Valentine's Wishes

"Valentine's Wishes"

(from Jenny)

Bob: "I wish I could get you a million diamonds for Valentine's Day."

Patra: "Aw, that's sweet. But I don't want diamonds." (then to herself: I just want you to get well...)

Bob: "I wish I could get you a million grandchildren for Valentine's Day."

Patra: "NOW you're talking!!"

And with two due dates fast-approaching, it looks like my dad's Valentine's wish isn't too far off the mark. As the spring approaches, we are excitedly anticipating the arrival of two little boys. Adam & Sharon are due at the beginning of April, and Emily & James will welcome their little guy at the end of May. That will be six grandchildren!


My dad reminded me yesterday that he was sitting in his nephrologist's office for his very first appointment when our little girl, Megan, was born. That was the "beginning", so to speak, of his fight against this nasty little disease. It's incredible to imagine that, despite the difficulties over the past 18 months, God will have blessed our family with FOUR new little lives in that same time period. He is SO good!




(A recent picture of the girls, Megan & Avery)

(A not-so-recent picture of the "big" boys, as we supposed they'll be referred to with two little boys coming soon!. These two never stop long enough anymore for us to capture their adventures!)

Despite the countless hours my parents have spent at various doctors, hospitals, and dialysis centers, I hadn't been to many of my dad's usual "hangouts" myself. On Thursday of this week, though, I dropped something off at his kidney doctor's office while running errands around town. I walked in and waited to speak with the receptionist while she cheerfully attended to about 65 tasks swirling around her. But in the midst of her multi-tasking, she kept looking up and checking in with me. "Be with you in a sec!" "You're next!" "I just need to do one quick thing and then I'll be with you!"

Then, she put a phone call on hold and looked directly at me. "I know who you are, by the way! You don't even have to tell me. You look just like your mom!"

I was stunned yet grateful. This woman probably handles about a thousand things and a hundred patients in the course of a day. But when she finally was able to greet me, she jumped out of her chair, ran around the reception area, flung open the door and gave me a hug. She expressed her affection for my parents then took the information I'd brought her and wished me a great day.

I left there so energized. I always love it when I'm recognized as my parents' kid! Even in my mid-thirties, I find that it gives me a sense of security to be identified as part of the "Bugg" family. And I know that my brother and sister would whole-heartedly agree.

I also left that doctor's office realizing anew that a cheerful heart truly is good medicine. I'm so grateful that the Lord has given my parents an amazing greeting each and every time they walk into the nephrologist's office through that young lady!

And speaking of nephrologists (kidney doctors)... my parents have spent quite a bit of time at their office this past week.

On Monday, my dad had an appointment in the morning, followed by dialysis in the afternoon. Because of his complications (his kidneys are producing urine again), he is losing significant fluids, proteins, etc. This takes a major physical toll on his body. He passed out after the doctor appointment. But the dialysis center that afternoon took great care to not only filter his blood but provide much-needed fluid replacements. They do an incredible job finding the balance between too much fluid, too little fluid, and all the other factors they must consider in my dad's unique situation.

Tuesday was dad's ultrasound and a renal scan. These tests were supposed to reveal what was happening inside to cause the urine production. While we hoped for answers, all we got instead was more confusion heaped on top of his already-complicated case. The doctors used words like "Impossible", "Baffled", and said that the scans didn't match the patient. He kidneys appear to still be shut down, yet he continues to lose fluids, proteins. A separate analysis of the fluids he's losing shows that they are not filtering out any of the toxins that kidneys are supposed to filter. His loss of fluids is so great that he's also lost 14 pounds since this complication arose on January 24. The doctors need to talk with his doctors at the Mayo Clinic. They also need to make a decision about what to do next (which will almost certainly include another surgery).

We ask for your prayers this week, especially for the doctors to be clear and wise about how to proceed.

Although his case is so very challenging, my dad is still hopeful and still wants to fight!! I'm grateful that his hope is placed in Jesus (who is never baffled or confused; with whom NOTHING is impossible!!)

We once again thank you, especially on this Valentine's weekend, for your love, prayers and support! You constantly remind us that you're "fighting" with us.

Thank you!