Many of you have asked about how my mother is after her open heart surgery on June 15th. We are still working on a prayer letter to help update everyone but I thought I ought to fill in at least those of you who read this blog.
God answered the many prayers for Mom. First there was the the heart catherization done a week before surgery. It showed no blockage of her arteries ("clean as a whistle" was the phrase the doctor used) which meant the surgery would only be to replace her failing valve.
Then the surgery itself went well and the many tubes and wires that are necessary afterwards began coming out within a couple of hours. She spent about 24 hours in ICU before being moved to a room on the cardiac floor where she continued to amaze all the doctor and staff with her progress. Although we had been told most patients took 7-10 days in the hospital to be sure they were strong enough to be sent home, Mom was discharged in only 4 days. A week after surgery I took the photo below while mom sat at the dinner table.
She tires quickly but continues to improve each day. Now, a month later, it is only because of concern for the sterum bone to heal properly ( they say 12 weeks of no lifting, pushing, or twisting) that she has any restrictions.
We thank you for praying for her surgery and recovery and praise God for His healing.
Thanks too for praying for Jim and I as we cared for both mom and dad during this last month. Jim has been wonderful to do most of the physically demanding work of my father's care. The first two weeks were challenging but things get easier every day.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Happy Birthday Jim
Yes today, for a few minutes more here in Pasco, Washington, it is Jim's birthday. Most of the celebration happened earlier this week though as we got to spend a couple of days in Spokane.
On Tuesday we enjoyed a restaurant meal (a treat for me even if it wasn't my birthday!), a walk through various specialty gardens in a park south of the city, and a night in a nice motel near the Riverfront Park of downtown Spokane. The weather was gorgeous, unlike the rest of the country which seems to be having either too hot or too wet weather.
Wednesday wasn't so gorgeous as it was raining when we began the day of seeing all there is to do at Riverfront Park itself. Fortunately our plan was to begin with 2 IMAX shows. The first was on Spokane World's Fair in 1974 - did we really dress and drive like that when I graduated from college??! and the second was about the Lewis and Clark expedition. A couple of games of mini golf and lunch in the same building allowed the weather to clear up which made the walking tour of the open areas like the Spokane Falls more enjoyable.
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Along way Jim noticed in one lookout that there were metal disks in the pavement that honored the Christian leaders of Spokane's early developement. I was most taken with the first one, an native American who understood the importance of translation and difficulty of living and understanding two cultures both of which conflict many times with God's Kingdom.
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It was very relaxing day which ended with a ride on the 100 year old Looff Carrousel.
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Birthdays are great times to remember God's many blessings to us and thank Him for all He is doing in our lives. So one last time today I will say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIM !!
On Tuesday we enjoyed a restaurant meal (a treat for me even if it wasn't my birthday!), a walk through various specialty gardens in a park south of the city, and a night in a nice motel near the Riverfront Park of downtown Spokane. The weather was gorgeous, unlike the rest of the country which seems to be having either too hot or too wet weather.
Wednesday wasn't so gorgeous as it was raining when we began the day of seeing all there is to do at Riverfront Park itself. Fortunately our plan was to begin with 2 IMAX shows. The first was on Spokane World's Fair in 1974 - did we really dress and drive like that when I graduated from college??! and the second was about the Lewis and Clark expedition. A couple of games of mini golf and lunch in the same building allowed the weather to clear up which made the walking tour of the open areas like the Spokane Falls more enjoyable.
Along way Jim noticed in one lookout that there were metal disks in the pavement that honored the Christian leaders of Spokane's early developement. I was most taken with the first one, an native American who understood the importance of translation and difficulty of living and understanding two cultures both of which conflict many times with God's Kingdom.
It was very relaxing day which ended with a ride on the 100 year old Looff Carrousel.
Birthdays are great times to remember God's many blessings to us and thank Him for all He is doing in our lives. So one last time today I will say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIM !!
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