It's been awhile since I have written again.  I don't know that I really have much to say.  My sister (ROinProgress) tells everyone how dad is doing.  He's not really so well, but he for the most part stays positive.  The other night he told my mom, "Go home and get some sleep.  I'll behave myself tonight."  As if he really was being bad.  He just needs some pain medication from time to time and there are only so many nurses.  He was actually kind of spoiled in KU Med... ICU is a 2 nurse per patient ratio.  Not that I would want to ever have the need for 2 nurses to just my self.  The tradeoffs there just don't seem so good.  I guess the latest is hospice...  At least they will make sure that he is as comfortable as he can be...

Things just aren't the greatest right now...  Thank you for all the prayers, cards, etc.   I know Rache'l has said it many times.  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!

It's funny the memories that come back to you when you are in this situation.  There are so many things that just will bring a smile to your face when you don't really feel like smiling. Sometimes I'm a little bit stoic, if anyone can believe that.    Lately it's been hard to sleep, hard to think, hard to _____(insert  whatever)____... but we go on and do what must be done.  A little time for reflection isn't a bad thing.

I guess I'm rambling...  I'll say good bye for now.

God bless,
Mark

It's been a while...

and New Mornings post inspired me to say something.

SOMETHING!!!

Ha-ha-ha-ha!  I am sooo funny.

Dad got the feeding tube taken out today.  This may mean that he will be moved from the hospital to a place closer to home for the rehab stuff.  Hurray!  It could happen as early as tomorrow.  This is good because he keeps threatening to "go on the lamb."  He was asking if there were woods close to my house to hide in.  He told me to run and he would be right behind me.  He still doesn't have much mobility back in his left side, but he did flinch when I massaged his foot too hard.  That may be a good thing...

I hope all are having a good day.  I think I'll go to bed early tonight.

God bless,
Mark

Dad...

Many of you get my sister's posts about dad, but for those who don't, here is the latest.

Friday night, dad had a stroke and was taken to the hospital.  He then started showing signs of an infection, which is not good for someone who had chemo just over a week ago.  He has ended up with the infection in his blood which is a very serious issue.  As I look at it and consider, the stroke could have been a blessing.  If he had not had the stroke, he would not have already been at the hospital when the infection got its foothold.  If he hadn't been at the hospital where they could discover it quickly, we don't know how long he would have stayed at home in bed before the problem was discovered.  So it may be naive of me, but I'm seeing it as a blessing... at least at this point...

I know God is watching over all of us and His plan will not be thwarted!

It is incredible the support and love that everyone has shown!  We had more people in the visiting room than we should have.  One guy came in and said a name and it was a very quick response that they must be in the other waiting room, this one was filled with only our family... I counted 25 at a certain point.  Dad truly loved seeing all the cards that people have been sending.  He keeps them lined up on the piano and then in a little basket close to his chair.

Thank you all for you love and prayers.  There are those of you that are also dealing with health issues of loved ones.  Know that you are loved and prayed for as well.

God bless,
Mark

O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A...

...where the wind comes sweeping down the plains...

Oh, my, what a flashback.  Anyway, tomorrow I head for Tulsa.  I think it will be a long trip and actually feel longer than it is.  I'm not looking forward to what I will find.  I am going to look at some equipment and they haven't had the best track record on this job so far.

On another note, dad finds out tomorrow if he will be starting treatments.  Please pray for things to go well!

God bless,
Mark

Thank you all for the comments, prayers, and congratulatory statements.  You truly are appreciated by me and my family!

God bless,
Mark