Unexpected Turns

Dad/Lolo, Me and Emily

More than a month ago, My dad took an unexpected turn and was hospitalized for about 19 days.  During that hospital stay he endured painful procedures that are suppose to maximize his life line, in hopes of getting better. I know he doesn't like the hospital.  He had kept his sense of humor of course when he was readmitted last Saturday due to an infection....which has continued to leave his team of doctors quite puzzled. In response to the admitting nurse who was asking the standard question of "where are you right now?"  to check his alertness and orientation, my dad responds sarcastically "Jail".  The nurse said..."No, you are in the hospital".  My dad then responds " Same thing".  He has a little humor...but with underlying seriousness.  He doesn't like being in there.  This has been a difficult roller coaster ride for my family, especially with my brother and mom who have been caring for my dad at home.  Doctors with their realistic statistics and knowledge have talked with us and have given us the prognosis of recovery.  They have placed their bet on his outcome, based on what he is stacked up against. It's heartbreaking to face those words.  But should our hope succumb to such things?  My mom and I with our medical background have a good idea of what the doctors are talking about....I just don't want them to make their mind up and become apathetic in my dad's care. I know that we don't want to have a sense of false hope, but based on what's happening, my dad is fighting. His liver is functioning, he is becoming more alert and responding to simple commands.  He is fighting to get out of that hospital. I imagine this is an unexpected turn for his doctors.  He wants to be home because it's the place where he enjoys and feels safe.  That's where he wants to be.  We know he is not ever going to be 100%, but his choice, if it were to be...is to just be home and have the dignity to live his remaining years there.  That's all.  He doesn't want to be in that hospital bed.  At the same time, we also know if anything were to happen at the hospital, we don't want him to be dependent on machines.  But he has that fighting spirit, and he wants to enjoy those hummingbirds that feed from the garden that he and my mom have created in their yard.  He wants to see the sun filtering through the pine trees, to hear the calm of the water that splashes in the pool. He wants to hear the voices of his grandchildren enjoying the home he has provided for his family.  That is the hope we are holding onto....for him to just be home...as long as we know my dad is fighting.  He fought his way out of 5 days being in the ICU...and now is in an observational unit....but he is not out of the woods yet.  He still is too weak to speak.  He is still fighting his infection that is yet to be found. As long as the doctors know he is fighting, they know they need to keep on treating.  We will continue to be by his side to encourage him to fight as he continues to show strength....and to give him comfort with the knowledge with whatever happens...he is encompassed with love.

Our family has found comfort in the scripture Proverbs 3:5:  "Trust in the Lord with all Thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding".  The unexpected turn about this scripture is that it is also hanging on the wall in the downstairs bathroom of our parents home. I couldn't help but chuckle about why such a profound piece of counsel is hanging on the bathroom wall. Nonetheless, it's true...and it enables us to endure this trial minute by minute...and hour by hour.  For my 1 or 2 blog readers out there, please keep my dad and my family in your prayers.

**Update as of this morning.  My dad was transferred back to the ICU again...due to drop in blood pressure.  it has stabilized now...and it seems he is more alert.  Please keep those prayers coming, especially if he is showing the strength to want to come home.