Even When

Luke got to visit his grandpa and say goodbye the other night (7-26-07)....it was heart wrenching to watch, but he wanted to go. He drew a beautiful picture when he got home of him and Grandpa Bob holding hands (with Dad's hair a mess - ha!), and I hope he always remembers the time as special. (I know the picture is a little blurry...it's the only one we have of that moment. Luke was showing Dad his missing tooth.)

Yesterday (7-27-07) was a GREAT day! Dad slept better the night before and awoke at 9 AM to take a shower! After his shower, he continued to be quasi-normal! Among the small victories yesterday was the coherence. It seemed like he was with us all day, and in to the evening. He actually fed himself for lunch (mashed potatoes and peas) and dinner (Bob Evans mac and cheese and biscuits and gravy). Later, my cousin Greg brought him a McDonald's chocolate milkshake. He perked right up for that! :)

We had real conversations with him yesterday - not just him answering yes or no questions. He even told Jenny he thought the Lord was healing him.

He kept asking Jenny and me if he had missed something because we were making such a big deal about the normal, every day things like holding his own cup. He said he remembered a lot of the days before when we thought he was in a fog. I told him we were amazed because the doctor had only given him the 2 - 3 days to live. He got quiet then. I finished with, "Dad, it's the third day." He looked up and said, "I serve a great big wonderful God." I got chills...

He joked with us, and we had a great day. It gave us hope.

Today he slept most of the day. When I left at 5:30 he had only woken up to change clothes and answer a few questions all day. He hadn't had much to drink and hadn't had anything to eat. I think yesterday wore him out.

Even if he takes another turn for the worse, I will always remember yesterday and feel blessed. We prayed for a miracle, and maybe that was it....maybe there is more in store....whatever the case, God will be praised - even when I don't understand...even when I can't see His plan.