Time...time...time...

Since I last posted life has been kind of a blur.  In early August Rich had a quick, three day business trip out to San Francisco.  He had been having problems with pneumonia for about six weeks previously but had been on steroids and antibiotics so he left and had a good time with other contractors from the left coast.  However, when he returned it was evident that he just wasn't getting any better.  I asked him if he wanted to get in to see Dr. Dimeo (his pulmonologist) and he told me to make the appointment.  The earliest I could get him in was the following day...but I'm so glad that we did.

Dr. Dimeo met him at the lung functions booth and ordered blood work and x-rays.  When they got back to the room he asked Rich if he wanted to go to the hospital and Rich said, "no."  But Dr. Dimeo responded by telling him that he thought it would be best if he went right over.  While Dr. Dimeo made the hospital arrangements I took Rich over to the hospital where they ran more tests...and more tests...and put him on IV antibiotics, steroids, and breathing treatments.  That evening we learned that they had found blood clots in his lungs and legs.  Four days later he was able to come home with new courses of antibiotics, steroids, and blood thinners. 

Since then it has been non-stop doctor visits to the pulmonologist, primary care physician, cardiologist, coumadin clinics, the VA and tests and tests and tests.  Gratefully we have learned that the emboli didn't cause any other heart damage and his heart is doing well.  But it has been a very slow and long road to recovery.  We have been told that this is to be expected, especially with the degree of lung disfuction.  He has been on short-term disability since this happened but today we learned that the insurance company that has the company's policy is recommending that he move to the long term disability list and apply for social security disability.  I'm reluctant to go this route (there are no guarantees) because I know that Rich still has lots to contribute but perhaps this is something that we need to consider if we are to safeguard his health.  The VA put him back on oxygen yesterday and I am anxious to see how he does with that.  Two years ago, after the respiratory failure, Dr. May put him on it and told him that it would help him get better because he would not be using all his energy to breathe and his lungs would have a chance to rest and heal a little.  It took about 5-6 months but sure enough, he was able to get off it.  Perhaps it will be the same this time.  The coumadin is getting more and more stable so he is only having to go to the clinic once this week!  Yea!!!

We have talked about retiring and going on a mission but haven't wanted to do that just yet...but perhaps he'll be doing most of his service as a genealogy extractor.  He doesn't have to move too much to do that!  LOL

Well, Wanda, Mary, Ruth, Moroni, and Hyrum came down to visit for a couple of weeks a couple of days after Rich got home.  It was so much fun to have them and while they were here we were able to help Wanda make a king-size quilt, went to Dixie Stampede, and just had so much fun being with them.

The following week Rich's sister and brother-in-law, Marsha and Blair, came to visit and that too was fun.  We didn't do too much.  They came up to give their van to Bob so that he would have some dependable transportation.  It was this week, too, that Bob signed his paperwork for his new home.  He was truly excited and we are happy for him.  Unfortunately Rich couldn't help him at all per dr's orders and I was worthless because I was undergoing the synvisc injections to my knees.  It took him nearly a month but he is finally settled.  However, just a few weeks later he lost his job and has been looking for one ever since.  He has a good lead tomorrow and we certainly hope it works out.

Marsha and Blair came back for a visit when Jeanie and LeRoy came out a couple weeks later.  It was the first time that everyone had been together since Mom B.'s funeral.  We didn't do an awful lot except eat and talk and laugh.  It is such a wonderful thing to have family.

The next week I had a friend come visit from Illinois.  I had "met" her through the Biggest Loser Club and it was so much fun to get to meet her in real life.  We spent a day in the Smokies, saw The Miracle and went to the dinner theater The Hatfields and the McCoys. 

The following week Marsha and Blair returned for the anniversary of Mom B.'s death.  We planted a few more flowers at the grave and just enjoyed their company. 

Late last week Joey returned home from Iraq.  I am profoundly grateful for his safe return and so grateful that his little family has been well for this long deployment.  Now they begin the long journey of reuniting as a family.  I pray that it will be much easier than it so often is after a long separation.  They are coming to visit this weekend and I can hardly wait to see them.

On the 12th of this month I celebrated the 7th anniversary of my Mother's death.  Celebrate?  I guess that is what it really is.  I kind of think of it as a graduation from mortality but I have to say that I have missed her and thought about her more than ever.  I so wish I could talk to her, although I will admit freely that I do talk with her often throughout the day or from time to time as circumstances dictate.  Lately I have been praying that the Lord will have found us (Me, Mike, Derk, Brad, Jim, and Chad) worthy and having learned what we need to so that He will take Dad to be with Her.  His decline has been remarkable.  Most of the time he has no idea who he is talking to when I call, or can't follow the conversation, or doesn't even know where he is when I call.  I can only assume that we have things to learn and prove because I see no other reason or purpose for his time here.  I know that his love for mom is eternal.  He has been lost since she has been gone and has tried valiantly to go on but he has been lost nevertheless.

Well - I have pics to share but Cherstin should be at swim lessons right now so I will have her consult with me tomorrow so that I can post them.  I am so grateful for this medium...I certainly type faster than I write...now if I would just type more often! LOL