Monday, March 12, 2012

Music To My Ears

While we were over at mom and dad's yesterday, I was telling dad that Halle and her cousin Camryn want to sing a little song from the Disney movie "Tangled" at my wedding in May.

Mandy Moore – I See the Light (From "Tangled")

I told him that I'd love it if, when he feels up to it, he could start practicing and accompany them on his guitar.  He, of course, wanted to start right away, and I can't tell you how wonderful it was to hear my dad play again. It's probably been three months since he's picked up his guitar, and I'll bet that's the longest he's gone without playing it for almost 50 years. As long as I can hear my dad playing that guitar, I know everything's going to be fine.

Thank you to his donor, the donor's family, his amazing doctors and nurses, all of the sweet people in his ward and all of our neighbors and family friends who have helped both financially and through their service. Thank you for giving that guitar another chance to be played.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Bosom Buddies

I forgot to post this picture I took yesterday when we ran into Diane (the recipient of the donor's other lung) while we were waiting for dad's appt. in Clinic C. They see each other often now at pulmonary rehab and clinical appointments.

Diane seemed to be doing well, but the past couple of days Dads been struggling with really low blood pressure, a significant weight loss (now down to 120 lbs.) and struggling to get into a normal breathing rhythm. Every little thing just leaves him completely winded. His docs think its just his low body weight and his body and mind having to re-learn how to breath normally after so many years living with IPF.

He'll most likely have another broncoscopy next week where they will finally be able to biopsy the new lung. His pharmacist also tweaked some medications a bit, which should help. We'll keep you all posted and appreciate your continued prayers and support.

Look what I found?

I took this video on Christmas Eve and forgot I had it on my phone. It was about 11pm and I had just returned from dad's surgery (I had been there since 7:30am and was just now getting to see my girls and do something Christmasy for Christmas Eve.) They were so worried about their Grandpa and wanted to be with him, and this book did just the trick. It was one of those Hallmark books that we had him record the Christmas before.