Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Finding Our New "Normal"

Tommy and I returned from our cruise Monday evening.  We had an enjoyable time, saw some beautiful sites and experienced some rough waters. ~smile~  I'll save further details for a later blog entry.


Dad's door plaque
I wish that I could tell you that Daddy had drastically improved when I saw him today.  But, drastic improvements are not the "norm" with this condition.  Small improvements are about as good as it gets and at times patients have declined or shown little to no improvement for a time.  Daddy had one of his best days last Friday and was encouraged, but has not had a good day since.  He feels as though he is declining, but from all that we read and know, this is normal during the recovery.  A bit discouraging, but not alarming.


Speaking of normal........we are all in the process of finding our "new normal."  Things have not been normal in about 6 weeks and they will likely not be for a long time, so we have to adjust.  It is a tough place to be, but we have to make the best of this situation.


 
This beautiful wreath, hanging on Dad's door, was a gift from a dear friend.
Dad's Physical Therapy begins at 9:00 AM each morning and goes for a couple of hours.  He is pretty much worn completely out when it is over  and usually has a nap afterwards before he eats lunch.  Around 1:00 PM he goes for more therapy which is concentrated on breathing exercises.  This is about 30 - 45 minutes.  He comes back to his room and rests of the remainder of the afternoon and evening. For the local folks, he does enjoy short visits and generally after 2:30 he has napped and recovered somewhat from his therapy and is able to visit for a brief time. 


His voice is still very weak and it takes a lot of effort for him to hold any length conversation.  This is most frustrating for him but it has improved and hopefully within the coming weeks it will get stronger.  He would be able to enjoy phone visits and visitors so much more.  It's almost impossible for him to talk on the phone right now. He is feeding himself much better now and we're hopeful that his appetite will increase in the coming days.  The Dr. did start him on B12 shots last week and he will get one a week.  We're hopeful this will help him regain some strength. I think I've overused the word "hopeful" but that seems to be the best word to describe where we are at this time.


We have a lot more questions than answers right now, but the one thing we do know is that God is in control.  We have to remind ourselves of that daily.  We thank each of you for your continued prayer support. We have felt your support and we know that it is what keeps all of us going during this time.  Often we find ourselves thinking way too much about Dad's future instead of just taking it one day at a time.  He told me today that when he is alone, his mind wanders and wanders and this causes discouragement to creep in. 


I am planning to get back with my regular blogging posts this next week but will plan to do a blog entry on Dad's progress once a week.  I'm not sure if that will be on  the same day each week, but that is my goal. Check back  in about a week and I will do my best to have a post concerning his progress and if you  want to email me, I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.


Again, your prayers are one of the sources of our strength during this difficult time.  Love to you all!

 



Lea @ CiCis Corner
Lea @ CiCis Corner

Hi there! My name is Lea. I've been wife to the best Hubby for 44 years....Mom to a son and daughter....CiCi to 4 precious Grans....lover of family and friends....enjoy laughter and a good time....shopper....picture taking maniac....maker of delicious fudge....organizational enthusiast....memory maker....Southern Belle...and most importantly.....a Child of the King! Welcome to my little corner!

16 comments:

  1. Your father is in my prayers. Look forward to you posting again.

    Susan

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  2. Glad you had a nice cruise! We continue to be in prayer for your Daddy. I know you want to see him up and back to normal RIGHT NOW and it is hard to wait! One of my favorite verses is Romans 8:37

    "But in all these things we OVERWHELMINGLY conquer through Him who loved us."

    Love you...

    P.S. We will probably be in Bastrop for a quick trip this weekend, know you will be busy, but I'll be thinking of you!

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  3. Ivan and I went to see him last Friday night, but he was trying to get some rest before dinner was served. It was great to see him for a quick minute though! Continuing to pray for you all.

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  4. Rough waters...that is what discourages me from taking a cruise.

    Glad you're back...hope things continue to steadily improve with your dad!

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  5. Finding a new normal is so hard ... especially when the trials and changes keep coming in waves. So tempting to just give up! God will give you the grace to take the next step though as long as you choose to take it! :) Praying with and for each of you!

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  6. Glad that your cruise was nice. I have been keeping your dad in my prayers. I know it is hard because we all like to settle into what is to be, and yet when you don't really know what is to be from one day to the next it is REALLY hard. My stepdad is basically dying from terminal lung cancer. He was diagnosed almost 3 years ago and has done sooo well. But now each day brings more downhill progress and fresh dilemmas. One day at time works for now, and it might end up being one hour at a time. Soo wonderful we have the Lord to carry us through. Have a GOOD day today...HUGS

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  7. Glad to have you back, Lea ,and that you had a good cruise (sans rough waters). I would guess Rough Waters kind of describes your new normal.
    But know that your Anchor holds. I'll keep praying for you all in this transition.

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  8. Welcome home! I'm so glad you were able to enjoy you're time away. Continuing to pray that you have strength, grace and peace as walk out this new normal!
    Blessings!

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  9. I'm glad you're back.

    I'm glad you'll be keeping us informed about your dad ... know that in between updates, I'm praying for him ... and for you, dear one.

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  10. Welcome home my friend. I am sorry you didn't come home to find your daddy's progress farther along. At least the little improvements are a step in the right direction. Continued prayers going up!

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  11. Welcome home!

    It's good to be hopeful!

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  12. So glad you are back. Know that you and your Daddy are covered in prayer. I've been praying for y'all and will continue to do so. God is in control and He is a good God. Great is His faithfulness!

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  13. I am glad you were able to get away and relax alittle; I know it was much needed......

    Thanks for the update on your Dad and I continue to lift him up to the Throne of Grace......

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  14. Glad you're back. Hope you got some much needed rest while you were away.

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  15. Lifting you in prayer, my sweet sister. You are loved!
    Cindy :)

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So glad you stopped by and hope you enjoyed your visit. I love your comments and read each and every one of them and I always try to reply to them. Blessings to you this day!