Psalm 126:3The LORD has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.
We (the caretakers) are overwhelmingly glad to report that Dad has had his best day thus far. His pain meds had been prescribed "as needed" which meant Dad basically had to have an excrutiating headache before he'd ask for more. However, we had a little pow-wow with the nurses last night and figured out that a four-hour pain relief regimen would do the trick. Sure enough, Dad's pain subsided in the dark hours of the morning and he (and his meds) kept it mercifully under control today.
Dad's main neurosurgeon was gone, so during rounds today his partner checked in and thought Dad looked great. "You really dodged a bullet," was his assessment of God's mercy in Dad's life. The doctor essentially gave him a knuckle bump and predicted he'd be hanging around the hospital just a little while longer. That said, even Dad is not quite ready to go home. What tomorrow holds is unknown and he wants to pass the 14-day mark (Tues/Wed) with flying colors and no vasospams, not to mention getting the headaches and pain management under control.
As you can see from the photo, Dad was cruising the halls in his 991's, pole in tow. He didn't seem weak, and as you know, he's been perfecting the Old Man Walk since his early 40's. Dad is taking it slow, recognizing the recovery will be done over weeks, not days. We are ready to interrogate the doctor tomorrow with a few more specifics as to a rehab regimen. But as another gracious gift, all the doctors feel a complete recovery is to be expected.
At church this morning, we were reminded that our joy is in our salvation, and for that grace alone, we overflow with grateful and thankful hearts. God's abundant blessing in extending Dad's life is just icing on the cake--and how sweet it is! If you need a jolt of God's goodness, or just to gain some perspective, check out http://www.irvingbible.org/index.php?id=82 and click on the sermon from 3/25. At the end of the service, Mom lit a candle...not for Dad, but as a light of praise to Christ, so all who saw it would know that God works miracles in lives even today.
As a sidenote, we (Brad & Nicole) also sold our house. Nothing is too hard for God.
11 comments:
Dear All...wow and wow and wow...Three cheers for God, Chris, Real Estate...Such great news...I've been surfing for the blog all day...happy to get such a GREAT report...and of course, Chris crusing the halls in the MARATHON sweatshirt...
(Sometimes selling houses is a marathon too...and finding parking places at Baylor:):)
Thanking God and sharing the joy with you all tonight..Love Gwynne and Don
Wow--it was great to see the picture of Chris cruising the halls! We rejoice with you and with Brad and Nicole on selling their house!
God has done great things!!!!!
Randy and Susan
EXCELLENT!!!! for all the good reports! I was half expecting to see the Texas Tech cap?! But it probably does clash with the rest of the outfit...
The treasure I share with you comes from a Beth Moore study on the Fruit of the Spirit (this week is gentleness...)
"As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right." Jeremiah 26:14.
Beth writes this definition for gentleness: meekness, mildness, forbearance. Primarily it does NOT denote outward expression of feeling, but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of God's dealings with us considering them good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him.
Rest in God's arms!
love-
Emma
Hi Chris and Family,
All praise to our Father and thanks to all of you caretakers for this wonderful God-honoring report. Chris many of the guys in our BSF group are checking the blog regularly as they continue to pray. During our calls on Sunday afternoon many ask me to assure you of their prayers for you and your family. We will miss you at discussion group tonight. Boy, could you give some 'real time confirmation' of the teachings and truth we are studying in Romans. I think Paul might like to use your story in one of his chapters. We are saving your chair and look forward to seeing you back very soon. My own health junk seems to be clearing up so I am hopeful of visiting when it is safe to do so. BSF Dick
Nicole & Brad-- Congratulations on selling the house! See? I told you that it would happen. Patience is a beautiful thing! This is all great news about Chris. I'm so glad he's doing so well. I know he's got to be tired of the headaches-- I'll keep praying for pain relief in that category. Please know that your family is so special to me. My heart just ached when all of this first happened. But you all sure have shown the light of Christ in your words and actions through all of this. It's been fun to watch Him work His miracles. Love to you all and continuing in prayer... Shack
Chris,
Praise the Lord for the 991's hitting the hospital floors! Our Father is so awesome! Nicole thank you for all the udpates and congrats to Brad and you on the sale of your home! May the Lord continue to bless all of you!!
Rick & Jodi
Dear Chris and Team Galanos,
Yea!!! I am so glad to hear the good report all around and Chris you look great! Your smile made me smile. I am praising God for His Goodness and faithfulness.
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness."
And I ditto Gwynne about Nicole's writing ability. I have so loved and looked forward to reading your blog each day. Nicole you are really a very clever and gifted writer. Congratulations on the sale of your home! How sweet of our God to tend to that detail during this trying week. He is truly sufficient for all our needs. I am so happy to share in your joy and will continue to keep you all in our prayers.
I love you,
Betty
Wow! A walking miracle. When the going gets tough, lean into the MASTER. You have always done that and once again, HE has delivered. Love you bud!
He Walks!
Glad to see those 991's back on your feet. You look maavelous.
I enjoyed our conversation on Sunday. You are truly on the mend.
I hope you have access to this song by Casting Crowns:
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as You mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will life my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
Good morning, Chris! I hope you had a restful night and that your headaches are lessening. I came across a joke email that I thought was funny and thought you might want to laugh a little too about now. Of course, you should only read these (or have them read to you) if your nurse agrees that laughing is good for the soul...
Here are a variety of "why?" questions that should make you think (and groan since you probably do some of them!)
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are
going dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is
not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but
check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a
revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are
always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that
something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum
cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give
the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping
cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it
isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off
the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when
we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
keep smiling! love- Emma
Wow! It has been a few days since I have checked this and I can't believe all that has happened. God is so good!
Chris, Jack and I have been praying for you (and for the whole family as well)! It really is so great to witness God's goodness. You will continue to be in our prayers! We love you!
Emily (and Jack)
P.S. Nicole...thanks so much for keeping us all updated. It really is wonderful to have specific things to pray for and to see your dad's wonderful progress!
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