Friday, January 7, 2010
"Singular Focus"
(from Jenny)
As my dad continues another week of dialysis and doctor visits, it's become increasingly obvious to us all that it's just too much for him to be writing his own blog posts at this time. Don't get me wrong, the blog isn't going anywhere... you're probably just going to hear more from us "kids" for this part of the journey.
Right now, we're just going to let him focus solely on getting better.
My dad had another hard week, but it had it's bright moments, too. His in-home physical therapy appointments ended on Thursday, as he hasn't made significant progress in gaining physical strength from working with the PT. But Thursday was a great physical therapy day - he was able to complete all his exercises and even added a few new ones.
This week, he passed out after one of his dialysis treatments again. This has happened several times, and we're grateful that he hasn't injured himself falling during one of these episodes. But it's very hard on his body (and on my mom) when this happens, so we're continuing to pray that his body adjusts to the dialysis and that the nurses and doctors quickly learn how to anticipate his unique needs and compensate with their treatments.
The appointments are being set up for that fistula surgery I mentioned in last week's post. This will be a more convenient and safer way to administer his dialysis. The next appointment (an ulstrasound to map out his veins) is scheduled for Monday.
In addition to doctors' appointments, we're looking forward to Dad's 60th birthday this coming Thursday! A great milestone; a great reason for a party.
Another reason to celebrate came along this week with the news that my sister is expecting a baby BOY at the end of May! For those of you keeping track, that will be 2 little boys this Spring (Adam and Sharon are expecting Baby Boy Bugg in early April). Austin is thrilled to assume the role of Big Brother for this little guy, and I know he will take his job seriously. He's already shared with Emily & James several topics he's going to be in charge of teaching the new baby (mostly how to play games on the Wii, I think). Andrew is thrilled that the boys will once again outnumber the girls!
We are fondly remembering the life (and mourning the loss) of my mom's aunt this week. My grandmother (my mom's mom) passed away right around this time 2 years ago, last year one of my grandmother's sister's passed away, and then this news a few days ago. Our prayers will be with all who gather in South Carolina this week
to comfort Aunt Rena's family.
This weekend, I am going to be at a women's retreat (cue Hallelujah chorus). I love this sort of thing. The theme of our weekend is based on a couple of verses... Hebrews 12, verses 1-2:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Our prayer request this week would be that my Dad continues to run this race (he & my mom are certainly in the perseverance stage) and to have a singular focus on Jesus.
Let that be my prayer, too!
Love,
Jenny
"Singular Focus"
(from Jenny)
As my dad continues another week of dialysis and doctor visits, it's become increasingly obvious to us all that it's just too much for him to be writing his own blog posts at this time. Don't get me wrong, the blog isn't going anywhere... you're probably just going to hear more from us "kids" for this part of the journey.
Right now, we're just going to let him focus solely on getting better.
My dad had another hard week, but it had it's bright moments, too. His in-home physical therapy appointments ended on Thursday, as he hasn't made significant progress in gaining physical strength from working with the PT. But Thursday was a great physical therapy day - he was able to complete all his exercises and even added a few new ones.
This week, he passed out after one of his dialysis treatments again. This has happened several times, and we're grateful that he hasn't injured himself falling during one of these episodes. But it's very hard on his body (and on my mom) when this happens, so we're continuing to pray that his body adjusts to the dialysis and that the nurses and doctors quickly learn how to anticipate his unique needs and compensate with their treatments.
The appointments are being set up for that fistula surgery I mentioned in last week's post. This will be a more convenient and safer way to administer his dialysis. The next appointment (an ulstrasound to map out his veins) is scheduled for Monday.
In addition to doctors' appointments, we're looking forward to Dad's 60th birthday this coming Thursday! A great milestone; a great reason for a party.
Another reason to celebrate came along this week with the news that my sister is expecting a baby BOY at the end of May! For those of you keeping track, that will be 2 little boys this Spring (Adam and Sharon are expecting Baby Boy Bugg in early April). Austin is thrilled to assume the role of Big Brother for this little guy, and I know he will take his job seriously. He's already shared with Emily & James several topics he's going to be in charge of teaching the new baby (mostly how to play games on the Wii, I think). Andrew is thrilled that the boys will once again outnumber the girls!
We are fondly remembering the life (and mourning the loss) of my mom's aunt this week. My grandmother (my mom's mom) passed away right around this time 2 years ago, last year one of my grandmother's sister's passed away, and then this news a few days ago. Our prayers will be with all who gather in South Carolina this week
to comfort Aunt Rena's family.
This weekend, I am going to be at a women's retreat (cue Hallelujah chorus). I love this sort of thing. The theme of our weekend is based on a couple of verses... Hebrews 12, verses 1-2:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Our prayer request this week would be that my Dad continues to run this race (he & my mom are certainly in the perseverance stage) and to have a singular focus on Jesus.
Let that be my prayer, too!
Love,
Jenny
Comments
Bob, we are in constant thought of you and Patra. Patra, sorry about the loss of your aunt.
We pray also for the daily strength and the "routine" of the dialysis can come to a good place so all is well and that the fistula will help resolve some of the issues.
Take care my friends! The joy of the Lord is our strength!
Ted & Carol W
God continues to show HIMSELF faithful as you continue to keep on keeping on. Truly HIS strength has and is continuing to manifest itself in every way.
We look forward to seeing you in a bit over a week.
Sorry we will miss the big 60th, but Lex says save him some cake. You know Lex when it comes to eating.
Tennessee is experiencing lots of snow showers these days. This is most unusual for this time of the year up here. So you can imagine that the kids are loving it--days out of school and sledding and building snowpeople.
Well, bye for now. Know that we continue to pray and praise on your behalf.
We love you,
Lex and Linda
It was wonderful to see you both at church and Bible Study Class yesterday! Praise the Lord for your strength in caring for each other in such a loving way.
Our prayers continue for you and your dear family.
Romans 8:24-28
In Christ's love,
Ruthie & Dave Q.
Happy Birthday!!! This past year has had more than it's share of trying times, but it's great that it is behind you and you can look forward to a better tomarrow.
We enjoyed so much having David, Jenny, Andrew and Meagan up here for Christmas, and to have a white Christmas was even better. I'm sure that you have seen the pictures they took outside in the snow.
We are continuing to pray for strength for you and Patra as you go through these times of testing. God is faithful. We appreciate the updates on the blog.
We love you both,
Tom and Margie