Tuesday, April 22, 2014

He made it almost a full year...

He made it almost a full year without being admitted for recurring symptoms. For weeks mom had been asking how he felt knowing that he didn’t feel well and his responses were always the same:

I’m ok …. or …. I’m fine

He continued with is routines. Choir, church, grand kids activities, etc. 
 
But Sunday morning was different. Symptoms were the worst they had ever been, and we had a will to fight that day. Graydon refused to go to the hospital that morning. He wanted to go to church, have lunch with the family, let the kids have their Easter Egg hunt and fun. Against what we all felt, we ALLOWED his wishes. He’s been through this battle before, he lives with this battle every day, he’s told us time and time again he’s ready to see his Lord, he’s told us he’s lived a great life. He knows he's loved. Doctors have told us and him over and over, there isn’t anything else they can do for him. So what can we do, but let him have a few indulges here and there. And there is no amount of preparation that will make the hurt we will have in the future less, but right now, we are doing what e all feel is right.

After all the food, fun and speaking with the doctor, we tried one last ditch effort to relieve the symptoms and that effort and time came and went. Then we all quietly sprang into action even questioning ourselves along the way. We divided and conquered and poor mom, I bet she felt either overwhelmed by us or grateful for the help. Time will tell when and if we all finally get some rest. We put all the food away. Cleaned all the dishes, took the trash out, had the kids put all the toys away. A few of us helped mom pack bags. We didn't forget much :-)

We had a game plan.

Within 30 minutes we had the house put away, cleaned and locked up. Dad and 5 others in the vehicle headed to the hospital while 3 others met us there. So how many people does it take to bring an elderly man to the hospital for much needed treatment? In our family’s case 6 adults and 2 young adults. 

Our own mini intervention! 

It took less than 20 minutes for him to be checked in at the ER and put in an ER bay. It took a total of 5 hours from leaving the house to having him settled comfortably into a room at the hospital with symptoms finally being relieved, slowly, but relieved.

Tonight will be night #3 in the hospital with him improving, slowly, but improving. Keep him and our families in your prayers during this hospital stay.

 Graydon at Christmas!

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