Journal entry by Michael Holtgrewe —
Hi all,
I know a lot of you have seen Dad's updates on Facebook over the last few days; however, for those of you who have been able to avoid the addiction of social media (good for you!), I thought I'd write a quick update.
Dad's last antibiotic infusion treatment was Thursday morning February 7th...no more infection! Mom and Dad finished up the 6-week daily routine yesterday, complete with Cheryl's cookies and hugs for all the nurses that took such exceptional care of Dad. They said he was such an easy, patient patient that they couldn't possibly accept....(wait..does sarcasm translate via the written word...sometimes I can't tell??). Actually, Dad was great. I was able to attend the treatment with him last weekend, and he really was appreciative to the nurses who seemed to at least pretend that they appreciated his signature wit.
So after a quick stop yesterday afternoon at Dad's surgeon appointment to pick up some new meds to combat the persistent phantom pains, Mom and Dad hit the road "Thelma and Louise-style" towards the beach house in North Myrtle. Armed with a new 1st-tee walk-up song (Come On Eileen....get it??) and a handful of all-you-can-eat pancake coupons from IHOP (get it again?), I know Dad was excited to visit his 2nd (or is it 3rd) home and see his SC friends.
Dad's second prosthesis appointment is Wednesday and he should receive his first prosthesis (it's constantly adjusted I'm told) March 6th.
Hopefully you can tell from the tone of this post that the mood has lightened a bit. Dad was able to join his usual foursome for golf on Tuesday, and, while he didn't take his clubs quite yet, we know it's only a matter of time before he gets back out there, doing the thing he loves. Monica and the kids and I were able to visit Dad last weekend and all came away extremely optimistic with his attitude and progress. Mom, Sally, Cody, and the numerous members of 1st Baptist Covington who have all taken such amazing care of Dad the last couple months have truly been a blessing. And I can't tell you how amazing it's been to see the support from "home" (Marietta/Williamstown will always be home to me). The countless cards, letters, emails, facebook posts, etc. have meant the world to Mom and Dad and have helped Dad get through the last couple months more than you all know.
So thank you all so much for the love and support you've shown my family.
Stay tuned for the next post when Grandpa Mike/Boppo turns into Iron Man!
Andy
I know a lot of you have seen Dad's updates on Facebook over the last few days; however, for those of you who have been able to avoid the addiction of social media (good for you!), I thought I'd write a quick update.
Dad's last antibiotic infusion treatment was Thursday morning February 7th...no more infection! Mom and Dad finished up the 6-week daily routine yesterday, complete with Cheryl's cookies and hugs for all the nurses that took such exceptional care of Dad. They said he was such an easy, patient patient that they couldn't possibly accept....(wait..does sarcasm translate via the written word...sometimes I can't tell??). Actually, Dad was great. I was able to attend the treatment with him last weekend, and he really was appreciative to the nurses who seemed to at least pretend that they appreciated his signature wit.
So after a quick stop yesterday afternoon at Dad's surgeon appointment to pick up some new meds to combat the persistent phantom pains, Mom and Dad hit the road "Thelma and Louise-style" towards the beach house in North Myrtle. Armed with a new 1st-tee walk-up song (Come On Eileen....get it??) and a handful of all-you-can-eat pancake coupons from IHOP (get it again?), I know Dad was excited to visit his 2nd (or is it 3rd) home and see his SC friends.
Dad's second prosthesis appointment is Wednesday and he should receive his first prosthesis (it's constantly adjusted I'm told) March 6th.
Hopefully you can tell from the tone of this post that the mood has lightened a bit. Dad was able to join his usual foursome for golf on Tuesday, and, while he didn't take his clubs quite yet, we know it's only a matter of time before he gets back out there, doing the thing he loves. Monica and the kids and I were able to visit Dad last weekend and all came away extremely optimistic with his attitude and progress. Mom, Sally, Cody, and the numerous members of 1st Baptist Covington who have all taken such amazing care of Dad the last couple months have truly been a blessing. And I can't tell you how amazing it's been to see the support from "home" (Marietta/Williamstown will always be home to me). The countless cards, letters, emails, facebook posts, etc. have meant the world to Mom and Dad and have helped Dad get through the last couple months more than you all know.
So thank you all so much for the love and support you've shown my family.
Stay tuned for the next post when Grandpa Mike/Boppo turns into Iron Man!
Andy
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