Over the past few months, we have had some hard moments but I think this past Tuesday was the hardest day we have had yet. My dad was congested all day, requiring constant usage of various medical equipment to help him. We also needed to lift him several times to help him breath better. For a good portion of the day and even part of the night we needed 2-3 caregivers present to help with various tasks. It was tiring, and hard to see my dad like that.
Praise the Lord, though, for a variety of things. That several caregivers were available to help that day, that his congestion cleared up by the late evening and he slept well, that he woke up with no congestion, and that we know that no matter what comes our way the Lord will help us through it!
Today is proving to be another really rough day for my dad (which then means a rough day for all of us). He is very congested, and needing constant help. We are happy to help, but it gets overwhelming after awhile. We would greatly appreciate your prayers.
Thank you all! We are so blessed to have your prayers and support though this difficult time!
Michelle
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Photos
As I look at some recent photos I smile knowing my dad has been enjoying his grandkids. Senna and Ethan helped Nana decorate the Christmas tree this year...and they loved every minute of it! It was all within view of Dad, so he got to enjoy their squeels of delight!
Another photo is one of Ethan "reading" a book to his Papa. They are both smiling, and I know they both enjoyed themselves that day together.
What interesting weather this pre-winter has brought in! A huge thanks to all our friends who helped my parents get a generator the night the power went out! No sooner did they get a generator, and figure out how it works, did the power go out. It's like the Lord was holding off the 2 day power outage until there would be power to run my dad's cough assist and other machines....not to mention heat!
Dad's health continues to slowly decline and we are extremely cautious about any potential germs he may come in contact with. He has less of a voice (we think partially due to the cough assist machine), and that just makes our guessing game of what he is saying even harder. But all in all, he is in good spirits. It is a tough time for all of us, but we know the Lord is with us and is helping us through this. What peace there is in knowing this life is not the end....just the beginning of something absolutedly amazing and full of LIFE!
The phrase from David and Karen Maines' book comes to mind: "To the King, to the Kingdom, to the Restoration!"
Michelle
Another photo is one of Ethan "reading" a book to his Papa. They are both smiling, and I know they both enjoyed themselves that day together.
What interesting weather this pre-winter has brought in! A huge thanks to all our friends who helped my parents get a generator the night the power went out! No sooner did they get a generator, and figure out how it works, did the power go out. It's like the Lord was holding off the 2 day power outage until there would be power to run my dad's cough assist and other machines....not to mention heat!
Dad's health continues to slowly decline and we are extremely cautious about any potential germs he may come in contact with. He has less of a voice (we think partially due to the cough assist machine), and that just makes our guessing game of what he is saying even harder. But all in all, he is in good spirits. It is a tough time for all of us, but we know the Lord is with us and is helping us through this. What peace there is in knowing this life is not the end....just the beginning of something absolutedly amazing and full of LIFE!
The phrase from David and Karen Maines' book comes to mind: "To the King, to the Kingdom, to the Restoration!"
Michelle
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Halloween and Birthdays
This month has gone by so fast. One favorite memory of mine was actually October 31st. The grandkids all came over to mom and dad's house dressed up in costumes ready to hand out candy to anyone who came to the door. Ethan made sure Papa was a part of things by making a costume for him! He cut strips along a paper bag making a hula skirt. And found a fake lei for Papa to wear. So we laid the items on top of dad as he lay on his hospital bed. It was great!
Something dad has been asking us to do lately is to the lower his bed as low as it can go when the grandkids come over. That way they can see him, and he can see them. Ethan likes to push the big brown chair over next to the bed so he can climb up and be right next to Papa...especially when he wants to kiss him hello or goodbye.
Last night we celebrated Ethan's birthday over at mom and dad's house. Ethan, Senna, and Marcelo all "performed" various songs for everyone. Ethan got a pretend guitar and keyboard, so the two little ones attempted to play the keyboard together, while Ethan played the guitar. Ethan enjoys getting his stool, standing on it to perform, making sure Papa can see him, along with everyone else. They are pretty funny to watch!
Dad's health continues to slowly decline. We are very careful to not expose him to any colds, coughs, etc. He seems steady for a week or so, then he has a rough couple of days, then a new normal starts again for a week or more. Nothing giant, but definately a slow decline. We have had to cut back on his food intake a bit since his body wasn't absorbing all that we were giving him through the food peg. I know we'd all like to think this is a temporary issue, but more than likely it's just another way his body is declining.
Although it is hard for all of us to understand him, we are finding that certain family members are now acting as "interpreters" for other family members or caregivers. It's kind of funny sometimes, and yet frustrating as well. I wonder if for those of us who "interpret" it counts as knowing a second language. =)
That's all for now. Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and encouragement. We love you!
Michelle
Something dad has been asking us to do lately is to the lower his bed as low as it can go when the grandkids come over. That way they can see him, and he can see them. Ethan likes to push the big brown chair over next to the bed so he can climb up and be right next to Papa...especially when he wants to kiss him hello or goodbye.
Last night we celebrated Ethan's birthday over at mom and dad's house. Ethan, Senna, and Marcelo all "performed" various songs for everyone. Ethan got a pretend guitar and keyboard, so the two little ones attempted to play the keyboard together, while Ethan played the guitar. Ethan enjoys getting his stool, standing on it to perform, making sure Papa can see him, along with everyone else. They are pretty funny to watch!
Dad's health continues to slowly decline. We are very careful to not expose him to any colds, coughs, etc. He seems steady for a week or so, then he has a rough couple of days, then a new normal starts again for a week or more. Nothing giant, but definately a slow decline. We have had to cut back on his food intake a bit since his body wasn't absorbing all that we were giving him through the food peg. I know we'd all like to think this is a temporary issue, but more than likely it's just another way his body is declining.
Although it is hard for all of us to understand him, we are finding that certain family members are now acting as "interpreters" for other family members or caregivers. It's kind of funny sometimes, and yet frustrating as well. I wonder if for those of us who "interpret" it counts as knowing a second language. =)
That's all for now. Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and encouragement. We love you!
Michelle
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Dates with "Papa"
This past week Ethan (almost 4 years old) and Papa had a "date" together. Ethan asked me how Papa could have a "date" with him since he cannot get out of the house and doesn't get in his wheelchair. I told him some "dates" people have inside a house....as long as they are doing something together.
So....Ethan and Papa got matching tattoos! =) The kid kind that's supposedly supposed to come off with soap and water. (I say supposedly because they are both still wearing their tattoos...but no longer by choice). =)
Ethan and I found some tattoos that say "Jesus Is The Light" on them...so that's what we used. Then Ethan went on to "perform" the SEEDS worship music song of John 8:12 "Jesus said I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
We are looking forward to more grandkid "dates" in the future. If you have any ideas for us, feel free to post them.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers! We are blessed, and we love you!
Michelle
p.s., Nana (Carol) also had a "date" with Ethan this past week. They went to Fish Park for an "adventure" followed by an cone at McDonalds. As they went through the drive thru and had already ordered the cone, Ethan told Nana to tell the people at the window to please put ice cream in the cone. He thought Nana only ordered a cone...but no ice cream!
So....Ethan and Papa got matching tattoos! =) The kid kind that's supposedly supposed to come off with soap and water. (I say supposedly because they are both still wearing their tattoos...but no longer by choice). =)
Ethan and I found some tattoos that say "Jesus Is The Light" on them...so that's what we used. Then Ethan went on to "perform" the SEEDS worship music song of John 8:12 "Jesus said I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
We are looking forward to more grandkid "dates" in the future. If you have any ideas for us, feel free to post them.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers! We are blessed, and we love you!
Michelle
p.s., Nana (Carol) also had a "date" with Ethan this past week. They went to Fish Park for an "adventure" followed by an cone at McDonalds. As they went through the drive thru and had already ordered the cone, Ethan told Nana to tell the people at the window to please put ice cream in the cone. He thought Nana only ordered a cone...but no ice cream!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Update from Michelle
It is amazing that it is already October. My dad has been home from his long hospital stay for a little over three months now. Much has changed since before his hospital stay, but I think we have finally found a "new normal" for now.
I can't thank all of you enough for your prayers, notes of encouragement, meals, babysitting, and volunteering! We have been amazed at God's goodness during all of this. We can't imagine going through these hard times without the Lord and without our church family. You are a wonderful blessing!
"The New Normal" may be difficult for some of you to hear. But I think it's important for you to know how significant the changes have been over the past several months. Prior to the long hospital stay my dad was in his wheel chair every day for most of the day. He could manage it himself, and would often enjoy "driving" into the backyard to read his kindle and enjoy the outdoors. Now, he lays in a hospital bed all day long in the living room. He is basically paralyzed from the neck down, and receives all his meals through a food peg. He requires a caregiver 24/7, and his speech is often hard to understand. BUT, he is in good spirits!
Us kids are over there daily--visiting, helping, etc. And we have a wonderful crew of caregivers that allow my mom to sleep at night and take a bit of a break in the afternoons. We couldn't do it without them!
This past month we also received some encouraging news! There is an ALS Doctor here in Poulsbo! She doesn't advertise because she only takes on a few clients in order to be home with her kids when they are not in school. My dad's ALS doctor from the UW put us in touch with her, and she has accepted my dad as a patient. Not only that....she makes house calls!!! When we met with her she gave some great ideas of things we can be doing with dad. AND she thinks it might be possible to help build back up some strength in my dad's back and neck to allow him to sit in his wheelchair briefly each day. It will take some time, but I know we were all encouraged at the possibility!
In the meantime my dad passes his time watching the news, listening to audio books, listening to music, and visiting with family. Please don't hesitate to drop them a note of encouragement. They enjoy hearing from you!
He is still not taking many visitors. As you can understand he only has minimal energy to expend, and he wishes to spend it with his wife, kids, and grandkids as much as possible. Thank you for understanding.
Again, thank you all for the wonderful blessing you have been, and are, to the Pearson family. We are blessed.
Michelle
I can't thank all of you enough for your prayers, notes of encouragement, meals, babysitting, and volunteering! We have been amazed at God's goodness during all of this. We can't imagine going through these hard times without the Lord and without our church family. You are a wonderful blessing!
"The New Normal" may be difficult for some of you to hear. But I think it's important for you to know how significant the changes have been over the past several months. Prior to the long hospital stay my dad was in his wheel chair every day for most of the day. He could manage it himself, and would often enjoy "driving" into the backyard to read his kindle and enjoy the outdoors. Now, he lays in a hospital bed all day long in the living room. He is basically paralyzed from the neck down, and receives all his meals through a food peg. He requires a caregiver 24/7, and his speech is often hard to understand. BUT, he is in good spirits!
Us kids are over there daily--visiting, helping, etc. And we have a wonderful crew of caregivers that allow my mom to sleep at night and take a bit of a break in the afternoons. We couldn't do it without them!
This past month we also received some encouraging news! There is an ALS Doctor here in Poulsbo! She doesn't advertise because she only takes on a few clients in order to be home with her kids when they are not in school. My dad's ALS doctor from the UW put us in touch with her, and she has accepted my dad as a patient. Not only that....she makes house calls!!! When we met with her she gave some great ideas of things we can be doing with dad. AND she thinks it might be possible to help build back up some strength in my dad's back and neck to allow him to sit in his wheelchair briefly each day. It will take some time, but I know we were all encouraged at the possibility!
In the meantime my dad passes his time watching the news, listening to audio books, listening to music, and visiting with family. Please don't hesitate to drop them a note of encouragement. They enjoy hearing from you!
He is still not taking many visitors. As you can understand he only has minimal energy to expend, and he wishes to spend it with his wife, kids, and grandkids as much as possible. Thank you for understanding.
Again, thank you all for the wonderful blessing you have been, and are, to the Pearson family. We are blessed.
Michelle
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Recent Happenings:
We celebrated Marcelo’s first birthday yesterday with family and Marc seems to have the magic touch with Marcelo. Our son won’t kiss anyone else in the family but apparently Marcelo knows to take advantage of the time he has with his Papa!
Currently, Marc is reading (via caregivers) Case for Faith and Case for Christ. Next on the list is How to Win Friends and Influence People with Missy. Of course, The Bible is not too far out of his sights as well. And JP just bought a joke book and when he reads them there is constant laughing from the two of them.
Currently, Marc is reading (via caregivers) Case for Faith and Case for Christ. Next on the list is How to Win Friends and Influence People with Missy. Of course, The Bible is not too far out of his sights as well. And JP just bought a joke book and when he reads them there is constant laughing from the two of them.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Well, it has been a while and much has taken place since the last blog. I (Mario) am writing this, and will be, on behalf of the rest of the family to keep you updated on us.
Many of you have experienced his decline in mobility until his retirement in November of 2009 and saw him go from walker to motorized wheelchair. Since retiring, he has not been able to be at church but this was because of some issues he was having with the motorized wheelchair that was to be compatible with the wonderful ADA certified minivan that the CMC congregation helped purchase for him. The process of getting the right wheelchair with all the right components was just one of the many hoops he has wrestled with during this time.
From retirement until the end of May, his decline was fairly slow. There were some moments that caused him to go to the hospital but there was nothing too unexpected. The end of May, however, found Marc in the Bremerton hospital due to a cough. After being there for 20 days, he was released to the Hospice Care Center where he stayed for five days before returning home. He still coughs and is congested, but we now have some tools to help deal with them that we didn’t have before the hospital stay.
Many people have asked, “How is Marc doing? Is he back home?” The answer is yes, but we hope you understand that this doesn’t mean that he is better, or back to where he was before the hospital stay. It means that with the help of caregivers, volunteers, and Hospice we feel we can currently manage to take care of him from home.
Currently, Marc has someone caring for him 24-7 to help him with his needs. He is able to get into his wheelchair for about an hour each day, and has really been enjoying the beautiful weather we are having.
We have been blessed with many volunteers and yet, there is always a need for more. Marc is not taking visitors at this point – while we know he loves people, he simply doesn’t have the energy to entertain or converse for very long right now. And what little energy he does have he desires to spend with family.
There have been some bright moments in the midst of the time passing and future blogs will offer some of those things. The goal in this one was to catch you up to speed so you wouldn’t feel so in the dark. I know that Marc has blessed so many, and many want to know how to help. Future blogs will also talk about this as well. In the meantime, pray for our family, in particular Marc and Carol as they go through this time of transition.
Many of you have experienced his decline in mobility until his retirement in November of 2009 and saw him go from walker to motorized wheelchair. Since retiring, he has not been able to be at church but this was because of some issues he was having with the motorized wheelchair that was to be compatible with the wonderful ADA certified minivan that the CMC congregation helped purchase for him. The process of getting the right wheelchair with all the right components was just one of the many hoops he has wrestled with during this time.
From retirement until the end of May, his decline was fairly slow. There were some moments that caused him to go to the hospital but there was nothing too unexpected. The end of May, however, found Marc in the Bremerton hospital due to a cough. After being there for 20 days, he was released to the Hospice Care Center where he stayed for five days before returning home. He still coughs and is congested, but we now have some tools to help deal with them that we didn’t have before the hospital stay.
Many people have asked, “How is Marc doing? Is he back home?” The answer is yes, but we hope you understand that this doesn’t mean that he is better, or back to where he was before the hospital stay. It means that with the help of caregivers, volunteers, and Hospice we feel we can currently manage to take care of him from home.
Currently, Marc has someone caring for him 24-7 to help him with his needs. He is able to get into his wheelchair for about an hour each day, and has really been enjoying the beautiful weather we are having.
We have been blessed with many volunteers and yet, there is always a need for more. Marc is not taking visitors at this point – while we know he loves people, he simply doesn’t have the energy to entertain or converse for very long right now. And what little energy he does have he desires to spend with family.
There have been some bright moments in the midst of the time passing and future blogs will offer some of those things. The goal in this one was to catch you up to speed so you wouldn’t feel so in the dark. I know that Marc has blessed so many, and many want to know how to help. Future blogs will also talk about this as well. In the meantime, pray for our family, in particular Marc and Carol as they go through this time of transition.
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