Dad has a great doctor! We are sooo thankful for the present healthcare that our parents enjoy. Dad came down with a bad cough and feeling really "punk". In to the doctor, out with a couple of prescriptions and this morning he reports he slept well and the cough medicine really works.
We all have a duty to keep our eyes on healthcare reform. We need to remind our legislators that ALL life is precious, regardless of age, disability, etc. Call it a national plan, a co-op, or whatever you want...we need to be educated and alert. In all your spare time, friends, go to the link below and see what they have proposed for us. Pray for our legislators and your president whether you like them or not. The best thing that could happen is that they would go with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be successful in His eyes.
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/AAHCA09001xml.pdf
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
United...
Last night, Monte, Lori and I had our usual Sunday night conference call just to firm up schedules and share our thoughts on how Mom and Dad are doing. One thing is for sure, we are UNITED in our efforts to serve Mom and Dad and get them back on their feet again.
I've been doing a study on the Psalms of Ascent and it just so happened that yesterday I was on Psalm 133 which starts out like this: How good and pleasant is it when brothers and sisters live in unity!
Being united isn't always easy but it certainly yields better results! And you don't have to think alike to be united, that's for sure!
While Monte is a "numbers man" leaning more toward what things look like on paper, the risks, and the pure facts, Lori and I lean more on our feelings and look at the "non-measurable" things of life.Thank goodness we have each other to balance one another out. Only the Lord knows what kind of lopsided decisions we might have led our parents into had we not had different perspectives.
As it is, Dad is approaching the 2 week mark from his last surgery. As his neck heals as and as his phlebitis runs its course, he now faces a nasty cold. Prayers that it might pass quickly would surely be appreciated.
Meanwhile, we try to focus on this unity thing on all fronts: at home, with family and even as our country struggles with tough choices regarding healthcare and government roles. My prayer is that we would be united in seeking God's guidance - looking to His word for answers instead of just using human wisdom - that God would use the "numbers people" as well as the passions of His people. I really pray that this country might turn back to the things that this country was founded upon...like worshipping Him and that Life in Him might be our main motivator for all we do. Wouldn't that be cool?
Thanks for your thougths and prayers, and for putting up with my ramblings! Audi
I've been doing a study on the Psalms of Ascent and it just so happened that yesterday I was on Psalm 133 which starts out like this: How good and pleasant is it when brothers and sisters live in unity!
Being united isn't always easy but it certainly yields better results! And you don't have to think alike to be united, that's for sure!
While Monte is a "numbers man" leaning more toward what things look like on paper, the risks, and the pure facts, Lori and I lean more on our feelings and look at the "non-measurable" things of life.Thank goodness we have each other to balance one another out. Only the Lord knows what kind of lopsided decisions we might have led our parents into had we not had different perspectives.
As it is, Dad is approaching the 2 week mark from his last surgery. As his neck heals as and as his phlebitis runs its course, he now faces a nasty cold. Prayers that it might pass quickly would surely be appreciated.
Meanwhile, we try to focus on this unity thing on all fronts: at home, with family and even as our country struggles with tough choices regarding healthcare and government roles. My prayer is that we would be united in seeking God's guidance - looking to His word for answers instead of just using human wisdom - that God would use the "numbers people" as well as the passions of His people. I really pray that this country might turn back to the things that this country was founded upon...like worshipping Him and that Life in Him might be our main motivator for all we do. Wouldn't that be cool?
Thanks for your thougths and prayers, and for putting up with my ramblings! Audi
Monday, August 10, 2009
Quick update...
We had to make one more quick trip to the Riverview ER last night - our family must love that place - we've spent enough time there! Dad has phlebitis in his left arm - oww!! Painful!! Darn!!!
Well, the good news is it will only last a week or so (gulp) but he is not in danger. We were so excited to go to the ER and NOT get admitted! In and out in 30 minutes! That was a record for us.
Well, it's BACK TO SCHOOL for me today! Summer has been great! God really knew what He was doing when he opened the doors of Hamilton Southeastern High School to me. Not only do I love my job, but I love not going to work in the summer! It's been a godsend to be able to help Mom and Dad when they need me AND to hang out with Jack who is going to be THIRTEEN next month!
Thanks again for your calls, prayers, and FOOD!! Audi
Well, the good news is it will only last a week or so (gulp) but he is not in danger. We were so excited to go to the ER and NOT get admitted! In and out in 30 minutes! That was a record for us.
Well, it's BACK TO SCHOOL for me today! Summer has been great! God really knew what He was doing when he opened the doors of Hamilton Southeastern High School to me. Not only do I love my job, but I love not going to work in the summer! It's been a godsend to be able to help Mom and Dad when they need me AND to hang out with Jack who is going to be THIRTEEN next month!
Thanks again for your calls, prayers, and FOOD!! Audi
Friday, August 7, 2009
Smooth as Silk...
I was talking with a friend the other day and we were discussing our upbringings. We both have parents that have been married 50+ years. Although things were not always perfect, neither of us could remember our parents yelling at each other, fighting, or acting dishonorable to each other. We thought that was normal but as we got older we found that our family life was probably more the exception than the rule.
I've often wondered why I've been so fortunate to have such a good life. It's not just luck...it's a combination of God's faithfulness and the faith that my parents, grandparents, and those before them had. It's not all about us...what we do affects generations to come.
It's not too late to invest in the generations to come. And your investment doesn't have to be limited to your family. I sat in Bandy's Auto Repair this week (for the 5th time in a month) and invested in our future for a good 45 minutes. I struck up a conversation with someone very much unlike me: black, without a high school diploma, convicted criminal (spent 9 years in the pen), to mention a few things. But we had even more in terms of common ground: we have kids, we love our kids, we follow Jesus, and we wish the world were a more peaceful place. We talked frankly about what it was like to be "black in a white world" and how it feels to be white and to be blamed for thinking certain ways that we don't.
By the end of my car repair, this gentleman and I grabbed hands, looked at each other in the eye and agreed that there is hope for the world...one person at a time. More conversations like this is what the world needs. Two people at a time investing in our future...
I'm grateful for my faithful parents. I can't help but believe that God is rewarding them (and therefore, us) for their lifelong faith. So glad that they invested in my future and the world's future. The blessings abound as a result!
Dad's transition to home has been as smooth as silk. It's so wonderful to have the 'rents back in the same place and getting back to normal! Thanks again for your calls, visits and prayers. Audi
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9
I've often wondered why I've been so fortunate to have such a good life. It's not just luck...it's a combination of God's faithfulness and the faith that my parents, grandparents, and those before them had. It's not all about us...what we do affects generations to come.
It's not too late to invest in the generations to come. And your investment doesn't have to be limited to your family. I sat in Bandy's Auto Repair this week (for the 5th time in a month) and invested in our future for a good 45 minutes. I struck up a conversation with someone very much unlike me: black, without a high school diploma, convicted criminal (spent 9 years in the pen), to mention a few things. But we had even more in terms of common ground: we have kids, we love our kids, we follow Jesus, and we wish the world were a more peaceful place. We talked frankly about what it was like to be "black in a white world" and how it feels to be white and to be blamed for thinking certain ways that we don't.
By the end of my car repair, this gentleman and I grabbed hands, looked at each other in the eye and agreed that there is hope for the world...one person at a time. More conversations like this is what the world needs. Two people at a time investing in our future...
I'm grateful for my faithful parents. I can't help but believe that God is rewarding them (and therefore, us) for their lifelong faith. So glad that they invested in my future and the world's future. The blessings abound as a result!
Dad's transition to home has been as smooth as silk. It's so wonderful to have the 'rents back in the same place and getting back to normal! Thanks again for your calls, visits and prayers. Audi
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Rock is Coming Home!
Dad had a good day yesterday. He was so much more talkative after surgery than the last time. He got out of recovery and into ICU at about 2:30 and was already asking to watch Glenn Beck on Fox News at 5:00! (A very good sign that things are getting back to normal).
He's done so well that this morning they decided to kick him out and send him home!
Last night, as Dad was recounting the events of the week and all things he is thankful for, and I told him, "You are a rock." Throughout the week, he has had peace with whatever the outcome. Really...peace with whatever the outcome.
In his weakness, he was so strong. He was not shaken. He was the leader - even in his weakness - he was the leader of our family. At one point, when worry seemed to be overcoming Mom, he looked at her and with all the love and firmness that he had he said, "LaDonna, it's time to let your Christian faith take action." My dad...he is a rock.
Do you ever wonder what you'll be like when you face death - or even worse, disability? I play it through in my mind sometimes, practicing my response. I try to walk with God during the mundane daily events of my life so perhaps when the big things happen it will be more familiar to continue to walk with God. And I think...it's taking hold for me little by little like it's obviously taken hold with my dad.
There is a proverb - wish I could remember where it's at - that says "The road to life (God) is vigorous and requires your constant attention." More than anything, God is concerned about our connection with Him. More than our happiness, more than our health, more than our wealth...more than anything, God's desire for us is to be connected with Him. He knows that being connected with Him is better than anything because when you are connected with him, the events of life that can threaten your happiness, health or wealth are only temporary. There is an end in sight, no matter what the outcome.
Thankful that my dad has led a vigorous life with his constant attention on the Lord, and thankful for you - who keeps us in your thoughts and prayers... Audi
He's done so well that this morning they decided to kick him out and send him home!
Last night, as Dad was recounting the events of the week and all things he is thankful for, and I told him, "You are a rock." Throughout the week, he has had peace with whatever the outcome. Really...peace with whatever the outcome.
In his weakness, he was so strong. He was not shaken. He was the leader - even in his weakness - he was the leader of our family. At one point, when worry seemed to be overcoming Mom, he looked at her and with all the love and firmness that he had he said, "LaDonna, it's time to let your Christian faith take action." My dad...he is a rock.
Do you ever wonder what you'll be like when you face death - or even worse, disability? I play it through in my mind sometimes, practicing my response. I try to walk with God during the mundane daily events of my life so perhaps when the big things happen it will be more familiar to continue to walk with God. And I think...it's taking hold for me little by little like it's obviously taken hold with my dad.
There is a proverb - wish I could remember where it's at - that says "The road to life (God) is vigorous and requires your constant attention." More than anything, God is concerned about our connection with Him. More than our happiness, more than our health, more than our wealth...more than anything, God's desire for us is to be connected with Him. He knows that being connected with Him is better than anything because when you are connected with him, the events of life that can threaten your happiness, health or wealth are only temporary. There is an end in sight, no matter what the outcome.
Thankful that my dad has led a vigorous life with his constant attention on the Lord, and thankful for you - who keeps us in your thoughts and prayers... Audi
Monday, August 3, 2009
Out of Surgery (again)...
Dad just got out of surgery and Dr. Dilly said it went just fine! We haven't seen him yet but he drew us "before and after" pictures and it looks like Dad's going to be in great shape.
Dr. Dilly expects Dad home by Wednesday. THANK YOU for all your phone calls, thoughts and prayers. The visits from our pastors have been so appreciated. All the offers of help are priceless. Family and friends are priceless! We are so blessed.
Well, I better "power down" so we'll be ready to go see Dad. Love to you all.... Audi
Dr. Dilly expects Dad home by Wednesday. THANK YOU for all your phone calls, thoughts and prayers. The visits from our pastors have been so appreciated. All the offers of help are priceless. Family and friends are priceless! We are so blessed.
Well, I better "power down" so we'll be ready to go see Dad. Love to you all.... Audi
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Out of ICU...
Dad got moved out of ICU last night and has a very nice private room now. He's in good spirits and looks great. Right now, he's sitting up having some lunch.
Surgery on his second carotid artery is set for tomorrow at 10:00, I think. We're thinking he'll be home on Tuesday or Wednesday.
We took Mama to church today and out to lunch afterward. She is hanging in there - patiently waiting for Dad to get back home. Putting up with her kids - bossing her around occasionally - drink this, do that, come with us here, etc... She's a good sport. We are sooo lucky to have her around.
Today at church, Dr. Schwein's sermon was "God as GPS". It was confirmation that God guides us and protects us. We have prayed for guidance and answers regarding whether Dad should have surgery and rehab and really, our answers have been crystal clear.
Thanking you for all your thougths and prayers again... Audi
Surgery on his second carotid artery is set for tomorrow at 10:00, I think. We're thinking he'll be home on Tuesday or Wednesday.
We took Mama to church today and out to lunch afterward. She is hanging in there - patiently waiting for Dad to get back home. Putting up with her kids - bossing her around occasionally - drink this, do that, come with us here, etc... She's a good sport. We are sooo lucky to have her around.
Today at church, Dr. Schwein's sermon was "God as GPS". It was confirmation that God guides us and protects us. We have prayed for guidance and answers regarding whether Dad should have surgery and rehab and really, our answers have been crystal clear.
Thanking you for all your thougths and prayers again... Audi
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Daddy Update...
Dad continues to do well. Okay, he continues to do great! He walked 525 feet today with the therapist and went up/down a flight of stairs. He finally ate something without having to revisit it again, if you know what I mean.
Dr. Finley, his physician of record/neurologist, came in yesterday afternoon and said "You look great! I know you may not feel great but you look GREAT!" Then he looked really puzzled and said, "You had surgery today, didn't you?" He looked so good it was confusing him!
Dad's nurses are great. We were so excited to see Becky, the RN who along with another nurse that practicially saved Mom's life while she was in CardioVascular Critical Care. She was so tickled to see Mom. She kept saying "Honey, you look so good" in her precious southern accent. I was surprised that she remembered us but she indicated she could never forget us! How sweet is that?
Even though we rejoice at Dad's great progress, we are heart broken at the same time because on Thursday, we got the news that my cousin, Dad's sister's son, took his life. He was a man that loved his kids. He lost his little girl a couple of years ago in a go-kart accident. He found the Lord after it all and although we don't know many details I can only imagine that being with Jesus is the only place he could find peace. No one will ever know how much he must have hurt. Please pray for my cousin Tommy's family...they have suffered more loss than any of us could ever imagine. They are heartbroken. We love them so much and it's very hard to be away when we would love to be there with them.
Now, tonight I'm going to get reacquainted with my family! We're having a Cathcart tradition: steaks on the grill, baked potatoes and a movie!
I love you all - and thank God for your prayers, concerns, phone calls and visits. Audi
Dr. Finley, his physician of record/neurologist, came in yesterday afternoon and said "You look great! I know you may not feel great but you look GREAT!" Then he looked really puzzled and said, "You had surgery today, didn't you?" He looked so good it was confusing him!
Dad's nurses are great. We were so excited to see Becky, the RN who along with another nurse that practicially saved Mom's life while she was in CardioVascular Critical Care. She was so tickled to see Mom. She kept saying "Honey, you look so good" in her precious southern accent. I was surprised that she remembered us but she indicated she could never forget us! How sweet is that?
Even though we rejoice at Dad's great progress, we are heart broken at the same time because on Thursday, we got the news that my cousin, Dad's sister's son, took his life. He was a man that loved his kids. He lost his little girl a couple of years ago in a go-kart accident. He found the Lord after it all and although we don't know many details I can only imagine that being with Jesus is the only place he could find peace. No one will ever know how much he must have hurt. Please pray for my cousin Tommy's family...they have suffered more loss than any of us could ever imagine. They are heartbroken. We love them so much and it's very hard to be away when we would love to be there with them.
Now, tonight I'm going to get reacquainted with my family! We're having a Cathcart tradition: steaks on the grill, baked potatoes and a movie!
I love you all - and thank God for your prayers, concerns, phone calls and visits. Audi
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