Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Update 18 - November 25, 2008

Dad had a rough past two weeks, yet the last few days he seems to be doing much better. His liver was struggling to process the Dilantin (the seizure medication) and it caused some infections. In addition, his White Blood Cell counts were extremely low and his immune system was compromised. BUT these two issues are clearing up and his liver levels are back to normal as well as his White Blood Cell counts. He was taken off of the Dilantin and put on Keppra. Please pray for the right seizure medication because the Keppra practically puts him to sleep and he's not as responsive when he's on it.

He seems to be holding his own; as each uphill battle approaches (with the different infections, fevers, etc) his body ends up pulling him through and taking him to the top!

I will forever repeat myself that the only thing getting him through each obstacle is prayer. You know, I've tried keeping up with all of the different heath situations, medications, symptoms, causes, blah blah blah, and the truth is there is so much out of our 'human control' right now. The brain is a beautiful mystery to humans and we need to acknowledge God and HIS majestic creation. Please pray that the right doctors and nurses come into his path to aide him with grace, yet pray for God THE Doctor to continue healing dad's brain. The work that mortals try to complete can be done by God in an instant (or over a period of time) without complications and to perfection. Mortals do not / cannot/ and will not ever create miracles. God does / can / and will. So lets not get fixated on the human doctors and their abilities, rather the Creators ability to preform the ultimate healing.

Our family was so glad to meet the Oxy crew, to hear your encouragement, and to see the abundance of support! I'm proud that my dad has had the opportunity to work with so many people of high integrity for many years. Obviously he's enjoyed it too, seeing that he's never left. Many of you brightened my day by thanking me for the blog, but don't be fooled. This definitely has been the toughest circumstance me and my family have ever been through. I've known for a long time that the devil is real, but I've seen him up close and personal the past two months. He truly is here to devour Christians and will do anything to make us paranoid, insecure, depressed, angry, and question God's love. We've had just as many bad days as good. After each bad day, moment of anger, fear, sadness, guilt, pure torcher, depression, agony, etc.... the only thing I do that works is getting on my knees and acknowledging that I have the freedom to live without anger, confusion, doubt, fear, sadness, guilt, etc because Jesus Christ died for me. As God's child I have the privilege of going to my Redeemer and asking that He conquer this battle, take away my pain, heal my dad, protect our family, etc ... AND God does just that. There is no battle God can't extinguish with a simple flick of His mighty finger. God allows pain and suffering into peoples lives because He wants to draw us near to Him. He wants us to come to Him for guidance, support, love, advice, etc. It's not just because He's a jealous God, but because He knows it all. He knows everything. So why not take this opportunity to depend on Him rather than anyone else? During this time of affliction I'm merely here for the ride; the ride to experience His mighty power, love, and blessings. I'm seated on the front row of a roller coaster that has no tracks, brakes, or safety rails, yet when I allow God He steers me through the scenic route at a smooth-steady pace and even stops to allow me to get a nap & a snack. God delivers everyone from every situation and He blesses those who open themselves up to receive His blessings during these trials.

God will bless His people because He wants to love on us; God has won this battle; God is life, gives life, heals life, and wants our lives. God will bless Robert, God is loving on Robert, God has kicked the devils behind for Robert, God has given Robert life (5% remember), God is healing Robert, and God wants Roberts entire being to depend on Him. So please pray that Robert be healed internally, emotionally, physically, and mentally! God is not just doing a work in the lives of everyone that knows Robert... He's doing something very mighty in Robert. He's preparing him for the rest of his life. So pray for Robert's strong will and independence to weaken to the touch of God's love.

I did not intend for this site to become a testament of faith, yet so many of you ask what you can do and want to know what's going on. Well you can do the only thing that works... pray and expect to see miracles of healing.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Update 17 - November 16, 2008

Dad has a staff infection in his blood. They've put him in reverse isolation; so he is in a room by himself and visitors must wear a mask. It is a general practice to limit visitors to immediate family only to prevent any germs from entering, yet this has not been communicated to us. When/if it is I will post the update.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Update 16 - November 12, 2008

Good news. The physical therapist started sitting dad up on the edge of the bed in order to strengthen is neck. The respiratory therapist blocked / plugged his tracheotomy and it seems as if he may be exploring the sound.

So lets pray that he'll begin sitting up on his own soon and trying to speak soon.

I love each and everyone of you who are praying... may God bless you for the self-less acts of love you've sent Robert's way!

He does continue to fight fevers; only once a week though. A nurse told us last night that this will continue to happen during his recovery because the body is trying to regulate on its own because of blood sugars, hormones, temperature in general, etc. That made us feel better.

Thanks again!