Today is my mom's birthday, so I baked a cake and we took it to the hospital after picking Stefan and Lukas up from school. My mom and dad were both so happy to see the boys (and I think they were happy to see Lars and me, too).
My dad is just amazing all of his doctors with his attitude and how quickly he is recovering. He is already off the morphine and had only taken one dose of Vicodin by the time we left the hospital at 7:00. This was a real relief for me, because he was in so much pain last night. I am grateful for the relief from pain he is experiencing now.
There is a man who came to visit him before the surgery who had his right leg amputated below the knee nine years ago. He has been a real encouragement to my dad, just helping him to realize that he will be able to live a very normal life once he gets through the recovery and rehabilitation. He said every person's situation is unique, but he was able to give my dad a good idea of what to expect.
He came in to check up on my dad while we were there, and what a great guy! He showed our boys his prosthetic leg and even took it off for them so they could see what their grandpa's leg will look like. They thought it was totally cool.
He said my dad is the 172nd person he has seen, and he was so pleased to see how well my dad was doing. He also said the people who make those visits only see about half of the patients who are having limbs amputated, because some of them are so distraught they refuse to talk to anyone about it. We thought that was so sad, because he was able to help my dad so much. Who knows, maybe that will become a new area of ministry for my dad, too!
All of this has made me realize how precious life is. My dad has gone through a lot of physical struggles, but praise God he is still here with us. I am grateful for every day God gives me with each one of the people I love.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
God is Good
Tonight we are praising God for a successful surgery.
My dad was scheduled for surgery at 1:30, but they moved it back to 3:30 due to some emergency surgeries that were tying up the Operating Room. As a result, the family had a chance to spend some extra time with him beforehand. He was in good spirits, just anxious to get the surgery over with and begin the healing process.
The surgery took about an hour and a half, and they were able to save my dad's knee in its entirety. They amputated just below the knee, and the doctor said no sign of infection remains. The circulation is good in that part of his leg, so the doctor feels that it should heal well and this should be the last surgery he needs in that leg. We pray that he is right!
As soon as we were able to see him after the surgery, he was already cracking jokes and being - as my mom put it - "his normal, smart-alecky self." He was definitely in a lot of pain, but he is not getting discouraged and is determined to regain independence and mobility as quickly as possible.
I don't know what the next several weeks will have in store for all of us. Certainly it will be a big adjustment, and my dad will have a lot of physical and emotional challenges before him. He doesn't want to be a bother to anyone, and we keep telling him he isn't. He has said this is a very humbling experience.
I'm sure that the next several weeks will bring moments of triumph and accomplishment, along with moments of pain, frustration and discouragement. My dad will need to rely on us a lot, and it will be a privilege to help him in any way possible. My mom seems amazingly strong, but I know she needs emotional support and I'll be glad to help her care for my dad as much as I can. We all appreciate your prayers so much.
This morning, on our way to the hospital, I was praying as I thought about what was about to happen. I told God (although He already knows) how much I love my dad, and asked God to do what was best for him. And I was confident that He would. I'm grateful for a good report from the surgeon. But I would be praising Him tonight even if things had gone differently. Because God is good all the time, even when life is hard.
My dad was scheduled for surgery at 1:30, but they moved it back to 3:30 due to some emergency surgeries that were tying up the Operating Room. As a result, the family had a chance to spend some extra time with him beforehand. He was in good spirits, just anxious to get the surgery over with and begin the healing process.
The surgery took about an hour and a half, and they were able to save my dad's knee in its entirety. They amputated just below the knee, and the doctor said no sign of infection remains. The circulation is good in that part of his leg, so the doctor feels that it should heal well and this should be the last surgery he needs in that leg. We pray that he is right!
As soon as we were able to see him after the surgery, he was already cracking jokes and being - as my mom put it - "his normal, smart-alecky self." He was definitely in a lot of pain, but he is not getting discouraged and is determined to regain independence and mobility as quickly as possible.
I don't know what the next several weeks will have in store for all of us. Certainly it will be a big adjustment, and my dad will have a lot of physical and emotional challenges before him. He doesn't want to be a bother to anyone, and we keep telling him he isn't. He has said this is a very humbling experience.
I'm sure that the next several weeks will bring moments of triumph and accomplishment, along with moments of pain, frustration and discouragement. My dad will need to rely on us a lot, and it will be a privilege to help him in any way possible. My mom seems amazingly strong, but I know she needs emotional support and I'll be glad to help her care for my dad as much as I can. We all appreciate your prayers so much.
This morning, on our way to the hospital, I was praying as I thought about what was about to happen. I told God (although He already knows) how much I love my dad, and asked God to do what was best for him. And I was confident that He would. I'm grateful for a good report from the surgeon. But I would be praising Him tonight even if things had gone differently. Because God is good all the time, even when life is hard.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Latest Update on My Dad
Although we had originally thought my dad's surgery would be much sooner, the surgeon has decided to wait until Monday. It appears that the antibiotics are working on the infection and it is receding toward his foot. This is good news, because it means they will most likely be able to amputate below the knee.
I don't know what time on Monday the surgery will be. He will probably have dialysis in the morning, with the surgery following that. I've been spending as much time with him as I can, and I have been grateful for my ability to do that.
Please continue to pray for the surgery, as well as healing and that no infection would set in this time. Also, please pray for both the physical and emotional struggles my dad is sure to face as a result of the amputation. Right now, we really don't know what to expect but we know it won't be easy. And pray that God would be able to use my dad through all of this to bring glory to Him.
I also ask that you pray for my mom. Her role in all of this is not an easy one, either. She has a full-time job at Youth Haven and also needs to care for my dad.
I appreciate everyone's support, prayers and encouragement. We all do.
I don't know what time on Monday the surgery will be. He will probably have dialysis in the morning, with the surgery following that. I've been spending as much time with him as I can, and I have been grateful for my ability to do that.
Please continue to pray for the surgery, as well as healing and that no infection would set in this time. Also, please pray for both the physical and emotional struggles my dad is sure to face as a result of the amputation. Right now, we really don't know what to expect but we know it won't be easy. And pray that God would be able to use my dad through all of this to bring glory to Him.
I also ask that you pray for my mom. Her role in all of this is not an easy one, either. She has a full-time job at Youth Haven and also needs to care for my dad.
I appreciate everyone's support, prayers and encouragement. We all do.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
God's Hand at Work
My dad's surgery hasn't even taken place yet, and already I can see God's hand at work.
We have been amazed at the outpouring of love, support, and encouragement our entire family has received from so many different people. It is wonderful to know that my dad is covered in prayer, but it has also been a blessing to see just what kind of an impact my dad has had on the lives of others. People care about him because he has always cared about others. I think it means more to him now that he is retired and feels like he is unable to do the things he wants to do. It is good for him to see what a difference his life has made.
I also see God's hand at work in the lives of my kids. They have become prayer warriors through all of this. Not only do they pray for their grandpa, but they are asking everyone they know to pray, too. Today when I picked up the kids from school, another mom came and asked me about my dad because Lukas had asked her to pray. Then when we were on our way out to the car, Lukas said, "Guess what, Mom? I got more people to pray for Grandpa today." I love that they already understand the importance and power of prayer.
I spent some time with my dad and mom at the hospital today. He was not feeling very well and had a lot of pain in his foot, but I thought he was in pretty good spirits. The surgery will most likely be on Monday, because the doctors want to give the antibiotics more time to work. They know the leg below the knee is not able to be saved, but if the antibiotics do their job, they will not have to amputate above the knee. That would make it easier for him to learn to walk with a prosthesis.
Thanks for praying. We know God will be glorified through all of this.
We have been amazed at the outpouring of love, support, and encouragement our entire family has received from so many different people. It is wonderful to know that my dad is covered in prayer, but it has also been a blessing to see just what kind of an impact my dad has had on the lives of others. People care about him because he has always cared about others. I think it means more to him now that he is retired and feels like he is unable to do the things he wants to do. It is good for him to see what a difference his life has made.
I also see God's hand at work in the lives of my kids. They have become prayer warriors through all of this. Not only do they pray for their grandpa, but they are asking everyone they know to pray, too. Today when I picked up the kids from school, another mom came and asked me about my dad because Lukas had asked her to pray. Then when we were on our way out to the car, Lukas said, "Guess what, Mom? I got more people to pray for Grandpa today." I love that they already understand the importance and power of prayer.
I spent some time with my dad and mom at the hospital today. He was not feeling very well and had a lot of pain in his foot, but I thought he was in pretty good spirits. The surgery will most likely be on Monday, because the doctors want to give the antibiotics more time to work. They know the leg below the knee is not able to be saved, but if the antibiotics do their job, they will not have to amputate above the knee. That would make it easier for him to learn to walk with a prosthesis.
Thanks for praying. We know God will be glorified through all of this.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Uncertain Future
The past two days have been tough.
Yesterday, my dad had a follow-up appointment with his surgeon to check the left foot, where three toes had been removed. He hadn't been feeling very well, but we certainly didn't expect him to receive the news the doctor gave him: a serious infection in the leg that would require amputation.
They admitted him to the hospital and started him on IV antibiotics right away. The leg below the knee will have to be amputated no matter what. If he responds well to the antibiotics, they will be able to save his knee and thigh. If not, they will have to amputate mid-thigh.
I think everyone's initial reaction was shock. This was totally unexpected. We knew there were problems with his foot, but not the leg.
For me, the shock was followed by sadness. I remember my dad as a healthy, active, athletic guy. He always played softball on the church leagues, golfed, coached Little League baseball and boys' basketball. It has been hard for him to accept the physical limitations already brought on by the diabetes and kidney failure. Now this. It's hard to see someone you love go through something like this. I just want everything to be all right. Only sometimes it's not.
And then the fear sets in. What if something goes wrong in the surgery? What if it doesn't heal and further infection sets in? There are so many what-if's that could drive me crazy with worry.
I am grateful that I serve a God who shakes me out of my what-if moments. Last night as I prayed for a successful surgery and healing, I felt this urging: Why aren't you praying for a miracle? And then I was reminded that the God I serve is the same God who raised Christ from the dead! He absolutely has the power to completely heal my dad.
I don't know what His plan is through all of this. So now I pray for a miracle, but I acknowledge God's sovereignty and praise Him no matter the outcome. This is my prayer:
"Father, I know you have the power to reach Your unseen hand down, touch my dad's leg and heal it. That is what I ask of You, so that Your servant might be rewarded and the people who see his healing would know You are a great God. Then we will glorify you for your power and goodness. And we will glorify You for your power and goodness no matter what You choose to do in his life."
The future is uncertain right now. There may be a long road ahead. I choose to see the good in this. I will enjoy spending more time with my dad, and I hope he won't feel like he is a burden to those of us who are helping him. It's the least I can do for all he's done for me.
Thanks for your prayers. I'll keep you updated.
Yesterday, my dad had a follow-up appointment with his surgeon to check the left foot, where three toes had been removed. He hadn't been feeling very well, but we certainly didn't expect him to receive the news the doctor gave him: a serious infection in the leg that would require amputation.
They admitted him to the hospital and started him on IV antibiotics right away. The leg below the knee will have to be amputated no matter what. If he responds well to the antibiotics, they will be able to save his knee and thigh. If not, they will have to amputate mid-thigh.
I think everyone's initial reaction was shock. This was totally unexpected. We knew there were problems with his foot, but not the leg.
For me, the shock was followed by sadness. I remember my dad as a healthy, active, athletic guy. He always played softball on the church leagues, golfed, coached Little League baseball and boys' basketball. It has been hard for him to accept the physical limitations already brought on by the diabetes and kidney failure. Now this. It's hard to see someone you love go through something like this. I just want everything to be all right. Only sometimes it's not.
And then the fear sets in. What if something goes wrong in the surgery? What if it doesn't heal and further infection sets in? There are so many what-if's that could drive me crazy with worry.
I am grateful that I serve a God who shakes me out of my what-if moments. Last night as I prayed for a successful surgery and healing, I felt this urging: Why aren't you praying for a miracle? And then I was reminded that the God I serve is the same God who raised Christ from the dead! He absolutely has the power to completely heal my dad.
I don't know what His plan is through all of this. So now I pray for a miracle, but I acknowledge God's sovereignty and praise Him no matter the outcome. This is my prayer:
"Father, I know you have the power to reach Your unseen hand down, touch my dad's leg and heal it. That is what I ask of You, so that Your servant might be rewarded and the people who see his healing would know You are a great God. Then we will glorify you for your power and goodness. And we will glorify You for your power and goodness no matter what You choose to do in his life."
The future is uncertain right now. There may be a long road ahead. I choose to see the good in this. I will enjoy spending more time with my dad, and I hope he won't feel like he is a burden to those of us who are helping him. It's the least I can do for all he's done for me.
Thanks for your prayers. I'll keep you updated.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
90 Years!
Today my family (on my mom's side) all got together to celebrate my Grandpa Alberts' 90th birthday. My mom has three sisters and a brother, so there are quite a few of us! There are four generations now, and my grandpa has 10 great-grandchildren.
We had a great time looking at old pictures and listening to my grandpa, mom, aunts, and uncle tell the stories behind them.
I would love to be able to go back in time and see my grandparents when they were younger. They were married in 1941, and my grandpa was a sergeant in the Army during World War II. There were so many pictures of them together where you can just see my grandpa looking at her with so much love in his eyes. My Aunt Nancy told me today that my great-grandmother was never kind to my grandma, but that my grandpa took good care of her.
My grandma passed away in 2005 after a long battle with dementia. She had been in a nursing home and didn't remember any of us. When I watched the movie The Notebook a couple of years ago, it reminded me of my grandparents. I thought it was a beautiful picture of a husband's love and commitment to his wife, even through those painful times when he was just a stranger to her.
I love my grandpa, and the more I learn about him, the more I love him. When I was looking for a gift for him, not sure what to get a 90-year-old man, I found a picture of him with our boys two years ago at Christmas. Then I found a frame that had the word "Generations" engraved across the top, with this verse down the side:
"For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations" (Psalm 100:5).
When I looked at my family that was gathered there today, I could see evidence of God's love and faithfulness through the generations. My uncle is a kidney transplant survivor. My aunt is a cancer survivor, as is my grandpa himself. My cousin didn't think she would be able to have children, but God blessed her and her husband with two.
Most importantly, God's faithfulness to my grandpa is evident in the fact that his children and grandchildren know and love the Lord. I am grateful for grandparents on both sides of my family who loved God with all their hearts and made sure He was first in their homes. Their faith has indeed been passed down from generation to generation, and I am the woman I am today because of it.
My grandpa has seen a lot of change in 90 years' time. But God's love and faithfulness have never changed. And they never will!
We had a great time looking at old pictures and listening to my grandpa, mom, aunts, and uncle tell the stories behind them.
I would love to be able to go back in time and see my grandparents when they were younger. They were married in 1941, and my grandpa was a sergeant in the Army during World War II. There were so many pictures of them together where you can just see my grandpa looking at her with so much love in his eyes. My Aunt Nancy told me today that my great-grandmother was never kind to my grandma, but that my grandpa took good care of her.
My grandma passed away in 2005 after a long battle with dementia. She had been in a nursing home and didn't remember any of us. When I watched the movie The Notebook a couple of years ago, it reminded me of my grandparents. I thought it was a beautiful picture of a husband's love and commitment to his wife, even through those painful times when he was just a stranger to her.
I love my grandpa, and the more I learn about him, the more I love him. When I was looking for a gift for him, not sure what to get a 90-year-old man, I found a picture of him with our boys two years ago at Christmas. Then I found a frame that had the word "Generations" engraved across the top, with this verse down the side:
"For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations" (Psalm 100:5).
When I looked at my family that was gathered there today, I could see evidence of God's love and faithfulness through the generations. My uncle is a kidney transplant survivor. My aunt is a cancer survivor, as is my grandpa himself. My cousin didn't think she would be able to have children, but God blessed her and her husband with two.
Most importantly, God's faithfulness to my grandpa is evident in the fact that his children and grandchildren know and love the Lord. I am grateful for grandparents on both sides of my family who loved God with all their hearts and made sure He was first in their homes. Their faith has indeed been passed down from generation to generation, and I am the woman I am today because of it.
My grandpa has seen a lot of change in 90 years' time. But God's love and faithfulness have never changed. And they never will!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
God vs. Science
Here is a little thought to ponder.
Two years ago I was diagnosed with a mild heart murmur. No big deal, lots of people have it, but unfortunately no one ever told me what symptoms might accompany it. So after fretting about it (those of you who know me know I am a worrier!) I finally made an appointment with my cardiologist.
Monday, after assuring me that he feels everything is okay, he said he has actually seen a lot of similar cases recently. He said that these things seem to go in trends, although he isn't really sure why. Then he made this statement, and this is what I want you to ponder:
"Science can't explain everything."
It was pretty amazing for me to hear those words out of the mouth of a cardiologist - a trained medical professional who relies on science every day to save lives.
And this is what struck me: Science doesn't save lives. God does.
There is a lot science can't explain, because we serve an awesome God who is more powerful than the laws of science. After all, He is the one who put all those laws in place!
Two years ago I was diagnosed with a mild heart murmur. No big deal, lots of people have it, but unfortunately no one ever told me what symptoms might accompany it. So after fretting about it (those of you who know me know I am a worrier!) I finally made an appointment with my cardiologist.
Monday, after assuring me that he feels everything is okay, he said he has actually seen a lot of similar cases recently. He said that these things seem to go in trends, although he isn't really sure why. Then he made this statement, and this is what I want you to ponder:
"Science can't explain everything."
It was pretty amazing for me to hear those words out of the mouth of a cardiologist - a trained medical professional who relies on science every day to save lives.
And this is what struck me: Science doesn't save lives. God does.
There is a lot science can't explain, because we serve an awesome God who is more powerful than the laws of science. After all, He is the one who put all those laws in place!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Praising Him
For anyone who faithfully checks my blog, I must apologize for the length of time since my last post. I promise to do better with more regular updates!
The past few weeks have been a flurry of activity - some good, some not so good. My dad had another surgery, this time to remove two more toes. The infection had worsened and was making him very ill, but thankfully the surgery went well and he seems to be doing better now. My mom and dad have both commented on what a perfect illustration this has been of Paul's teaching about the body and how even the smallest part affects the whole body. I am constantly amazed at their spirit through all of this, but I guess I shouldn't be. They have been examples to me of steadfast faith ever since I can remember. I am blessed to be their child.
Lars also had to take another trip to Arizona for two different special events that were taking place at Youth Haven in Picacho. He was gone for a week and a half, which is longer than he typically is away. While he was gone, I gained a new appreciation and sympathy for single moms and women whose husbands travel a lot. Getting the boys up and ready for school, making sure the dog is taken care of, getting myself ready to head out the door, driving them to school, and then heading to work each morning is quite a task when I'm doing it alone. Evenings and bedtime are just as difficult. We are a family that is used to doing things together, and it leaves a big hole when he is not here. All three of us have felt it. I am so grateful that God designed parenthood to be a partnership. He didn't intend for us to do this alone. He meant for us to help each other - just another example of how He wants what is best for His children.
Now, as someone who struggles with anxiety, I have to admit these past few weeks have not been a picnic for me. My dad's surgery time was 12:20 last Thursday - the exact time Lars' plane departed for Arizona. I offered up a lot of prayers that day, I assure you!
I have friends who have lost their parents. I'm not ready for that. I also sang at a funeral for a young man who was killed in a plane crash, on his way home to his wife after a business trip. So whenever my husband is in the air, I am anxious until I hear he has landed. And yet the book of Philippians tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything." So what am I to do with that?
Well, Paul goes on to say that in everything, with prayer and thanksgiving, we are to present our requests to God. With prayer and thanksgiving. So I praise Him in all things. Even when I am afraid I praise Him. I speak praise aloud, letting myself hear the words I am offering up to God. Then I ask Him for what my heart desires, but I find that when I am praising Him I am a lot less needy.
Finally, Paul says that if we do this, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." To me, this means that even when something happens that I don't understand, I can have the peace of God because I know He has a plan and a purpose in all things. When I pray, God may not give the answer I'm hoping for, but He will always give me the strength I need to endure the hard times. My parents know this, and I am sure that's why they have remained steadfast through these physical difficulties.
So, just a word of encouragement to those who may be feeling anxious about something: it is possible to overcome. Start by praising Him and see what happens.
The past few weeks have been a flurry of activity - some good, some not so good. My dad had another surgery, this time to remove two more toes. The infection had worsened and was making him very ill, but thankfully the surgery went well and he seems to be doing better now. My mom and dad have both commented on what a perfect illustration this has been of Paul's teaching about the body and how even the smallest part affects the whole body. I am constantly amazed at their spirit through all of this, but I guess I shouldn't be. They have been examples to me of steadfast faith ever since I can remember. I am blessed to be their child.
Lars also had to take another trip to Arizona for two different special events that were taking place at Youth Haven in Picacho. He was gone for a week and a half, which is longer than he typically is away. While he was gone, I gained a new appreciation and sympathy for single moms and women whose husbands travel a lot. Getting the boys up and ready for school, making sure the dog is taken care of, getting myself ready to head out the door, driving them to school, and then heading to work each morning is quite a task when I'm doing it alone. Evenings and bedtime are just as difficult. We are a family that is used to doing things together, and it leaves a big hole when he is not here. All three of us have felt it. I am so grateful that God designed parenthood to be a partnership. He didn't intend for us to do this alone. He meant for us to help each other - just another example of how He wants what is best for His children.
Now, as someone who struggles with anxiety, I have to admit these past few weeks have not been a picnic for me. My dad's surgery time was 12:20 last Thursday - the exact time Lars' plane departed for Arizona. I offered up a lot of prayers that day, I assure you!
I have friends who have lost their parents. I'm not ready for that. I also sang at a funeral for a young man who was killed in a plane crash, on his way home to his wife after a business trip. So whenever my husband is in the air, I am anxious until I hear he has landed. And yet the book of Philippians tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything." So what am I to do with that?
Well, Paul goes on to say that in everything, with prayer and thanksgiving, we are to present our requests to God. With prayer and thanksgiving. So I praise Him in all things. Even when I am afraid I praise Him. I speak praise aloud, letting myself hear the words I am offering up to God. Then I ask Him for what my heart desires, but I find that when I am praising Him I am a lot less needy.
Finally, Paul says that if we do this, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." To me, this means that even when something happens that I don't understand, I can have the peace of God because I know He has a plan and a purpose in all things. When I pray, God may not give the answer I'm hoping for, but He will always give me the strength I need to endure the hard times. My parents know this, and I am sure that's why they have remained steadfast through these physical difficulties.
So, just a word of encouragement to those who may be feeling anxious about something: it is possible to overcome. Start by praising Him and see what happens.
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