Saturday, March 24, 2007

The End of the Beginning

Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.


As threatened, Dad finally moved off the ICU floor up to a luxurious suite on 16. That may sound sarcastic, but with wood floors, a lovely dining table and a private bathroom, this is the good life--a far cry from the dark, loud, community ICU. He is unhooked from most monitoring devices, but has a few tubes left to pump fluids and the all-important pain medicines. The hospital gown is gone in favor of cotton t-shirts and pajama pants and on his head, the Texas Tech baseball cap. Still tucked in a bag are the New Balance 991s...maybe for another day.

Although some things like clothes seem more "normal," the pounding headaches continue. As the nurses warned, this is definitely a rollercoaster of up and down moments. Dad has tried to describe the head pain, but says it's something pretty indescribable...like pressure is just building up behind his eyes with no relief. When he gets the right combination of medicine, it seems to work, but often leaves him so woozy and "out of it" that it seems just as bad. Ugh.

Dad is still within the critical 14-day period, so this is what to expect. Each day the doppler reveals that the vasospams are non-existent, so this is good, but somewhat confusing to be in so much pain without spasms.

We covet your prayers for God to ease Dad's pain. As Dad said, "Let's keep the hammer down on the praying." As family and friends, we keep wanting to hear the official "We're out of the woods," from the doctors...but those words have yet to come. While everything looks overwhlemingly positive, the doctors remind us that there are no guarantees. Of course, that's true for everything in life, but it is a different reality when various medical professionals are using those words every day.

The blessing of God's promises through his Word have sustained us. The morning of Dad's hemorrage, Mom wrote down and prayed the verse at the top of today's blog. Feeling anxious about several situations, she prayed through each one and surrendered them to God. Little did she know that God was preparing her for the ride of her life. Still, it's amazing how quickly we want to choose to worry about bumps in the road instead of continuing to trust God. We are really learning how faith and trust are renewed every single day and how trust is a choice.

We know you are praying and for that we are so thankful. As with all rollercoaster rides, there are moments of delight, terror, confusion and anticipation...and moments you feel them all at once. Thanks for riding the rollercoaster with us and thanks again for lifting Dad before the Lord, who does all things well.

8 comments:

gwynne said...

Dear Galanos Klan...OK...let's make it a red roller coaster at the State Fair of Texas. Right now it sounds like this was an "upside down" day...and we're hoping for that sweeping relief you feel after that section of the ride. Just know that we are hanging on the bar with you...and praying for mercy and pain relief. Trusting for a good night for all...and Nicole...when all this settles down...as good as your brownies are (and they ARE) I think you should seriously consider a writing career...Love Gwynne

Brenda said...

Nicole, (et all)
I agree with Gwynne--you definitely have a career in writing. It is so good to read each day what is happening. You and your dad and mom are constantly in my prayers as well as Brad, Jackson and Lilly. I was thrilled to read that Chris is out of ICU even with all of the disclaimers. We are praying for much less pain and encouragement for all of you.
Blessings,
Brenda

wayne & sandra said...

Hang in there buddy..God is faithful, good, just and loves you even with that Red Raider hat on. We continue to pray for you and looking forward to what God can do, an exceedingly greater recovery than we could ever imagine. We continue to pray for you and your family.

Wayne and Sandra

wayne & sandra said...

Hang in there buddy..God is faithful, good, just and loves you even with that Red Raider hat on. We continue to pray for you and looking forward to what God can do, an exceedingly greater recovery than we could ever imagine. We continue to pray for you and your family.

Wayne and Sandra

susan jahns said...

Chris, Carla and family,
Our prayers continue, even from Florida. What great comfort to know that your head, in fact, all of you, is in the palm of God's hand. Hang in there, Chris--you are in the last miles of that 26 mile marathon!
We love you guys.
Constantly praying,
Randy and Susan

Rick Benware said...

Chris, Carla, Nicole, Brad, Mark, & Kari,
We continue to pray to the Lord for you and are thankful for the move out of ICU! I wanted to encourage you and share with you the words of a song, At the Cross, by Darlene Zschech/Reuben Morgan (Copyright 2006 Hillsong Publishing)

V1
Oh Lord You've searched me, You know my way.
Even when I fail You, I know You love me.
V2
Your holy presence surrounding me. In every season, I know You love me. I know You love me.
Chorus
At the cross I bow my knee, where Your blood was shed for me. There's no greater love than this,
You have overcome the grave, glory fills the highest place, what can separate me now.
V3
You go before me, You shield my way.
Your hand upholds me, I know You love me.
(Chorus)
Bridge
You tore the veil, You made a way, when You said that is is done.
You tore the veil, You made a way, when You said that is is done.
V4
And when the earth fades, falls from my eyes.
And You stand before me, I know You love me.
I know You love me.
(Chorus)

May God continue to strengthen you, Chris, and heal you completely.
Love,
Rick & Jodi

Unknown said...

Nicole-
I echo the sentiments of your writing...maybe when this is all passed, you and your family should write a devotional?

Chris-
I am so glad that you have moved up to the suite! But these are not the frequent traveler points that you want...so get better soon and move home! Of course, you (and your family) are in my prayers.

Hugs and smiles-
Emma

Pat said...

Dear Chris, Carla & Family -- So glad to hear you're out of ICU & enjoying your new digs...well, as much as anyone can enjoy a hospital room! Can only imagine how sharp you look in your Red Raiders hat. We think, however, that you'd look much better in orange, so we'd like to send you an Illini hat. No more Chief Illiniwek but at least we can still say Ilini!!!
Today we are praying specifically for an end to the head pain. Hang in there, Chris.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22
We love you all -- Pat & Marty