Dad was a little more frustrated today...a little more tired...a little cranky. But of course he's allowed a cranky day now and then. Aren't we all? He still went to the gym and worked out, but had less determination today. I think his first therapy yesterday really wore him out. He complained that his back was sore all day. It's to be expected since he's using those muscles for the first time in a month. Some days he's just ready to go and excited about his own progress. But some days you can just tell he's thinking "I can't believe this is happening". Today seemed to be one of the latter.
Regardless of his mood, the whole family bombarded him this afternoon for a visit. He is a good host and always has smiles for Cole and Paige...but he was pretty wiped so we kept it brief. At one point he asked "Where are we?....Milwaukee?" We said "Yes Pops, you're at Froedtert Hospital." We thought he had this info down pat so we were a little puzzled. We asked if he knew that and he seemed to nod yes...but then he said "It just feels like Texas". We gave each other a "what the heck?" look, but he later explained that since it's so warm and sunny, he thought we were in Texas. And why wouldn't we be?.... He also told me to tell his nurse not to drop him on his head when they put him into bed. I asked dad if they have dropped him before and he said, "No, I just don't want to be dropped." Again, what the heck? We're all looking forward to a completely drug-free dad in the weeks to come....
I got to have dinner with Pops tonight, which was nice. And by 'have dinner' I mean we both watched as his nurse hooked up what appeared to be a bag of oatmeal to his stomach tube and we watched as drip by drip it emptied into his stomach. Delicious. As the bag came to the end, dad mouthed, "I'm almost done eating". We had to laugh. It was one of those moments where we both shook our heads and thought "Is this really happening?"
Well, it is really happening. We really are smack dab in the middle of the biggest crisis our family has ever faced. It's hard. It's maddening. But it's made us aware of how little control we have...over anything. What peace there is in knowing that God is in absolute control....in a time when dad literally has none. Pray tonight that Pops feels that peace...that God has him...and will never let go.
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16 comments:
You're also right smack in the middle of the best Spine Rehab facility there is (as far as I'm concerned) where miracles really do happen (I've seen them). What incredible progress! And yes, you're all allowed cranky days (or sad or frustrated days). And just because we'd like to know how you all are doing, you aren't obligated to tell us if you just plain don't feel like it...
A quick comment about the being dropped thing - it isn't unusual for someone to feel like their caregivers are going to drop them. Bohrman doesn't have the ability to catch or brace himself or help them in any way. I'm sure he feels incredibly vulnerable.
You have an incredible family. Thank you for the updates. Your faith and humor continue to make my day!
Praying for continued faith, progress and PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE!
Julie Simons
Yes, we all have days like that; which will make his next good day seem all the more special!
The pictures are so wonderful to see - he looks 100% better than the other pictures - and we enjoyed seeing the smile on your mom's face and especially in her eyes!
God is good.
The Halls
Dear Amy,
The new pictures are wonderful - especially the picture of your mom and dad. Your mothers beautiful smile says it all and to see the progress your dad has made is remarkable. Dan Curtin gave the Bible Quizzers at Alliance an update last night and Pat's progress is truely remarkable. I know it is painfully slow and tedious for all of you and especially for Pat, but try to remember where he was one short month ago. (must seem like a year to all of you) Praise God for the way He is working in all of your lives and we continue to lift all of your family in prayer. Someday this will all be but a memory but all of your lives and the lives of your friends following this amazing story on this blog will be forever changed. Thank you Amy, for allowing us to share this miracle with you and your amazing family. God is very good! Lindy Hauber
A month ago nobody knew what to expect.
Today, smiling, rehabbing, crabby,tired....God is working miracles.
We will continue to pray for all.
Thanks for posting the new pictures. Pat with that smile looks so much like his old self. See you soon. Thoughts and prayers, Jim Ruppenthal
Hi Bohrmans! I'm an old friend of Jeannie's from Maine South and before. Just wanted to let you know that I heard about Pat from Nancy (Wirth) Hogan in CA, who heard from Kathy (Archibald) Klick in (I think) Utah, and I'm sure the chain of old friends goes back further; we're all thinking of you and praying for Pat's full recovery. Thanks for your faithful updates; it's great to hear of his progress. Much love to Jeannie and family.
It sure feels like Texas around here lately. The sense of humor, "I'm almost done eating," is amazing.
We will continue to pray. Thank you so much for the updates.
Dearest Ones - I want you to know that I am doubling my prayer effort as we are in the midst of our own, albiet much different, crisis with my Dad. So when I pray to God from here on out regarding my Dad, I will ask God to please ditto that for the Bohrmans if it applies. It's like multi-task prayer. I love it! And I love you all bunches. Hubbell
P.S. Isn't God the Best Friend that their is in the time of crisis?? This blog has become an incredible part of my prayer time and has provided a bit of quiet time for me when I've needed it most. Thanks Amy.
Dear Pat, Jeannie and Family,
We just wanted you to know that we are thinking about you and that you are in our thoughts and prayers. It's wonderful to see, Pat, that you are making such great progress and we hope that you can all can make a trip to the Chicago area 'burbs sometime soon, as your health improves. Jack has plenty of space at his bachelor pad in Prospect Heights!!! Love to all... Molly, Marguerite, Maribeth, Maureen, Megan, Katie, Michael, and last but not least, Jack (The Meiers)
those pictures look great! he looks like he's made progress and thats such a good thing!
-matthys
Dear Pat and Family,
We are delighted to follow Pat's recovery on this site - a standing ovation to all family members and friends - we can feel the love all the way across the Atlantic.
Much love to all - see you soon!
Carolyn and Family
Indeed - The updated pictures are wonderful!! Praise God for the miracle of progress shown and please gently and tenderly reveal YOUR needs to Pat only on a moment by moment basis. Lord, I pray YOUR protection over the entire Bohrman family. Isaiah 43:1-2
"But now this is what the Lord says - HE who created you, O Jacob HE who formed you, O Isreal: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are MINE' When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze"
So today, I pray will be a good day for Pat with renewed energy and an uplifting of spirits. Lord, please renew the Bohrman family with YOUR living waters so that YOUR strength, mercy and contentment will be theirs.
AMEN
Love<><
Jenny Fell
Pat looks GREAT, It's amazing.
I continue to keep him in my prayers, I really enjoy reading about the progress, good or grumpy.
I keep expecting him to drive by Java Hut to confuse me with his choice for the day...BOLD...MILD...What? Did you say Decaf?
Bohrman family,
Everyday Pat looks better and better. Thank you for updating us all. My prayers go out tonight for the Bohrman family and the day they will have tomorrow. Having sat on the other side of the table giving the assessment and plan for the patient I pray that the therapists and doctors will see great potential for Pat's recovery. A favorite saying of our family: "If you want to see God laugh, tell him your plans." May the staff remember that God and prayer will go a long way in Pat's recovery! It is ultimately His plan. When bad things happen to good people it is for a reason. This has brought the Bohrman family closer to themselves, their God and their family and friends. And that is His plan.
God's Peace to you all tonight.
Mary Hunter
Amy,
Thanks so much for the updated pix! It was wonderful to see the one of Jeannie and Pat!
THANK YOU for being faithful to keeping us all updated. I'm sure some days you'd rather just go straight to bed!
Your blog has touched so many people here in Tucson-- who are continuing to pray for you all!
Love,
Sue, Dan, and Collin
"We are only finite human beings. We can only see the present and the past. The future is a little frightening to us. So we need to hold onto God's hand and trust Him to calm our fears." Chuck Swindoll
Stand fast in the Lord.
Philippians 4:1
Be encouraged that the Lord has great plans for the future of Pat and the rest of the Bohrman family.
linda lentz
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