Feb 17, 2017: Day +90

I got a  phone call from Vibra at 8:30 this morning.  The transition coordinator Kodi, let me know that Doug would be transitioning this morning.  I finished getting ready and left for the hospital.  After some conversations with the staff regarding transition we essentially spent the rest of the day waiting. Around 3:15 Kodi said that she and the person from St. Luke's had been unable to get an approval response from our insurance and wondered if I would try calling and so I did.  It was an ordeal, with finally me basically asked them to expedite the transfer and being told that it ususally takes between 24 to 72 hours. By then it was around 3:30 and Doug and I decided we had better settle in because it looked like the transfer would not happen before Monday or Tuesday.  Kodi came down and asked about the conversation.  She said she still thought we would transfer.  She was going to go to her office and finish her paperwork and pray that the transfer would happen.  She said God always hears our prayers.  I said ok, but prepared to stay.

At 4:00 Kodi walked in the room and said that the transfer had been approved and that we will receive a transport from St. Luke's soon.  We were amazed.  I really thought that there was no way they were going to do the approval this late on Friday afternoon. Sure enough, 30 minutes later, the drivers came to our room and loaded Doug on to a gurney and off they went. Kodi reminded us that God answers prayers. Good bye Vibra and hello St. Luke's.  We were in Doug's new room at St. Luke's (Elks) by 5:00.

We spent the evening with the nurses evaluating Doug and completing paperwork.  Doug was doing even better today with eating, but the things he cannot do are more glaring with the questions and expectations of the new staff. We are definitely leaving the nurturing environment of Vibra which h feels very safe to a new place with the focus on rehabilitation and new people.  Doug has so many personal care needs and he is nervous about how he will get the care he needs.  The  staff have been very nice, but it is a change.  Hopefully we will begin to feel more secure soon.

It is after 10:00 now and we are still waiting for them to bring in a new air bed for him, bring his medication and settle him into bed.  It is raining outside and I have a long drive home.  Hopefully it won't be too much longer.  I need to be back in the morning by 8:30.  He has his first evaluation at that time.

God of Mercy and God of Hope, give us confidence  in our fears and hope in uncertainty.  Be with us during this time of change.  Be with all that will care for Doug.  Help this new staff to see his needs and support him as he struggles with his limitations.  Give them patience and compassion.  And tonight watch over Doug as he sleeps and give him peace. All this we ask in your name.  Amen