I think they are going to start revving the engines tomorrow.]
2. Dad needs to remain free from infection.
3. Dad needs to hear words clearly.
4. Dad needs his eyes to connect to his brain.
5. Dad needs his lungs to strengthen.

“Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” (Shakespeare)

100% Update: B.C. (Before Church)

Hi World! It's supposed to be a day of rest, but it seems like simply a catch-up day from having been AbsentDad for the past two weeks.

6:15am: Mom and U.P. were late this morning because both are directionally challenged. And Mom has only lived here 2 years. By the time they got to the TraumaCondo, they had missed the end of visiting hours ... Mom gave her best Marrion Cotillard explanation, and Nurse SmFryGuy allowed her to stay a minute to talk to and pray with Dad. SmFryGuy doesn't smell like the GoldenArchesCafe ... he's just small compared to Dad. Report was that Dad had a good night's rest [ ... thanks for your prayers ... ] and that he had good responses to minor verbal commands.

7:30am: I took No.1 and No.2 (my first child and second child) to the TraumaCondo this morning just so they can see where their Dad had been living recently. I think, for them, the best part was the DunkinGoNuts they got to eat for breakfast ... [mild chant, "Dad is great! He gives us choc-late cake."] ...

We stayed a couple of hours, waiting for TraumaRounds ... waiting ... waiting ... waiting. That's what generally happens on weekends, particularly where the Condos filled up last night. [...my stomach hurts when I think of all the LeftOvers that came in, too ... remember? ... the ones left behind to hurt and wonder why ...] Short story is that there were no rounds this morning.

9:50am: Finally got to see Dad ... NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH! ... Dad must have gotten a loan [... not from CountryWide or WashMutual ... but perhaps JPMorgan ... ] because he got moved from Unit #9 to Unit #14. Before you PTL, he is still in critical condition. The move just meant that many more ViolentSilences occurred last night that were more traumatic than Dad's. Hard to imagine. [Pray for them.] The good news ... that's little "g" and "n" ... is that Dad's new unit has a window, with sun in the morning. Bring in the Light!

Medically, Dad's just resting. What a good thing to do on Sunday. Off to church with No. 1 and No. 2 ... Talk later?

Pass the "w"ord ... Spread the "W"ord

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Who knew that the details of Dad's accident would reach Jerusalem, Canada, South America, or Nigeria? News of the ViolentSilence has reached all parts of Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Minne-sowta, Florida, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wisconsin, California, etc. Thanks to all of our friends and family in the World for passing on this information to the World. Special thanks to PrayerWarrior1 and PrayerWarriorToo for helping to make this journey global.

But our job is not yet finished. While Dad would certainly like you to hear "w"ord of his condition, ["slow is good ... slow is good ... fast doesn't last ... fast doesn't last"], he would be happier to know that the true "W"ord was being spread as a result of this incident. Some of you feel comfortable doing that, while others are still a little shy. But God can work through you to reach others in need ... GodThruMan ... Here's an example:

As I was recording this post [that's right, I've gone digital], Mom ran to me with a special prayer request. A family had just been brought to the TraumaCondo ... a mom and her four small children had just experienced their own ViolentSilence. Mom grabbed my hand and asked me to come pray with the LeftOvers (the family left behind to hurt and wonder).

Last week, that would have been awkard. Last week, there would have been doubt. Last week, I may have done it, but with hesitation.

Today, I stopped. Today, I dropped all my things. Today, I went to pray with those LeftOvers who did not have the strength to pray for their "mom and her four small children." Another instance of GodThruMan...

So here is Dad's desire, Mom's desire, and my desire for you: That you would spread the "W"ord by passing the "w"ord.

If you know which words to use, then make sure you pray for GodThruMan-strength before you press the SEND button. God will reach the right person through your email. If you don't know which words to use, try one of these below, cut/paste, fill out blanks, and press the SEND button. [I think FavCuz-C did this and got in trouble, but she was able to talk her way out...]

__________________________________________________________

OPTION 1 - FOR PINK WIRE EMAILS

"Dear _____________,

It's been awhile since we last spoke, but you have been on my heart and mind over the past few days. There's been some amazing things going on in Nashville, and I wanted to make sure you heard about this triumphant story of love. It's about a local pastor (nicknamed "Pappy Razor" / "SheepDog" . . . isn't that soooooo cute?) and his continuing journey from hurt to health. He remains in critical condition, but the miracles that have rained down on this family so far are truly amazing. Please do not turn off your computer today without checking http://www.growingandgrowing.com/.

By the way, I saw the movie Beaches again for the 20th time this weekend, and I cried through 3 tissue boxes, and then ate a pint of Ben&Jerry's. I miss you and I love you [ mom / sister / BFF ]. Please call soon. Gotta run to catch the rest of Oprah.

Love always, ____________"

OPTION 2 - FOR BLUE WIRE EMAILS"

"Dude, Check out this website: http://www.growingandgrowing.com/. Has a story about some nurses and this pastor dude. Out."

100% Update: Day Overview

It's 11:20pm and I have not had a chance to tell you what the rest of the day looked like at the TraumaCondo. First, I have to give my thanks to Nurse ChinaDoll, who was back on the One Week Anniversary of ViolentSilence. You see, ChinaDoll was Dad's caregiver on the day he first came to the trauma unit. I remember her deep focus then, and it was there today... only with a smile and a laugh. [Hey Dad, I bet you we surprised her by your continued fight. Keep it up, Dad!]

We had a new caregiver, as well. Nurse TattedRaven quietly introduced himself this morning, smiled, and quickly began care-giving. After some chit-chat [...where did that word come from?...], we found that that TattedRaven knew the PrayerWarriors' daughter. Talk about a small world. I guess he knew about our journey, too. Hope he stays until the end when we reach our 100% Recovery.

Mom went home, but she will be glad to hear that Dad's overnight assistance will be from Nurse Morpheus. I told him this already, but I will tell you that Morpheus is "Morpheus" because of his confident, reserved, soothing [that one is from Mom], and responsive demeanor. Tonight, with only a few minutes for my evening visit, Morpheus withstood the cross-examination of this seasoned lawyer / novice trauma guy. [Thanks for watching over Dad tonight.]

SoulWalk for Pastor Ray

Our most precious friends, the BakersDozen, met me at the hospital right after the ViolentSilence. There was confusion ... they watched quietly ... they prayed on the inside ... [That's okay, not everyone is as loud as me.]

Earlier today, the BakersDozen went on a SoulWalk for Pastor Ray. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We Heart you.