Prelims ...

Monday, October 13, 2008

... show there is a small hematoma on the right side of the brain. RehabTeam is locating all of the CTScans from the first day to determine whether this represents new bleeding or trauma, or whether it is part of the old injury.

The plan is continue monitoring Dad all night and continue neurological testing ( ... like at the TraumaCondo ... trauma unit ... ) every two hours. Please pray.

Let's regroup in the morning.

100% Update: The Stock Market

It's 9:56pm. Giving you an update now is similar to telling you about how well the stock market did this morning even though you know that it closed 700 points down when the bell rang. In Dad's case, it is reporting that he got some rest last night, made some great improvements this morning, but ended up closing 700 points down at the end of the day.

The good news:

• Dad met with S-Therapy today and passed two "blue" tests: (1) blue ice test; (2) blue water test. The first test was to chew some blue ice. If the coloring leaked into his LungRobot tube, then it is a sign that the throat is not ready for food and drink. Second test is the same, but Dad drinks blue water. Dad passed both tests!
• Because he passed both tests, S-Therapy did some speech testing. You heard the results from that test this morning.
• Dr. Rehab 1.0 reported that Dad's lungs continue to sound "clearer" -- LungJunk is beginning to clear up!
• Mom bonded with a few new caregivers last night and today: Technician TooTallToo, with whom Mom fought about the height of Dad's bed; Technician FunkyGlasses, who carefully cleaned Dad's body; Nurse Preacher'sKid, who loved on Mom all day, held her hand during the afternoon trauma, and walked with me to CTScans; and R-Therapist Huggs, who just gave Mom hugs.

The not-so-good news:

• At 2:31pm today, Dad tried to walk ... by himself ... while asleep.
• At 2:32pm today, Dad failed in his attempt to walk ... by himself ... while asleep.

[Note: Like the circumstances surrounding the original accident, ViolentSilence, we really don't know what happened this afternoon. We can only speculate that Dad flipped his legs over the bed and fell to the ground. When asked by CaveBear whether he was pain, Dad shook his head, "No." When asked by CaveBear whether he was trying to talk a walk, dad nodded his head, "Yes." Again, we don't know ... ]

Rooting for Ray (#6)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" ... then send us your pic. Today's FeaturedFoto is from the Charleston LoveBirds, who say:

"I have already posted my prayer and have sent on the message. God is moving in amazing ways through your website. I know at times it is hard to see but God has taken this tragedy and turned it to be a beautiful thing. Even though Pastor Ray can't talk he is speaking to people all over the world through you. God is Amazing. I truly believe that God takes what is meant for bad and turns it into something good and wonderful."

We love the LoveBirds! Oh, BTW, Dad did say "Hi" and "I love you" today.

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.

Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,

we want to hear (and see) from you!

??????????????????

More questions than answers right now. Dad appears to be resting, while we wait for the RehabTeam to take him for a head CTScan. The best we can surmise is that he threw his legs over the side of the bed ( ... more than likely to go for a walk ... aggressive fellow ... ) and he fell. Dad does not appear to have any visible injuries right now, but we don't know about any new internal bleeding or broken bones or re-broken bones. Dr. Rehab ordered the new scan and now we wait. And wait.

Update (5:31pm): We took a ride ( ... actually a ride for him and a walk for me ... ) to get the scan. We are back at the room, settled in bed ( ... actually in bed for him and in a chair for me ...), and waiting for results.

... humbly asking ...

... to please pray ... Dad fell out of the bed a few minutes ago ... they are assessing his condition ... please do not call Mom right now (as she is very upset) ... we will let you know ... thanks

Dad Speaks!!!!!

Self (me): ... in the middle of a deposition ... Yes, I had to put on a suit today!

You: ... supposed to be working, but surfing G&G ...

Mom: ... sitting with her hubby of 42 years ...

CaveBear (my brother): ... texting me the following message ...

Dad just said "HI' to mom. And he just said "I LOVE YOU" OUT LOUD.

Whoa!?!?!?!?

Dad's No Leper ...

... but he has been quarantined ... well, kinda.

In Leviticus 13, isolation was a remedy for leprosy for God's people. A priestly dude would look for signs of yuck on the people's skin or their clothes, which would mean they were NotClean. Upon the priestly dude's announcement, the NotClean would be removed from the community: "He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp." (Leviticus 13:46). Although Dad is not NotClean ( ... that's a double negative ... interpreted as "Dad's no leper" ...), there are some precautions to visiting him.


That's right, you can (AND SHOULD) now visit Dad (and Mom) at TheSelect, a/k/a, Select Specialty Hospital, 2021 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203. It is at the corner of 20th Street and Hayes (between Church and West End). Since I am known as the disciplinarian at home, I will take that burden here as well. The ground rules for your visit are:

1. No plants, flowers, balloons ... all due to the controlled air environment and LungRobot ... Sorry Botanists, Florists and Clowns!


2. No wee-ones or sickies. That means if you are even thinking about sneezing or coughing, please be like Leviticus 13:46 and stay at your camp until you are better.


3. If you are sicker than Dad, we will come to see you.

Once you get there, go to Fifth Floor, Room 5509 at the the end of the hall by the Nurse's Station ... Mom/CaveBear/Self should be there. If not, there is a family waiting room to the right.

[Note: I'm no grumpy. Just trying to protect Dad's recovery with the above rules. Although she would never ask for it, Mom would like some company ... even if you can stop for a few minutes ... go grab lunch or dinner with Mom ... or just pull her downstairs for a walk around the block ... She could really use the support. Thanks! ]

Rooting for Ray (#5)

Sunday, October 12, 2008

If you are "Rooting for Ray" ... then send us your pic. Today's FeaturedFoto is from Mr. and Mrs. BeenThere/DoneThat in St. Peters, Missouri.

Here's what our never-met-before friends from St. Peters have to say:

H e l l o !!!! This is "been there""done that" (the hospital gig, that is.) Know I wasn't in nearly as bad a shape as you are. But for me it was a hard uphill jog. It was God's hand that reached down for me, lifted me up and said "got more for you to do, don't quit on me now." Was near "the Select" Vanderbilt University Hospital , for two long weeks. You hang in there and know the "World" is helping do our share as God does his share. Hey look at my wife, she is so happy you are God's child and in His care. Love from people you don't know but who love you just because you are you ...

Been There/Done That, thank you for the BIG SMILE! We really needed it!

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: CaveBear Returns to MusicCity

That's right! CaveBear came from MSP to BNA via NWA! Did you get that? In other words, for the abbreviation-impaired, my brother Chris came from Minneapolis to Nashville today by Northwest Airlines. He's here to take a little bit of the stress for the next couple of days. [ ... Thanks SisterFargo for loaning him to Mom again! ... ]

CaveBear has a bunch of cubs at home himself ... three to be exact. Pickles, his No.1, has been reaching out to her classmates to get a little encouragement for her Pappy Razor ( ... Pastor Ray ...). Here are some of their cards. Thanks Pickles and Pickles' Class!

Alright, enough of the ribbons and flowers and pink wires, let's get down to the update:

• I stayed the night at the hospital. Dad was restless, but no fever.
• Nurse Technician Spirits was with us for her third night in a row ... Mom's right, she's great! R-Theparist Mouse did not sneak in and out like a mouse this time, but stayed to talk with me. She's soft-spoken and quiet, but cute smile. Nurse RecoveryDude, who suffered a severe head injury like Dad many years ago, had a good sense of humor, right amount of assertiveness, and knew what he was doing. This team made Saturday Night Live Crew seem like amateurs.
• I can't remember if I told you, but Dad had two 4-hour periods of WindSprints (... trach trials ... or time without the LungRobot ...) yesterday. I talked with R-Therpaist Q1 this morning about the plan for the next few days. She says that today Dad will attempt one 8-hour period of WindSprints and, if he does well, then he will do 12-hours on Monday.
• Dr. Rehab 3.0 came in early, early this morning ( ... I was still getting my beauty sleep ...). He had the following to report: "___________________" That's right, NOTHING! I guess, under the circumstances, nothing good is betther than something bad!
• Wound Nurse HumsAlot replaced the bandages on Dad's surgical wounds ... they are healing without infection ... the cut on Dad's forehead from the ViolentSilence is almost fully healed and the stitches may come out on Monday or Tuesday.

Prayers for this Sunday evening:

1. Protection from LungJunk infection
2. Protection from EyeJunk infection
3. Protection from MouthJunk infection
4. Protection from EarJunk infection
5. Protection from AnyOtherJunk infection

Something to Think About ...

"It's 3:30pm and there still are no updates on Pastor Ray's condition," you say.

"It's Sunday ... you should be spending time with your family and kids," I say.

World, here's something to ponder while I type up this afternoon's medical update:

"My problem with life is not that it is rational or irrational ... but that it is almost rational." (G.K. Chesterton).

Pound A Pastor Update

If you are new here, then make sure you surf around to see what's been going on with Pastor Ray and with our little family [ ... Get it? That's a joke. "Little" family ... ha ha ha ... ].

If you have been following us since the beginning of the ViolentSilence, then thanks for sticking with us. As of this morning, we have 68 prayers and comments at Pound a Pastor, as well as more than 50 cards, from around the country.

If you have not had a chance to leave a prayer or comment, then do so here. We need to spread the Word around the world through our little goal of 1,000 prayers. Be a part of Sheepdog's recovery by pounding him with prayer!

Dad, Get Ready for a Revolution!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Hey Dad! Since they can't see you ... they wanted you to see them! Dr. Rehab 1.0 says "slow is good," but we are going to crank it up a notch for a minute. Get ready ...

The book of Revelations, Chapter 16 And 17 (Yes Sir!)

They shall hunger no more,

Neither shall they thirst anymore! (Preach, Preacher)

For God shall wipe away (Yes Sir)

Every tear from there eyes (Yes Sir)

Get ready for a revolution.

100% Update: Reading Mom's Notes

Since I was not at the hospital today, and I have not had a chance to catch up with Mom [... What's up, Mom? How you been? Did you have a good day? Your hair looks great. Dylan won his soccer game today and, get this, he scored 2 goals!!! ... ], I have little choice but to give you an update by her notes. Here we go:

• Call from Pastor and Mrs. JacuzziScream ... old friends from New Mexico


• Visit from Pastor and Mrs. Dark-M&M's ... old friends from New Mexico ... now living in 'Bama ... drove up for the day


• Dad was resting big time as a result of the 4 hour WindSprints


• Dr. Rehab 3.0 says that right lung sounds "pretty clear" and left lung sounds "less dense" = LungJunk may be clearing up soon ... keep praying ...


• Nurse Fill-In cleaned out Dad's ears ... lots of yucky stuff in there

BTW, Dr. Rehab 3.0 says that he has "seen lots of miracles come out this hospital." We agree ... we're one ... and will be one!

Mom Speaks ... Again

Photo: Daily Portrait Project of Julia Kay

"My man is coming back. I told him that I am learning to drive the Interstate and Freeways. He smiled so big."

[Editor's Note: If you know Mom, then you know she does not drive the interstate, highway or freeway to get anywhere. Dad apparently found humor admist his circumstances.]

100% Update: Whatcha Talkin' Bout?

Dad and Mom’s devotion – which I read because Mom was cribbing at home last night – talked about rejoicing and celebrating in distress. [ … Whatcha talkin' bout, Willis? … ]

Well, ArnoldJackson, if you know Pastor Ray, he's talking about: “Rejoicing the Lord no matter what your circumstances.” After we read the Scripture and prayed, Dad began tapping his feet at the foot of the bed and his right hand on the pillow. I asked him if he was in pain … he shook his head, “No.” I asked him if he was dancing … he just kept tapping. I think he was rejoicing and celebrating in distress.

Tech Spirits checked in on Dad (and me) all night long. Nurse IrishMama came in to say goodbye this morning … she was tired after a 3-day shift and was looking forward to some downtime. Respiratory therapist GottaGo ... went. Nurse Riddler stopped by, not to answer any questions, but to "check in on Pastor Ray." Here’s the update:

• Dad was a little bit restless. He kept tugging at his LungRobot tube.
• Dad had a minor fever this morning. He got some TempJuice (…Tylenol…)
• Dad’s eye is clearing up … little by little.

Today, Dad will be cared for by Respy RedWisdom (like BlondeWisdom at the “other place”* but red), Nurse Fabulous, and Tech Help. As of 8:30am, Dad started a 4-hour WindSprint, which you will remember is like life without a LungRobot. It’s part of the weaning process. Prayer requests today:

• Continue to fight the LungJunk
• Clear the fluids from Dad’s mouth, throat, and lungs.
• Allow Dad to control any pain, as they are trying not to give him any NoHurtJuice

…………

*We’ve learned not to mention the “other place” by name around here. It just makes people upset because they think we are comparing the two. Note to TheSelectStaff, you are going a good job ... your job ... your job is not to be the TraumaCondo ... that's the TraumaCondo's job.

An Olive Branch for Ms.Teach

Dear Ms.Teach:

I could not stop thinking about the "Circle of LeftOvers" last night. Mom shares with me everyday how to pray for you and your hubby. After I settled down last night, I started to think about the name MotorComa, which I gave your husband the first night we arrived at TheSelect. But that really is not fair, I thought to myself, because this is only a temporary condition for this man who was in a motorcycle accident.

Picture: Motherloom Studios

Ms.Teach, please accept my apologies for limiting your recovery. I would like to call your husband MotorLife … because he will continue to grow everyday and live strong.

From the very beginning of the Word we are told that “the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” (Gen. 2:7) So, too, with your hubby, God has the power to breath life into MotorLife and return him to a living being.

As Mom would say to my brother and I everyday as children, “Keep your corners up! … [ … the corners of your mouth … as in SMILE …]

Circle of LeftOvers

I did not know this was going to happen, but as I was typing out today's (albeit tardy) update, a bunch of LeftOvers came into the family room. That sounds so impersonal, so let me explain. Remember, LeftOvers are the family and friends of trauma victims ... the ones left behind to wonder and worry. Let me make these LeftOvers a little more personal:

(1) FarmFam have been in this boat for about a month. FarmDad, around 32-years-young, suffered a stroke that resulted in a severe brain injury. The farm is about two hours away, but FarmFam's church has helped them temporarily move to the MusicCity. FarmMom stands by her hubby's side ... praying over him.

(2) MotorComa has been playing this skewed game since his motorcycle accident. His beloved, Ms.Teach, has been fighting, loving, crying, living, sleeping, dazing, and just getting by for about 2 months now. Each day brings a new set of circumstances for these LoveBirds. I admire her love, determination and fight for her guy.

Tonight, this circle of LeftOvers, including Self, shared a little bit of their heart with the others. We laughed. We got awkwardly quiet. But we did not cry. [ ... I guess that's because Mom is not here ... ]

Why post this? I guess I just wanted to share that there is a lot of hurt and pain and sorrow and desperation out there in the World. People crave hope--they want to know that everything is going to be okay. Sometimes it takes trauma to bring them to this realization, but people want to know that there is a God. Such a harvest.

100% Update: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Friday, October 10, 2008

I told you it would be hard to keep updates from work. But you didn't believe me. You said it could be done. I said, "No, World, I have to get back to business." You whined, "But we neeeeeeeeeeeeeed you. We need to know what's happening with Pastor Ray."

It's now 10:00pm ... MyBeloved has said goodnight ... Mom should be asleep, but is probably giggling with CalvaryGal ... and I am at TheSelect for the night. Let's get this UPDATE rolling!

Last Night: Dad (and Mom) were taken care of by a very special nurse technician, Tech Spirits. In Mom's own words, "She's awesome. She checked in on us every 2 hours. She was meticulous. She did not miss a beat." Mom also had a good conversation with Nurse B.Anthony1, who has now been renamed Nurse IrishMama because of her spit-fire child. Our respiratory therapist, Respy Mouse, was quiet as a ... you know ... mouse. Here's last night's update:

• Dad slept well most of the night.
• No fever.

This Morning: Today, Dad began his WindSprints under the direction of Respy SunShine (back again). By mid-morning, Dr. Rehab 1.0 came in for daily rounds and reported the following:

• Very pleased that Dad went the night without a fever.
• Lungs sound a little less congested.
• Doesn't feel an immediate need to perform the bronchoscopy, as originally ordered.

Mom also asked Dr. Rehab 1.0 about the new antibiotics that SisterFargo was pushing. He indicated that the "gunk cultures" taken the first week had identified the target bacteria and Dad was receiving the appropriate antibiotic. Dr. Rehab 1.0 emphasized onced again, "Slow and boring is good."

This Afternoon: S-Therapy 1.0 stopped by Room 509 today for some "swallowing trials." Dad is not ready for ice yet, but it was reported that he could smile on command. Update on other responses:

• Dad can stick out his tongue on command.
• Dad cannot open his mouth all the way.
• Dad can mouth words, although we struggle to know what those words mean.

This Evening: Dad began the evening with 3 hours of WindSprints. In case you don't remember, that's part of weaning process where he is taken of the LungRobot and is breathing entirely on his own. We are happy to report that both Nurse IrishMama and Tech Spirits are back tonight. The respiratory therapist, Respy GottaGo, was in and out like a flash.

[ ... Just as I was finishing this post ... Nurse Cutz (the former hair-cutter dude) asked me what I was doing up at this time ... I told him about you guys, World, and how you made G&G the best website of year ... He said, "Cool!" ... ]

Tomorrow: How do you expect me to report about tomorrow? It has not happened yet! Good night...

The Calvary Arrives

Watch out Titans … Here come the Cowboys! That’s right, last night CalvaryGal arrived from Dallas to help Mom for a few days. CalvaryGal is one of Mom’s longtime friends and she can spit fire like the best of ‘em from Texas. Her kin back in Texas, along with their MegaChurch, are all praying for Dad. [ … I just wish they would send me a “Rooting for Ray” picture …]



Rumor has it that CalvaryGal brought some MindlessMags (People, Us Weekly) and tons of SweetStuff (candy and chocolate) for Mom. After a quick bite to eat, the two school girls chatted all night, crawled into a chair, and giggled their eyes to sleep. [ … Man, it’s gonna be a long weekend with these two together … ]

"Coming Home" (by No. 1)

You may recall that for the entire week before the ViolentSilence, we were in another intensive care unit for another member of our family ... our newest ... No. 5 (... click HERE and HERE ...)

Well, during that time, Mom and Dad kept No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 at their house so that we could focus our attention on No. 5. I am sure that Mom got a little stressed out, that Dad loved the chaos, and that Nos. 1-4 were ready to come home after a full week at the grandparents' house. Why don't we look at one of No. 1's homework assignments ( ... to write a story ... ) and see what was going on in the mind of that ten-year-old:

Once long ago, before telephones and vacuums, there lived a little family. Their was a mom, Mitchie, who made food, soup called gruel, and a dad, Ray, who made kangaroo stew, and a thirteen year old girl Yaya, who made jewelry and another daughter called Hita, who entertained her friends and family. There was a boy called Sid Lord of the Flame, who made fires for cooking and warmth, and a girl named Buttercup, who made cups and plates to eat on. And of course there were the grandparents called Abuela and Abuelo.... Click HERE for the rest of the story.

Don't worry, Yaya, Dad's coming home too!

GodThruMan (#16)

If you are new here, then you may be asking yourself a few questions (i.e., What's all the buzz? More importantly, what's this guy talking about? ViolentSilence? OrangeSpeedRacer? TraumaCondo? GodThruMan?).

Well, to make it simple, the ViolentSilence occurred on the morning of September 20, 2008, as explained HERE. The OrangeSpeedRacer is the ambulance that took Dad to the high-level trauma unit, or what we call Dad's TraumaCondo, which is described HERE. And finally, GodThruMan is a moment when God works through man to demonstrate His existence, presence or power. If you need help with any other words, check our nifty "Glossary" to the right ----------->

Given the number of GodThruMan moments here at G&G over the past few weeks, we decided to start posting them separate from the updates. [ ... Sound good? ... It really doesn't matter whether you agree or not because: (1) I can't hear you right now; and (2) I can't see you right now. ... ]

So, World, I travelled through the last three weeks of posting and have identified at least 15 GodThruMan moments, although we have certainly experienced more than that. With this extended introduction, let me share with you:

GodThruMan #16

Tech Prayzer, one of Mom's favorite nurse technicians, was joyfully caring for and cleaning Dad up yesterday morning. Of course, she was praying for Dad and praising God. Thus, her name ... Prayzer. [... you guys and gals are really quick ... ]

Mom had not eaten breakfast and, to be honest, she really has not had an appetite over the last three weeks. Around lunchtime, Mom's tummy began to grumble. Could it be? Was it her appetite coming back? Maybe ... but the doctors had not come around and Mom was waiting for the daily update. Mom was not going to leave to room to get lunch.

There! Up in the sky! It's a bird! No, it's a plane! No, it's Prayzer with a nice salad with tuna and pita bread. As she handed it to Mom, she said, "The Lord told me you were hungry and that you needed this."

Mom smiled. Took the lunch. Ate the whole salad. GodThruMan.

Rooting for Ray (#4)

I'm speechless ... [ and that does not happen very often ] ...

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your pictures here. I just received a couple of pictures from PrayerChair ... Remember her? Anyway, she's been "Rooting for Ray" in the yard. Here's what she has to say:

"I love to pray outside. These are some places I choose to pray for Pastor Ray...."

"This may not be perfect, but God made it beautiful."

"Another place I have prayed for Pastor Ray."

"Praying for Pastor Ray around my yard."

"God gives us new life."

PrayerChair's email continues:

"Every butterfly starts as a tiny egg that hatches into a caterpillar. The caterpillar grows and grows until it's time to build a hardened shell around its body, called a chrysalis. While the caterpillar sleeps inside the chrysalis, its body changes and grows new parts. When it comes out, it has become a butterfly, quite a different creature than a caterpillar! I believe that God is in the process of healing your Dad. He is in the chrysalis stage right now. Keep the faith, my brother!"

Thanks, my friend.

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

Introducing ... S-Therapy 1.0

You have not met S-Therapy 1.0 ... In fact, as of yesterday-day, we had not met the speech therapist either. That is, until around 5:00pm.

S-Therapy went through an initial assessment with Dad, and began with some letter testing and answering questions. She taught Mom how to begin teaching Dad how to begin communicating. [ ... wow ... that was a mouthful of a sentence ... ]

The Good News is ... the hope of the gospel (Col 1:23). The other good news is ... Dad's responses to S-Therapy:

Are you a truck driver?

No. (by nodding of head)

Are you a pastor?

Yes. (by nodding of head)

Are your eyes brown?

No. (by nodding of head)

Are your eyes blue?

Yes. (by nodding of head)

World, you may not delight in the small things, but let these responses from Dad tell you something ... other than his career and his eye color ... Our God has protected Dad's mind and is slowly restoring him to 100% Recovery, which is a lot more than any doctor expected.

Update:

Okay, okay, wiseguys! Try this:

Nod (...as in up and down...) = yes

Shake (... as in left to right...) = no

Squeeze Language

For those needing a little morsel of encouragement before we start this last day of the week [ ... yeepeeeeee! ...], we are communicating with Dad ... well, kinda ... The hearing impaired have sign language ... Dad has SqueezeLanguage. The other night, as I was leaving, I told Dad, "I love you .... [and squeezed his hand three times] ..."

Get it? "I" ... SQUEEZE ... "Love" ... SQUEEZE ... "You!" ... SQUEEZE ...

And Dad squeezed back, three times!

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

Dear MyBeloved and Nos. 1-5:

... SQUEEZE ... SQUEEZE ... SQUEEZE ...

Content this morning,

Self

You Gotta See This Dad!

Thursday, October 09, 2008

World, I'm not one who normally spreads rumors, but I could not resist this time ... MyBeloved sent this to me this afternoon ... hopefully to get a chuckle out of me ... IT WORKED! ...

17 Pound Baby!

BARNAUL, Russia - A Siberian woman who gave birth to her 12th child - doing more than her fair share to stem Russia's population decline - was stunned to find that little Nadia weighed in at a massive 17 pounds, 1 ounce or 7.7 kg. Nadia was delivered by Caesarean section in the local maternity hospital in the Altai region on September 17, joining eight sisters and three brothers, a local reporter said.

Hey, Dad, if a lady in Russia can have a 17 pound baby without any complications, then you certainly can recover from this accident!

Ostrich Takes Flight

Who says Ostriches cannot fly? Our Aunt Ostrich flew home back to Maryland yesterday and arrived safe and sound. [ ... if you don't know, Ostrich is Dad's sister who has a propensity to bury her head in sand when it comes to critical decision-making events ... ] To her family, we thank you for sharing her with us. Dad really needed the support and her calming presence was critical for his recovery.

Just got an email from FavCuz-C, who says " ... she's already talking about when she's going back [to the MusicCity] ..." You are welcome, anytime ... anytime.

100% Update: Finally ...

Finally, Mom decided to call me back. [ ... Doesn't she know that you rely on me, and I rely on her, to inform the World about Dad's recovery? She's so one-way like that! ... ] "What's that, Mom? Your phone was not working? Oh, sorry."

Here is what's happening in Room 509 of the TheSelect:

• The RehabTeam threw us for a loop by giving us three newbies last night. However, in true commitment to customer service, they gave our nurse and respiratory therapist the same name ... B.Anthony1 and B.AnthonyToo. We love it when you make our "remember your name" job easier. Tech JaxSon, like her soft-spoken bro Mike JaxSon, was caring throughout the night.


• Dad wants to talk so badly, but cannot do so given his condition. Since it's rumored that I speak with hand gestures so often, I guess it's kinda like me trying to talk if you had cut off my arms ... only without all the blood ... [ oh, nevermind ... it's probably nothing like that! ]


• The RehabTeam for the day brought: (1) new to us ... Tech 8Kids, who like MyBeloved, wants her own zip code of kids; (2) new to you ... Nurse OldArmy, who helped Mom the first few nights when Nurse Riddler was unable to answer her questions given his recent graduation from grade school; and (3) new to nobody ... Respy SunShine, who continued to bring sunshine into Dad's room for respiratory therapy.

For those without time to read all my dribble [ ... where on earth do I find the time to write it? ... ], here's the medical update in short verse:

• No fever last night.
• Dad wants to communicate by words, but cannot.
• Dr. Rehab 1.0 reminds us that "slow and boring" recovery is good.
• Dad yanked at ear. Dr. Rehab 1.0 ordered some EarExams.
• O-Therapy 1.0 = not here yet.
• P-Therapy 1.0 = not here yet.
• WoundGal says that Dad's wounds, including the bottom one, have not gotten worse ... which, I guess, is slow improvement.
  

Dear Dr. Rehab 1.0

Thank you for paying attention to all the details, while the family supports Dad like the family should support a Dad. SisterFargo, who is a drug dealer [ ... let me rephrase that ... she is a pharmaceutical representative ... ] sent me THIS about about a new treatment for hospital-related and ventilator-related LungJunk. Since I am not supposed to worry about the details, perhaps you could stumble on this site and tell us whether THIS is being used now for Dad, or whether Dad would be a good candidate for it. Thanks.

Sincerely,

A loving, supporting, non-detail oriented family.

Dear Mom:

TURN ON YOUR CELL PHONE!

I can't get in touch with you.

Love you,

You adoring son ... Self

Pound a Pastor ... With Prayer

As a second career pastor, my Dad has been in the ministry full time for only 12 years. In that time, he has been a lead pastor of three different churches. When he began his ministry at each church, he was pounded by the congregation within the first few weeks. He (and Mom) were pounded with bags and bags (and pounds and pounds) of food, new household items, and even gift certificates. They were pounded with love.

Today, I am asking that you help me Pound a Pastor ... with Prayer! Our initial goal is 1,000 prayers. It can't be that hard with all the BeLievers out there. You can help in any of the following ways:

First, you can Pound a Pastor ... with Prayer by sending a card to: Ray and Pat DeVries, c/o DeVries Family, 2592 Kanlow Drive, Antioch, TN 37013.

Second, you can Pound a Pastor ... with Prayer by leaving a prayer "Comment" at the newly minted www.poundapastor.blogspot.com

Finally, you can promise that you will forward to all of your family, friends, co-workers and anyone else you know the following message [use cut and past in your email editor of choice]:

I want to ask you to help me Pound a Pastor ... with Prayer! On September 20, 2008, Pastor Ray or "Sheepdog" as many call him (a local pastor in Nashville, TN) was involved in a near fatal car accident. He was immediately taken to a high-level trauma unit, where he spent the next two weeks in critical condition. Some of the injuries include a displaced heart, both lungs punctured, 8 broken ribs, broken shoulder blade, pelvis and tailbone, severe head trauma and cranial fractures, and internal bleeding.

On October 3, 2008, he was transferred to an acute rehabilitation facility, where he remains in critical condition, fighting off various infections and pneumonia. This has truly been a riveting journey for the family, an enlightening experience for the church and friends, and a story of "hurt healed by faith, love, and prayer" for the World to hear. You can read about it at: http://www.growingandgrowing.com/

Our goal for Sheepdog is to reach all ends of the earth and fill the website, Pound a Pastor ... with Prayer! with thousands of prayers. There is a goal of 1,000 prayers. Please go to the website (www.poundapastor.blogspot.com) to leave your prayer in the COMMENTS. Once you have done that, please forward this message to everyone you know. I am going to leave a message for Sheepdog. Will you?

Two Special Birthdays ... Made Special!

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

When tragedy strikes,

you find out who your real friends are ...

And I have some great friends.

You all really came through for me (and especially for MyBeloved and Mom) on their birthdays during this stressful time. First, their mailboxes were flooded with emails wishing each of them a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Second, their tummies were filled with delicious eats.

For MyBeloved's birthday party, Mom'sLad, a chef extraordinaire at Peggy'sCowHut, arranged for a full course meal -- loaded with NY strip and filet mignon steaks, scalloped potatoes, herb esperagus, salad, and fresh peach cobbler -- to be served at the house. (Mom'sLad, you are a TrueFriend!)

(Peach Cobbler by Mom'sLad)

For Mom's birthday party, the EarlyBirds met at Our Little Corner at 6:00am for an early morn' celebration of sorts. Of course, they had gifts for the never-leave-the-hospitral Mom, as well as her own personal birthday blueberry muffin. Thanks, EarlyBirds!

(The Goodies for Mom)

(Mom's B-day Blueberry Muffin)

100% Update: MindNumb

I have it (and I know it).

Mom has it (but probably won't admit it).

Dad has it (but not by choice).

Do you have it? It's called MindNumb ... it's where life has you wrapped so tight that your mind goes numb ... numb to the point that you are just surviving ... some by instinct ... some by faith ... some by grace ...

Tonight, I met Nurse SunShine ... she is as Mom described ... such a ray of sunshine. [ ... I wish you could meet her ... ] Under the careful watch of Sunshine, Dad did a couple of hours of WindSprints ... or TrachTrials (no really ... this is the actual name ... see David Barnett's (another blogger) description HERE 3rd paragraph ... )

Dad continues to recover from his MindNumb, but his body still fights infections. Infections of the eyes, infections of the mouth, infections of lungs. Dr. EyeGal came in this evening to assess Dad's viewers. The problem has been that the EyeGunk caused build-up of gunk in the eye, which caused some scratches on the corneal surface. The eye drops and cream have helped, said Dr. EyeGal, but time will be the most important factor.

The LungJunk continues to be the most problematic problem. Dr. Rehab 1.0 [ ... notice I did not call him Grumpy ... yet ... ] ordered a CT Scan of Dad's chest so that they could determine whether there has been any improvement (or worsening) of the pneumonia. If so, tomorrow they will either perform another TubeSuckGunk procedure or a NeedleSuckGunk procedure or both.

For those late-night G&G Addicts, those PrayerWarriors of all hours, or those Just-Stumbled-Accross-this-Siters, please pray for the following tonight:

1. Total and complete relief from the LungJunk (... pneumonia ...)
2. Total and complete release of the BloodClot (... blood clot ...)
3. Total and complete resistence to the EyeJunk (... eye infection ...)
4. Total and complete recovery from the MindNumb (... you know ...)

A Brief Stop

I was driving to TheSelect after work this evening when I noticed a little car zip right beside me. In that car sat Dr. TraumaLite from the TraumaCondo. [ ... I won't comment on which of the above cars represents me and which one was the doctor ... and I expect that you will keep you comments to yer'self ... ] As I rolled down my window, the brown rust on my truck chipped off ... I mean, the evening sun glittered off my shiny hood.

"Are you Dr. TraumaLite at the TraumaCondo?" I asked.

"Yes ..." TraumaLite smiled.

"I don't know if you remember me, but my Dad, Pastor Ray, was a patient on the HurtFloor over the past two weeks. He was transferred to TheSelect on Friday."

"Oh, yes, I remember. How's he doing?"

"He's doing great. A lot of neurological achievements, but still fighting off the LungJunk. I know you gotta go, but I want to thank you for all that you did for Dad. It means a lot to us."

"That's great ... You're welcome."

For a brief stop, these two cars sat side by side ... at a red light ... somewhere between the TraumaCondo and TheSelect ... one was thankful ... one was thanked ...

Rooting for Ray (#3)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" ... then send us your pic. This picture comes from Self ... me ... the Self-proclaimed Typer of Tidbits ... Poster of Pieces ... Blogger of Bible Business ... Reporter of Recovery ... Enabler of Entertainment. When she wasn't looking, Self drew on Mom's sweatshirt and took this delightful pic. Dad's No. 1 Fan.

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: ... by day ...

It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night ... (Psalm 92:1-2)

This morning, Dad and Mom saw a ray of sunshine in more ways than one.

First, Tech Prayzer came to assist with Dad's morning bath. As Mom began reading to Dad a dailing morning devotion, Psalm 91, Prayzer began reciting the same entire chapter by memory. [ ... yep ... GodThruMan moment ... I wish I could have been there ... I get chills just thinking about it ... ]

Next, Respy SunShine came in to start Dad's respiratory therapy. According to Mom, SunShine brought sunshine into the room ... with her meticulous care-giving ... her joyful attitude ... her compassionate cleansing of Dad's repiratory wounds. Thanks, SunShine for the sunshine and hope! Nurse RedTop is another compassionate part of today's RehabTeam.

Finally, O-Therapy 1.0 worked with Dad for quite some time. Dad was able to lift both arms and it was reported that the swelling in the left arm [ ... the one with the BloodClot ... ] had gone down tremendously. O-Theraphy 1.0 recommends that Dad start sitting up more during the day, which will allow the fluid in his lungs to drain.

[Note to Dad: I know you are getting frustrated with your inability to talk. It took you years of training to get you talking in the first place ... you always were a quiet one ... but rest assured that God will restore you. Don't become TheScreamer in your frustration.]

100% Update: ... by night ...

It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night ... (Psalm 92:1-2)


Last night, God proved his faithfulness to Dad (and Mom). It was a night of peace and rest for Dad (and Mom). Nurse NiceCough, as well as Respy TooTall, snuck in and out of Dad's room throughout the night ... and did not wake Mom ... so she got some rest. A special thanks to Tech BeeHive who hunted down a new chair/bed for Mom to catch her ZZZZZZZ's!

Although Dad had another fever [...remember that fever is a sign of fighting the infection ... ], the RehabTeam was able to control it with TempJuice.

got water?

Dad was real thirsty yesterday. He's been moving his lips in a quench-thirst-like fashion. Our friendly caregivers at TheSelect gave us some sticks with pink foam to dip in water to help Dad get a drink.

Did you know that in the OldBooks [.... Old Testament ...] the HolySpirit was sent "to give water for ... thirst." (Nehemiah 9:20)? In the NewBooks [ ... yep, you guessed it ... New Testament ... ], the illustration is more direct:

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'” John 7:37-38

The water that Dad now seeks is real. The LivingWater that Dad preaches about is real. How about you? Are you thirsty? Got water?

im·pa·tient

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)im-ˈpā-shənt\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English impacient, from Anglo-French impacient, from Latin impatient-, impatiens, from in- + patient-, patiens patient
Date: 14th century


1 a: not patient : restless or short of temper especially under irritation, delay, or opposition b: intolerant 1

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

World,

This I know:

• It is 11:16am
• There have not been any posts since last night
• If you are like Nelson and the other G&G Addicts, you are freaking out!
• If you are not fully addicted, but find yourself clicking "refresh" every hour, then you are in denial!
• Most of you are impatient ... see above definition ...
• As I get back to work, you will have to learn to be patient ... opposite of above ...
• There will be an update shortly.

Thanks.

Self

100% Update: Self-Sufficient

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

"While Mom's away, Dad will play."

Mom spent most of the day at home trying to put together home pieces. Back at TheSelect, Aunt Ostrich sat with Dad in his new suite. Dad's neurological responses continue to amaze the RehabTeam, including the following:

• Dad communicated with Ostrich in a guessing game. He kept moving his lips (albeit with his mouth closed) in an attempt to talk. The poor man just wanted to say something. Ostrich asked what was wrong. He could not answer. [ ... hole in throat = no ability to talk ... ] Was he in pain? "Yes," he nodded. Did his head hurt? "No." Did his chest hurt? "No." Did his back hurt? "Yes," he nodded. It was difficult, but Ostrich was able to figure out that the angle of Dad's bed was too high and he wanted it lowered.
• O-Therapy 1.0 came to work with Dad this afternoon. He put a wash cloth on Dad's face and asked him to clean his face. Dad struggled with his right arm, but he did so. He put a another wash cloth in Dad's hands and asked him to clean his hands. Dad struggled, but he did so. At one point, Dad grabbed the side of the bed and tried to pull himself up.

What are we learning from all this activity?

• That Dad is a fighter and will continue to fight to get out of the fog.
• That Dad sooooooo wants to talk to the World.
• That Dad's internal body needs time to heal.
• That some terrible infections continue to stand in the way of a quick recovery.

BostonMarket Hearts Ray!

Just recieved this email from waaaaaay up North ... I think someone's been spreading our little journey to those funny talking people in Minne-sowta:

My husband and I met SisterFargo at a Boston Market in Eden Prairie last Friday, Sept. 26th and learned about Ray and this blog. So glad to stay connected through this blog and see how your Dad-in-law defying all of the odds. . . .

Yours In Christ

BostonMarketFamily, thanks for your prayers. Dad is defying all odds!

I Forgot ... Sickies and Wee-Ones ...

Rooting for Ray (#2)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" ... then send us your pic. This picture comes from JrWord, the eldest of the WordFamily, who puts his words into action. JrWord participated in the Church Yard Sale this past weekend and raised some $$ for Dad's medical bills. Thanks JrWord for the example of outreach!

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

Ask and You Shall Receive

World:

You have been asking about Dad's new location, TheSelect. You have been asking about where to send cards and other items. You have been asking about whether you can visit Dad. Here are the best answers that I can give you right now:

• TheSelect, a/k/a, Select Specialty Hospital, 2021 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203. It is at the corner of 20th Street and Hayes (between Church and West End).

• Please continue to send cards to: Ray & Pat DeVries, 2592 Kanlow Drive, Antioch, TN 37013. You can also send emails here. (We hand deliver the cards and gifts daily to Mom).

• While we appreciate any gifts, Dad cannot accept any plants or flowers due to the controlled air system and LungRobot. [For that matter, better not send any Pepper Spray Self-Defense Gift Bags or BritneySpears perfume.]

• Dad can begin to have visitors, but in the interests of a healthy recovery we need to "control the crowds" so to speak. Since Mom will be spending the nights with Dad, she will not be there during 1:00pm-6:00pm. Thus, the best times to visit would be mid-morning and early evening. Please call either Mom's or my cell phone to make sure we are there. (You can email me if you need the number.)

Self and Mom

Wound Man = WoundGuy and WoundGal

This is a picture called Wound Man, taken from ''The Method of Curing Wounds made by Gun-shot'' (London, 1617). The identification and description of wounds could have both medical and legal implications. Accordingly, it is essential for forensic physicians and pathologists to correctly identify and describe the wounds with a full and complete description in the event the information is helpful at a later time.

Today, we did not get a visit from Wound Man, but we did get a visit from WoundGuy and WoundGal (collectively referred to hereinafter as "WoundCrew"). The WoundCrew said that all of Dad's wounds were healing nicely. The categories of wounds are: (1) the areas where surgical wounds had been closed after removing certain tubes; (2) the lacerations on Dad's head from the accident; and (3) bed sore on Dad's bum. Again, a good report all around [ ... no pun intended ... ]

Dear Dr. Rehab 1.0

Please go home tonight and read this. If you are not careful, we are going to call you Grumpy 2.0. The other one, Grumpy 1.0, came around as well. Remember, we love you, but we don't always have to like you.

Sincerely,

Self (On behalf of a concerned family, church, community, and World.)

Come On! Really? Thank You ...

(This is not one of my lil' ones ... but cute nonetheless!)

[Dear God, I know that you hear our prayers. I know that your timing is perfect. But come on!!!! Really???? I know, I know, mine is not to question … mine is believe …Thank you.]

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

World,

In case you want to know what the above little exchange was about (it happens more than you think), I guess I can let you know. I've let you into my bedroom, so "into my head" shouldn't be that big of a deal.

You know about TheScreamer. You know about the EarlyBirds and our prayer request this morning for a change in "Location, Location, Location" for Dad -- in other words ... a move to another room. As Righty was leaving the hospital this morning, he asked, "What room do we want to pray for?" I said, "508 or 509 ... right in the middle ... right next to the nurse's station."

About an hour later, Nurse SouthernComfort told me that were moving Dad to a new room. That's right, ... Room 509! [God, Come on! Really? Thank you...]

Sincerely,

Sometimes-Disbelieving Self

100% Update: Loooooonnnnnnngggggg Night

It was a very long night for Dad (and Mom), as he continued to struggle with high fever. [Dr. Rehab 1.0 says fevers are good because they evidence that the body is fighting in the infection.] TheScreamer continued to wail and there was no rest for our #1 Pops. Mom says that it was simply a crazy night on the Fifth Floor, as Nurse Lil’Spider and Respy Bubblegum were running around all night long.

When we last spoke yesterday, we told you that Monday was a day of “assessment” by all the RehabTeam, including Dr. Rehab 1.0, the occupational therapist (O-Therapy), physical therapist (P-Therapy), and speech therapist (S-Therapy). By all accounts, the RehabTeam was impressed with Dad’s responsiveness and physical flexibility. Right now, our greatest concerns remain the LungJunk and BloodClot.

Dad was also seen by Dr. EyeGuy, who upon further reflection, is Dr. EyeGal. She reported that Dad's infection in the eye is started to dissipate. [ ... good Scrabble Word ... ] They are putting a lot of ointment in his eyes to prevent any further build-up of scar tissue.

Mom's overnight report is as follows:

• Dad was restless last night, due to the fever.
• Mom tried to order some ice to help cool down Doda, but Lil'Spider was not at the top of her game. [We have faith that she'll do better next time.]
• The swelling is Dad's left arm -- the location of the BloodClot -- is going down.
• Pastor EarthColor, an old comrade from Albuquerque, called Mom last night for a word of encouragement. Thanks EarthColor.

EarlyBirds Met at TheSelect

Yep. You may be able to find early birds all around your neighborhood. But these EarlyBirds, the men's weekly morning bible crew, met at TheSelect this morning to pray for Dad (and Mom). Take a look at their prayer list.

For those of you new here, we take PRAYER seriously. If you want, close your eyes for a second, say a quiet prayer for one of the above. The BloodClot and LungJunk continue to be the most pressing prayer concerns. [BTW, Righty says you don't spell his name with a "k" .... sorry dude!]

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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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?