Thursday, January 31, 2008

My sweet smiler

Dale no longer comes thru the door whistling but he has a big smile with dancing eyes. Always a big thank you on his lips. Our world has become the room we spent time in the evenings-our play room in former years. David and Rachel are here a lot to help with his care- I do not know what we would do with out them. All of our kids have been very supportative. Barbara came for two weeks this month and Joanna came for a week. Mark and Britt 's family came to be here for Christmas with new grandbaby Kate. Our support group is many friends in Ruston. Our church family at Christ Community is truely " the church before the watching world". They have loved us with such a sacrifical love.
Our day is spent with proceedures to keep Dale comfortable. My nursing skills have kicked in and I have more confidence with this new equipment.
Dale is resting well most of the time- days and nights seem to run together for him. In the hospital he was not sure which side of the clock we were on because the blinds on the windows were closed.
We are still praying for a miracle and ask for you to do the same. Also for grace to walk the way that would please the Lord.I am reading a book (by Max Lucado-3:16. ) to Dale in the evenings. Recomended reading. Keep praying for his healing

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Our First Day Home

Dr. Dale arrived home yesterday via ambulance. He is such a courageous man! We got him settled in his new bed. When I say we, I mean the "team" of nurses, sitters, respiratory therapist and of course family. I must admit, it was nice to have him home. I know my mother in law is glad he is home.

For those of you who need more updating, I guess I ought to back up just a bit. A week ago yesterday, Dr. Dale had a tracheostomy and a PEG tube put in place. The tracheostomy is to help with his breathing. The PEG is to supplement his feeding. He was in ICU for a week. We have been learning how to take care of his "new attached instruments". These new attachments were done to help Dr. Dale with his breathing and his eating.

Which brings us to arriving home yesterday and today being our first full day home. Yes, nothing is better than being home.

Although my mother in law, being the nurse, wife and "mom" that she is, wants to take care of Dr. Dale all by herself. She has agreed to a sitter helping to stay at night. There is a nurse coming twice a week for now but we can get her more as the need arises. David and I are here. I have never been the "nurse" but I am certainly learning.

If you were to ask about needs, honestly prayer is the biggest need....prayer for endurance, patience, rest and the miracle Dr. Dale has been praying for (He says we need to pray for a miracle that proves God has provided it. The miracle being grass growing on his arm or to grow another leg.--Doctor's humor)). We will try to post daily with updates. It will be neat especially if we can take turns posting giving you different perspectives about Dr. Dale.

Dr. Dale is a wise man to be admired! He is known by his sweetness and of course, his whistling every time he walks through a door.

Thanks for all you do for us and my inlaws. We love them tremendously!
Rachel