Today was much better. Dad slept very soundly for most of the day. He woke up and was very alert three times.
A different neurologist’s shift began today and she was much easier to deal with. They also started him on a steroid drip to reduce the swelling. I asked for this yesterday and was told that it would do no good. Evidently, it won’t do him any harm either.
I wanted to share with you something that happened at about 5:30 today. Dad woke up. Both of his eyes were wide open and he spent about 20 minutes interacting with us. When we said something funny he did that wonderful half-smile of his. As we were talking with him we decided to try the communication book they gave us. It is about three sheets of heavy plastic that prompt the patient to point at things to communicate. So, for instance, there is an “I Feel” page and the options are things like scared, angry, happy etc. There is an “I Want” page with things like family, food, TV, there is also a “Yes and No” page. Anyhow, we showed it to dad. He looked at all of the options, then I read it to him (it looked to me like he was already reading them—but..) He looked at the whole page and then reached up with his left hand and turned it to the next page. He read that page, and I read it to him, then he reached up and turned that page. We continued this until we came back to the “I Want” page. He pointed to “I Want” then dragged his finger over to “wife”.
We were so happy. We also showed him a picture of Mary Brooke and asked him “Do you know her?” and he pointed to yes, and smiled. He loved staring at the kids’ pictures whenever he was awake this afternoon. He also smiled a lot, that new smile of his, that I love so much.
We are not by any means out of the danger zone. But this day was such an encouragement to me. I got to tell my dad, with his eyes open and clear, how much I love him and how proud I am of him. I also told him that he was doing “so good.” But I quickly amended that with “so well”. And he smiled.
They also had a time of prayer for Dad at Weatherby Chapel at MNU today.
Britney Rice
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7 comments:
What an amazing day. God is working a miracle. Won't those Drs be amazed!!
kjw
We rejoice to read Britney's report tonight and our prayers continue.
Gayland & Wilda
Praise God -- He is so good! Britney, I'm typing with tears of joy over this wonderful time you had with your Dad today. We continue praying!
April
Just sitting here in my apt in Chicago singing the Doxology - seriously, praising our God from whom all blessings flow!!! Don is such a blessing to me. His mentoring, pastoral care, and fatherly wisdom have helped shape my life. I know that God can continue to spread His love through Don's life, and I pray that his recovery comes quickly, his strength and health continue to improve, and that God's peace would envelope Don, Barbara, Britney, Josh and the rest of the family. Don, Barbara, I love you and will continue to pray!
Kyle
Brit,
I am sitting here with tears in my eyes and am very happy to hear that Uncle Donny is showing improvement. I am continuing to pray for him and the rest of the family. I have put him on the prayer chains at my Church and at our local 'Feed My People' organization. (That is a local charity office that provides food, clothing and other services to those in need. My mother in law is President of the board there this year.)
I wish you could send me some pictures of the family when you get time. I would be happy to post some photos of your dad on this blog. A good way for people from far far away to connect with your Dad while we are praying for his health and recovery and praying for strength to his the family. I love all of you!
Missy (Michelle St. Clair)
James 5:15 And the prayer of faithwill save the sick, and the Lord will raise Him up....
Many faithful believers and PRAYers are standing in the gap for Don. May he be healed by the faith of others. I love hearing about all the baby steps of healing that Don is taking. These steps are milestones for him that has gone through this major trauma. Each one is a triumph for him. Don, God has a plan for you!
Barb, Josh, Britney; praying for God to give you continued strength, courage, and peace. Cousin Don is blessed to have you all. He'll get through this with you all by his side.
prayerfully yours, Karen Carroll
Hi Barbara and Don. This is your cousin Karen. You did a great job designing your blog! My prayers are with you. Also good to see you Mom and talk to Joyce a couple of weeks ago!
Love,
Karen
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