Happy Thanksgiving! A few hours early.
I hope that this Thanksgiving update finds you well. I also hope that this Thanksgiving holiday finds you with the family and friends that you hold dear. Tomorrow we will celebrate with just the four of us here in Nashville. It will be a smaller, quieter (although most likely not literally) Thanksgiving than ones in past years, but I look forward to being with my three favorite people in the world.
I have not written in a little while, because I have had to keep some things on the 'down low' until the all clear was given.
A little over a week ago, mom called me to let me know that they were pretty sure dad would have to be admitted into the hospital. He had developed a nasty UTI and it could not be treated by oral antibiotics. They were assuming he would have to go in, at least for a few days, to get the IV antibiotics started. However, the dad's doctor arranged for him to have a PICC line put in so that he could received the antibiotics at home. Mom wanted me to keep this under wraps as they were expecting my grandma (dad's mom) and aunt (dad's sister) to fly up from Florida for the holiday and she didn't want to cause any panic. SO - dad finished up his antibiotics a couple of days ago and, thankfully, responded well. Yesterday my aunt and grandma arrived from Florida. Today my dad had the PICC line removed and tomorrow they will have a gathering of over 20 people in their home for Thanksgiving dinner! It will be a full house, but I know that both mom and dad are looking forward to it. Growing up our home was always full around the holidays, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, Christmas dinner, etc. This year there will be a combination of my family (dad's side) and some family from my sister-in-law, Becky's, family.
Other than holiday news a couple of things to pass along. One, it is almost a done deal that Dad will be starting back to his therapy next month. It has been a frustratingly slow process for the computers to get up and synced, especially for dad's therapist, but it looks like he'll be back in it next month. In light of this, if you have any good recommendations for books on tape/cd or want to send any along, they will have lots of driving to do (about 2 hours each way, twice a week).
Two, we have some more movement to report! Last week, while Kathy was working with dad, she mentioned that she thought he was moving his left leg more during the leg slides. She did some measurements with her hands, and, sure enough! not only can he slide it a little inward, he can slide it a little outward now. Mom also worked with him later in the week and then called me all excited. She said that he is able to move his foot, in all directions, about an inch. The movement that he had before was detectable, but you had to really look to see it. She said that this is a good inch, easily seen. Woo-hoo! One toe at a time, right?!
Quite definitely we covet your prayers surrounding and covering dad's continued healing and progress; not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual. Also, keep in your prayers his (and mom's) future. It continues to be confusing and scary to look too far forward.
Thanksgiving, a time to reflect and give thanks - - Let me speak for my parents, my family and myself - - we are thankful, so very, very thankful for you. For the prayers, the support, the correspondence, the incredible outpouring of love. You have walked with us since day one, in so many ways and we have leaned heavily on you. We would not be where we are today without you. We are thankful for YOU.
Blessings and love,
Lynn (and family)
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