An Update on Dad

It’s been raining here all day, and I’m not sure if I’m mellow because of the dreary skies (I do love the sunshine) or if I’m heavy-hearted because of my dad’s condition; he came down with pneumonia earlier this week, so he's not progressing as quickly as we'd hoped. Either way, if I sound a little negative, I’m really not. It’s just that watching my dad with tubes going in and out of his body and unable to effectively communicate makes me feel so helpless. And you all know how I like to solve the world’s problems and “make it all better.”

The doctor says that Dad’s chest x-rays still don’t look good. He assumes the smoke damage is what caused the pneumonia and is hopeful that Dad will start to improve so the skin grafting on his hands can take place on Monday or Tuesday. That means I will be blessed to spend time with him every morning (I take the morning shift and his wife, Justine, takes the afternoon shift) for a couple more weeks.

Dad’s hands look good (or as good as they can look after being badly burned) with no signs of infection, and his faceimproves amazingly every day. Because he’s on a ventilator and has more tubes attached to him than I can count (filling him with all kinds of medication, nutrition, and sedatives) most of his time is spent sleeping.

We (I) visit about simple things, and I massage his head and rub his feet with lotion in between periods of rest. Other than playing “twenty questions” and Dad nodding yes or no, it’s pretty quiet when someone isn’t torturing (that’s what the nurses call it) him when they re-dress or perform therapy on his hands, give him a cold bed bath, and a dozen or so other minor procedures.   

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers on my father’s behalf. My family and I are grateful for your love and support.  

Comments

[Terry Molineux - Lindenhurst, NY]

Shelli..

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's condition. When we didn't hear anything I assumed things were progressing nicely. Please know that he is in my thoughts and prayers.

Terry M.

[Kathy Shifflet]

Shelli,
I addition to being a demonstrator/hobbyist, I am also a Registered Dietitian--I specialize in nutrition support in the ICU. While I know it's difficult to see your dad in that environment, I also know how fortunate he is to have you at his side. I have the privilege everyday of seeing people pull through beautifully! I am also reminded daily of all that I have to be thankful for, and I know your dad is thankful for you being there giving him lots of TLC! My prayers will stay with you and your family. Behind the rain is some sunshine waiting to come through :)

Love,
Kathy

[Justine Brent]

I'm sorry to hear your father isn't doing well. I have experience with having a loved one in the hospital not doing well. The lord hears our prayers, and bless you for spending time with him. I'm sure it means the world to him, and you as well. My name is Justine too! It's really a name you don't hear too often so I think it's neat when I hear of someone else with the same name. I spent all morning in the rain in Lehi watching my son's football. It's amazing how the weather can really effect your mood. One more day of it and then the sun will shine again. :)

[karen findlay]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Dad. May every new day bring him strength.

Karen

[Robin S]

I just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We will pray for a speedy recovery for your dad. We just came home early this week from having my daughter in the hospital for a week with a condition that is very rare for children. We had many thoughts and prayers with us and the recovery is coming along. I am now sending them all your way. Friends, Robin S.

[Caroline Counsell]

I am thinking of you and your Dad and wishing him well in a speedy recovery. I sadly lost my dear Dad 12 December last year. Lots of love
Cazx

[Kim Mullin]

I am so glad that you gave an update on your Dad. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. Tell both your dad and Justine that I am thinking and praying for them. Knowing your dad, I am sure that he will be up and about soon. He doesn't seem the type that will be kept down for long,

[Betsy]

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you Dad a speedy recovery!

[Beth Van Brunt]

More thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

[Ilene]

Shelli,
My thoughts and prayers are with your father and your whole family, wishing him a speedy recovery! He sounds like he is a fighter though! You are such a lucky lady to have him, sadly I lost mine when I was 15, some 40+ years ago!

[Alexis]

I wish your Dad a speedy recovery.. So sorry to hear about his condition.

[Danielle]

Shelli, I am sure he receives comfort having you so close. My thoughts and prayers and with your family.

[Gwynne]

Shelli, my thoughts and prayers are with your Dad and family. Gwynne

[Hayley Bullen]

Shelli, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you, your dad, and your whole family! My dad is a firefighter and was badly burned on his neck and ears quite a few years ago, so I understand what you all are going through right now. I wish your father a speedy recovery!!!!
Blessings,
Hayley

[pesc]

I'm sorry for your father pneumonia. He is really lucky to have you by his side. He seems to get pretty good health care from what you describe and I hope the pneumonia will be under controle soon so they can concentrate on the burnes.
Keep faith it's the hardest part your father is in it will get better.

[Jacki Montgomery]

Shelli - I will continue to pray for your father's recovery and for your family to find strength in your faith and from your friends.You are blessed and lucky to be able to spend this time with him.
Jacki

[Jessica Beaudoin]

Shelli - so very sorry to hear about your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

[Brenda Herndon]

Shelli,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You have such an amazing spirit and a strong devotion to your family. You are such an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work and your father will be up and around soon. But,no more breaking records in cars.What can you say,except... Boys, will be boys!!! sigh...
Take care Shelli,
Brenda H. CA

[Carole]

Shelli, Thank you for the update about your father. I will keep him in my prayers.

[Dawn Rapsas]

Keeping you all in my thoughts and praying that God continues to give you all the strength to handle what has been placed in your paths.

[Sharon Bridwell]

Shelli, continued prayers for you, your Dad and the entire family as he continues to heal. I'm so sorry he isn't progressing as fast as you (and we) all hoped he would. He is so lucky to have you and everyone else around him to keep him company and to give him strength, the strength he'll need as he continues to recover. Please remember to take care of yourself as you care for him.
Sharon

[Elizabeth]

Thank you for keeping up updated. Our prayers will continue for clear lungs and speedy recovery. Hugs from one of your Demonstrators.

[Susan Skrzeczkoski]

Sending much love and well wishes to your dad and your family. May you feel the love and the healing power of God as we lift you and your family up in prayer.

[Joanna Middendorf]

Shelli,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's accident. It is so hard to watch someone recovering in the hospital when there really isn't much you can do but be there for them and pray. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope he has a speedy recovery.

[Marion]

Your father is in my prayers for improvement in his lungs, and healing for his hands and face. I pray for strength for you and your family,