another update on Terry

When I arrived tonight to see Terry, the nurse would not let me in because there were already two people in the room.  They had not done this with me before, so I was a bit shocked at her persistence even though I am family.  I think it might be because we pushed our luck with 5 of us in the room last night when we were doing the legal paperwork.  :) 

Mark & Bev were visiting, so Bev came out and she & I visited a bit in the hallway.  Mark came out a little bit later as the doctor wanted to talk to Terry.  After the doctor finished his talk with Terry, he came out and informed me that he has given the clearance for Terry to be moved from the CICVU to the Behavioral Health floor.  He said he had his physiatric evaluation today which went good.  When I asked for an update, he said he would refer to that doctor to give me his assessment but that he would recommed Terry be put through a program.  I then visited with Terry for about 10-15min while they finished preparing to get him transferred.  He didn't have lunch but did eat dinner.  He said Weymen Zelder had been by along with Russell Ross and Daniel Sollenberger over the lunch period.  Mark, Bev & I went with Terry to the third floor to get him settled.  We were only allowed in thru part of the process, the explanation part & paperwork process along with an explanation of the visitation process and rules. The nurse informed us that most people are there 3-5days as it is a transitional phase to the next step.It is much more restrictive on how they do things then even ICU.  You must have his ID# to be allowed in to see him or to even talk to them over the phone.  There is one hour and fifteen minutes a day Monday - Friday that he can have visitors, only two at a time and the nurse said they will not let more than two in period.  Saturday and Sunday there is a one hour period and the same hour and fifteen minutes of the weekday slot.  I don't think Terry was really thrilled about having to stay in the hospital but I think its the best thing for him right now.  It will be 24hours before I can see him again and I will continue to try to update everyone on where things are.

another update on Terry

I went to see Terry on my way to work and arrived about 08:20am.  Jeff was there and the two of them were visiting.  Terry was more alert and awake, but his demeanor was not as pleasant as it was last night.  He didn't want to eat breakfast, expressed he still doesn't want to live, he has no hope, doesn't deserve to be treated well, blames himself for everything, etc.  Jeff tried to help with the areas that he needs to overcome truth with the lies he is believing, but it was met with resistance.  Jeff left about 30min after I arrived and I stayed another 45min.  I had a meeting scheduled over lunch with my client and knew I would not be able to make it back so I decided to stay and to visit a bit more with him and go into work late.  By the time I left I had convinced him to eat half of his breakfast even though he said it was not very tasty.  We read two different passages while I was there, Isaiah 55 and Proverbs 30, as he requested me to read. 

another update on Terry

I saw Terry tonight along with Tom & JoLinda. He was sitting up in bed and did not have oxygen on at all, very good sign. He said he was hungry and they said he could have more hot broth, but no solid foods yet. He was talking more and much more alert. We got Power of Attorney paperwork completed. Sylvia Woodall notarized the form. Michelle & Uncle Tom were witnesses. Uncle Tom had quite a bit of time with him while we waited in the waiting room area. We left the hospital about 9.30pm and went to IHOP as none of us had eaten dinner yet. He is to have his physiatric evaluation tomorrow and after that they should move him to the 3rd floor to that division, hopefully sometime tomorrow.

Thanks for all your continued prayers. I am still doing well, but beginning to be exhausted, hopefully a bit more sleep will do the trick.

another update on Terry

I went to the hospital at lunch and spent 90minutes with Terry.  He was asleep when I got there, but woke up and started visiting.  The ventilator had been removed and his voice was very raspy.  He was very hungry and had his first meal, liquids that consisted of: cranberry juice, lemonade, a boost drink, chicken broth, and jello.  He did well.  We chatted most the time, some of what he said made sense, some of it didn't.  He was still groggy from his medications.  He confirmed that Mom was the last person he talked to.  He talked to Mindy at 8pm Sunday night, me at 8.15pm and then Mom.  He had informed both Mom & Mindy that he was depressed and didn't want to live and really wanted to die.  He did not tell me this when he called.  His call was short and just to let me know that he was tired and was going to bed and hoped I had a good week at work.  I told him I hoped he did too and that we would get together later in the week.  We will know more about his mental state as the day wears on.  He did not remember me being there this morning, but I would expect that.

another update on Terry

I was at the hospital this morning, 8am-8.50am.  Sylvia Woodall met me up there and Jeff arrived while the doctor was talking to us. They were waking Terry up and going to draw blood after he stayed awak for awhile (an hour or so) and make sure his lungs were functioning the way they should be and that his oxygen levels stayed good with the goal to have him breathe on his own. He was frustrated at wanting to try to talk but with the ventilator in his mouth, he couldn't.  We got a piece of paper and held it for him to try and write us messages.  He wrote words on top of words and his writing at times was very hard to read, but we did our best to make things out.  He got tears in his eyes when I told him I loved him, that he was going to make it and that I wanted him to succeed.  The doctor said his pupils are good, vital signs are good, organs are functioning and things seem to be progressing nicely.   One of his doctors stressed very strongly that Terry needs lots of help.  I am aware of this and so are others,  I do not think any of us are ignorant of that fact nor are we opposed to the help they can give him. Though the Lord is who Terry needs the most, I do think the doctors need to get him stablized on medications and therapy. I will go back at lunch.

another update on Terry

I contacted my Granma Omi to update her on the situation of things and then went up to the hospital at the time of visiting hours, 8pm tonight. He opened his eyes in a dazzed sense and moved his head towards me but did not focus on me. Nelson &Shirley King went with me and we stayed about 20minutes. I talked to him a little bit trying to just register that I was there. 

I then went to Jeff's to read the letter that he left us (the family).

I appreciate the love, care, concern and prayers...Please keep all involved in your prayers that we have wisdom to know how to help and what to do from here.

another update on Terry

I went up to the hospital again at lunch but she had just given him some more medicine so I didn't talk to him. She said he will be there at least a few days. On my way back from the hospital to work I notified Mindy of what had happened and where things stood as of now.  Terry has had a few visitors, but of course he will not remember them.

another update on Terry

Jeff stopped by the hospital and then my work about 11am to give me an update. He said Terry nodded when he talked to him and he was pretty sure that he recognized his voice though he didn't do anything other than flutter his eyelids. The nurse asked him to squeeze his hand but he didn't. It will take more time for him to waken up and for us to know his progress. He is thrashing quite violently.

another update on Terry

I went to the hospital on my way to work to see him this morning about 8.45am.  Judy Lane met me there to be of support. He was unresponsive to me. Russell Ross had already been there and left him a note with verses on the bulletin board. I went thru Terry's belongings (let me spare you what I went thru and confirmed the fact that I could not be a nurse) in the "personal belongings bag" to try to see if I could find his cell phone and if it would power on to see who the last person was he talked to.  It was dead and would not power on.

Quotes

A journey of a thousand miles begins within a single step.
~ Chinese Proverb

some sad news on Terry

It is late, almost midnight to be exact, but I can't sleep...therefore I decided to update my blog...an update on my brother...be prepared, this is sad news.

Terry has been living here in Texas 5 months, nearly to the day.  He was found laying on his side on the floor in his bedroom overdosed tonight about 7.30-8pm. He probably had been there all day, we are not for sure. He was unresponsive, no medication bottles around, dressed in his clothes, with notes left to Jeff and Mom & Dad & Sisters. It was an obvious attempt at suicide, we just don't know with what. His PCP was called and so was 911. The paramedics started pumping his stomach immediately and he was taken to a local hospital. I did not go up there as it was not recommended I do because of his state. There is nothing I can do until he wakes up...if he does. They are unsure if he has brain damage, either from falling, or lack of oxygen. This will be told after more tests and time. It could take a couple days to know more.

I am fine. I have not cried, yet. I am sure I will...but right now, I am holding up pretty well, just trying to put everything in perspective...what could I have done differently?  what could I have said? what could I have done? what is it going to take for him to realize that he is loved and has such great potential?  He has been having a few tough weeks, so in many ways this is not a surprise. My heart achs for him to live differently, but according to his doctor, he may never be able to after having messed with some of the drugs he has messed with that really mess up your mind. Doctor says he probably has not been taking his medicine like he should have been and this might be one of the reasons that he has been acting the way he has. Its hard to know. You don't want to give him an excuse, neither do you want him to have an "out" for being angry, but if he needs the medicine you want him to take it. Its hard place to be in. If he doesn't make it, it might be the best thing for him...he will be HOME with our Heavenly Father!

I will update my blog as I have time....in the meantime, please pray for him...and me that I will have the wisdom to know how to help him if he survives.  Thank you my friends!

Quotes

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.
~ unknown

soon a baby girl for Travis & Sarah!

I used to work at the Cabbage Rose Quilting & Knitting Store where I taught knitting lessons and sewed demos for the store.  I made a really cute skirt out of Amy Butler fabrics that I cut into squares and sewed together (picture later if I can find one).  The skirt was cut out on the bias and was adorable.  Well, I had leftover squares sitting in my stash of fabric, so I decided to piece a baby quilt with them.  I started the project nearly 2 years ago for someone and never got it finished...the quilt top was done, but that was it.  So a few weeks ago when I was supposed to help with a baby shower (and ended up not doing very much because I got sick and couldn't), I realized that one of my friends due date for her first baby was rapidly approaching and I had started nothing yet!!!  So I dug in the project started stash drawer and pulled this unfinished quilt out!  Though Sarah is doing pink and white in her baby room, its is always fun to have a stack of blankets and quilts available for use, so I decided it was time to get it done and would be perfect for Sarah's little girl. I do not have pictures of the process, so you will have to imagine the process or if you want tips on how I did it, email me.

CONGRATULATIONS
Travis & Sarah!!!

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.
- Calvin Coolidge, 30th U.S. president

Quotes

Train yourself to sustain yourself.
~ Pauline Baker

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reflections of message

Speaker: Jeff Grove
Title:  Sober Minded (Titus 2)
Date: 04.14.2010

(I am only going to write about the section that applies to me or that I want to reflect on more.)


Think about what you are thinking, because what you are doing is a direct reflection on what you are thinking.  What will be the outcome?  Picture in your mind what you want to be.



Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober,  to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

reverent = honorable, grave, honest, behavior that commands respect, holy, sacred: to tower up (be conspicuous), a "hero".

not slanderers = traducer (to cause humiliation or disgrace, or malicious/false statements, false accuser, devil

not addicted to wine = just that

a teacher of good things = involve yourself in teaaching (vs4) to not discredit Gods Word

admonish = to make of sound mind, discipline, correct

love husbands = fond of your man, affectionate as a wife

love children = fond of one's own, maternal

discrete = moderate as to opinion or passion, sober, temperate

chaste = clean, innocent, modest, not provoking sensual desire

homemakers = domestically inclined, a good housekeeper

obedient = subdue unto, be in subjection, submit self unto



(vs12) teaches us that God wants us to correct ourselves by the vision we have of being bought with a price. 

Examine yourselves.  How do you think, by habit?  Think.

Proverbs 4:26 & 27
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.  Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from evil.

****************************************************************************

So as I reflect on the above, my heart is dear Lord, help me to be a virtuous woman and achieve the holiness you want from me!  I have areas that need work, attention, deeper development and I want you to make me more like you want me to be.  I pray that each day I will seek you with all my heart so that I grow to be the woman of faith you have created me to be!  Please show me how to do this in each thing I face and choice I make.  I need your direction my Lord & Savior.

wednesdays bible verse

you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free
John 8:32

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Quotes

In our lives, trouble is inevitable, misery is optional.