My first glimpse of Dad after his surgery will be forever impressed in my mind and heart. From his head to his feet, he lay almost level. His gaze is now directed at the ceiling, so much so that he could not see the tv hanging from his wall. They had the equivalent of one and a half pillows under his head. Before, Dad had to build a mini mountain of pillows to prop him up in bed while he slept.
Extraordinary. Living miracle. An unimaginable vision. These are only a few words that I can use to attempt to describe him. He looks so long to us. I still cry each time I see him again. I just cannot get over how straight he looks.
A nurse came into the ICU room shortly after we were allowed into see him for the first time. She asked us how tall he was in a routine, mundane voice. We all stared at her. We had no idea the answer to her question. As our minds tried to answer that question, we stated what we knew.
He was 5' 10&1/2", forty years ago. He was barely 5' tall yesterday. We don't know how tall he is now.
We don't know today, but tomorrow we will see what height God has restored to him. We are pretty sure he will be taller than Mom, but shorter than Chad! :)
His breathing tube did not come out after surgery, so instead of sending him to recovery as was scheduled, he was put in surgical ICU. Breathing tubes, restricted visiting hours, staff that was still working to piece together his story made for a very unsettling evening and night. We knew they were taking care of him, but we could not witness it for ourselves.
Thankfully, Dr. Simmons checked in on him this morning and was able to relay his progress. His breathing tube had been removed, he was talking, and he had even made a joke.
When we got to see him, and talk with him the first time, he cracked us up repetitively with his commentary on the goings on around him. We had our Dad back!
It took most of the day for them to get him moved from ICU to his regular room. When they finally released him, we were able to scurry up ahead and welcome him in. The Lord blessed us with an evening of visiting, laughter, and a new buddy for Dad. His roommate turned out to be a real character, and the two of them together are like a little comedy routine.
We know the Lord has been answering all of the prayers that have been offered up for Dad and for us. We know because we are privileged to watch the miracle that is our Dad unfold moment by moment.
Thank you for taking us along on this journey that your family is on. "One day at a time" is certainly an appropriate description. I finally realized that yesterday when Reg called me again to find out if there was any more news! It would all happen as it was supposed to even though it didn't really fit the time "schedules" we had all been hoping for. Just doesn't go that way does it? It was all going the way that was the best for your Dad and about your Dad so therefore it was all ok. I'm glad your Dad can laugh and joke about it now. Laughter is always the best medicine and it is so contagious. Love you Tara and thank you again for sharing it with all of us. You are sooooo good at putting it into words:) Will be watching for your next chapter. So glad he has a "character" for a roommate. Sounds like a good match.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words...definitely makes me wonder how the widow whose son was raised from the dead was feeling, or how the parents of the blind man must have felt, or how Mary and Martha handled being able to once again embrace their brother Lazarus! 'Thank you' hardly seems sufficient...
ReplyDeleteThanks for allowing us a window through your words to share in the miracle...we have been praying Eph. 3:20, that your Dad's miracle will be "above and beyond all we could ask or think!" That God would see fit to grant that...I think about the narrative with 'his servant' Job and I can envision the scene in heaven regarding 'his servant Owen'- a man who has been a friend of God, husband to my sister and friend,father to my niece and nephews,a friend and brother to me, an uncle to my children...the list could go on and on... significant to the impact one life has on all those around him...for good or bad. Owen's life has been a testimony to all of us...his disease has possibly limited him in some ways but surely it has not defined him...we know him as the godly, witty, intelligent, athletic and adventurous person he is. He has continued to amaze us over the years as he has dealt with the challenges...we know his recovery will not be easy, but I am certain it will be approached with the same iron will and quiet determination, wrapped in the grace and strength of our God, that is Owen...
ReplyDeleteWe love you all so very much and are lifting you to our Father...
I am so happy for all of you. Thank you for taking the time to let us know so lovingly of the journey you are all taking together. God is good. Amen.
ReplyDeleteHow completely awesome! I can't wait to see your dad and have him tower over me! That is gonna seem very strange, and I'm sure it will for a lot of people! But it's gonna be a wonderful-serendipitous kind of strange!!! Thanks for keeping us updated!!
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