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

[Joan Hajek]

Shelli,
Sorry to hear about your Dad now having pneumonia to add to his recovery process. Will continue to pray for him. Please let us know if we can shower him with cards. I would love to send a card to cheer him up.

Hugs to you and your family.
Joan

[Nancy Wyant]

Shelli,

So sorry your Dad isn't doing well, I will pray for God's intervention and a speedy recovery, and for your strength as you visit!

Nancy

[Marion Dornan]

Oh, Shelli, I am so sorry you are going through this. My heart is sad for you. As much as it is hard, try to stay strong, you have been doing such a wonderful job. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope he recovers soon.

[Andrea]

Shelli - I'm sure that you have been a blessing to your dad every day. What a wonderful feeling for him to know that you will be by his side every day entertaining him and comforting in every way possible. You are an angel! Know that what you do is important and appreciated. I will pray for him and for you and for your entire family.

[diane mcvey]

I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's complications. I hope that he will be feeling much better very soon. It's so hard when we are helpless to improve our loved one's condition; however, you are doing wonderful things by just being there and massaging him. Bless you for being so kind and sweet! :D

[Ellie Augustin]

I know with your love as well as your family by your dad's side he will have a speedy recovery. I will pray for that to happen. I send you a big warm hug as well.

[Cindy Lawrence]

Shelli, thank you so much for the update! I have been praying for your dad, and will continue to do so. {{hugs}}

[Sharlene Wale]

I'm so sorry that things aren't going so well. Y'all are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Jeannette Haynes]

Shelli,
We so appreciate the update on your dad. There are so many prayers being said and I know they will work! We just have to have faith that your dad will be healed in His time, not ours. Being with your dad, tho, is also good medicine. Love and comfort to you and your family.
Jeannette

[Babette Britton]

Shelli-I am sorry to hear of your fathers setback. I work nites in the ICU here and know how much prayers do work. Your dad is lucky to have you, some people spend days,weeks even months in ICU with no family support at all. So for now, being there is all you can do. I will continue to pray that the doctors and nurses give him the best care, and also for a quick recovery from this. You are an awesome daughter!

[Robyn Albee]

I know how you feel during this difficult time. My Uncle Tommy was in the barn at my Grampa's house when he lit a match, not knowing a tank full of gasoline was leaking nearby, and the whole barn blew. Uncle Tommy was burned over 85% of his body and they had no skin of his own to use. I was pretty young at the time, but we were all devastated when the doctors said he probably wouldn't make it through all the procedures they had to do. Thankfully, he did make it and was even the last person to live with me, way back in the 80's!, before I left for the Navy... Sadly, he passed away in a car accident in Aug 89, but we had him for many years after his burn incident, when we didn't think we would. My whole family is praying for your Dad and all of you -- make certain to enjoy every single day you are given, b/c you just never know what will happen, or when. Sounds like you already do that, and it is so commendable that you show us how much you and your family share -- the love, laughter, drama, births, reunions, et cetera -- it makes us more aware of what we miss out on when we get too wrapped up in our own daily lives... You are so loved & well thought of and we appreciate all you do for us even when dealing with your own issues!! Keep your chin up and the sunshine in your smile, even on rainy days, and if you're unable to, we will willingly help!!!

[Colleen Olsen]

Shelli my thought are with your father and family has it goes through this. With the Stampin' Up! family he has many prays being sent his way.

[Kym]

Shelli,

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's accident and continued illness! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kym

[Sandy McManus]

Shelli, having working in a hospital for many years (before finding SU!) I understand how you must feel about seeing your Dad in this situation. You are truly doing the right thing by giving him your love and support every morning. That is your greatest gift to him! Soon the tubes will go away, and he will be on his feet again. I have seen such cases with my own eyes. The spirit is a wonderful healer. I pray for you and your family!

[Jen Orbaker]

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time. I pray that God's hands with touch and heal him.

[Teresa Brown]

HiShelli,
so sorry to hear about your Dad
Please know that he and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa Brown Aus
http://teresastampingontherunblogspot.com

[Tanja]

Dear Shelli,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I am just catching up on your blog and am sorry to hear that your Dad was injured so severly. I'm also sorry that folks have felt justified in questioning your business practices (the China thing). People generally believe they have more understanding of an issue than they actually do. Just what you needed when times are tough enough. I'm proud that you have built this amazing company and I joined on as a demo just last night after being bitten by the SU bug years ago. I can't wait to learn more about your company! Best wishes to your Dad.

[Linda McClain]

Shelli, Here's sending hugs and our thoughts to you, your Dad and your family. I know it feels so helpless to see your Dad in such a clinical, high tech surroundings. I'm sure he feels your presence so much more than all those tubes - you are the best medicine!

[Pat Chastain]

Shelli, I am so sorry that I just read about your father. Thankfully, he seems to be improving.
I must say that you have an amazing family. So do I and I'm sure we thank God for that blessing!
Loved the photo of the "little Missonary" in Spain! Too stinkin' cute!
Thanks for all you do for us and the inspiration that you are.
A prayer for your dad and love to you.

Pat