Wednesday, December 9, 2009

PATIENT

I realize this post has been much anticipated by all of you so that you can finally get the update on how my pops is doing. I have been waiting for him to be up for some pictures so I could post them while letting everyone know how much better he is, even though as these pictures show...he has a very long road to a full recovery.

It has been officially one week since they finally took out the ventilator and my dad started breathing on his own again. When he first started waking up he did not realize where he was or what had happened. He didn't remember anything, and actually didn't even remember going to the hospital in the first place. Seeing him that day was a complete treat. I had missed him so much and started to blab on about all of the things that had happened while he was gone, even though he was still out of it and I am sure the details of that conversation have been long lost.

Seeing him the next couple of times though was not as pleasant. I kept thinking that he would start looking like my dad again, but he was looking worse in some ways and he had a hard time communicating. However, today, a week removed from the big day of ventilator removal, he is doing much better. He is back to using his phone (which we would always tease him about how much he used to use it), and he can talk now without a problem. He has started eating real food as well. Even with all of this good news though, he is still extremely frustrated with how little he can move and how much he can't do on his own. I told him today that he needs to remember that it is the Lord's will that he is still here, and that he can get better...he will get better.

My dad has always been a very willing photo model, and I was glad he didn't insist that I put my camera away today. He is growing a beard, and says he is not going to shave until he gets out of the hospital (still a few weeks away). I am looking forward to that day so much because then I can finally bring Stella to visit her grandpa again.

Isn't it interesting how patient you have to be when you are a patient? It is so annoying to be in the hospital and have to wait for things and I know that it is driving my dad crazy. We keep telling him that he has to be patient, and that he WILL recover. I can't believe how well he is doing already. I am so proud of him.

Note: The gowns and masks are to protect us because he has an infection. However, even though they are annoying, I sort of feel like they also protect him from anything that we might have or anything that the nurses might carry from room to room. Stylish, right? Mostly I thought it was funny that I posed for a picture and was smiling even though you can't see my mouth.

8 comments:

Nicole said...

I'm so glad that he is doing better. Continued prayers for his continuing recovery.

Christy said...

Ah! Look at your cute dad! He looks so different with a beard. :) I'm so glad he's able to talk to you guys now and that things are getting better. We continue to pray for him and hope that he gets to come home soon!!

angelicindy said...

I love that first photo. It kind of speaks to me. It's an experience in all of your lives that will stand out and you will look back on time and time again, but it's going to be a positive experience because it's a trial that you ALL had to overcome. I'm so proud of all of you and your attitudes!

Suzette Willmore said...

good to hear that things are improving with your dad! only WONDERFUL news ahead (i am sure).....

random acts of violets said...

thanks so much for posting this update -- i was just wondering how he was doing and i'm very glad to hear that he is improving, even if it's slow. he looks so different from the uncle scott i remember. our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and hoping that he will continue to get better and get back to his life. by the way, i am so impressed with the quality of your photos and how well they communicate the situation -- you are so talented. -- jenny mabe

Mistie said...

SO happy he is on the mend. Maybe even be out of the hospital for christmas?!
best of luck!

Johnson's said...

I'm so glad to hear that he has recovered so much already...even though it is still aways from being done with this trial!
He does look good, especially considering how much he's gone through.
You're still in our thoughts and prayers, and we'll include some paitents too!
Best Wishes Evans family ;)

Unknown said...

I am so glad your dad is doing better. I have been so worried for him, and your family. That's a hard thing to go through and I just didn't know how to voice my concerns when things were looking so grim. Usually I'd just sit at my computer and cry for you. I love you very much and good news is good news even if it's still a long road a head for your family.