Do You Have A Car?

Dad was awake most of the day, but I think it's mom who's the most worn out. Dad seems either confused or in denial about what he is capable of. He keeps asking mom to take him home, or asking her to stand him up so he can see what he can do. She tells him that he has a respirator and IV's that are keeping him alive, and that he needs to rest. He then nods as if he understands, but then will soon ask the same questions. She tells him that he will learn to move and walk (hopefully) but for now he needs to heal. He'll ask her "Do you have a car?", she says yes, and then he'll say "Let's get out of here." It's hard to know what this all means, but we are trying hard to remember that until he's out of the ICU, he won't necessarily be himself. Mom says right now he seems to be acting very childlike, always wanting to hold her hand. I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to want so badly to move, and not being able to. Right now he only has movement in his right arm. Only time will tell what he can do, but for all of us, it will be a very slow process. Pray for dad, that he deals with his limitations and continues to heal so he can leave the ICU. Although it's frustrating to see him confused, we have to remember where we were just two days ago. The progress is minute in some ways, but huge in others. Continue to pray for his progress, and praise God for so much that has changed....now he can communicate! What an improvement.

I ask that you especially pray for mom tonight. She is just plain worn out, physically and emotionally. It has been two weeks since the accident, and I think we all feel like it has been two months. Pray for strength and peace and endurance for this marathon we are running. It takes a toll on all of us, but mom especially. I will be at the hospital much of the day tomorrow, so hopefully she will take some time away.

As I think about what our Friday was like two weeks ago, I thank God that dad is where he is. I thank God that dad is here at all. God knows exactly what He's doing, and I rest in the knowledge that none of this is surprising to Him. Not even dad's delusions and denial. I smile as I think of dad right now, probably begging some nurse to get her car so they can escape. Oh, Pops....get some rest. You will need it.