12/19/08, 1:45 pm ESTMom's new spine is one day old.
We're here with her in the hospital room. She is still in ICU, though her vital signs are very strong. We're just waiting for a regular recovery room to open up for her.
As expected, Mom is experiencing a lot of pain as she learns how to move her body with all its new hardware. Something as simple as shifting her weight in bed requires a lot of effort. Though her pain medication is helping her manage, of course it's also hampering her ability to communicate clearly (finding the right words is sometimes difficult).
Mom's gentle spirit continues to shine through. She is very much the woman that we love, even in this vulnerable state. Last night after Mom emerged from surgery in one of the initial recovery rooms, one of her nurses asked me with a smile, "She seems really wonderful. Is that just the drugs, or is she always this sweet?" I let her know that the drugs had nothing to do with it. Mom somehow managed to be gentle and kind even after a day of incredibly taxing surgery.
I am deeply grateful for the ongoing expressions of love for Mom. At the same time, I'd like to ask for no unscheduled visitors until further notice. I'd also like to ask for no phone calls to Dad until further notice. Mom is very vulnerable right now, and needs to devote 100% of her energy to her healing. In turn, Dad is devoting 100% of his energy to caring for her. What they both need right now is great measures of unbroken peace and quiet.
If you would like to show your support to Mom, here are some options for you:
(1) Write her a note and mail it to CBC. We will be gathering these periodically and sharing them with Mom at the hospital and later at home. She really cherishes handwritten notes of all sorts, and I can guarantee she will enjoy reading and re-reading them during the long road ahead.
Here's the address for your notes:
Cornerstone Bible Church
Attn. Cheryl McIntosh
869 Cole Dr SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(2) Send an email to me. I am keeping my laptop close by here in the hospital. I'll read your note to her at the hospital.
(3) Leave a comment here on the blog. I am also sharing these with her as she heals. They are a source of ongoing encouragement to her. She absolutely loves hearing from her circle of encouragers.
(4) Pray. This may be the best option of all. Specifically, please pray for the following:
- That Mom's pain would be manageable
- That she would be able to rest deeply and simply relax into her current state
- For continued healing and strength
- For Mom's courage as she makes tiny steps forward
We will be faithful in updating this blog as frequently as we can. Check here as often as you like for regular updates on our very patient patient.
3 comments:
Thanks so much for all the updates here. Please let your mom and dad know we're there with them in spirit and continuing to uphold you all with prayer along with praising the Great Physician for the success of the operation. We'll look forward to being able to visit soon...
Win and Kim
Oh my goodness, what great news this is! Cheryl, I'm sure that the Lord was sitting in a chair beside Dr. Horton the entire time saying "I'm done, I've done what I came to do, so what's the hold-up?"
How great He is! We are all so blessed by being involved in this process with you. Thank you for this opportunity. Kensey says that she is dedicating her horseback riding lesson tomorrow to you.
Abundant healing,
Matt, Marty & Kensey
We really appreciate the comments, Carissa. Your mom is so blessed to have such a devoted daughter! So glad that you could be there for her and your dad.
Thank you for the prayer requests. We are lifting them to the Lord. We are, of course, thanking Him tonight for His care of your mom through this very tedious process. We love your family so much! We will plan a visit during the new year when your mom is feeling up to it.
Much love, Reece and Libby
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