(from Jenny)
On this New Year's Eve, we find ourselves full of gratitude and breathing a sigh of relief (if I can be honest) that we're closing the book on 2010.
It has been a sweet end to the year for our family. Christmas was great... we celebrated with everyone together, sharing food, laughter, and watching the little ones tear open their presents. My dad was emotional during our time together, but in that "laughter-through-tears" kind of way.
I remember thinking last year at Christmas (right after my dad had received his diagnosis) that we all seemed to enjoy the holidays more, knowing that the future was a little more uncertain. This year was no exception. It's been a long, arduous battle, and these last few months have been the toughest of all, physically, for Dad. We all were (and are) grateful that God keeps giving us special memories together as a family unit. At this point, we'll take any excuse (Thanksgiving, Christmas, a Thursday night) to get together and just hang out!
A lot has happened over the last few weeks as Dad settles into his new routine since returning from the Mayo Clinic. He's on many new medications. Before surgery, his extremely low blood pressure was a major concern. Post-op, it's been the exact opposite problem. Most of his new meds are for uncontrollably high blood pressure. Unfortunately, with all the new drugs, he is fatigued and somewhat "foggy". Even as recently as yesterday, his medications were altered once again to continue battling that blood pressure and try to relieve some of those side effects.
He continues dialysis 3 times each week and leaves there feeling exhausted (they say it's like working an 8 hour day). Perhaps soon his body will begin to adjust to this rigorous routine... we have some good friends in this field of medicine who have encouraged us that it will - we would appreciate your prayers for this to happen!
Three other days each week, a physical therapist comes out to the house to help Dad regain some of the muscle tone he has lost over the past few months. The PT is a really nice guy, which is a blessing. On their short walks around the kitchen counter, I have overheard him asking my dad questions about the grandkids... smart motivator, isn't he?
Next week, Dad has an appointment to discuss a surgical procedure to insert a permanent access into his arm for dialysis (it's called a fistula). From what we've all been told, it's very important for him to receive dialysis through this fistula instead of his current arrangement (I have no idea how it's administered currently, only that it has a much higher risk of infection and is not optimal).
In other news, this was also a hard year on my parents' plumbing system. It revolted this week, leaving toilets, tubs, showers, floors, and sinks flooded with well... you get the picture. My dad is usually credited as the "funny" one, but my mom had us in tears of laughter as she stood there, sleeves rolled up with a plunger in one hand and a gallon of Clorox in the other, and deadpanned something about it being a fitting end to 2010.
(By the way, I might have just been fired from ever updating this blog again!)
Let me recover by saying this...
We could not have made it through the past year without the grace of Jesus and your outpouring of love. I marveled as I sat on my parents' couch this week and poured through the various cards and emails you've sent them this year. Long letters, Bible verses, words of encouragement, personal visits - we are ALL gaining strength and courage from your friendship.
I think my mom is going to have a hard time putting away the Christmas decor. This year, every ornament and tinsel and wreath and bow was hung by many hands of many friends who "surprised" her with a decorated house when they returned from Minnesota. It's a great picture of what everyone has done for us this year.
You have traveled a long, long road with my mom & dad this year, and as he's asked you to do in the past, I'll ask you again... please keep up the great work!
Happy New Year 2011!
On this New Year's Eve, we find ourselves full of gratitude and breathing a sigh of relief (if I can be honest) that we're closing the book on 2010.
It has been a sweet end to the year for our family. Christmas was great... we celebrated with everyone together, sharing food, laughter, and watching the little ones tear open their presents. My dad was emotional during our time together, but in that "laughter-through-tears" kind of way.
I remember thinking last year at Christmas (right after my dad had received his diagnosis) that we all seemed to enjoy the holidays more, knowing that the future was a little more uncertain. This year was no exception. It's been a long, arduous battle, and these last few months have been the toughest of all, physically, for Dad. We all were (and are) grateful that God keeps giving us special memories together as a family unit. At this point, we'll take any excuse (Thanksgiving, Christmas, a Thursday night) to get together and just hang out!
A lot has happened over the last few weeks as Dad settles into his new routine since returning from the Mayo Clinic. He's on many new medications. Before surgery, his extremely low blood pressure was a major concern. Post-op, it's been the exact opposite problem. Most of his new meds are for uncontrollably high blood pressure. Unfortunately, with all the new drugs, he is fatigued and somewhat "foggy". Even as recently as yesterday, his medications were altered once again to continue battling that blood pressure and try to relieve some of those side effects.
He continues dialysis 3 times each week and leaves there feeling exhausted (they say it's like working an 8 hour day). Perhaps soon his body will begin to adjust to this rigorous routine... we have some good friends in this field of medicine who have encouraged us that it will - we would appreciate your prayers for this to happen!
Three other days each week, a physical therapist comes out to the house to help Dad regain some of the muscle tone he has lost over the past few months. The PT is a really nice guy, which is a blessing. On their short walks around the kitchen counter, I have overheard him asking my dad questions about the grandkids... smart motivator, isn't he?
Next week, Dad has an appointment to discuss a surgical procedure to insert a permanent access into his arm for dialysis (it's called a fistula). From what we've all been told, it's very important for him to receive dialysis through this fistula instead of his current arrangement (I have no idea how it's administered currently, only that it has a much higher risk of infection and is not optimal).
In other news, this was also a hard year on my parents' plumbing system. It revolted this week, leaving toilets, tubs, showers, floors, and sinks flooded with well... you get the picture. My dad is usually credited as the "funny" one, but my mom had us in tears of laughter as she stood there, sleeves rolled up with a plunger in one hand and a gallon of Clorox in the other, and deadpanned something about it being a fitting end to 2010.
(By the way, I might have just been fired from ever updating this blog again!)
Let me recover by saying this...
We could not have made it through the past year without the grace of Jesus and your outpouring of love. I marveled as I sat on my parents' couch this week and poured through the various cards and emails you've sent them this year. Long letters, Bible verses, words of encouragement, personal visits - we are ALL gaining strength and courage from your friendship.
I think my mom is going to have a hard time putting away the Christmas decor. This year, every ornament and tinsel and wreath and bow was hung by many hands of many friends who "surprised" her with a decorated house when they returned from Minnesota. It's a great picture of what everyone has done for us this year.
You have traveled a long, long road with my mom & dad this year, and as he's asked you to do in the past, I'll ask you again... please keep up the great work!
Happy New Year 2011!
Comments
You have done it again. Thanks for the thorough update of all that has happened and is happening there with the Buggs.
Our hearts and love continue to be there with you as well as our prayers and praise for God's constant care and particularly HIS LOVE and constant presence with you all.
We should be there in about 2 weeks and really hope to have walks with your Dad and to spend time catching up with him.
Until we see everyone, know that many people here in TN continue to PRAY on a daily basis for the Buggs.
Lex and Linda
Take care all and have a Happy New Year!
in His love,
Ted & Carol W
I do not know any of you, but Bob and Patra, personally, but feel each of you are a part of my family as we continue to read, pray, weep, and laugh as God continues to work in and through you on this journey of faith.
Recently, my 6 year old granddaughter trusted Christ as personal Savior. As she listened to her mother witness to a lady who is battling cancer, my daughter asked, "are you a Christain?" The lady responded with a resounding, "yes." My grandaughter mulled this over, and several weeks later went over to the lady and said, "did you know we are relatives?" The lady asked her how that was possible. Grandaughter looked right into her eyes and with a precious open face of confidence and answered, " because we both have the same Father."
Bob and family, we ARE family because we do have the same Father. How precious to talk to Him daily on your behalf. We love you all and pray daily for your every need.
Sheldon and Ritchie