Sometimes it surprises me how each day can be so different. You would think I would get up and sit quietly reading a book while Doug recovers. But instead, I have not read one page of a book since this journey began. The days are so full.
This morning I got a phone call at 1:30 a.m. Doug was not able to sleep and he was experiencing pain and they could not find a comfortable position for him to lay. They wanted me to come back to the hospital. Wayne our nurse said he would do his best to make me comfortable in the recliner. I also think Doug is a little nervous about his upcoming move to the new hospital. The snow was getting deep by the time I left. The van had some trouble making it up the little hill in our neighborhood. But I made it. After talking to Doug, I asked the nurse to get Doug some Tylenol and a few ice chips. Then we both settled in for the rest of the night. Doug was able to go to sleep. I slept a little bit but mostly dozed listening to the hum of the IVs, and the alarms on the monitors. By 6:00 a.m. Wayne needed to start new medications and prepare Doug for the shift change. I decided it was time to go home to get a little more sleep and a shower. The snow was much deeper and roads were not good. I literally slipped into our driveway.
No one told my dog, Stryder the schedule was changing today. By 8:00, he was awake and barking at me to feed him. And so I did and then slipped back into bed for a little while. That lasted about an hour and then the phone rang and I decided it was definitely time to get up. At 10:00 I was ready to head back to the hospital. I packed up my things for the day and started out. But oh my, the snow was much deeper. I made it out of the driveway and down the street, turning to go up the short hill another car was coming down in the middle of the road. I tried to pull over a little. But then, I lost traction and could not get started. A neighbor was out shoveling and I asked him to help me get out. Between his daughter and him shoveling, I eventually became unstuck, but I could not make it up the hill and so with their help I got turned around and went back home.
Just as I was walking into the house Angie called and asked if I needed anything. I said I could not get to the hospital because I could not make it out of the neighborhood. They have a new 4x4 truck and she said she would come and get me. Angie, Tom and Cole arrived about 12:00. They did not have any problems with their big pick-up. We all went to the hospital to see Doug. They offered me their 4-wheel drive jeep and so after visiting Doug and having lunch we went to Star to get the jeep. It was great in the snow and I made it back safe and sound to the hospital.
Doug made some more gains today. He is able to pull his hands into a slight squeeze and bend his toes a little more on the right. It was so exciting. However he is now struggling with pain. I think that his nerves are beginning to wake up and this is leaving him with pain in his limbs and back. He was also frustrated today because he could not scratch his own forehead or hold his head straight. He is complaining that he cannot see the TV with his glasses. I don't know how his eyes are effected with all this. He was pretty frustrated tonight.
When I arrived home tonight, my colleague Cathy had come to the house with her high school son Carter. They shoveled the driveway and sidewalk for me and left me a present at the door. In the present was pumpkin bread, chocolates and a wall hanging. I cut my self some bread and warmed it and settled onto the couch to watch the news and rest with a sweet treat. Yum. The end of a long day.
And so before bedtime, I pray:
Most Powerful and Most tender God, look with favor on your servants and bless us. We thank you for the progress that Doug has made and the hope of his continued healing Take away Doug's pain and provide comfort and encouragement as his body heals. Give me the strength to speak the words that will comfort and support him on this difficult journey. And Lord we give you thanks for family and friends who come to our rescue at the most needy of times. Bless them! In your Name we ask it. Amen
What wonderful friends. They are there for you because you and Doug are such spiritual and caring people. It is payback time. God will be with you today. Many people arepraying.
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