This morning Mom received a tracheostomy, and a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. (Pretty good huh?) Her breathing tube now enters below her throat, and her feeding tube enters through her side.
This afternoon she does seem more relaxed and comfortable than yesterday. Aunt Betty, Uncle Ted, cousin Debbie, and my Dad all came down to visit today also. It was very emotional for him and for us, but it was a blessing.
We have talked today with numerous doctors, therapists and a social worker, trying to sketch long-term plans. There is hope that she will improve as the blood in the brain is re-absorbed by the body, but the doctors have no way of knowing what damage has been done. They have told us bluntly that her recovery will probably take months, and that she is likely to have impairments when she does wake up.
So we continue to beg you to pray for God's clear guidance. I reminded God today that Mom had willingly sacrificed her daughters to be missionaries, taking them and her precious grandchildren far away from her. So now He needs to help us know how to care for her.
Our Dad is doing fairly well, thanks to the wonderful care of our church family. But whether he can continue to live alone is a big question mark. He is sort of "on the brink" in our opinion. He wants to stay at home and get another car to drive. He just got his license renewed in July. But we worry about his memory loss causing problems, and also the possibility of his falling. He is very unsteady on his feet at times.
We feel kind of like King Jehoshaphat, who said , ". . . we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee." (2 Chronicles 20:12)
5 comments:
We are praying for clear wisdom on how to handle each situation that arises.
For we KNOW that God will give you the wisdom and grace just at the time needed.
We love you,
Cindy
We, too, are praying for you all to have wisdom in making decisions, as well as to have a calm and peaceful spirit. We stand beside you and behind you all the way. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
It was so good to hear your voice Lois this morning, and to picture you and Alice praying together for your parents on the hillside. I think the lifeline call bell is the best thing for now. Pete wears a wrist one that attaches with velcro and is hidden by his shirt. It is a good thing! That is a good decision and will give you both some peace of mind about your Dad. I was glad to hear that Mary Jane is breathing on her own and am praying that it continues to be that way....will be praying for all of you as you make these needed decisions, Cindy is right, God will give you the wisdom and grace just at the right time.....God bless you both richly today and your Mother with a quiet and healing afternoon...I love you both so much, Aunt jane
Dear Alice and Lois,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We can truly identify with your situation, as you know.
Thank you for the informative updates. Give your parents the love of the Allen Family.
For the Family,
Kelly
My favorite Scripture takes up when God's message was given to Jehoshaphat: "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.... Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you."
Indeed, He is with you and your mom.
Love and prayers, Ruth, Dave, Joy and Nathan
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