It's been over a month so I'd say it's finally time for an update on Pops. It's hard to remember all that's happened since the "drinking of the pee" incident...there haven't necessarily been any huge steps made but dad continues to plug along at his daily routine. Overall, he's doing pretty well. The hardest thing for him continues to be the intense nerve pain that he almost constantly has in his left arm. On good days it's there but he can deal with it. On bad days it keeps him from doing much of anything as, according to him, it feels like being constantly stabbed with knives. It's awful. It seems so unfair...he's paralyzed and can't move yet he feels this horrible pain. Not cool. We are still told it could be good, that eventually he could get some movement back but there's no guarantee. To think that this pain could last forever makes us all cringe. The ray of hope is that he will most likely be having nerve transplant surgery in the next month that will allow him more use of that arm. Another possible surgery could give him more movement in his right hand. These possible surgeries give him and all of us hope. At this point the nerve pain is so bad some days I think he'd just like to amputate the darn thing. But he's being patient and hoping the surgery will be a success.
An exciting thing happened last week when he finally had his trach hole surgically closed. The trach hole that was supposed to close 3-5 days after the tube was removed has remained open the last 4 months so they had to do a skin graft to get it to close. All this time he has had to cover it with his hand to speak cause he would lose a lot of air. He sounded louder even right after the surgery and is happy to finally be able to scream. Well, not exactly scream but certainly speak with authority.
Another exciting thing was that we got their house cleaned out and already have an accepted offer! What a huge relief that was...mom worked her butt off sorting through years of 'precious things' (a.k.a. crap) and after many late nights the place is finally empty. We picked on her a lot for keeping so much junk over the years but we actually had a lot of fun looking through old stuff and laughing. Dad had to say goodbye to his "man room" (if you've seen it you know how cool it was) which was tough. Even tougher for him to deal with was the fact that none of us kids wanted many of his 'prized possessions', most of which he had found on the roadside or were discarded in dumpsters. He was also astounded nobody wanted his First Place Booster Club Trophy for Best Homecoming Float in 1995, but, um, aren't memories meant to be kept in your head anyways? We had fun but are all glad it's over.
Now mom and dad are working on getting totally unpacked and settled into their place at Mike and Becky's, and it's fun to see the routine that's unfolded. Cole wakes them up when the nurse comes in the morning, and there's usually some driveway races in the morning with Bapa and the kids. Cole usually wins but only if Bapa stays in Drive 1. In Drive 2, let's face it, those kids are toast. Fans and I are over there at least twice a week since Fans is officially the captain of the "Shower Team". Mom continues to reign as decorated captain of the "B-Team", and after last month's performance she now holds the title of "P-Team" Captain as well. God love her. They are still busy with a few trips to Froedtert each week and dialysis on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The good news is that his Wednesdays have been reduced from 3 hours to 1 1/2. The less dialysis for Pops, the better...he doesn't enjoy it one bit, especially when his nerve pain is bad.
Overall, things are going well. Dad has had fun reconnecting with friends and family and enjoying a slower paced life. There are still many blessings pouring out of his accident and it's pretty amazing to watch it all unfold. Relationships being reconciled, faith being deepened, life being appreciated all because of one spinal cord injury. Even with the hard days, the exhaustion, and the frustration that is inevitable, there is still immeasurable joy. I see it in both mom and dad and when I do, I thank God. He really is the ultimate healer. A reminder that we are all being healed through dad's experience, that God does not want us to be the same we used to be. He wants us changed. It's easy for me to forget that, it's easy for me to slip into my old ways, to not hunger for God like I did when dad was so sick in the hospital. But when I see dad laughing, loving, being a better father than he ever used to be, God reminds me what He has done, and it is GOOD. What an amazing God we serve.
To HIM be the glory.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Urine my Heart, Urine my Soul....
Yeah, I thought the blog was over...I thought there wouldn't be more to tell. Boy, was I wrong. First things first, Pops took his seventh swallow test on Tuesday, and to be honest we all sorta expected him to fail (himself included)...I mean, it's hard to get excited after six previously unsuccessful attempts. But he gave it another go and.... HE FINALLY PASSED! And with flying colors, no less. His swallow was 100% normal...no having to turn his head or anything. Can you believe that? After six months of tube feedings he's now able to eat and drink whatever he wants, no thickener required. He didn't think he missed eating that much, but after a few bites of real food, it was hard to get him to stop. The past month he's been able to eat tiny amounts of food, but it had to be pureed, and let's be honest, there's just not that much great tasting pureed food out there. He couldn't even have ice cream or shakes because they melt down to a thin liquid which was totally off limits. But as we watched him scarf down two scoops of Chocolate Factory butter pecan, we shouted, "Slow down, Pops! If you gain any weight we won't be able to transfer you!" That could be a problem....he's lost about 40 pounds since the accident, so if he gains it back, lifting him will be tougher! But it's fun to see how happy he is eating again. My favorite was when I set the ice cream in front of him. His eyes widened, his mouth gaped, and he said, "Ohhhhhhhhhh, quick, strap on my spoon." He slammed that butter pecan like it was going out of style. God love him.
There's one more story to tell. It certainly falls into the "grosser than gross" category, but it's just screaming to be published. It involves mom and a bottle of urine. That's right folks, a big ol' bottle of urine. You see, dad has a permanent catheter for going to the bathroom...he's a quad, it comes with the territory. Sometimes mom has to hold his urine for 24 hours to be tested at the hospital. To do this, she simply empties his urine bag into a container and drops it off at Froedtert, no big deal. Now, mom has a favorite drink...some kind of protein soy drink that comes in a pretty purple bottle...and for reasons unknown, she sometimes keeps these pretty purple bottles in the car to use as urine storage on those days when they're running errands and she needs to empty his urine on the go, a traveling pee portal, if you will. So here's how the story goes...they're out and about at therapy all day and on the way home they stopped at Genesis where I happened to be working. Mom grabbed her supposed 'protein soy drink' and headed inside with dad. About 10 minutes later as I sat at the computer with dad, we suddenly heard mom scream, then gag, then scream some more. She then came running down the hall screaming, then gagging, then furiously waving her tongue from side to side while thrashing about, then screaming and finally gagging some more. We had no idea what had happened until she held up her pretty purple bottle of supposed 'protein soy drink' and screamed, "NO! NO! This is NOT my drink!!!! Uggggghhhhhh!!!!" She looked at dad. "I just drank your URINE!!!!!" As she continued her scream/gag/thrash/gag sequence, it suddenly all made sense. And boy, were we grossed out. And why wouldn't we be. Mom had just taken a swig of dad's own urine. Not just urine, but day-old urine that had been fermenting in the car. I mean, it's bad enough that she drank pee, but it wasn't even fresh pee. Is that not the most disgusting slash hilarious thing you've heard all day? It still makes me laugh. Out loud even. In fact, I'm laughing out loud right now. I hope you are too.
What's the moral of the story, kids? ALWAYS LABEL YOUR URINE STORAGE CONTAINERS. In fact, don't ever keep urine in the same pretty purple bottle that your favorite soy drink comes it. I mean, it's just basic street smarts, people. Needless to say, mom learned her lesson...we hope.
Overall, Pops is doing fabulous. Mom as well. As I watched dad enjoy more ice cream at the Kiltie tonight, I couldn't help but thank God for little (and big) miracles. There is still healing going on, even six months later. We are all praising God....well, mom maybe a little less since she now has to cook meals, do dishes, not to mention the drama dad's eating will bring to the B-Team...but heh, it's all good. I continue to be amazed at God...his wisdom, his timing, his uncanny ability to turn pain into beauty. Why do we doubt? He's got a tight hold of us and He's not letting go. We're in good hands. Urine good hands, too. Choose joy!
To God be the glory, great things he has done.
There's one more story to tell. It certainly falls into the "grosser than gross" category, but it's just screaming to be published. It involves mom and a bottle of urine. That's right folks, a big ol' bottle of urine. You see, dad has a permanent catheter for going to the bathroom...he's a quad, it comes with the territory. Sometimes mom has to hold his urine for 24 hours to be tested at the hospital. To do this, she simply empties his urine bag into a container and drops it off at Froedtert, no big deal. Now, mom has a favorite drink...some kind of protein soy drink that comes in a pretty purple bottle...and for reasons unknown, she sometimes keeps these pretty purple bottles in the car to use as urine storage on those days when they're running errands and she needs to empty his urine on the go, a traveling pee portal, if you will. So here's how the story goes...they're out and about at therapy all day and on the way home they stopped at Genesis where I happened to be working. Mom grabbed her supposed 'protein soy drink' and headed inside with dad. About 10 minutes later as I sat at the computer with dad, we suddenly heard mom scream, then gag, then scream some more. She then came running down the hall screaming, then gagging, then furiously waving her tongue from side to side while thrashing about, then screaming and finally gagging some more. We had no idea what had happened until she held up her pretty purple bottle of supposed 'protein soy drink' and screamed, "NO! NO! This is NOT my drink!!!! Uggggghhhhhh!!!!" She looked at dad. "I just drank your URINE!!!!!" As she continued her scream/gag/thrash/gag sequence, it suddenly all made sense. And boy, were we grossed out. And why wouldn't we be. Mom had just taken a swig of dad's own urine. Not just urine, but day-old urine that had been fermenting in the car. I mean, it's bad enough that she drank pee, but it wasn't even fresh pee. Is that not the most disgusting slash hilarious thing you've heard all day? It still makes me laugh. Out loud even. In fact, I'm laughing out loud right now. I hope you are too.
What's the moral of the story, kids? ALWAYS LABEL YOUR URINE STORAGE CONTAINERS. In fact, don't ever keep urine in the same pretty purple bottle that your favorite soy drink comes it. I mean, it's just basic street smarts, people. Needless to say, mom learned her lesson...we hope.
Overall, Pops is doing fabulous. Mom as well. As I watched dad enjoy more ice cream at the Kiltie tonight, I couldn't help but thank God for little (and big) miracles. There is still healing going on, even six months later. We are all praising God....well, mom maybe a little less since she now has to cook meals, do dishes, not to mention the drama dad's eating will bring to the B-Team...but heh, it's all good. I continue to be amazed at God...his wisdom, his timing, his uncanny ability to turn pain into beauty. Why do we doubt? He's got a tight hold of us and He's not letting go. We're in good hands. Urine good hands, too. Choose joy!
To God be the glory, great things he has done.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Amazing Grace
Well, we've heard from Pops (yahoo!), but I've also been bugging mom to write a post. She's totally computer-illiterate but tonight she finally handed me a hard copy....so here are a few words, er...make that 'many words' from mom:
As I reflect on these past six months, I am amazed at how our Heavenly Father has provided-how He has changed me...and how settled and at peace we both are in our new life together. I have experienced so many different stages-I remember early on, "explaining" to God that I simply would not make a very good caregiver...I'm much too selfish and independent-loving to travel, being alone, and definitely lacking in nursing skills. Just in case He didn't understand me, I remember emotionally kicking and screaming like a child-fighting what He expected of me. I remember being mad at both Pat and God...I felt cornered, I felt trapped-never to be 'free' again.
For some strange reason, God didn't change things because I thought He should...I'm so thankful I serve a never-changing master, a Heavenly Father that loves me more than I could ever imagine-and who knows me better than I know myself.
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months...I was broken, I let go, I accepted becoming more dependent on Him-feeling more settled and at peace than I ever have in my life. Letting go of my life...actually gave me life. Believe it or not, I'm even 'free-er'...yes, free to accept, free to enjoy, free to experience what God has done in my life and heart and how He has shown me what He made me for-this very special walk, a walk that few are privileged to walk-a walk with Him leading every step with people everywhere praying...fervently praying for Pat and our little family...who could ask for more.
For you see, I am a 24/7 - actually a 22/7 caregiver (with 2 hours of nursing care) and I'm not even half bad at it! Amazingly, it's probably the most rewarding thing I've ever done in this life of mine...a life that I too often spent fighting for 'my' time. Now, with very little 'my' time, I've never been happier. "Happy" has a different definition than it used to- just like "fun" and "life"-it's better, fuller, and lots more meaningful. There's a peace in my soul, a sense of satisfaction-a total reassurance that I'm doing what I was meant to do...what I was created to do- a caregiver and advocate for my husband of almost 35 years...who woulda thought.
Those of you who know me well, know this is truly a miracle of God above! It just isn't me! Life is so much simpler-quieter, gentler, easier. When hubby is a quad, you don't have to be on time for anything! And though it may take 2 hours to get Bohr ready in the morning, I can be ready in 20 minutes! How things have changed...
After about 3 months (sometime in March) I was given a card at the hospital that stated "We were not created for pleasure, we were created for joy". I thought to myself, "What is that? What does that mean?" For some reason, I couldn't get that saying out of my mind- joy and pleasure, pleasure and joy...what's the difference? It wasn't till we arrived home and my "new career" started that I fully experienced joy. Believe it or not, there is a difference-and it comes when you least expect it, when you're not even looking for it...especially when you're not looking for it.
Our life before was filled with loads of pleasure, but not much joy-some of you know what I mean. I pray that the rest of you will be able to experience joy in your life-in one way or another. I'm so thankful, again, that early on my Heavenly Father didn't change my path as I thought He should. He was well aware of what I was capable of and who I would become through all of this 'life change'...different, but better. Choosing joy in all circumstances-being settled and at total peace knowing what I was created for...and loving it. Accepting and fulfilled in a life I could never have imagined living.
We laugh more-and look at each other more, I mean really look at each other. Pat thanks me for all I do for Him-I thank him (and God) for giving me the opportunity to do this caregiving thing-I'm blown away by my new heart-my nursing skills and the fact that I'm finally the 'captain' of a team...even if it is the Bowel Team! And ya know what...I'm a darn good B-Team captain!
At the end of a day, I have a sense of satisfaction and an appreciation for my life that I've never experienced before. We've shared moments with each other when we've actually admitted that we "wouldn't want to go back to our life of pleasure", for this is better...very different, but better.
Throughout Pat's hospital stay, I always looked back on the prayer we prayed the morning of his accident-remembering the 'stirring' I felt from my Heavenly Father...to pray that our family would glorify God this last Christmas. And I remember arriving home from the hospital just two days after the accident and the kids saying, "Hey mom, we started a blog". "What's a blog?" I said. (I don't even know how to email.) Then I watched in amazement as God unfolded His promise to me -to us-as He was glorified through this little family He created...through this thing called a 'blog'.
I am forever humbled by the kindness of everyone, your generosity leaves me speechless-your prayers forever cherished. I (we) felt your prayers, then and now. We have a peace that surpasses all understanding...another of God's promises fulfilled.
We are excited about what our future holds- Pat will finally retire! We're hoping to spend winters in Arizona where we bought a little condo last year (from a woman in a wheelchair) ...God knew! And He knows where we're headed. We rest in His plan for us...and we anticipate a fulfilling life-a life where He will use us now more than ever.
To God be the glory, and thank you, thank you, thank you.
In His precious love,
Jean
As I reflect on these past six months, I am amazed at how our Heavenly Father has provided-how He has changed me...and how settled and at peace we both are in our new life together. I have experienced so many different stages-I remember early on, "explaining" to God that I simply would not make a very good caregiver...I'm much too selfish and independent-loving to travel, being alone, and definitely lacking in nursing skills. Just in case He didn't understand me, I remember emotionally kicking and screaming like a child-fighting what He expected of me. I remember being mad at both Pat and God...I felt cornered, I felt trapped-never to be 'free' again.
For some strange reason, God didn't change things because I thought He should...I'm so thankful I serve a never-changing master, a Heavenly Father that loves me more than I could ever imagine-and who knows me better than I know myself.
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months...I was broken, I let go, I accepted becoming more dependent on Him-feeling more settled and at peace than I ever have in my life. Letting go of my life...actually gave me life. Believe it or not, I'm even 'free-er'...yes, free to accept, free to enjoy, free to experience what God has done in my life and heart and how He has shown me what He made me for-this very special walk, a walk that few are privileged to walk-a walk with Him leading every step with people everywhere praying...fervently praying for Pat and our little family...who could ask for more.
For you see, I am a 24/7 - actually a 22/7 caregiver (with 2 hours of nursing care) and I'm not even half bad at it! Amazingly, it's probably the most rewarding thing I've ever done in this life of mine...a life that I too often spent fighting for 'my' time. Now, with very little 'my' time, I've never been happier. "Happy" has a different definition than it used to- just like "fun" and "life"-it's better, fuller, and lots more meaningful. There's a peace in my soul, a sense of satisfaction-a total reassurance that I'm doing what I was meant to do...what I was created to do- a caregiver and advocate for my husband of almost 35 years...who woulda thought.
Those of you who know me well, know this is truly a miracle of God above! It just isn't me! Life is so much simpler-quieter, gentler, easier. When hubby is a quad, you don't have to be on time for anything! And though it may take 2 hours to get Bohr ready in the morning, I can be ready in 20 minutes! How things have changed...
After about 3 months (sometime in March) I was given a card at the hospital that stated "We were not created for pleasure, we were created for joy". I thought to myself, "What is that? What does that mean?" For some reason, I couldn't get that saying out of my mind- joy and pleasure, pleasure and joy...what's the difference? It wasn't till we arrived home and my "new career" started that I fully experienced joy. Believe it or not, there is a difference-and it comes when you least expect it, when you're not even looking for it...especially when you're not looking for it.
Our life before was filled with loads of pleasure, but not much joy-some of you know what I mean. I pray that the rest of you will be able to experience joy in your life-in one way or another. I'm so thankful, again, that early on my Heavenly Father didn't change my path as I thought He should. He was well aware of what I was capable of and who I would become through all of this 'life change'...different, but better. Choosing joy in all circumstances-being settled and at total peace knowing what I was created for...and loving it. Accepting and fulfilled in a life I could never have imagined living.
We laugh more-and look at each other more, I mean really look at each other. Pat thanks me for all I do for Him-I thank him (and God) for giving me the opportunity to do this caregiving thing-I'm blown away by my new heart-my nursing skills and the fact that I'm finally the 'captain' of a team...even if it is the Bowel Team! And ya know what...I'm a darn good B-Team captain!
At the end of a day, I have a sense of satisfaction and an appreciation for my life that I've never experienced before. We've shared moments with each other when we've actually admitted that we "wouldn't want to go back to our life of pleasure", for this is better...very different, but better.
Throughout Pat's hospital stay, I always looked back on the prayer we prayed the morning of his accident-remembering the 'stirring' I felt from my Heavenly Father...to pray that our family would glorify God this last Christmas. And I remember arriving home from the hospital just two days after the accident and the kids saying, "Hey mom, we started a blog". "What's a blog?" I said. (I don't even know how to email.) Then I watched in amazement as God unfolded His promise to me -to us-as He was glorified through this little family He created...through this thing called a 'blog'.
I am forever humbled by the kindness of everyone, your generosity leaves me speechless-your prayers forever cherished. I (we) felt your prayers, then and now. We have a peace that surpasses all understanding...another of God's promises fulfilled.
We are excited about what our future holds- Pat will finally retire! We're hoping to spend winters in Arizona where we bought a little condo last year (from a woman in a wheelchair) ...God knew! And He knows where we're headed. We rest in His plan for us...and we anticipate a fulfilling life-a life where He will use us now more than ever.
To God be the glory, and thank you, thank you, thank you.
In His precious love,
Jean
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.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Save the Drama for Your Mama
Pops is still doing well as he continues to adjust to life at home. He and mom are getting the routine down and things are going smoother and quicker than they were the first week. I think the mental adjustment takes the biggest toll...and I imagine that it takes quite some time to get used to the reality of life as a quad. I am very proud of them and their attitude...their days revolve around dad and his routine, but hopefully when things calm down they will have time to relax and just have fun. Right now it's a little nuts since whenever mom is not with dad she's trying to clean out their house to get it ready to sell. And Fans and I move to Wisconsin on Tuesday so we've got our own drama going on. Aye carumba. It may be a bit crazy right now, but as someone very wise once said, "save the drama for your mama". So we plug along...
I've been able to stay at the house this past week and it's fun to watch the grandkids interact with dad. You can really see them getting more comfortable with their new Bapa, especially Paige. Today she sat on his lap and they cruised down the street to watch the diggers. Too cute. It is an amazing blessing that mom and dad get to live with Mike and Becky and the kids. Such a great set-up...constant entertainment.
With all the commotion going on, I have to say it's a huge blessing that people continue to send over meals and gas cards. Your kindness is overwhelming, and as I look at the calendar and how long it's been since the accident I can't believe you all aren't sick of the Bohrmans yet. Seriously... thank you for being a blessing to us. By the way, Treva...bravo on the pea soup. What flawless consistency. Although Pops was "stuffed" after two teaspoons, it was delicious. Nicely done.
Pops continues with dialysis three times a week, but they are still deciding if he needs it or not. We keep praying that he would be healthy enough to be done. His left arm has also been causing him a lot of pain, so we pray the doctors would be able to help him with that. Otherwise, things are going pretty well. We all have our fair share of bad days, frustrating moments, and fumbly transfers...but thankfully God is full of grace. Blessings abound.
P.S. Pops told me he'd like to write the next post...so look for a word from the man himself coming soon to a blog near you...Until then, thanks for the love.
I've been able to stay at the house this past week and it's fun to watch the grandkids interact with dad. You can really see them getting more comfortable with their new Bapa, especially Paige. Today she sat on his lap and they cruised down the street to watch the diggers. Too cute. It is an amazing blessing that mom and dad get to live with Mike and Becky and the kids. Such a great set-up...constant entertainment.
With all the commotion going on, I have to say it's a huge blessing that people continue to send over meals and gas cards. Your kindness is overwhelming, and as I look at the calendar and how long it's been since the accident I can't believe you all aren't sick of the Bohrmans yet. Seriously... thank you for being a blessing to us. By the way, Treva...bravo on the pea soup. What flawless consistency. Although Pops was "stuffed" after two teaspoons, it was delicious. Nicely done.
Pops continues with dialysis three times a week, but they are still deciding if he needs it or not. We keep praying that he would be healthy enough to be done. His left arm has also been causing him a lot of pain, so we pray the doctors would be able to help him with that. Otherwise, things are going pretty well. We all have our fair share of bad days, frustrating moments, and fumbly transfers...but thankfully God is full of grace. Blessings abound.
P.S. Pops told me he'd like to write the next post...so look for a word from the man himself coming soon to a blog near you...Until then, thanks for the love.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Hanging In There
Dad's first week at home is almost over...and it's gone pretty well so far. There's certainly a lot to learn and everything seems to take a long time...but we know with some practice the caregiving will become routine and go more smoothly. Right now everything's new and a little awkward but for the first week home, it's been good. I continue to be impressed with mom and how well she has picked up the art of nursing...she's incredible. Pretty worn out, but incredible nonetheless. There is a nurse that comes from 9 pm to 9 am every night which is an immense help.
As far as dad's spirits, he has good moments and bad. Overall he's adjusting well, but of course there's times when the reality of it all is overwhelming. We were told the first week would be the toughest, so with that in mind everyone's pretty thankful it's gone as well as it has. There have been a few trips to the coffee shop, trips to the hospital for dialysis, and he and mom have been out running errands as usual. When I talked to mom today, she and Pops were at the grocery store and she was having trouble finding him...he tends to take off down the aisles and she can't keep up with his speed.
When I'm not in Wisconsin I am always anxious to hear how the day went and if Pops is okay. Each day that passes is another hurdle cleared...and I'm so thankful that dad is doing well. There will always be days that are just plain hard, but for the most part, both mom and dad have a good attitude and are focusing on life ahead and forgetting what's behind. I know that Pops is anxious to find things that he is able to do, so pray that in the weeks ahead he would discover new possibilities, new purposes, new hobbies to fill his time. I know with all my heart that God has a purpose for him, so we pray that in time Pops gets a clear vision of that purpose. And if you think of it, pray for his kidneys....apparently he is on the verge of not needing dialysis. It would be huge for him if he could be done with it, so we pray he continues to make beautiful pee. And keep praying for his trach hole to close...he still loses air and it drives him crazy.
Thanks for the continued prayers, encouraging words, and electronic hugs. God continues to shine through this drama and we continue to praise Him. Onward and upward...
As far as dad's spirits, he has good moments and bad. Overall he's adjusting well, but of course there's times when the reality of it all is overwhelming. We were told the first week would be the toughest, so with that in mind everyone's pretty thankful it's gone as well as it has. There have been a few trips to the coffee shop, trips to the hospital for dialysis, and he and mom have been out running errands as usual. When I talked to mom today, she and Pops were at the grocery store and she was having trouble finding him...he tends to take off down the aisles and she can't keep up with his speed.
When I'm not in Wisconsin I am always anxious to hear how the day went and if Pops is okay. Each day that passes is another hurdle cleared...and I'm so thankful that dad is doing well. There will always be days that are just plain hard, but for the most part, both mom and dad have a good attitude and are focusing on life ahead and forgetting what's behind. I know that Pops is anxious to find things that he is able to do, so pray that in the weeks ahead he would discover new possibilities, new purposes, new hobbies to fill his time. I know with all my heart that God has a purpose for him, so we pray that in time Pops gets a clear vision of that purpose. And if you think of it, pray for his kidneys....apparently he is on the verge of not needing dialysis. It would be huge for him if he could be done with it, so we pray he continues to make beautiful pee. And keep praying for his trach hole to close...he still loses air and it drives him crazy.
Thanks for the continued prayers, encouraging words, and electronic hugs. God continues to shine through this drama and we continue to praise Him. Onward and upward...
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Pops is Home
It's official. Pops no longer resides at Froedtert Hospital. Today he came home. For good. How amazing is that? Apparently we did such a good job keeping him alive this weekend they thought we were ready for the real deal. It's almost surreal that he's actually home...I don't think it's really sunk in yet. Mom of course will have the biggest adjustment of all, being his number one caregiver. But how exciting for her that tomorrow she won't be driving to the hospital as she has been every day for the last 5 1/2 months...wait, scratch that...they do have to go to the hospital for dialysis. But, heh, maybe the next day she won't have to...
He'll have a nurse that spends the nights and helps with the morning routine, but other than that mom's got him covered as far as meds, stretching, feeding, etc. I've got to say she's doing a great job...it's an incredible amount of work but as I told her tonight, "Hey, one day down, only like 30 years to go!" It's such a blessing they live with Mike and Becky cause there's usually someone to help out, even if that someone happens to be four years old. And Fans and I officially move to Wisconsin in three short weeks and are very excited to be closer to the action.
Pops also got his first taste of real food tonight...first food in almost six months...that's a crazy long time without tasting food. Mike cooked him up some ravioli...(dad's only allowed five teaspoons of food...and it has to be in mashed/pureed form) but the look on dad's face was priceless. He has a lot of rules to follow when it comes to eating...but he can have tiny amounts if he's very careful. Tomorrow we may even go to the coffee shop! (He can have two teaspoons of coffee if we add thickener to it...mmmm....delicious, right? Hey, baby steps, people, baby steps.)
It was a big day. Pops left one family to come home to another. A day of mixed emotions, for sure, as those nurses at the hospital truly have become family for dad. There were lots of goodbye tears, lots of sadness mixed with excitement. He'll be back at Froedtert regularly for therapy and dialysis, at least for a little while, so he will get a chance to see his nurses again. We love them all so much...they are amazing people. They will always be family to us....and we will be forever in debt to them for loving our Pops through some very tough months.
He's home. Lots of challenges ahead to be sure...but for today, we praise God for bringing our Pops home. A day we thought would never come. To God be the glory.
He'll have a nurse that spends the nights and helps with the morning routine, but other than that mom's got him covered as far as meds, stretching, feeding, etc. I've got to say she's doing a great job...it's an incredible amount of work but as I told her tonight, "Hey, one day down, only like 30 years to go!" It's such a blessing they live with Mike and Becky cause there's usually someone to help out, even if that someone happens to be four years old. And Fans and I officially move to Wisconsin in three short weeks and are very excited to be closer to the action.
Pops also got his first taste of real food tonight...first food in almost six months...that's a crazy long time without tasting food. Mike cooked him up some ravioli...(dad's only allowed five teaspoons of food...and it has to be in mashed/pureed form) but the look on dad's face was priceless. He has a lot of rules to follow when it comes to eating...but he can have tiny amounts if he's very careful. Tomorrow we may even go to the coffee shop! (He can have two teaspoons of coffee if we add thickener to it...mmmm....delicious, right? Hey, baby steps, people, baby steps.)
It was a big day. Pops left one family to come home to another. A day of mixed emotions, for sure, as those nurses at the hospital truly have become family for dad. There were lots of goodbye tears, lots of sadness mixed with excitement. He'll be back at Froedtert regularly for therapy and dialysis, at least for a little while, so he will get a chance to see his nurses again. We love them all so much...they are amazing people. They will always be family to us....and we will be forever in debt to them for loving our Pops through some very tough months.
He's home. Lots of challenges ahead to be sure...but for today, we praise God for bringing our Pops home. A day we thought would never come. To God be the glory.
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