Just a quick update on New Year's Eve. We were delighted this morning to receive delivery of a very special chair for Mom. The chair was paid for months ago by from some anonymous donors (I have no idea who they are). Mom selected the style and the fabric of the chair before the surgery.The chair gives Mom a very supportive piece of furniture to use while she is recovering. It even reclines! We who have fully functional spines don't realize how much work our healthy backs do to help us get in and out of seated positions. Mom has a strict set of postures she is sticking with while she adapts to her new spine. Many former behaviors don't work anymore. For example, sitting in a simple folding chair is not good. Laying around on a couch is out of the question for several months yet.
Mom needed a chair that provided good back support, with high arms that would help her use her arms to push herself up to a standing position. Today that exact chair was delivered to her.
We've got it set up in the main living area. I think I even heard Mom make a bargain with Dad that she would hang out in the living room in her new chair, as long as no football games were on the TV. She tried it out and was able to seat herself in it and get out of it with no assistance and no pain. She said that it is really comfortable. Given how tiring it's been for her to sit upright for any length of time since the surgery, this chair is a real blessing and another big helper along the road to full recovery.
Here are some prayer requests for this last day of 2008:
(1) Pray for Mom to have the strength to stay upright for more of the day. (This new chair will help assist greatly with this.)
(2) Pray for Dad's strength, physically and spiritually. He remains Mom's most devoted caregiver (i.e., "love slave") and her biggest cheerleader. He is doing an amazing job. At the same time, I know he gets tired with all of the work he has to do.
Praises:
(1) The new chair! What a wonderful gift! If you are one of the secret donors who gave money to the chair fund, we thank you very, very much.
(2) Mom's overnight nurses. (You know who you are.) A special group of women from the church has been coming over each night to watch over Mom and assist her with any needs. This has allowed Dad to have a break from caregiving and to keep up with his sleep. These night nurses have been a huge blessing during these first two weeks of recovery.
(3) All of Mom's bodily systems are doing great. Her appetite is marvelous.
Dad's sister Debbie is coming over tonight to ring in the new year. She is Mom's nutritional guru and is helping Mom get lots of protein. Mom always feels good on days when Debbie is guiding the way with eating. More protein = more energy.
Happy New Year to all of you! We'll see you in 2009.
4 comments:
So glad that you s made it home for Christmas! We have been gone for 9 days so am just now able to comment! Sounds like the Lord is showing His magnificent grace through so many of his children who love you and your family!
Great chair! Keep up the good work!
Looking forward to a visit when you are up for it!
Much love and prayers......Libby
Doug and Cheryl,
Dallas and I continue to pray! May the Lord give you the physical, emotional and spiritual strength you need for recovery, but also an ability to continue, in the midst of the recovery, to be a blessing to many in 2009.
Bob and Dallas
Dear Cheryl,
How wonderful that your chair has arrived! It's a bute! I know it will be a big help to you. Glad things are going so well, and I am amazed at your determination and courage to do what is being asked of you. Keep up the good work. May God truly bless you in this New Year, and may you continue to be the great encourager to all who are with you. It is nice to see so very many answers to prayer already for you and your recovery. Praying for you daily and sometimes even more than that. With much love, Jo Ann
Hey Cheryl- I have enjoyed reading how you are recovering. You are a miracle and blessing to watch. Keep hanging in there! Sounds like you have a lot of people taking care of you especially Carissa. Awesome! Thanks Carissa. I like reading your interpretation of events.
We were in the hospital the same day of your surgery. Ella had pneumonia and a viral infection that she picked up from school. the doctor and staff treated her with breathing treatments, steriods, and strong antibotics. So, we stayed in the hospital a couple of days. Not fun! When I read Carissa's comments about the staff being on top of things, but allowing a whole lot of rest, I understood.
We are glad to be home and I am sure you are too. Your chair looks great and I will be anxious to read how you will respond to getting in out of it. I know you will do great! Keep up the hard work and determination.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year's. God Bless You!
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