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