The Little Notebook

Friday, October 31, 2008

Mom has a little notebook that sits on the windowsill in Dad's room at TheSelect. Everytime a doctor, therapist, nurse, or technician comes into the room, you may see Mom or me or another WatchDog like P-Pet or BigVolFan or Mom'sLad taking notes. You may think we are taking down information about Dad's blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, temperature or even food intake.

In reality, we are writing down our praises and fears ... praises for every little hand gesture, nod of the head, word from the mouth, sit up in bed, stand up from chair, swallow of juice, song of praise, and ultimately walk out of room ... fears from every wince of the eyebrow, grind of the teeth, cry of pain, sign of unknown and silence of darkness ...

In Mom's little notebook--and in the pages here at G&G--we are writing these things to tell Dad and the World what a scary, gnawing, exuberant, amazing, exhaustive, challenging, rewarding, blessed, fearful, painful, trying, stretching, prayer-filled journey this had been.

Thank you for being a part of it with us!

100% Update: Yoda Sees Dirt

I know that it is Friday and many of you have already skirted out of work early ... some of you are skipping the afternoon nap for the kids so they can go candy-stealing this evening ... and others are still grinding away ... Dad, on the other hand, was mad because his Yoda costume did not fit ... there's only a few hours to go until the Halloween Party at TheSelect ... Dad's boycotting the party for religious reasons ... Here's the update:

• Are we starting a trend here? It was a very rough evening for Dad ... up until 2:00am ... but you knew that! At 2:30am, Nurse BowsO'Holly gave Dad some BellyCalmJuice ( ... a new medication to Dad's list of meds ... ), as well as some NoHurtJuice. Finally, peace, quiet and calmness. This is the first night that Dad sleep for 4 hours straight.


• Dr. Rehab 1.0 came into the room this morning while Mom was getting some coffee. Dad and Dr. Rehab did their rounds together ... no one else ... when Mom returned, Dad accurately reported what Dr. Rehab said. Go Dad! Go Dad!


• The plan is to plug Dad's trach later today and do a 24-hour oxygen test. If that goes well, then the plan is to take out the trach tube tomorrow and allow the trach to close. Scary ... Scary ...


• With the right eye now stitched 1/2 shut, Dad can actually see better out of that eye. As he was sitting up this morning, he looked at the floor ... and in his Yoda-voice ... Dad said, "Man, this is the dirtiest floor I have ever seen."

Happy Friday World!

North Pole Believes

A few days ago I told you that Santa'sHelper was sneaking onto the website on a daily basis to check out Dad's recovery. Well, after telling you about her location (... North Pole, Alaska ...), she decided to send some pics, along with a little note:

You seem to be such a character, judging from reading your accounts about your dad. So I thought you might enjoy a little humor. Since you referred to me as "Santa's Helper," I thought I'd send you a few photos of our North Pole main tourist attraction, Santa Claus House........just for fun. I'm sure your kids will enjoy it. Enjoy your blessings in the Lord.....

Thanks for the pics our little elf friend! Oh, by the way, if you talk to Santa, CaveBear says his family needs a Nintendo Wii as well.

Rooting for Ray (# 18)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from TinkerBelle ... and ... well ... it's pretty self-explanatory. WOOF!

UPDATE: After we posted the above woof-shot, we received this: "Tinkerbelle was so excited she made the web site; she is now dancing for Ray…."

Thanks for the pic, Tink. By the way, since you started dancing, I would stay away from Patrick Swayze or his dog (circa 1987).

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: Post-Op

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Mom called a little bit ago. You can breathe. The surgery went good. The EyeJunk was cleaned up, but there is severe damage to the cornea. The stitch part of the surgery took like it was supposed to take. Dad will not have full peripheral vision in the right eye while the stitch holds the EyeLid closed. The damage may require a corneal transplant down the road.

Thanks for your prayers, friends.

100% Update: Op

SuperAmnesiaMan came to inspect Dad right before the surgery. He's the one that his going to give Dad his BodyCalmJuice and he looks like Clark Kent = SuperAmnesiaMan. A last second before the operation visit from Dr. EyeGal, too. She's got her game face on and looks like she's ready for anything. Finally, Amnesia Assistant MajicMushroom and O.R. Nurse FanniePack make the final members of the team. Go get 'em guys!

Dad's moaning and crying ... he's done with this stuff, he says ... he's over it, he says ... he's one messed up dude, he says ... he won't stop crying ... it's okay, Dad ... Hero!

Mom walks off to the waiting room. I race home ... where I will wait for the news ... like you all ...

100% Update: Pre-Op

Sitting here in the pre-operation waiting room with Dad and Mom. Nurse WaitingSmile, because of her warm smile while we wait, says she likes Mom's singing. Dad is frustrated because he has been waiting here for a couple of hours. Go figure ... waiting in a surgery waiting room ...

Another's ViolentSilence

You have heard about our ViolentSilence. If you need a primer, then click here. This hurts so much ... it's hard to type the words because it brings back very painful memories ...

... we just received word from some friends in Virginia (the GreetersJr.) that their mom and dad (SunFlower and Stable GreetersSr.) had their own ViolentSilence on October 10, 2008. They were involved in a catastrophic car crash on their way to Greenville, SC. As a result of the accident, SunFlower has sustained numerous injuries ... much like Dad ... and remains in critical condition.

I find it hard to read the Greeters' story because it is such a recent, painful, intimate flashback for me ... when I wrote about our ViolentSilence, the writing helped get me through ... as I read about another's ViolentSilence, my heart hurts because I KNOW EXACTLY what they are feeling. The GreetersJr. and the GreetersSr. taught our family so much back in Virginia. SunFlower taught MyBeloved how to be a wise wife ... and all our love goes back to you.

Greeters of any size (Junior or Senior), if you get this message, please know that we are praying for you. I told my Mom and she immediately prayed for you. Now that we posted here at G&G, the World is praying for you. ( ... World, you can leave a prayer for SunFlower here ... )

100% Update: Evening Jitters

I guess Dad had night-bef0re-eye-surgery-jitters last night. P-Pet stayed with him all night ( ... thanks brother ... ) and reports that Dad had night-bef0re-eye-surgery-jitters last night ... in other words ... he was restless with very little sleep. The surgery is schedule for 5:00pm, and we will let you know immediately after we hear back from Dr. EyeGal.

Rooting for Ray (#17)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from a special flock o' sheep at EastLake in Okie (not Muskogee), Oklahoma. Dad still talks about all his friends and loved ones in Okie (not Muskogee), and we are happy to see that you are Rooting for Ray! You are all invited to Dad's "Return to the Pulpit" tour ... we'll let you know when ...

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

Pillow Talk (#2)

I let you into my bedroom a few weeks ago. I did not get in trouble. Whew!

Well, Mom was illegally lying next to Dad ( ... or should I say without doctor authorization sitting on the edge of Dad's hospital bed ... ) the other day. Let's take a look at their pillow talk ...

Dad: I'm one messed up dude ... (moan)

Mom: Ray, you are recovering more and more each day.

Dad: I'm one recovering messed up dude ... (beast smile ... groan)

BonoDad

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Dad got a new haircut and shave this afternoon ... and he joined a new group called "You, Too!" Here's some pictures of BonoDad before going gray ... We are getting ready for an eye surgery tomorrow afternoon ... We are going to pray for full recovery ... with or without you ... we are going to pray!

100% Update: Day Late / Dollar Short

Yep, I know we are running behind one day, but that's the cost of having to save this World ... one commercial contract at a time. (... That's a joke ... In case you did not know, I used to be wonderful Dad, but lately I have become a full-time commercial litigation attorney and a part-time hospital visitor and just a semi-part-time Dad ... There's a time for everying, Self ... Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ... Keep telling yourself that ... There's a time for everything ... ) Here's the update from yesterday:

• Tuesday also brought some visitors to Dad's little room: P-Pet, BigVolFan, and Sr.Word.


• You already heard that Dad got a shower on Monday ... Well, even into Tuesday ... his boot-teeay was kicked! (... Translated: he was really tired ... ) That's a lot of work for one broke dude! Rumor is that Dad gets a haircut and shave today. Adios Tom-Hanks-Stranded-on-Island-after-Airplane-Goes-Down-Looking-Dad!


• Dr. EyeGal spoke with Dad and Mom about Thursday's eye surgery. They talked about the risks, why she has to give Dad some BodyCalmJuice ( ... under general anesthesia ... ), the details of the procedure, the short-term affect on his peripheral vision, and her belief that Dad's eye was injured or burned in the ViolentSilence ( ... the accident ... ).

Here are the specific prayer requests:

1. A surgery without complications or any new bleeding.
2. Healing of the "seventh nerve" within the eye.

Hero ... (Part 4)

I can walk, talk, see, taste, touch and feel all around me ... yet I struggle to find even a few minutes in the day for quiet, personal prayer.

Dad can shuffle, groan, glance, reach and barely move around himself ... yet he prays without ceasing.

Yesterday, Dad woke up praying for my Big Week and what has been on my brother's (CaveBear) plate. When Mom was upset yesterday, he called her over to his bed, asked her to lay down, put his hand on her head, and prayed for her. What an example of a true man ... a warrior ... a comforter ... a protector ... my hero. (In case you missed it, check out my Hero 1, Hero 2, and Hero 3.) Dad has even become someone else's hero. He may be yours, too ...

Here are some of Dad's recent prayers:

• Thank you Lord for your sustenance and provision ... Jehovah Jireh ... Provider
• Lord, take me into the abyss of God's love ...
• Thank you Lord ... (groan from pain) ... Thank you Lord ... Oh, hallelujah!
• Oh, Lord, how long? Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Praise you Jesus. Praise you Lord.
• My God, El Shaddai ....
• According to your Word I can do all things.
• You are everything to me, oh Lord.

This continues for hours ... My 2 minute personal prayers (when they happen) seem like seconds ... Dad, why can't I be more like you? ... Why can't I be more like Him?

I love you, Dad!

Prayer Blanket of Comfort

If you know Dad, then you know he likes to sleep in the cold. We are talking about 65 degrees cold ... no blankets ... maybe a sheet ... maybe a few ice packs just for giggles ...

Enter stage right: ... the PrayerBlanket ... yep, the one from the WoodbineGals... who stayed up late one night cutting and stitching and knotting and praying ... Mom tells Dad about your prayers pressed deeply into the fabric ... Dad cries ...

Within days, Dad changes his mind about sheets, pillows and blankets ... He says, "This blanket is so comfortable and provides me with so much strength and comfort."

Now, he won't sleep without it ...

Rooting for Ray (#16)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from JrSongGroup ... this lively crew is getting ready for a holiday feast to the ears ... and they took a little break from their Sunday practice to do some Rooting! We can't wait for Dad to hear your new production this year!

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

Santa Loves Us!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Just got an add to my FaceBook page from Santa'sHelper in the North Pole. We are so excited they are praying for Dad that far North. Here is what the litte elf had to say:

Hi Self,

Thanks for the add. Now you can add Alaska as a praying state also. I'm believing for full recovery for your Dad and expecting him to have a mighty testimony to share when he is back in the pulpit again. You have a beautiful family. God bless you all, along with your Dad and Mom.

Santa'sHelper from North Pole, Alaska

Thanks for being my FaceBook Friend Santa'sHelper.

P.S. If you see Santa anytime soon, we want a Nintendo Wii for the kids for Christmas. ( ... hint ... hint ... if there are any Nintendo manufacturer reps reading this website ... hint ... hint ... you can find our address here ... )

9,090 Down ... 910 To Go!

G&G needs your help! Since the ViolentSilence, we've had more than 720,000 "hits" on the website ... There's only three days left in October and we are about to reach the 10,000 mark for "visits" this month ... To put that number into context, we get anywhere between 250 and 400 unique visitors per day ... All that to say, we need 303 and 1/3 visitors to G&G each day for the next three days.


You can help reach our goal by making sure to send our link to your family members, friends, co-workers, church family, and even perfect strangers. If you need help finding a catchy way to spread the word, then try here or here. Help us reach 10,000 visits in October!

Guest Blogger: Compelled

World,

Your letters and emails inspire us so much. Mom has a little basket in Dad's room that overflows with cards from all of you ... only now we need to replace the little basket with a larger basket.

The best type of words of encouragement are those from our unknown friends. For example, check out this one from Compelled, a never-met-before-guest-blogger who lives in the SouthWest:

You can count me as one of at least a thousand who are prayer for your 100% recovery, ray, and for strength and blessing for your wonderful family.

I would have written sooner, but as Self so succinctly put it, I have been "compelled" ... I have discovered his website and have spent hours trying to catch up on each detail of your family's faith and prayer progress and of updates on Ray's struggle and medical reports. I am engrossed, Self, with your humor, your faith, and your witness.

Actually, you don't know me ... I am writing to let you know that even though I do not know you personally, I have been praying for Ray since first learning of his accident. I began to realize that God must be calling me to pray mightily for you, Ray, when I noticed that I was thinking of you several times throughout the day and waking up in the night thinking of you. I prayed for you each time. This was well before I learned that Self had a website. Somehow I felt from the beginning that God has His Almighty hand on this family, and he wants to show us His grace and His hand in a Big Way! 100% recovery, YES! ...

I've grown to love your family, and my prayers continue for you. I am so sorry for your pain, ray, but you are becoming my hero too! ... God bless you, my friends. Compelled.

Compelled, your words compel us to keep fighting. After just one letter, we, too, have grown to love you! If you ever make it to the MusicCity, you have a place to stay. We'll even feed you. Thanks for taking the time to write.

Rooting for Ray (#15)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from the bums of nice beaches ... that's right ... the BeachBumFam ... who all look perfict in this pic. Dad will join you guys on the beach one day ... I promise!!!

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

TheSelect: Behind the Scenes

You've been behind the scenes at the TraumaCondo. Here's a little teaser for our upcoming special, TheSelect: Behind the Scenes, which will air later this week.

There's a little bridge connecting TheSelect with the CrossHospital ... As you walk across the bridge, you find some inspiration from the Jewish Liturgy. Take a look yourself.

100% Update: Reporting from Baghdad

Many blogging networks have a problem reporting from Baghad ... some of your information is late ... some of your information is incomplete ... But here G&G Network, we go the extra step to make sure our news is timely and accurate and complete. Here is an update on Dad:

1. Yesterday and this morning we reported on a new eye surgery recommended by Dr. EyeGal. Mom and P-Pet talked to EyeGal this morning and we have a better explanation of the recommended MedicalFixIt. There is an eye nerve that tells the muscles to contract the eyelids. Apparently, along with the EyeJunk in Dad's right eye, the EyeNerve is not talking to the EyeMuscle to tell the EyeMuscle to close the EyeLid. That's what EyeGal needs to fix with an EyeStitch. When I get some Google-power later, I will let you more about the procedure.
2. The eye surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning. Let's pray for Dad.

Reporting from Baghdad, this is Self.

100% Update: Additional Thoughts

Ok ... so now that I have had time to digest yesterday afternoon's news, I am in no better position to digest what's happening. Since the first day of the ViolentSilence, many have said that recovery would look a little like this:

Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...
Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...
Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...
Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...
Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...

Sum total recovery ... that looks pretty good. When you are living a sleep-deprived-life without sleep or without a life (... that sounded so cool ... I am so impressed with my prose sometimes ... ), then the steps backward don't feel too good. Here's what I am thinking ... tell me if you agree?

Doctor 1 likes Dad's progress, but wants to make sure Dad is strong enough before undergoing additional rehabilitation surgeries. Doctor 2 doesn't like Dad's eye progress and wants to perform immediate surgery in attempt to prevent further eye damage. At this time, we gotta go with Doctor 2.

Yum Yum Yum

I could not pass up this opportunity to share one of Dad's breakfasts with you. This is a favorite ... Mashed P'Cakes, PorkPuree and ( ... no pictured ... ) LiquidPeaches.

It looks gross, but I have to admit, the PorkPuree tastes exactly like pork (only pureed)! And the Mashed P'Cakes tasts exatly like p'cakes (only mashed)!

100% Update: Evening News Update (#1)

Monday, October 27, 2008

Dad went for a ride a ride in a wheelchair today and did better than this guy. This evening, we have some good news and some (... have not decided how to classify it ... ) news!

1. Good news: Dad had his first shower since September 19, 2008. O-Therapy and Mom took Dad down to the 4th Floor for a shower. He's not sure how he liked it because of all the energy it took.
2. Other news: Dr. EyeGal finally returned to see the EyeJunk in Dad's right eye. It has gotten worse. EyeGal recommends immediate surgery to clean the EyeJunk and insert a stitch to help with the closing of the eye. Dr. Rehab wanted to wait for the surgery for a little more recovery time, but EyeGal says it is not elective ... it must happen soon in order to save the sight in Dad's right eye. ( ... Now we are back to some intense prayer requests ... let's warm up those prayer-chain-engines ... ready, set, go! ... )

Given the above, there's nothing more important to report. Mom is scared about surgery; Dad is confident that Jesus is still Lord; MyBeloved's fixing pork chops and apple sauce; and I'm just too busy to figure it all out right now.

Talk to you later.

SideBar: Introduction

At SideBar, we tell you what's been going on in our work life as an attorney ... that is, the information we are allowed to tell you ...

Today's SideBar lets you learn about the eating habits of an attorney during trial. Here's a look at the menu:

5:00am Wake-up
7:00am Continue trial prep
8:30am Breakfast -- NOTHING
9:00am Trial
12:05pm Lunch -- NOTHING
1:00pm Trial
5:00pm Adjourn
6:00pm Dinner -- NOTHING
9:30pm Snack: 12 double cheeseburgers, 5 pieces of chicken, 4 large salads ( ... I'm on a diet ...), 7 small fries ( ... again, I'm on a diet ...), 12 cookies.

I joke ...

Wanna Go Phishing?

I received an email last week at the G&G address from Sister xx. She married Mr. XX, who worked with the Kuwait embassy for nine years before he died in 2006. They were married for eleven years. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death, they were both born again Christians.

Since his death, Sister xx decided not to remarry. According to her email, "When my late husband was alive, he deposited the sum of ($2.600.000.00) Two million six hundred thousand dollar in a Bank in Abidjan (Cote D'Ivoire). Presently, this money is still in the Bank. Recently, my doctor says that I will not last long due to my cancer problem."

I think Sister xx needs our help at G&G getting the money out of Kuwait. And all we have to is give her an American bank account number and the money can be transferred. Anyone wanna help?

__________________

World,

If you received the same letter from Sister xx, or one like this letter, then you will get a chuckle. ( ... G&G has now been officially phished ... but we shan't take the bait! ... ) If you have no clue what we are talking, laugh anyway and click here.

Self.

Rooting for Ray (#14)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes to us from the RoyalCamp Family ... Yes, you've met the before. If you've never met them, then we are sure that you met someone like them ... PrincessCamp, Sir CoolBeans, PrincessPea, and SwordPlay ... they love camping ... in their air-conditioned camper! Rumor has it that they even pack the ice chest with Evian ice cubes. We love spending time with them in the woods ... we eat ... we dance ... we laugh ... we cry ... and then we return to our tent ...

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

Dear World

You are creatures of habit ... well, at least a majority of you are. I can tell what days of the week that you are bored at work ( ... and then we get a lot of traffic here at G&G ... ) and I can tell when you are swamped ( ... and then things are a little slow ... ). I can even tell what you are doing on weekends ... sometimes ... and what you are not doing.

I write this morning to let you know that we are going to have to do things a little different around here for about a week. We will still play games and have some fun. We will still "Root for Ray" ... as long as you keep sending me pics. We may share with you some of my sleep deprived thoughts, or perhaps Mom may share some of her blessings.

But we are going to make two temporary changes, one of which I will need help from you. Here they are:

1. Medical Updates: Will now be in the evening ... sorry I can't object, ask questions, and zealously represent if I am pounding away at the keyboard about Nurse PerfectPosture getting into a fight with Technician AlwaysLate about AlwaysLate being always late.


2. Guest Contributors: You can help by sending me your prayers for Dad, thoughts about what you have learned the past few weeks, musings about randomness, memories about Dad, or anything else that you think we will enjoy here at G&G. For example, Bubbles left us a song that she wrote for Dad. ( ... big sigh, little tear ... ). Or PrayerChair put together a fantastic, heart-warming, amazing PicBook for Dad ( ... and I am still trying to figure out how to share that with you all ... ). If you have something for us, to share with the World, let us know here.

Thanks for your love, help and understanding.

Self.

100% Update: Multiple Choice

Sunday, October 26, 2008

1. During the day, Dad felt ...

a. Okay

b. Okay

c. Okay

d. Okay

2. For lunch, Dad ate ...

a. SmashedChikin

b. Green beans

c. SmashedSweetTaters

d. AppleSauce

e. All of the above

3. For dinner, Dad ate ...

a. Meatloaf

b. SmashedTaters

c. Pulverized Green Beans

d. PureedPeaches

e. All of the above

4. This afternoon, Dad ...

a. Sat in the chair

b. Sat in the chair

c. Sat in the chair

d. Sat in the chair

5. Tonight, Dad needs your prayers for ...

a. Comfort from pain

b. Sleep

c. A and B

d. None of the above

Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh ... Across the USA

I got a chuckle from ChellySox's email last week when she said that her peeps in CA, NJ, GA and VA were praying for Dad. Like our friend CrazyDean, I started to rattle off a few more states in which I know people are praying for Dad. Let's start from the beginning:

Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Connecticut District of Columbia Florida Georgia Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Minnesota New Jersey New Mexico New York Oklahoma Pennsylvania Puerto Rico South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia Wisconsin

Any others? If so, add them below. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh ...

100% Update: Meet the Press

As Dad settles in to Meet the Press [... my favorite show ... my favorite FamilyMan / PoliticoMan ... I really miss Tim ... ], let me tell you how his night went:

• Nurse Romance back for night # 2, along with Technician HighSchool ... rumor has it that HighSchool single-handedly handled all 17 rooms last night ... Good job, man! [Note to SelectAdmin: Coaches don't send 1 player on the field to play the football game, why would you?]
• Dad was restless during normal times 10:00pm to 2:00am, and caught some ZZZZZZs from 2:00am to 5:30am.
• This morning, he has already ate some eggs and sat in his chair for 2 hours. Back to sleep. Rough life. (... I'm joking ... it's okay to joke every now and then ... he does it to me ... )

Rooting for Ray (#13)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from Pastor LittleBabies, who along with his little babies, is rejoicing in the pulpit. [... In fact, he's probably getting ready for his SundaySpeech right now ... ] LittleBabies comes by to say hello to Dad every couple of days ... Dad thanks you ... and so do we!

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: Objection!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

As I prepare for my week-long trial, Dad sat in his own witness chair this afternoon for about 2.5 hours. Weekends at TheSelect are definitely interesting ... not alot of rehab going on, but I did see a grumpy old man in his drawers ( ... i.v. thingy in tow ... ) yelling at Nurse Nashville about something ( ... yep ... that's random ... ) Here is a short update:

• Nurse Fabulous is back for the first time in about a week ... She says that Dad looks great. ( ... kinda like losing 10 pounds and someone you have not seen in months notices the loss ... you may not notice, but they do ... )
• R-Therapy RedWisdom is back and busy ... I think they are short on staff today ... Technician Pebbles ... she's new to us ... was swamped too. In other words, Mom and Dad did most of their rehabbing together today!
• Many visitors today! Let's see if I get this right: MusicMom, HeadSong, PondLover, TheMom, Pastor QuietSoul, TuesdayMorrie, MisterMow, Mom'sLad and StrawberryMom. [... If I forgot you, then sorry. I wasn't there! I was working! But thanks for stopping by to see Dad ... ]

I know that one of Dad's largest "unknowns" right now is the damage caused by the EyeJunk in his right eye. He has extreme pain and he cannot see. We need more aggressive eye care. We need to pray that eye back to beating like his heart ... back to breathing like his lungs ... back to walking like his legs.

Just a Test

Dad cannot see beyond the reach of his face. Our little ChairBed sits about 5-6 feet from Dad's bed. As I settled in last night, I wanted to assure Dad that somebody was always by his side.

"Dad, I am sitting right next to you, okay?"

"Okay..."

"And I want you to raise your hand if you need anything. I know you can't see me all the time, but I want you to know I am right there. Okay? Just raise you hand if you need me."

As I walk around his bed to my bed, Dad's hand shoots up. I walk quickly to the other side.

"What do you need?"

"Just testing."

"Nice. Nice. Nice."

100% Update: Sleepless in Nashville

Some of you may have seen Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan playing lovebirds in Seattle, and we know how they feel. Last night, we were sleepless in Nashville ... except I'm talking about me and MyBeloved ( ... me at the hospital ... MyBeloved with the newborn ... ), while Dad .... SLEPT ALL NIGHT (... subject, of course, to eye drops every hour and a groan here and there ... ). Here's the update:

• Technician Spirits likes Dad. (... not likes-him-like-him, but just likes him ...) We like her, too. Nurse Romance, who is rumored to have induced a man's marriage proposal in less than 60 seconds, was on top of her game. Dr. EyeGal says drops every hour ... Romance was there every hour, on the hour. R-Therapy Mouse 2.0 was ... you know ... in and out like a ... mouse.


• Dad slept during most of the above.


• Dr. Rehab 3.0 was as quick as Romance's marriage proposal ... in and out in less than 60 seconds ... I guess that's why they call it "rounds" ... because they only stay as long as the second hand goes round the clock once!

5 Pictures = 5000 Words = 100 Feet

I told you I would tell you about the great achievement Dad made yesterday. Didn't you believe me? Well, here ... there are 5 steps to this journey ...

1. Exit room.
2. Turn right.
3. Go to end of hall.
4. Take break.
5. Back to room.

The pictures are not even the best part. The best part was the huge crowd of doctors, nurses, technicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, equipment checker dudes, cleaning ladies, and other people CHEERING CHEERING CHEERING as Dad walked down the hallway. Mom overheard one nurse calling another floor, "Pastor Ray is walking. Come quick!"

Return Them ...

Friday, October 24, 2008

Mom was praying for Dad this evening. Then she prayed for all the HurtOnes that we have met over the last few weeks ... Sk8ter, MotorLife, FarmFam, the Screamer, LonelyGuy's dad, and many others. What caught my attention was Mom's statement ... return them ...

Return them ... to their families.

Return them ... to their homes.

Return them ... to their churches.

Return them ... to their jobs.

Return them ... to their schools.

Father in Heaven .... return them ...

100% Update: Years of Prayer

Dr. Rehab 1.0 came into the room earlier today. LogicLove was sitting with Dad, while Mom was eating lunch with BG a/k/a CountryClub ( ... despite the name ... BG is nowhere near snooty ... ).

Dr. Rehab noticed that Dad was talking without his TalkPlug and he commented, "Pastor Ray, You should't be able to talk without your TalkPlug. That's a really good sign. That means your lungs are strong. That must come from all the years of preaching."

Yoda-voiced Dad replied, "No ... that's from all the years of praying ..."

Amen, Dad. Here's an update:

1. Dad had a very long ... (wait) ... (wait) ... (wait) ... (wait) ... walk earlier today. [ ... You thought I was going to say, "day", huh?... ] It was a long walk and we have pictures! Be patient. (Eph 4:2)
2. Two more meals today.
3. Right eye continues to cause extreme pain.
4. Dad hangs out with OakTree and OakTreeWife (... thanks for the BBQ sammich ...)
5. Nurse SameShoes ... because she has walked in the same shoes as Dad ... was amazing today. SameShoes, we could feel your pain, joy and full recovery with each careful touch and with each task you carried out. Thanks. ( ... yet another big sigh, little tear ...)

We Miss You, Too!

ChellySox ... the sister I always wanted, but never had ... just sent this note of encouragement. If you are new here, Chelly's description of G&G gives you a flav' of why Dad is so popular all over the country ... and the World.

Your website is truly something special. The reason you have over 1000 visits a day is that you’ve invited the world to share in your personal/painful/spiritual journey in a very intimate way. We’re all touched by the ups and downs, we want Ray to fight and fight hard, but we know his journey is painful and fraught with risk because of your loving but frank detail.

Of course, like all your friends I’m sure - I worry about you – I hope you’re holding up okay… holding up your whole entire family. It must be so surreal for you to go to bed every night trying to take in all that has happened on each particular day, all
that you’ve witnessed with your dad’s recovery, and all the newness that comes from a newborn child; trying to be a dad, husband, son, brother, oh yeah, lawyer.

I have my peeps in San Francisco (CA), Ridgewood (NJ), Atlanta (GA) and all over NoVA praying for your Dad. He’s on prayer chains and novenas. We dedicated last Sunday’s mass to Pastor Ray. God is working!!!

Chelly, we are doing great ... but really, really tired. MyBeloved is the the most amazing woman, but you already know that. She is "growing and growing" like the rest of us. Thanks for the note. Thanks for sending Dad to California, New Jersey and Georgia.

The Contest ... Logo #7

Yep. They are still coming in ... so that means the logo contest is still open. Logo #7 comes from from OldSkool and her son, Mr.Jewels, who want the World to keep praying for Dad:

Remember, you can purchase a t-shirt or other item here.

100% Update: QuikTrip

Just like MyBeloved loves QuikTrip back in OkieLand,* you will have to love this short update:

• Dad was restless until about 1:00am last night. He and P-Pet (... go figure ...) tried to watch television.
• Dad slept from 1:00am until this morning.
• Dad had extreme chest pain this morning ... followed by round of HeartCheck-Ups, including an EKG ... Result = pain due to his broken ribs and not broken heart.
• Right eye seems like it is getting worse.
• Dad tried to eat scrambled eggs, AppleSauce, and PorkPuree (...ground up sausage ...), but not much luck eating.

Too busy to chat. TTY.
_____________

*Translated: My wife LOVES, LOVES, LOVES this convenience store in Oklahoma because of the awesome ice, cheap eats and clean restrooms.

Pray for MorningSmile

I just received an urgent email from ChellySox, who received an email from NaNa, who sent a prayer request for MorningSmile ... a wonderful greeter at my prior LawFirm. MorningSmile would start the LawFirm engine running in the mornings, joyfully great any visitor, and pass on phone calls to the right person. Here's the scoop:

MorningSmile is going to have surgery tomorrow afternoon at TheTown Hospital. To be brief, she has been experiencing over the last couple of weeks, or perhaps longer, numbness in her hands, stiffness in her neck and shoulders, unstable when walking, and a number of other symptoms ... She has three vertebras lying on her spine; it actually has pushed her spine inward. There is no fluid going through her spine. The surgery will entail removing the three vertebras and they will be replaced by metal plates. ... There is a possibility that she will not regain 100% use of her left leg. Please keep MorningSmile in your prayers.

We will, NaNa ... we will! So will the World.

Mom Speaks: Blessing of Hands

You have all heard about our little corner near Rhea Chapel. Well, the Sunday before we were moved to Select Speciality Hospital, Donna (Ray's sister) and I were roosting for a nap. As we were "people watching," two chaplins entered the chapel.

Shortly thereafter, we heard an announcement over the PA system that a service ... "Blessing of Hands" ... would begin in about 1/2 hour. Since we has missed the Sunday morning worship service, we rejoiced at the opportunity to gather with others to worship our Father in Heaven.

We walked into the chapel and quietly sat down. We observed Chaplin1 and Chaplin2 set a beautiful porcelain bowl on the altar and proceed to stand behind the altar. Chaplin2 stood to the side with a thick white towel in his hand. Chaplin1 invited everyone to individually join them at the front.

I quietly moved forward. Chaplin1 asked if me worked at the hospital or if I was a family member or friend of someone in the hospital. "My husband, a pastor, is in the trauma unit," I quietly answered. She then gently took both of my hands, placed them in the warm water, and prayed over them.


Prayers were lifted for Pastor Ray ... who, by that time, Chaplin1 had heard about from others. She then prayed that God would bless my hands and use them to bring comfort to Ray as I cared for him. She prayed that God would use me and my hands to bring comfort to all those I crossed in the hospital. She gently lifted my hand of the "life restoring, living water" and placed them in the towel being held by Chaplin2.

I gently dried my hand and prayed for God to strengthen me as I cared for Ray. He also prayed for a special healing. I quietly returned to my seat in the chapel, as family members and employees in the hospital silently took their turn at the altar to have their hands blessed.

Rooting for Ray (#12)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from JrKatz and JrDrama. Something about the look on their faces tells me that they are "Rooting for Trouble" ... Thanks for your rooting for Dad .... But please stay outta trouble ... WE LOVE YOU!

P.S. Now that you are on the Internets for the World to see, you can send the G&G link to all of your friends. You're famous!!!

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.

Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,

we want to hear (and see) from you!

Wall o' MagLites

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Remember, I told you this morning that Dad said something funny about MagLite? First, a couple of things: (1) MagLite, who does not like to be called the "other" Mom, is called MagLite because she runs a magazine for God = MagLite; (2) MagLite is not to be confused with this Guy's random collection ... Wall o' Maglites.


Now that we have that settled, here's what happened last night. Dad was Yoda-voiced-chatting with VillageSis ...

Dad: I need to talk to Pat's friend.

VS: Who?

Dad: I need to talk to Pat's friend. I am so sorry. I feel so bad.

VS: Who are you talking about?

Dad: Pat's friend ...

VS: Are you talking about MagLite?

Dad: Yes. I need to talk to her right now. I made fun of her and I am sorry. Find her. It's in the magazine.

VS: What magazine?

Dad: The church magazine! Find it now! [Editorial Note: Dad is not a mean dude ... he is just a little misguided right now.]

VS: There's no magazine here. ( ... VS looks for magazine ... finds it ... ) Oh, here it is. Do you want me to read it to you?

Dad: Yes.

VS: Would you like to read it.

Dad: Sure. ( ... looks hard ... reads a few words from the title ... cannot read much more ... )

________________

Dear MagLite, if Dad made fun of you, he's sorry. He's messed up right now, but you understand that, right? All our love, G&G.

100% Update: Walker, Tennessee Pastor

This is no ordinary show. This is not Walker, Texas Ranger. This is:

Walker, Tennessee Pastor

That's right. Dad walked down the hallway ... about 25 feet ... with Tiny right behind him. Who says there's no such things as miracles? [... Dad's improving so fast I can't even keep up ... But remember, he is in so much pain that his prayers turn to cries most of the time ... Keep pounding with those prayers! ]

100% Update: "I Won't ..."

Dad: "Pat, don't leave me ..."

Mom: "I am not going anywhere. I am here all the time."

Dad: "Not now. I'm talking about ... Don't leave me because I'm messed up."

Mom: "I won't leave you ... (pause) ... Ray, don't ever leave me because I'm messed up."

Dad: "... I won't ... (smiles like Beast) ... I won't ..."

_________________

While Mom and Dad were playing Don't Leave Me, you and I were working hard. Here is today's update:

• Great RehabTeam today: Nurse Mt. Pleasant, R-Therapy TruSmile, and Technician ColdPlay are working well together. We wish we could have this team on a regular basis. Where do we place our order?
• Dad's EyeJunk in this right viewer appears to be getting worse. Dr. EyeGal came by yesterday and upped Dad's eye drops ... We need some more testing, Folks!
• RehabRounds, kinda like TraumaRounds at the the "other" place, occurred this morning. Mom voiced her concern about Dad's pain management and all appeared to agree to aggressively make some changes. We'll see?!?!?!?!
• P-Therapy Lil'Confidence [ ... I don't like that name. We said Lil'Confidence because she is little, but really confident ... However, it reads like she has little confidence ... Thus, our objection. Motion to rename you LittleBruiser. Is there a second? Second, says Mom. All in favor? Opposed? Ayes seem to have it ... Welcome to your new name LittleBruiser ...] and Technician Tiny moved their physical therapy sessions to the afternoon with the hopes of Dad sleeping in the night.

Mom just called. Dad has extreme pain in his eye and tailbone. Let's pray for those ... please?

A Little Help, Please?

There is a lot going on here at G&G and our sister site, Pound a Pastor ... and we need a little help. Can you handle a 'puter? ( ...or do you even know what we mean when we say 'puter? ...) Have you used Blogger or Blogspot or WordPress? Can you write? Do you delight in randomness? Do you have some extra time on your hands?

If so, send us a note. We need a little assistance keeping up with e-mails, prayers and posts. We have an immediate need for help with Pounding ... we would love to hear from you.

This Storm

If you have time, listen to this song forwarded to us by Sam-Ant-Ha!, who appears to get up every morning to check out G&G. Our friend says:

I continue to keep up w/ Ray & Pat through your blog site daily. This morning I read your late night posts (I'm much more of an early bird than a night owl!) And was reminded of this song - you may be familiar w/ it, it's a few years old - Casting Crowns "Praise You in This Storm" It's such a beautiful testament and in a way what you're all already doing...I hope it brings some hope.

Praying Daily, Sam-Ant-Ha!

Thanks for the nice reminder. In fact, Dad says it all the time ... "I will praise the Lord always ... in spite of my circumstances!"

Rooting for Ray (#11)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" ... then send us your pic. Today's FeaturedFoto is from the PrunusFam ... Apparently, they have a dog of their own. Perhaps Dad and PrunusDog can go running after some sheep when he gets better.

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

ATTN: Nurse RubySlippers

If you are RubySlippers, or if you personally know RubySlippers, please contact us here, or here, or here.

Mom needs to talk to you STAT. (... Like that? I said, "STAT"... like you called Dad "Stat Album" ...)

Dad Cries for You (...Yes, You, World...)

Photo: "Earth Tear" www.macjr.com

Dad and VillageSis were talking last night. Here's what happened:

Dad: (... in Yoda voice ...) Come here a second. Do you know P-Pet?

VS: Yes, he was here yesterday.

Dad: P-Pet said that many people were praying for me. He said that at least 500 people are on the website everyday to see how I am doing. Is that true?

VS: I am not sure about the numbers, but it does not surprise me.

Dad: (...begins to cry...) He also said that someone had prayed for me at the Wailing Wall. Is that true?

VS: Yes, Ray, that's true.

Dad: (...continues to cry... tears of joy, comfort, peace ...)

______________________________

World, we hear and feel your prayers. If you want to know whether they make a difference, surf this site a little and you will find the answer. If you want to know whether Dad knows you are praying for him, see above. If you want to leave another prayer for him, go to Pound a Pastor with Prayer.

Thanks.

Self.

100% Update: Amen

Amen. Amen. Amen.

I know there were at least three of us ( ... no doubt more than that ... ) praying last night for Dad to get some rest ( ... actually some sleep ... ). I am happy please to report:

PRAYERS ANSWERED!

VillageSis (one of Mom's closest friends in proximity, as well as, in heart) played WatchDog last night while Mom went home to get some ZZZZZs. Being a nurse herself, VillageSis ran a tight ship last night. Right before I left to be with my FamJam, we prayed over Dad's body and specifically asked for SLEEP for Dad. Later in the night, VillageSis talked to her daughter, VillageSisJr, who reported that she would pray for SLEEP for Dad. That's at least three of us!

When we returned this morning, VillageSis reported the following:

• Dad slept most of the night.
• Dad grunted prayers and mumbled songs through his pain. Rumor has it that he likes the new album by Casting Crowns ... Thanks WordSr!
• Dad and VillageSis argued part of the night. See, Mom: "It's not about you. It's not about your friends. It's about Dad and how much pain he has." He even argues with other lovely ladies.

Something else funny happened last night, but you will have to check back later. It involves MagLite, the one who does not like to be known as the "other" Mom.

100% Update: Feeding Frenzy

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

S-Therapy ... I think I told you ... is in charge of Dad's food. If my food intake were dependent upon how well I spoke, you know that I would be up all night practicing my speech and prayers as well.

Not sure how the day went, but I hear that Dad got to eat real food for a second day in a row. Today's menu included MashedTaters, MashedChikin, carrots, Puddin and iced tea. While I would not normally waste your time with such a petty post (... unless it was about a Zoot Suit and Pickles ... ), I thought you would get a kick out of what S-Therapy had to say:

"Slow down Pastor Ray ...

that's too much food in your mouth ..."

Good thing Dad remembered how to eat! Chomp now. Swallow later.

Randomness (#2): Equipment on the Loose

As you know, we at G&G delight in randomness. Well, this morning was no different. As Mom and I were cleaning up the room, YoungElvis walked into the room with a clipboard and a smile.

"Just checkin', ma'am," he said.

"Checking for what?" Mom asked.

"Checkin' for equipment."

"What kind of equipment?

"All kinds of equipment ... Bed. TV. Chairs. Even the mattress."

"To make sure we don't steal anything?" Mom wonders out loud.

YoungElvis laughs. "No, to make sure our night staff doesn't steal anything." He laughs again.

That's random. An equipment-checker-dude whose sole job is to check for equipment. As we always say, no job is unimportant. Thanks YoungElvis for the chuckle!

Rooting for Ray (#10)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" ... then send us your pic. Today's FeaturedFoto is from Bubbles ... we knew that she would beat her bro, BethelCollegeBoy, to the finish line. [ ... Girls rule ... Boys drool ... ].

Bubbles says: "Here's a picture for you from BCB and me!! Praying for you all. Sorry I haven't been by this week. I've been sick with a bad cough and I want to spread the love but not the germs!! See ya'll soon.Love, Bubbles."

Thanks for the love, not germs. [ ... BTW, this does not excuse BethelBoy on our callout ... ]

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 Big Update

I know I said it yesterday, but Dad had one of the worst nights since the accident ( ... or did I say that yesterday? ... I can't remember ...) The days are not so bad, but the nights are terrible. Here's the big update:

• Nurse Mt. Pleasant and Technician ColdPlay helped pacify Dad (and Mom) yesterday and today. They both are so compassionate and interested in Dad's recovery. Thanks.


• Dad got a small trach tube placed in his neck. Next step: either cap the trach or remove the trach.


• Between yesterday, last night and this morning, Dad has been out of bed at least 5 times ... 3 of which with the BedsideThrone ...


• Dad's frustration continues, but so does his prayers ... and I assume so do your prayers.

100% Update: A Small Update

I know I said it yesterday, but Dad had one of the worst nights since the accident ( ... or did I say that yesterday? ... I can't remember ...) The days are not so bad, but the nights are terrible. Here's the small update:

• Nurse Mt. Pleasant and Technician ColdPlay helped pacify Dad (and Mom) yesterday and today. They both are so compassionate and interested in Dad's recovery. Thanks.
• Dad got a small trach tube placed in his neck. Next step: either cap the trach or remove the trach.
• Between yesterday, last night and this morning, Dad has been out of bed at least 5 times ... 3 of which with the BedsideThrone ...
• Dad's frustration continues, but so does his prayers ... and I assume so do your prayers.

SheepDog and Lost Sheep Re-Unite!

I am not talking about Dad ... yet ... that will happen one day. I am talking about the SheepDog and Lost Sheep stuffed animals.




Thanks to BookWorm, who sent in a miniature sheepdog ( ... we will call him Lil' SheepDog ... ) to watch over the little lost sheep. BookWorm writes:

I had done some research on the internet looking for a stuffed sheepdog. Who better to watch over Pastor Ray? I found this one online, but assumed I wouldn't be able to find it here. I found a shop, they carried the Gund brand, found the stuffed animals. They won't have a sheepdog, I thought. As the shelves came into view, there he was, front and center, waiting to be sent to watch over our dear Pastor Ray. I'm sure he will be faithful and true.... Much love, BookWorm.

Now that Lil' SheepDog is on the watch, Dad can get some sleep. Thanks again BW!

X Marks the Spot

In case you were wondering what Dad's "game plan" from the other day looks like, I snuck into his room and took some pictures of the secret recipe to recovery. "X" means that he has accomplished that goal. Who knew that Dad was TypeA?

Let's add some more to Dad's list while he is sleeping. Can you help me think of any?

16. Be nicer to Mom

17. Recite the Greek alphabet backwards three times

18. Write the entire Psalm 23 on a grain of rice

19. Sign up to play Santa in the Holiday Party at Pastor Quick's church

20. See #16 again.

21. [ ... use the comments below to add your ideas ...]