Journal entry by Sarah Bernards —
Hello friends and family!
No offense, but I do not miss updating this page (well, perhaps I miss the creation of it but I certainly do not miss the content)!
Well, as my Dad says, "I'm a walking miracle." The only reason he is standing is because of the Lord's strength manifested through the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Mayo. We are ecstatic to say that Dad is 90% healed from Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It will always be present inside his body, but the Lord guided him through the worst part, historically speaking.
Life is pretty normal here. Dad wakes up at his usual witching hour, eats a delicious breakfast -- worlds and worlds superior to the wet eggs and dry bacon at Mayo -- and then goes about his day. That usually means pastoral care in the morning, lunch, a nap, and then house maintenance to really tucker his body out. A wedding is fast approaching in the family, so Mom and Dad are working double time to make the house up to par. Or at least their par!
Dad did contract COVID-19 post-staycation with 15 family members in the house. We (or at least Mom and I) were a little worried about what it may do to his body. He fared well and the only negative report was that it reminded him of pre-GBS when he was sequestered away from Mom before they went to the hospital. They enjoy each other's company. That's usually a blessing, but in this case it was a curse!
Dad continues to take blood pressure and nerve regeneration medication. One of those is a tricky pill that is about the size of an ant that he has to cut in half. Virtually impossible without a pill cutter. Thankfully we have friends (and family) in high places who acquired one for us.
He drinks a lot of water. Gut function is normal. Smile is back. He's back to giving blood/platelets. Strength returns each day. The only aspect not back to snuff is the strength (or lack of) in his hands and feet. It is far better than when he was hospitalized but he feels the fatigue and insufficiency when working long hours to get the hose ready :)
We are blessed. We are humbled. We get overwhelmed with emotions almost every time we reminisce on those times, fondly remembering the outpouring of prayers towards Dad. Persevering would have been impossible without the daily affirmations, love, and encouragement from each and every one of you.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
- Romans 15:13
No offense, but I do not miss updating this page (well, perhaps I miss the creation of it but I certainly do not miss the content)!
Well, as my Dad says, "I'm a walking miracle." The only reason he is standing is because of the Lord's strength manifested through the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Mayo. We are ecstatic to say that Dad is 90% healed from Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It will always be present inside his body, but the Lord guided him through the worst part, historically speaking.
Life is pretty normal here. Dad wakes up at his usual witching hour, eats a delicious breakfast -- worlds and worlds superior to the wet eggs and dry bacon at Mayo -- and then goes about his day. That usually means pastoral care in the morning, lunch, a nap, and then house maintenance to really tucker his body out. A wedding is fast approaching in the family, so Mom and Dad are working double time to make the house up to par. Or at least their par!
Dad did contract COVID-19 post-staycation with 15 family members in the house. We (or at least Mom and I) were a little worried about what it may do to his body. He fared well and the only negative report was that it reminded him of pre-GBS when he was sequestered away from Mom before they went to the hospital. They enjoy each other's company. That's usually a blessing, but in this case it was a curse!
Dad continues to take blood pressure and nerve regeneration medication. One of those is a tricky pill that is about the size of an ant that he has to cut in half. Virtually impossible without a pill cutter. Thankfully we have friends (and family) in high places who acquired one for us.
He drinks a lot of water. Gut function is normal. Smile is back. He's back to giving blood/platelets. Strength returns each day. The only aspect not back to snuff is the strength (or lack of) in his hands and feet. It is far better than when he was hospitalized but he feels the fatigue and insufficiency when working long hours to get the hose ready :)
We are blessed. We are humbled. We get overwhelmed with emotions almost every time we reminisce on those times, fondly remembering the outpouring of prayers towards Dad. Persevering would have been impossible without the daily affirmations, love, and encouragement from each and every one of you.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
- Romans 15:13
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