Tender Mercies

In the spirit of Valentine's Day yesterday, I've been thinking a lot about all the amazing people in my life that I love and am so thankful for.  I am especially grateful for both sides of my family who have pulled together to support Mom and Dad as they recover from Dad's stroke Saturday night.

It's been really hard for me seeing Dad laid up in the hospital.  Each time I talk to one of my brothers I realize that, a). we can't change what happened so there is no use pining over how Dad was before the stroke and b). things could have been much worse and we still have him here with us.  My husband has the same realist, no-nonsense personality which balances out my tendency to worry and let negative thoughts fester.  I'm thankful for all their voices of reason to help me suck it up and get to work on improving the situation instead of worrying about how bad it could be. 

I had a wonderful talk with Mom last night about the numerous small miracles that have surrounded this entire situation with Dad's stroke.  I am so thankful for many tender mercies that the Lord has seen fit to grant our family at this time.       

These pictures are from yesterday when Dad started to fall asleep.  He was transported across the street for an MRI and worked with the speech therapist that morning, so he was ready for a snooze.  Even so, I didn't see much of his eyes as he kept them shut most of the time.  

I am thankful for the great care Dad is getting at our local hospital.  When Mom, who works at one of the best hospitals around, is impressed with the staff and care Dad is getting, I know he is in good hands.

I am thankful Dad wasn't driving or home alone for the day when he had his stroke.

I am thankful for the power of prayer.  We have already seen the benefit of faithful family and friends prayers for Dad's health and recovery.

I am thankful that Tom and Mom were able to get him to the hospital as fast as they did.

I am thankful for such loving and selfless family.  Thank you Ben and Heather for making the long drive down here to support and comfort my Mom and Dad.  It has meant so much to us all.

I am thankful that Mom is also in good spirits.  I worry about her just as much as Dad.  I know that she is being comforted and strengthened by her faith in Heavenly Father's love for her and Dad.

I am thankful Dad still has his sense of humor.  The part of his brain that was effected by the stroke effects personality which means it could have turned him into a cantankerous, belligerent, old grump.  We are so grateful he is still Dad, if not a little more child-like version.  He is willing to do what the nurses and Docs ask him to, and wants to work hard to get out of that bed for good.  He keeps the staff entertained with his humor, sometimes proving that he doesn't have much inhibition by saying inappropriate things.  ;)

I am thankful for the fast progress Dad is making in his recovery.  He looks so much better than 24 hours after the stroke.  My Man and I went to see him Sunday night, exactly 24 hours after, and it was all I could do to hold back tears.  I wasn't even very good at that.  He could barely open his right eye, he could talk but not very well, he couldn't swallow, and his entire left side was weak and droopy.  It's hard to see a parent slow down, but when it happened so suddenly it really knocked the wind out of me.

I just got back from a quick visit to the hospital on Dad's 3rd day after the stroke and he looks so good.  I walked in to find Dad sitting up and eating!  His meals are blended up hospital food and thickened liquid, but he can swallow better and started his first day back on food.  The best part about seeing Dad today was that he had both eyes wide open and was watching Fox News, his favorite.  Mom said he walked down the hall with the help of a walker, and has been working hard on exercises to strengthen his facial muscles.  He wants to get out of that hospital room SO badly.  Every time I go see him he talks about how he needs to get back to work because they need him.  His attitude is positive and the progress he is making is so encouraging.  We are praying that he can make a quick recovery and keep the motivation to improve his health.

My chillies made Grandpa cute cards on Sunday that we took over that night.  He could barely hold them and didn't open his eyes at all to look at them.  Today we took another picture on Mom's camera where Dad is holding the pictures and trying his best to smile, eyes wide open.  Thank heaven for small miracles.  I know that our Heavenly Father is watching over Dad and our family.  I have realized in these short 3 days that this is a learning and growing experience for all of us, not just Dad.

When we visited on Sunday, Dad said the Doc asked him if he got his wife anything for Valentine's Day.  Dad said he planned on picking up a box of See's chocolates and maybe flowers on his way home from work on Monday.  In his mind he was going to work the next day.  Monday morning we went to my Man's office to put things back together after painting all Saturday.  I had to stop at the See's right by his office to get Dad that box of soft centers he was going to buy Mom.  When I took Mom lunch at the hospital that afternoon, I gave Dad the box of chocolates to give to Mom.  He said, "that's okay, I'm going to get some tomorrow after work."  I said, "Dad, it is tomorrow and I picked them up for you to save you a trip."  The rest of my stay he kept asking to have a chocolate even though we told him over and over that he couldn't eat until he passed his swallow test.  "Yeah, I will," he replied.  Before I left I leaned over his bed to say goodbye when he asked, "you have that candy?"  "You mean the chocolates, Dad?"  "Yeah, crack open that box.  Let's have some chocolate."  As you can see, his brain is still recovering.  ;)