Fred was able to accompany me and Della when she did her official school tour of UNC. She had only ever been to the Dean Dome, Keenan Stadium, and the student store lol. He might have enjoyed it more than she did. It’s a HUGE school though, and while it is amazing that she got accepted, it might be too big for her. She hasn’t decided yet. Having him with us felt like we were back to “normal.”

Unfortunately, he developed an infection in his eyes, but since we go to the ophthalmologist once  a week, he caught it early. We went to the ophthalmologist three times last week…even traveling to Lori’s one day because he was in that office. It was a beautiful day for a drive. The good news is we stopped it in its tracks AND his right eyelid has improved so that the eye closes better. The swelling has gone down and the bottom lid has turned back in, allowing the eye to fully close…which will help prevent future infections. 

He no longer has to wear the rubber bands, but still has wires in his mouth that interfere with eating. He’s cleared to eat soft foods, but they get caught in the wires…and it’s not worth it. He has, however, been cleared to use a straw, which makes things a little easier. He’s eating a lot of soups (thank you Andy and Judy!) and he’s indulged in a couple of shakes. For all the hospital talk about Pepsi and Baja Blast, he really hasn’t had many of those. 

Fred continues to sleep in a recliner because it helps with the swelling in his face, and I continue to sleep on the sofa beside him. We are both sleeping pretty well, yet we both seem to be tired most of the time, lol.  Daytime routines are much different these days…he’s only taking over the counter meds and supplements… no more Rx meds except the eye drops and ointment. He’s seeing better, back to doing the family laundry, and chomping at the bit to get outside and do yard work. Unfortunately, due to his restrictive nasal passages, he won’t be out in the yard until after the last nasal surgery. 

Fred’s hearing is still muffled, so when you see him speak a little louder like you do to your great Uncle Ralph. His hearing occasionally clears in his right ear…leading us to believe that when all of the swelling is gone and nasal passages are healed, he’ll have restored hearing in that ear. The left side of his face is still swollen, and we’re hoping that why’s his hearing is muffled on that side. He has an appointment for a checkup soon, but we were told in the hospital that they won’t be able to determine much until the swelling is gone. 

Thank you to everyone that has brought us meals… in the beginning I was overwhelmed learning our medicine, tube feeding, and wound care routines and appreciated someone else doing the shopping, planning, prepping, and cooking. Now my care of Fred is minimal…still doing wound care (his are healing beautifully!), 1-2 tube feeds depending on how much he can eat, and an eye care routine that is serious business lol… but I am starting to catch up on chores and bills that were neglected for the last two months and I still appreciate someone else feeding us! Mealtrain is the best!

We have enjoyed Glenn’s chicken parmigiana PLUS he puréed foods (so much we had to freeze some!) for Fred which he is still eating! Chelsea and Lawton not only brought us our favorite Costco meal, street chicken tacos, but also brought us a Costco haul including Della’s favorite taquitos. Debbie brought over the most delicious spaghetti including Texas toast and a salad! 

Jay Lee may be a talented lawyer, but if he ever gets tired of that gig he could cook for a living. he made us his famous chicken bog and pulled pork that melted in my mouth. Lindsey made one of our favorite comfort meals…chicken tetrazzini Avent-style with LeSuer peas, a must. Since she works at Savannah Bee, we had not one, but two, honey desserts. A fun cereal mixed w pb and honey and a fresh berry tart w a simple syrup made with honey. She included her recipes and an extra bottle of saw palmetto honey, which rivals manuka honey in the healing department. We feel so loved. 

Erika came by for a much needed glass of wine and girl talk…and brought some of her famous gumbo. She may be Brazilian, but she lived in Louisiana a long time.  It was gone in a heartbeat- Carter eating more than me or Della lol. Judy and Jeff brought over chicken and potatoes plus an orzo salad that I hope she shares the recipe. It was delicious, y’all. She also made potato soup for Fred… and it tasted like pure potato heaven. He ate the ENTIRE container in one sitting! It was a lot… I was worried lol. My out of town friends looked out for us too, Hope and Melissa sent takeout money- Della and I are having TX Roadhouse tonight. They have soups, right?! 

I’m sorry this has been such a long post, but I guess that’s what happens when you don’t post for 2 weeks. So much to say. As always, thank you for the prayers and love. They’ve kept us going when we thought we couldn’t go anymore. We feel so blessed to know that you are all out there praying for us. I promise you, God has heard every one. 

Fred’s next appointment in Charleston is April 6 where the surgeon will hopefully schedule the removal of all the wires in Fred’s mouth. I promise I’ll try to keep y’all in the loop better. I’m the meantime, Fred is texting again and can talk on the phone…so hit him up!