Mike’s Story

Site created on November 20, 2023

Welcome to our Caring Bridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.


The family began arriving on Friday, November 17, 2023, to celebrate Mom and Dad’s 50th Wedding Anniversary.   We were all laughing and sharing stories that evening in the kitchen and it was not unusual for Dad to take a catnap, which he enjoyed during this time.  Upon waking up, we brought him into the conversation and grew immediately concerned.  He chimed in, talking about farming, but unfortunately, that wasn’t being discussed at the time.  Upon asking Dad some basic questions, including identifying who people were, we learned he didn’t recognize us.  Dad was taken by ambulance to Worthington and within a few hours was flown to Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls and admitted to critical care.  The results of testing show that he suffered a brain bleed; and the blood pooled in the region storing the cerebral spinal fluid.  A tube has been placed to assist in draining the fluid, allowing the blood to subside over time and reduce/control brain swelling.  Since the brain is the body’s control system, his treatment will come in many stages and will be closely monitored over several weeks.  It will be a long road to recovery, and we pray the stars align reducing any complications that may occur along the way. 

At this time, we are only surrounding Dad with close family until he is farther along in this journey.  Everyone is positive that recovery is in the future.  We are creating this site and will update so family and friends are able to follow along with Dad’s progress throughout this journey.  We welcome family and friends to post “Well Wishes” and visit Mom in the coming weeks.  Thank you for all your prayers.

~ Paul, Dan, Lisa and family

Newest Update

Journal entry by Angela McCarvel

Dad embarked on the next step of his journey on January 10, and was transferred from Select Specialty Hospital, Sioux Falls to Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Minneapolis.  Since Dad’s arrival, we have witnessed the impressive support of the care team to assist Dad in reaching his goal of independence.   The therapy team is rallying around Dad daily and working to improve mobility and speech.   With the assistance of bars and support bands, Dad has been walking for extensive periods of time…and it is nice to see Dad really enjoy this.   (Although, he does roll his eyes every time we mention “Therapy”.)

We are very proud of Dad.  His hard work is paying off.

Thank you for the continued prayers and letters.  We are very grateful for the unwavering support you have provided Dad and the entire McCarvel Family.

~Paul, Dan, Lisa and Family

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