St. Paddy's Day

Yahoo! That's how we're feeling...in a nutshell. As of yesterday, dad is back on the fifth floor in the spinal cord unit. An answer to many prayers. A few days ago we were told that the move could be "soon", which in hospital-world usually means 8-10 business days. (Not complaining...just explaining.) So you can imagine our surprise when Pops was moved by 5pm Friday...better delivery time than Fed Ex even. He and mom said goodbye to the kind 4th floor nurses and reunited with their pals in the SCIC. A great move all around as it boosted spirits and is a sign that things are once again moving forward, our favorite of all the directions.

Dad had a great day. After a round of dialysis this morning, his speech therapist put in his Passy-Muir valve and he was able to speak for 45 minutes!! After he had some time to catch his breath and remember how to work his breathing, he spoke for the first time in over a month, and it was beautiful. Mom had just left the hospital and didn't know they had put in his valve so we gave her a surprise cell phone call from Pops. You can imagine what it's like to hear your husband on the other end of a phone when you haven't heard his voice in many, many weeks. Needless to say, lots of happy tears. Talking is something that really boosts Dad's spirits...as he said today, "I don't feel like a piece of furniture anymore!" It makes you realize how valuable a voice is, and how limited he is when he can't speak. Unfortunately, at this time he can't wear the valve too much because they still don't know how much saliva is being aspirated into his lungs. Until he passes his swallow test, they need to be careful since the valve creates extra secretions. But even if that's all we hear for awhile, it was a sweet, sweet 45 minutes. I love hearing that voice. I love hearing him be silly. I love hearing him tell mom that he loves her. What a gift...thank God for Mr. Passy-Muir and his fabulous valve.

We are still praying that they find the infection that is damaging his kidneys, and we pray that his lungs remain strong and he can regain swallowing function. The longer he remains in the hospital, the more compromised and weak his immune system, so we pray there will be no more bouts with pneumonia or sickness. So much to keep praying for, still so much that's unknown.

But for today, we rejoice in the little things. A voice. A laugh. A few minutes on the mountaintop. Thank you God for giving us a day on the mountaintop...where the views are great and the smiles abound. But we thank You all the more for the days spent in the valley. Without them, how could we truly appreciate the blessings of the mountaintop?

To God be the glory.