Snorkeling

Emotionally, Pops seems a tiny bit better today. Mike stopped in to see him early this morning and said they had a good conversation. Mike said that dad was asking all kinds of questions, about work, the house, the kids, and he showed real interest. Very encouraging. He also asked Mike how mom was holding up, which is just plain sweet. It's sorta precious how he's been attentive to her needs in the midst of the drama...

He seemed okay when I saw him this afternoon with Becky and the kids. Although he was pretty tired and a little withdrawn, he had some smiles for the kids and even shared a laugh or two. He said he felt a little stronger than he did yesterday, and it seems that sending his blood through the 'washing machine' seems to make a difference. All of our spirits were lifted a bit after seeing him in a little better state of mind. He is starting to move his right arm again, which is encouraging for him since he's been so weak and swollen he hasn't been able to move it for a week.

Other than that, dad is about the same physically. Still in rough shape to say the least. He is on the respirator almost all the time which is a major setback. Not much good can happen from being dependent on that thing. The doctors want to do three dialysis sessions to try to filter his blood and get rid of the excess fluid. He has had two treatments so far and will have the third on Monday. It's too soon to tell if the dialysis will be successful in 'jump starting' his kidneys or not. The doctors are quite confused as to why his kidneys are failing...just more questions to add to our collection...cause, you know, we were needing more unknowns right now....

It sounds weird but it's comforting to know the doctors are confused. Not because I want them to be, but because confusion is completely foreign to God. Dad's failing kidneys may confuse the brilliant minds at Froedtert, but not our God. Not for a second. It's strangely comforting to know that not only are we at a loss for what's happening, but so are the doctors...all the more reason for God to show up and do something amazing...so that He will be glorified. Maybe He'll do something, maybe He'll wait...either way I know He's got more to teach us through this. Hmmmm....sure would have been nice to get the Cliff's Notes version...

Although, looking at how our family has grown the last 50 days makes me oddly thankful for every minute of it, the good and the bad. We're stronger, yet weaker. Simpler, yet deeper. Thank you God for taking us to the depths...so that we may truly experience the height of Your love.

As Fans would say, "Get your snorkels, people. We're going below the surface."