The boy has some hair!

First of all, thank you all for your prayers and support of my dad. We, as a family, are elated that dad has made it through pneumonia, staph infection and surgery on his neck with flying colors. The best part is, after being told that he would remain in Mother Frances Hospital for the new two weeks, we are being told that he will get to go home today (Wednesday). If you know my dad, the idea of sitting in one room in one of two positions for the next 14 days was inconceivable. So this news comes with great excitement!

Thanks again!

I just got word that dad is doing well enough to get out of ICU tonight! What does that mean? His staph infection is successfully being fought off by antibiotics, the swelling in his neck has gone down far enough to be able to swallow liquids again (food is still to come) and his temperature has remained at or below normal.

Many of you have asked for me to say hello, which I am happy to do. However, if you’d like to send him some love, here are a couple links:

• Facebook
• Email

Of course, you can leave a comment on this post and I’ll be sure to send him your messages. He would be encouraged by your thoughts and prayers.

Approximately 8:30am, Mom text messages me: Dad’s temperature has spiked; a new, resistant strain of bacteria has entered his body resulting in ICU isolation; suspect infection somewhere else in his body.

That…is not the way to start your day. Just when you think things are getting better, they took a turn for the worse…or so we thought.

For about an hour, our hopes were smashed only to learn that the isolation and new strain was a miscommunication between the nurse and doctor. While dad’s lung infection (pneumonia) had gotten slightly worse, the strain and isolation weren’t true. He was okay, and we were hopeful again.

The rest of the day saw dad becoming back to his old self. His sense of humor was back, his smiles were adorning his face again and he was ready to do the bills. THE BILLS? Yes, he wanted to do the bills.

His pain from the surgery and infection comes and goes but is made tolerable by the pain meds. He’s now on a number of strong antibiotics to fight the infection in his blood and will have to be on a heavy regiment of antibiotics, two times a day for the next six-to-eight weeks. Due to the neck surgery, he will be in a cervical collar for the next six weeks as well. Obviously, he’s not out of the weeds but he’s well on his way to recovery.

Thank you everybody for your love, prayers and support for our family during this time. I speak for us all when I say that we have felt your prayers. We couldn’t have made it without you. I will continue to post updates as new information becomes available.

Funny moment of the day: When dad was asked if his neck hurt, he said “I don’t know, prick my finger and I’ll let you know which one hurts more.”