Friday, June 8, 2007

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Hello, this is Pat. It's been a long time coming, and it's time to say thank you. I want to thank everyone that prayed and brought food and gifts (a special thank you to "me" who so generously and anonymously keeps our gas tank full...who are you???) And thank you to those that have commented on this blog. The encouragement you guys gave me sustained me through the hardest times. Whenever I read the blog comments I always start crying...knowing so many were praying was overwhelming. I know your prayers worked. I felt their power, I really did. Every morning when I woke up and realized where I was, I said thank you Lord for another day. Your prayers were tremendous support and encouragement. I don't know how you'd make it through something like this without faith and family.

During my nine hours of dialysis a week, I've decided to use that time to pray for all of you that prayed for me and it brings me great peace. God is good. I would ask for continued prayer for my wife who has been my greatest source of strength. She came to the hospital practically every single day, even when I told her it wasn't necessary. It was always so good to see her. I'm a lot to take care of...a full time job...and she's never complained. Pray she never has to...between feedings, meds, dressing, carting me around, and the bowel program (referred to as 'quality time' by the Froedtert nurses). Jean has been forced to become a caregiving nurse and she's done it in style...a real trooper. She absolutely amazes me. You can also pray for continued healing for me as I have a lot of nerve pain in my left arm, which isn't necessarily a bad thing since it might mean there is healing and the nerves may reconnect which would mean more use of my left arm. You can also pray that my kidneys continue to regain function to I could reduce or get off of dialysis. Believe it or not, I'm still trying to pass a swallow test. By now I'm so used to having my meals squirted into me through a tube that I really don't miss eating that much. And Jean doesn't mind the tube because it means she doesn't have to cook! So I'm not sure I want to pass the swallow test...we'll see....leave it up to God, He knows best.

This blog thing is amazing. So many people have come up to me and said, "You don't know me, but I've been praying for you and following the blog daily." It's quite incredible. My kids decided to start it as a means to keep people up to date with my injury, but thanks to my daughter Amy it has turned out to be a life-changing blessing to more people than I can imagine. Thank you Amy.

I want you all to know that I'm doing well. I won't say that there haven't been some down days, but I never really got angry. The nurses even commented that I never got angry. And that's, I believe, due to your prayers and God's mercy. I'm getting over waking up with my mind thinking I'm normal and then realizing I'm a quad. Every day is easier. And I've talked to a number of quads that have said it only gets better. So I do what my daughter Amy tells me...choose joy, Pops. So that's what I do...I make a choice to rejoice.

And there are some advantages to being a quad. I don't have to help anybody move, or lift heavy objects, and I do get perks from Froedtert like Brewers tickets and pit passes to this year's Milwaukee Mile. I was within spitting distance of Danika Patrick. And, of course, the rock star parking is nice.

God gave me 56 wonderful years upright and active, so now I'll be a spectator and an observer. I'm already sleeping better, and I'm not in such a hurry to keep busy. So it's not all bad. I used to pray in a rush on the way to work...always in a hurry, never enough time. Now, I pray with no hurry, no rush, I talk to God like he's my friend. I ask Him why, and He hasn't told me yet. And right now I don't care. I will see Him in heaven, whole again for eternity, and that's what matters.

I hope that we have glorified God through our family. Nothing would make me more joyful. Well, I guess this is the end of this part of the story. If I start walking, we'll let you know. Thank you again from the very bottom of my heart. I love all of you and will continue to pray. God is good. Amen.

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Pat! I am so in awe of you and your family and the faith that has sustained you through this tragedy. You have truly inspired me and I have faithfully read every entry from day one. I check for a new entry every day and I've prayed and thought about you often. I always thought I had a pretty strong faith, but you have given strength to my faith through this blog and prayer.

You have never met me, but I'm a very good friend of one of your brothers. And I will continue to keep you in my prayers as you continue to heal and learn new ways of living a very full life with God as your guide.

God's blessings and healing touch be upon you and your family!
Julie Lord

Anonymous said...

God is Good. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Wow!! So very moving to hear everything from your perspective, Mr. Bohrman. You truly have touched so many people, which I have said (to those I've passed your story to) has to be part of God's plan in all of this. I struggle on a daily basis with my faith, but every time I read another blog entry I feel closer to Him. I would never have imagined that your family would touch me the way it has just through the computer, but please know that all of you are an inspiration to me and I hope that I can learn to walk with God as you do.

I pray for your continued improvement!

Alyssa Carrao Schoeder

Anonymous said...

Hey, Pat. It's great to see your writing - and I can hear your voice as I read. In my mind, the fact that your one picture shows you holding up a cup in one arm, and pain with some movement in the other, I think that makes you a para & 1/2.
My prayers were sent to you and your family every day - they still are. Pat, your family is amazing. Their strength, through their faith in God, is truly inspiring. Glory to God, indeed!
I'll want to see you again soon. Until then, keep up with the PT; better conditioning - better strides - higher hopes.
Take 'er easy.

Anonymous said...

Good day Mr. Bohrman! It is great to see you back in the saddle again! You have certainly been in our minds and prayers here in St. Louis. You have an absolutely incredible family and are truly blessed. You have been through an amazingly difficult time but it seems that you have maintained your faith and love for God to survive and we are so very glad to see you posting to the blog. Hang in there my friend as it appears that He has a plan for you! Hope to see you again in the near future if I can convince the boss to let me travel again.

Anonymous said...

Bohr, you son of a gun!
I've been waiting to read your words ever since Amy said you would be 'blogging' yourself.

Your message was vintage Bohr -- heartfelt, humorous and humble.

This is, like you said, only the end of "this part of the story." There's a whole lot more to come. I'm betting that you'll STILL manage to get more stuff done than most of us!

It's obvous that your accident, your recovery, and most of all your FAITH.. have deeply touched a whole lot of people. I'm one of them.

Take care, friend.
Mill

Anonymous said...

Hello Pat and family,
This is a message from Tori, a friend of Mimi's. I have been following your blog and was always waiting eagerly to hear how you were doing. I have been a dialysis nurse since for 31 years so I know how time consuming the treatments are for you. I pray your function returns so that will be once less thing on your "do to" list. We as nurses in dialysis get very close to our clients and they become family to us. There are always ears to listen and hugs to be given...hope that is how it is for you. God Bless you and your family.
Tori

Anonymous said...

Pat, we have been waiting with anticipation for your blog. I am truly amazed by your journey and how many have been touched by this blog. We have been fervently praying for you here in Springfield, and will continue to do so. Miss you!! Kip & Barb Troeger

Anonymous said...

So glad to finally read your own thoughts and words on the blog! We have been praying for your whole family since day one. I have this blog in my favorite places and check it daily. It's been very uplifting even on your down days. Amy was such a wonderful writer and I think she taught all readers how to keep up the faith. You are truely blessed to have such a wonderful family. As you are praying for us, we continue to pray for your family. Looking forward to more updates and humor as you continue on your journey of a fullfilling life. God bless you and your family!
David and Alanna Schramm

Anonymous said...

Pat,

SOOOOO great to hear from YOU!!!! Amy did a terrific job with the blog, and it is now absolutely incredible to hear from you! We pray for you and Jeannie every day.

Just so you know the circle of friends that has been praying for you, I'll offer this anecdote. A friend in our church here in AZ. told me that in a phone conversation she had with a dear friend in California, they both stumbled upon the fact that they were BOTH checking a daily blog and praying for someone in a town in Wisconsin with a funny name that started with an O. Through different sources, they were both praying for the same person----YOU!

We rejoice at the progress you have made, and please know that the prayers will not stop. But also know that your family's faith and devotion to God has been an INCREDIBLE source of inspiration to so many....Thank you for your faithfulness.

Sorry this is so long...Give Jeannie our love.

Sue, Dan, and Collin

Tkh said...

Hey Bohr! I loved your words - every one of 'em. I'm so proud of you and Jeannie and fam for getting to this point with God's love, grace and mercy and then displaying it so beautifully for the world to see. How God can take something so crappy and turn it into a thing of beauty never ceases to amaze me! He is good all the time.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13).

Love, Hubbell

Anonymous said...

pat and stearns: i'm speechless! all i can say is AMAZING GRACE. i love you guys and your awesome family. He will NEVER leave you or forsake you.
love always,
arch

Anonymous said...

one more thing....i noticed the blog entry by bohr was on the 6 month anniversary! how appropriate! arch ( this blog was more than a help for so many of US...trust me when i say that it was a GODSEND)

Anonymous said...

Dear Pat,

Nothing will erase the memory of you appearing on stage at AWANA Awards night. I must say the image is a bit blurry as it was seen through tears of joy - I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. I also met your beautiful Jeannie that night for the first time but because of the blog, I felt like we had known each other forever. Not a day goes by that I don't think of and pray for you two and your wonderful family. I have pictures of you and Jason Hall on stage posted on my bulletin board at work as a reminder of how awesome God truely is. I know all of your new blog friends will continue to pray for all of you as you begin the 'Bohrman sequel' which will be even better than the original. God Bless you and your loving family - Lindy Hauber

Anonymous said...

Hello Pat,
I don't know if you remember me, I'm Cheryl from Village Tool. I only spoke to you a few times a year when you needed those little saws. When your accident happened I saw it on the news. I kept trying to find updates on the internet and found this blog. Since then I have followed it daily. I always thought I had a good faith, but through your family I have been strengthened. Your family has been amazing at showing how through all things we must trust God and know that he truly does know whats best for us, even if we never understand.

I wish you the very best in continued recovery. God Bless you and your family for the gift of sharing your situation and setting a beautiful example of how to put your life in His hands.

Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Pat & Fam-
"I keep the LORD in mind always. Because HE is at my right hand, I will not be defeated. Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely...YOU reveal the path of life to me; in YOUR presence is abundant joy; in YOUR right hand are eternal pleasures" Psm 16:8-9
Pat, I actually marked my bible on this passage with your name on it to claim as yours. I thank you for your example of this scripture and your amazing trust in our LORD!! I continue to pray for healing of your kidneys, throat and any pain you may be experiencing. I also pray for strength, patience and endurance as Jeannie and the rest of your lovely family continue to adjust. You have an assurance & confidence in our LORD; however I know the daily struggles can at times be a rollercoaster and I pray any frustrations be filtered with the grace & praise of our LORD!!
<><

Anonymous said...

Hi Pat

The Bednarski's are so excited to hear from you, we will always continue to lift you and your family to the lord. Thank you to everyone for sharing and being an example of strength in our Father.
GOD BLESS
JACKIE AND MARK BEDNARSKI

Anonymous said...

Dear Patrick,
We are so very happy that you are home and in the loving arms of your family. You have been such an inspiration to us throughout your journey and Amy has done an incredible job sharing the honesty and emotion of your situation. We have had many many walks with our dog for the past six months that we talked about your stengths and prayed for you and Jean. You will never quite know what our situation has been, but let me say that the faith of your family has certainly encouraged us a great deal. May our wonderful Lord continue to bless you and yours and keep you safe. May He also allow healing and miracles. I've read and read about Jean and her supposed poor cooking skills. I just want the bloggers to know that she makes a really wonderful coffee cake and our family would love to have that recipe:) It is indeed a wonderful thing to choose joy!
With love,
Terry and Barb Wex

Anonymous said...

This is the best "post" so far!

Thank you Pat for allowing God to Grace you out!

We love you and your family.

Patti Knutsen

Anonymous said...

From a stranger in Pennsylvania, you have been an inspiration to me. Thank you. You know you can touch a nerve when you make a 50yr old man tear up just reading your stories! God is great!

Anonymous said...

I've never needed the kleenex more at this site than when reading your words, Pat. I've sent so many people here and the book version of this blog is bound to touch even more lives - Amy, is that in the works? God is using you all in a mighty and powerful way. I have learned so much from you about faith and about our Awesome God. Many of my co-workers in Froedtert's O.R. continue to pray for you, Pat. Jane Zenner P.S. Jeannie's one-of-a-kind seven layer salad recipe is our family's favorite!

Anonymous said...

Hi Borh,

Just wanted to say I love you and I am glad you are home.

I wrote you a really long message and then had to delete it. Gee, I wonder why?

I will see you soon.

Love From Pine Street

Anonymous said...

Bohr;

Good to hear you're home. I've been following Amy's blog every day to see how you are doing. You are so very fortunate to have such a wonderful family. Your faith is amazing to me.
TRAFFIC ALERT! Since I'm driving again, I might just pay you a visit!

Shuter

Anonymous said...

Hey Pat, I just heard a sermon that defined how we know we are in step with the Holy Spirit; joy, gratitude, and submission. You said you choose joy, you are thankful for each day, and you have submitted by not being angry and by being content that you may not know "why" until you come face to face with our creator. You are a rich man, Pat, and I admire you.
Your old classmate, Pat O

Anonymous said...

NOW I KNOW WHERE AMY GOT HER WRITING SKILLS. VERY BEAUTIFULLY SAID, PAT. AND IF IT WEREN'T FOR YOU AND JEANIE RAISING SUCH A WONDERFUL FAMILY, WE WOULDN'T HAVE HAD A BLOG. APPLES DON'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE! :<) YOUR GOD CENTERED LIFE HAS REAPED A BEAUTIFUL HARVEST, PAT AMD JEANIE! AS PAT SAID.....HOW DO PEOPLE GO THROUGH SUCH DIFFICULT TIMES W/O FAITH AND FAMILY??!!! BEST OF EVERYTHING TO AN INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY.......MORE THAN CONQUERORS! KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON.
LOVE IN HIM,
"ME"

Anonymous said...

"Your faithfulness reaches to
the clouds." Psalm 36:5

And into Heaven and to all
the earth. What an amazing
miracle you and your family
are. God has used you all to spread His message of hope,
love and life ever lasting.
bill, linda, abby, austin
and adler lentz

Go Bohrman Family !!!

Anonymous said...

Ocean Bob,

So great to hear from you on the blog. Your attitude and vision you have for your future is inspiring. As you know, we "quads" have a lot challenges and you are taking them all on with a positive outlook. Of course, you are relying on your faith to help you through your daily battles...a faith that is so strong. Thanks for being you and all you do.

Jason Hall

Anonymous said...

Dear Pat,
I just want you to know that I am happy you are home and getting better each day.

I miss the family and would like to visit sometime.
I would even consider being your service dog.
Of course I can't start before 10am and I want a 2 hour lunch break. I would also like weekends and evenings off.
Lets talk.

Love you lots!!!
BUTCH

Anonymous said...

Hi, Pat, and welcome home! What a privilege and honor it is to know your family. Instead you saying thanks, I should be thanking you, Amy, and your entire family for all you have taught me about true faith. Thank you. May God continue to bless all of you, and maybe one of these days, I'll get to see you in Park Ridge. Hope I'll be able to keep up with that chair!

Anonymous said...

I love you Patrick...I thank the Lord every day, even if we don't have all of your body, we still have YOU :))

I also think there was a master plan at work with you and Jeannie building such a loving family...as you did...it was a plan..

while we all wish this didn't have to happen, there's no more perfect atmosphere for you to get your 'legs'..

You guys a loving, blessed unit ...that helps!!! Everyone is pitching in great love and always, a sense of humor :))

love you pat...
Pol

Anonymous said...

Dearest Pat and Family,
I am thoroughly awestruck and amazed. Thank you for being so incredibly inspirational. I have followed your story daily and pray for you hoping for great things to come.
I send you all my love, Lisa A

Anonymous said...

Pat,

It was so wonderful to hear from you personnally! I could harely get through the message without crying tears of happiness. You are totally amazing, which I have known for a long time, but you are even more awesome than I knew. Amy has done a wonderful job with the blog and reading about the experience has certainly affected me. Your faith, the family's faith, and how you worked together as a family is amazing. We all hope that we would have the faith and fortitude to deal with such an experience, but you and the family have done it. Amazing and so inspiring.

Arrietta

Anonymous said...

Hello Jeannie & Pat, I have been following the blog since Dec. You are all amazing.What a joy to read your words. The next best thing this summer would be to see you in the firetruck July 1 in Hartland. Buck handed it to you now you can hand it to your Mike and go for the ride.You would put the community in a joyous chorus of thanks.
Sincerely,
Monica Hasslinger

Anonymous said...

Wow....wow....wow!!!!! That was the neatest thing to open the blog and see you, Pat, bloggin'! Things sure sound great for you.....you don't know me, but I've been following this since day one and cannot begin to tell you what an inspiration you and your beloved family has been to so many folks. And the humor!!!! How you guys can take a lemon and make lemonade is awesome. I want to personally thank Amy for her wonderful posts......I think she should audition for "Last Comic Standing"......what a way with words! Please know that all of you will be in my thoughts as you venture down the highway.......you are one great family!!
Hugs,
Marlee

Anonymous said...

i am 100 miles away and caught your blogsite, and have stayed with it since.what an inspiration! my health is not good and my faith has lagged in years of late, even as i have a religious background. this has lessened my load and lifted me to a better attitude thru several surgerys this year including 2 for cancer. this isn't over yet for me but i see the light. i have gone from absolute terror to a "let's get it on" attitude. i see myself treating others with much more patience and compassion. thank you and your family and friends. you are truthfully a breath of fresh air and a source of grounding.

Anonymous said...

Keep choosing Joy Pat! You and your family are an absolute blessing and God continues to smile down on all of you, with eyes full of intense joy and love. To another day, of choosing joy!!!
Take Care,
Bobbie

Anonymous said...

Hi Pat, You don't know me but my name is Lori Hayes and Wendy Nichols' is my supervisor in NC. I have been following Amy's blog since you were first injured in Dec. I thank God that you came through and I continually prayed for your well being and still pray for you. I am soooo happy that you are here and truly God has something else in store for you. I feel like you, Jeanie and the rest of your family was part of my family. When things seemed bad, I cried and prayed even harder for you. Your family had so much faith that it was just refreshing to watch them and how they put their feelings out here in blogland. It is truely amazing what God can do. I will pray your strength in the Lord and hope that you would pray for me. To God be the GLORY and keep on pressing on. I will keep looking on this site to follow your progress. Kiss those babies and take them for lots of rides on that motorized chair of yours.

Anonymous said...

What impudence!