Update from Emmy:

The day we were all waiting for has arrived. After 37 long days in the hospital - Dad is home!  

 

On the way out Dad was able to "ring the bell", signifying he was being discharged!  Such a proud symbolic moment for him. The Altru staff was so good - cannot say enough positive things about their efforts over the past 5 weeks.  

 

As some of you know, their house is a two-story with alot of steps. To accommodate Dad we moved a bed down to the main level dining room and reconfigured the layout of that floor. He will now have a dedicated sleeping area close to the bathroom and kitchen. A lazy boy was brought in from Kristin's parents to give him something comfortable to hang out in. Rugs were pulled up so he won't slip on them, etc. There are no words to tell you how good it felt to see him walk back in the house and sit in that recliner! He was home and once he sat down he was in his safe-zone.

 

I can’t say enough about my siblings, our spouses, Mom, extended family and friends and the entire community that we live in. I am the one that has written these short journal entries but the information many times came from video’s taken of the doctor, text updates etc. sent from my siblings or other family. My siblings and their spouses are the best of the best. I could not have hand-picked a better team if even given a chance!

 

Mom is so happy to have Dad back. She would try to lay with him in the little hospital bed but I think she will be happy to have him right next to her at night again. This has given all of us a fresh set of eyes. Like Dad said, “the strength of our family was tested and we passed the test.”

 

I may post down the road after some time has passed but my Caring Bridge career has come to an end. That was the wildest rollercoaster I’ve ever ridden on and I’m glad we will be getting back to some normalcy.  Thanks for riding along with all of us and lifting us up in prayer - we couldn’t have done it without you. 

 

We felt we have heard the entire time from loved ones that have passed on. Today was another big one as November 27th is the day that Grandpa Harold passed away a few years back. You could say it’s a coincidence but I don’t believe in that. Grandpa Harold was a kind man. Similar to Dad in his mannerisms. Not arrogant nor pretentious. Steady in his faith. He laid the foundation of digging in your heels even when things get hard. He was one of the most stubborn, determined people I have ever met but did it all so quietly and kindly. Dad has talked about his Father and how much he meant to him while he’s been in the hospital; how he taught him the importance of family and faith. It’s been remarkable how much God had wrapped his arms around all of us throughout this journey. 

 

Mom & Dad do need a little time to settle in but please feel free to connect with them. It doesn’t matter if it feels like too much time has passed. You know them and they know you. They would love to get a text from any of you or to have people stop by to catch up so please reach out!  We can’t thank all of you enough. We are blessed beyond belief. God was holding our hand the entire time. Thank you for teaching us what it means to love your neighbor. 

 

Thank you God for letting us have Dad here for a while longer. 

 

Love, The Kasowski’s

 

“Welcome back to the station. Please unfasten your seat belts and pull up on your lap bar. Exit to your left and enjoy the rest of your day.”