That's the sign posted on dad's hospital door...just so everyone knows that for the next 20 hours, there will be an abundance of prayers said on behalf of our Pops. Nothing makes us happier than to know he's being covered in prayer, from head to foot. Thank you to those that have prayed or will be in the hours to come.
We are asking for a miracle. It may not be what we expect, but I believe that God answers prayers and in some shape or form, they will be answered. Every prayer is precious to Him, so let's overwhelm heaven with our requests for dad's healing. Let's pray with fervency.
And let's expect a miracle.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Prayer Vigil Reminder
See below for the most recent post, but just a reminder about the prayer vigil for Pops going on this weekend, from Friday night to Saturday night at Alliance Bible Church in Oconomowoc. If you are interested in signing up, email Patti Hall at webelieve04@hotmail.com. Thanks!
Wednesday
Dad remains on the medical floor for now...not sure when he'll be back to the spinal cord unit. He is doing okay, but they are running some tests to try to figure out why his body isn't quite up to par. They put a scope down his esophagus to look at the back side of his heart, but couldn't find out why his heart isn't beating quite right. Doesn't seem to be anything major, but again, just not quite what it should be. Later this week they should be doing a kidney biopsy to try and figure out why his kidneys aren't working right. They are working well enough that he does not need dialysis but they are also eliminating protein from his body...unexplainable to the doctors.
On the bright side, his lungs seem to be working better than ever. They are much clearer than they have been and doctors are happy with what they're seeing. Unfortunately, he was nauseous this morning and the few secretions that he was having were making him throw up. Maybe that's too much information....but it was a tough morning for him. When I saw him this afternoon, he was just wiped out.
Even though today wasn't the greatest, he is still more himself than ever. We thank God that he seems to be out of the depression he's been in, although in his situation it's to be expected. Our hope for Pops is that his doctors could get his medical issues under control so he can return to rehab. All in God's perfect timing....
Speaking of God's perfect timing, Chris and I were offered a job working with Young Life in Hartland...just 10 short minutes from mom and dad. Talk about a huge blessing and an answer to prayer. To know we'll be able to help out with Pops while doing what we're passionate about...I'm in total awe of how God has made it all happen without us lifting a finger. We're more than excited and will be moving to Wisconsin in May.
God continues to orchestrate this with precision...right down to the detail. We pray for Pops and his over-excited kidneys. And we thank God for all He's done so far. Onward and upward.
On the bright side, his lungs seem to be working better than ever. They are much clearer than they have been and doctors are happy with what they're seeing. Unfortunately, he was nauseous this morning and the few secretions that he was having were making him throw up. Maybe that's too much information....but it was a tough morning for him. When I saw him this afternoon, he was just wiped out.
Even though today wasn't the greatest, he is still more himself than ever. We thank God that he seems to be out of the depression he's been in, although in his situation it's to be expected. Our hope for Pops is that his doctors could get his medical issues under control so he can return to rehab. All in God's perfect timing....
Speaking of God's perfect timing, Chris and I were offered a job working with Young Life in Hartland...just 10 short minutes from mom and dad. Talk about a huge blessing and an answer to prayer. To know we'll be able to help out with Pops while doing what we're passionate about...I'm in total awe of how God has made it all happen without us lifting a finger. We're more than excited and will be moving to Wisconsin in May.
God continues to orchestrate this with precision...right down to the detail. We pray for Pops and his over-excited kidneys. And we thank God for all He's done so far. Onward and upward.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
A Good Weekend, A Bad Toothbrush
Despite his medical problems, dad had a great weekend. We have really seen a difference in his attitude and he seems to be more himself than ever...a much different Pops than we've seen in a long time. He was happy, talkative, and laughing (the talking and laughing being silent of course since he can't speak yet). I was amazed at the difference I saw since a week ago. After weeks of basically just sitting in his chair, not really trying to do anything, he is once again using his right arm a lot...scratching his face, motioning when he talks, adjusting his own oxygen tubes. All simple things but things we haven't seen him choose to do lately. So encouraging. Heck, fan-flipping-tastic even.
And he's just plain funny. I forgot how funny he was. Two of his nurses from the spinal cord unit came to visit him yesterday (just because they missed him...aw, sweet) and they asked how he was doing. Dad sarcastically replied, "Well, I've only got, like, three infections, so that's good." Then he adds, "Yep, and my oxygen's at 98%, my secretions are thick, and I'm dialated five inches." Everyone burst out laughing. We had to clarify that he said "dialated", and he rolled his eyes as if to say, "Well, duh, I was kidding." We told him it must be hard to be quick witted when people have to read your lips a couple of times to get the joke....he just laughed.
There's hope that he'll be back on the spinal cord floor this week, not that we don't enjoy taking a tour of the entire hospital, but it would be nice to stay in one place. It's hard getting to know all new nurses and doctors. They are trying to clear up his numerous infections and get him healthy again so he can get back on track. He did get into his chair today, so that's always good.
A few things I don't want to forget about today....one involves a fight over a toothbrush which started when dad asked mom, "So how much did you spend on my toothbrush? Not much, huh?" She replied defensively, "What do you mean? It's a good toothbrush!" Dad shot back with, "Um, no. It's a piece of sh%#." They 'discussed' the quality of the toothbrush for a few minutes as I laughed uncontrollably in the corner of the room. There was just something about that silly argument that was beautiful...it was just, them. They're half mad, half laughing, with dad tilted back in his chair waving that right arm around, mouthing a few choice words, and mom defending her toothbrush purchase to the end (even though it was a really crappy toothbrush). It was just...so...completely normal. Beautifully, hilariously, normal. It of course ended with a dramatic throwing away of the crappy toothbrush....and lots of laughter. Whether silent or heard, nothing beats the sweet sound of Pops laughing.
I can't help but think...two good days in a row...so what's around the corner??? But no matter what we encounter tomorrow, we rest tonight thanking God for bringing our Pops back. What we saw this weekend was the Pops we knew three months ago, and what a gift from God it was. We pray that his positive attitude continues and that he keeps going forward. Still lots to pray for, lots of steps to be taken, lots of hurdles to jump over.
And, of course, a new toothbrush to break in.
And he's just plain funny. I forgot how funny he was. Two of his nurses from the spinal cord unit came to visit him yesterday (just because they missed him...aw, sweet) and they asked how he was doing. Dad sarcastically replied, "Well, I've only got, like, three infections, so that's good." Then he adds, "Yep, and my oxygen's at 98%, my secretions are thick, and I'm dialated five inches." Everyone burst out laughing. We had to clarify that he said "dialated", and he rolled his eyes as if to say, "Well, duh, I was kidding." We told him it must be hard to be quick witted when people have to read your lips a couple of times to get the joke....he just laughed.
There's hope that he'll be back on the spinal cord floor this week, not that we don't enjoy taking a tour of the entire hospital, but it would be nice to stay in one place. It's hard getting to know all new nurses and doctors. They are trying to clear up his numerous infections and get him healthy again so he can get back on track. He did get into his chair today, so that's always good.
A few things I don't want to forget about today....one involves a fight over a toothbrush which started when dad asked mom, "So how much did you spend on my toothbrush? Not much, huh?" She replied defensively, "What do you mean? It's a good toothbrush!" Dad shot back with, "Um, no. It's a piece of sh%#." They 'discussed' the quality of the toothbrush for a few minutes as I laughed uncontrollably in the corner of the room. There was just something about that silly argument that was beautiful...it was just, them. They're half mad, half laughing, with dad tilted back in his chair waving that right arm around, mouthing a few choice words, and mom defending her toothbrush purchase to the end (even though it was a really crappy toothbrush). It was just...so...completely normal. Beautifully, hilariously, normal. It of course ended with a dramatic throwing away of the crappy toothbrush....and lots of laughter. Whether silent or heard, nothing beats the sweet sound of Pops laughing.
I can't help but think...two good days in a row...so what's around the corner??? But no matter what we encounter tomorrow, we rest tonight thanking God for bringing our Pops back. What we saw this weekend was the Pops we knew three months ago, and what a gift from God it was. We pray that his positive attitude continues and that he keeps going forward. Still lots to pray for, lots of steps to be taken, lots of hurdles to jump over.
And, of course, a new toothbrush to break in.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Up, Up, and...Thud
We really thought dad was on his way up, that after two postitive days in a row he was really heading in the right direction.
And then we came crashing down again.
Dad was transferred today to a medical floor. Not the ICU, but a floor that is better equiped to deal with his medical issues. It turns out he has a urinary tract infection, an ear infection, and a blood infection. His fever has not gotten worse, thank God, but his blood pressure spiked in the middle of the night which alerted doctors that something was wrong. Although his chest x-ray showed that his lungs are improving, other issues have taken over, issues that the spinal cord floor is just not equipped to deal with.
Despite all the commotion and disappointment, dad was very peaceful today...smiling even. Maybe it's the drugs, or maybe he's become immune to the roller coaster ride of "recovery" where every step forward is sure to be followed by setbacks and frustration. I like to believe that in the midst of the infections galore, God was holding dad's hand and giving him comfort. Whatever the reason, dad was okay today.
But days like these take the biggest toll on mom, who is there everyday on the same roller coaster ride but without the luxury of constant anti-anxiety medication. It's very hard for her to finally think she's getting her husband back, only to arrive this morning to such frustrating news. Just when you think you've been through the worst of it, you're thrown back into the pit.
The prayer vigil could not come at a better time. Dad is not out of it yet. Now he is battling numerous infections which will put his rehab on hold....for the umpteenth time. We can't see the end yet, but for some reason God still wants us on our knees, completely helpless. He wants dad in the hospital longer, He wants us trusting more, He wants us to have more teachable hearts.
Give us those teachable hearts, God. And if it's Your will, heal our Pops. And for crying out loud, some more uphills on this roller coaster would be much appreciated. Hmmm...am I teachable yet?.....
And then we came crashing down again.
Dad was transferred today to a medical floor. Not the ICU, but a floor that is better equiped to deal with his medical issues. It turns out he has a urinary tract infection, an ear infection, and a blood infection. His fever has not gotten worse, thank God, but his blood pressure spiked in the middle of the night which alerted doctors that something was wrong. Although his chest x-ray showed that his lungs are improving, other issues have taken over, issues that the spinal cord floor is just not equipped to deal with.
Despite all the commotion and disappointment, dad was very peaceful today...smiling even. Maybe it's the drugs, or maybe he's become immune to the roller coaster ride of "recovery" where every step forward is sure to be followed by setbacks and frustration. I like to believe that in the midst of the infections galore, God was holding dad's hand and giving him comfort. Whatever the reason, dad was okay today.
But days like these take the biggest toll on mom, who is there everyday on the same roller coaster ride but without the luxury of constant anti-anxiety medication. It's very hard for her to finally think she's getting her husband back, only to arrive this morning to such frustrating news. Just when you think you've been through the worst of it, you're thrown back into the pit.
The prayer vigil could not come at a better time. Dad is not out of it yet. Now he is battling numerous infections which will put his rehab on hold....for the umpteenth time. We can't see the end yet, but for some reason God still wants us on our knees, completely helpless. He wants dad in the hospital longer, He wants us trusting more, He wants us to have more teachable hearts.
Give us those teachable hearts, God. And if it's Your will, heal our Pops. And for crying out loud, some more uphills on this roller coaster would be much appreciated. Hmmm...am I teachable yet?.....
Prayer Vigil
See the previous post for the most recent update, but here's info on a prayer vigil that our sweet friend Patti Hall has organized:
Prayer Vigil for the Bohrman Family
Phil 4: 6-7 says…Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
If you would like to hold the Bohrman family up in prayer and present your requests on behalf of them to God, please join us in a prayer vigil scheduled for Friday, March 9 beginning at 6:00 p.m. continuing through Saturday, March 10 until 6:00 p.m. at the chapel of Alliance Bible Church.
Email Patti Hall at webelieve04@hotmail.com to let me know the date and time frame you are available. Please include your phone number in the email in case we need to call you. If possible, list two or three different hours you would be available, and then we will compare everyone’s schedule and email or call you to let you know what time you are scheduled for.
Whether you are able to join us in the vigil or not, we know that God hears our prayers and he is faithful so just keep those prayers coming in!
Prayer Vigil for the Bohrman Family
Phil 4: 6-7 says…Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
If you would like to hold the Bohrman family up in prayer and present your requests on behalf of them to God, please join us in a prayer vigil scheduled for Friday, March 9 beginning at 6:00 p.m. continuing through Saturday, March 10 until 6:00 p.m. at the chapel of Alliance Bible Church.
Email Patti Hall at webelieve04@hotmail.com to let me know the date and time frame you are available. Please include your phone number in the email in case we need to call you. If possible, list two or three different hours you would be available, and then we will compare everyone’s schedule and email or call you to let you know what time you are scheduled for.
Whether you are able to join us in the vigil or not, we know that God hears our prayers and he is faithful so just keep those prayers coming in!
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Day 84
Dad had another good day yesterday. He was positive, happy, and hard-working...all answers to prayer. Cole spent the day with mom at the hospital, and was even able to go to therapy with Bapa. He was put to work helping Bapa do his exercises, playing catch with a balloon, even playing Connect Four...or at least attempting to. It was just a good day all around.
Today Pops felt a little sick and was running a slight fever. They took a chest x-ray and we should get the results tomorrow...we pray, pray, pray that it's not pneumonia or an infection. Our hope is that he wakes up feeling better tomorrow and can return to therapy. Because he wasn't feeling well, he didn't get into his wheelchair at all today, so we hope he will be able to get out of bed tomorrow. Big prayers that tomorrow is a better day.
As mom said, for now it seems he's "on the mend". His attitude has certainly taken a turn for the better and he is more himself. Hard to believe that twelve weeks ago today was the accident. As I think about the emotions of that first day, I am reminded what a miracle it is that dad is even here. It really is amazing. Only by God's grace....
Thanks for the prayers...84 days worth...and still counting. God is good. Onward and upward.
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