Still Standing
Hello to all,
I have not posted for a month now because I underwent major surgery where my ascending aorta was replaced due to an aneurysm that was discovered accidently. Since there are no symptoms for this dangerous issue I was very fortunate indeed to have had it discovered. During the last weeks every wrong turn toward recovery was taken by my body involving far too much time in the hospital for me. Thankfully each incident was handled by the doctors and nurses who were some of the most professional and caring people I have come across in any health situation. My full recovery will take another six months as this operation is among the most invasive one can receive.
God is good and this is a second chance to enter into a life well lived, well cared for, and more aware of who and what surrounds me on a moment to moment basis.
Since I usually post photos taken in the last week or two prior to each post I cannot say when this blog will reappear on any sort of schedule. I am assured by my caregivers that life will eventually return to something normal - until this happens I will try to post occasionally with images taken over the last few years. This will also depend on my energy level.
I wish to express deep gratitude to all who reached out to me and apologize for not answering all the emails as I have not had the energy to sit at the computer until now. You are all special to me and I thank you for journeying with me this last month. I am a most fortunate man.
My wife Lee has been present to my woes for over a month now and I will spend the rest of my life in awe of her dedication to organizing medications and such, and by her presence at every step forward and backward over these weeks. I am a graced man - without question.
Lee put out a blog on a site called "Caring Bridge" where you have to sign up to see what Lee has posted under the name of Lee F. White. Here is the latest entry written in Lee's usually update style.
Here is the site: http://www.caringbridge.org/
Latest Journal Update
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August 1, 2015
An entire month walking on this particular road…and it appears that we have turned a corner and will have a different view. With the influence of Mother and baby magic, and your love, light, visits and calls, it appears we can see Oz in the distance.
Bridget and Maddie went home yesterday – I did not clean up the mashed potatoes from the highchair until the last possible moment, and then did with a tear in my eye.
The charts are still on the wall, indicators of our temp, BP, walks, medications and temp progress. A calendar chart is on the wall filled with doctor appointments. Gentiva is here daily inching up Coumadin levels and watching those fluids.
Bill's recovery is our focus. His energy, assaulted by surgery, medications and anemia, waxes and wanes but his spirit holds his body gently and takes it for a walk, or does breathing exercises, or rests. Reconditioning is an all important goal alongside sleep. (Hospitalization is an incredible condundrum – the elements most needed to get better (sleep, quiet and exercise) you can't get while they try to fill you with medications, noise and technology. I see now medical science relys on home recovery to do the real work. )
The road towards Ozis filled, though, with signs of recovery that are not on a chart. His voice is strong, walks are 5x around thehouse parking lot instead of 2, chair sitting is getting longer and longer and he is reminding me about the medications! Visits from friends just picks him right up. Thank you – Peggy – John – Erika – Ardis – Mary Ellen for your pop inability!
And the food - we were warned that he would lose his appetite, blab la bla. Well, it appears there is grace even there. A group from St. Patricks hasgenerously given us culinary delights – heart healthy and good protein – whichis being scarfed up and enjoyed. Hisappetite is smaller – but clearly Pat's group nailed it…high protein and really good taste. What a gift.
Alas, Bill's pizza phase has ended and that glimmer of hope has been shot down. Pizza has been relegated back to the rejected foods. Tea, of all things, is now a discarded toy in the closet and he is requesting her sister Coffee! The shock of that will take a while to get used to. (We are assuming this is a phase that we will not mention later.)
So, now I am in charge of meal preparation. I can no longer avoid it. I have watched Bill throughout the years, Bridget has left meals and St. Patricks has given me respite. I have EAAA meals in the freezer. So, with that in mind, I have purchased a slow cooker! (I know it is cheating but hey…) I will be back to yaall…Indian dishes in the slow cooker. [Stop laughing…]
So, here we are on August 1, 2015 – 26 days of being held and prayed over and loved. The journey is continuing and soon we will be reporting more successes. Our goal is to be mindful to give away the grace we are receiving.
With deeply felt gratitude and love
Lee and Bill
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Peace until we meet here again soon, Bill Lagerstrom
