Today I filled Marks room with pictures of our family. I hung a large copy of our family over his bed. I put his cards on his wall. I played a little Jimmy Buffett next to his ear. He is a parrot head after all. I feel so helpless. The blood pressure medication seems to be working. They didn't take out the drain out of his head like we were hoping. They took him for his CAT scans and I will talk to the doctor about the results tomorrow. They kept him so sedated today. I know he was comfortable. They gave him a dose of potassium because his electrolytes were low and that was causing him some problems. They had to raise his oxygen level back to 45 from 40% because of the fluid in his lungs. He had a slight temp. of 101 and the gave him some Tylenol. They were going to have to use a chill pad to lower his body temp if the medication did not work. All in all he's holding on. It's just taking a while to get him were he needs to be for the next step.
The girls came to see him today and Matt saw his dad for the first time like this. He made a poster for his dad, and wanted to stay in the room for a while so we played some more music.
I know he is going to be ok. I guess it's just not fast enough. So I wait. I comfort other family's that have loves ones in ICU. And I count my blessings. .........Thank you for caring. Betty
Friday, July 13, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
13 comments:
Dear, dear Betty,
My heart goes out to you. Linda Kay and I talked about how much we were thinking of Mark and remembering him at the reunion last month, cooking his great casserole and asking the trivia questions -- I so wish this awful accident had not happened. All of this worry and responsibility is so hard on you, wish there was some way to help ease the pain. Wonderful that you put up the pictures and cards, Mark has always been so involved and loving to his family - we can always count on him to help when we need him, so now it is our turn.
When you talk to him you might let him know the exotic deer were around the barn this morning, 5 doe and a buck with gorgeous horns!When we talked about them last month that brought a sparkle to his eye.
This blog is wonderful and thank you for setting aside the time to let us all know the latest news. Y'all are so fortunate in having so many friends, and when I read the note this morning from Matt's friend it was so lovely it made me cry. What a great kid.
Love, Janet (Mark's cousin)
Betty, first thank you so much for taking your time away from Mark to keep us up-to-date on him. I check the blog a dozen times a day for updates. When I think of him, and that is all day long, I see him cooking that casserole at the reunion and being our MC. He is is my prayers for a very fast recovery and also thanking God for sparing him. Give my baby cousin a big hug for me (but not too big - it would hurt). Betty, you are in my prayers, also for strength during all of this. Tell Waymon and Sharon I am thinking of them and praying for them, too. I love you guys!! Linda Kay
Just got back into town. We were visiting Rebecca in NC and Shelley in AL. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Wish I could have been here for you, Meagan and the rest of the family. We will try to come by soon. Thanks for taking the time to post updates. We go crazy wondering what's going on and I know from experience that you tell someone a current status, hang up the phone, and then everything changes in the blink of an eye. So this is such a great idea to get the correct information out. Love all of you so much and you are such a special family. I know everything is going to turn out all right and something great will come from this in due time. Betty -- as Ronnie reminds me all the time -- remember as the airlines remind us that before you take care of someone else, secure your own oxygen mask first. Take time to take care of yourself so when Mark really needs you -- you will be fresh and ready to go. Except any help offered and be sure to call anyone who says please call if you need anything. I'm off work until August 8 except for a couple of weekend trips to weddings but other than that I am availble to do anything you need done. CALL! Donna
I have been in your place before and I know how hard the road can be. I know that your life has already prepared you with the strength to get through this and that you will be a great example to others. Having been through this with Grandpa S., I know it is possible but because of Gary I know you already have a miracle.
Someone in my real estate board sent a request for prayers. The internet has certainly changed the meaning of a prayer chain. I have received emails from all over the country saying that they are praying. I know you can feel it. Herb always said he knew he was wrapped up in a blanket of prayers when he had his brain/lung surgery so he felt it - he felt protected. My wish for Mark is that he only remember that feeling - one of comfort.
I will come to Texas when you say you need me but know that in my heart I am there.
Thanks to our sister, Lura, for setting up this blog.
Love to all
Betty
Everyone at work has Mark & family in their prayers.Please let me know when it would be a good time to come up to the hospital.
Harper Walker
Betty,
I just talked to Meagan and found out about Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She mentioned that you may need someone to feed the animals...I can do that. I am home all day. Please let me know if you need me to do that. Also, if there is anything else I can do for you, please let me know.
We love you all!!
Love,
Tina
Betty,
What a shock to hear about Mark. I am encouragded to read the of his improvements and positive signs of movement and awareness. You, Mark, and the kids are all in my prayers. Perhaps on my days off this next week I can visit with you at the hospital and either take you to eat or bring you something you would like. I am happy you have such a strong support group. If you cannot sleep and there is nobody to talk to in the middle of the night, Kathleen and I are on nights this weekend. Please call anytime.
I know you have a strong support group, but don't hesitate to ask for anything that I can help you with.
With Prayers and Love,
Cynthia
Betty,
Got the news a couple of days ago, and have had you and Mark in my thoughts and prayers.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you, even if you just need a home cooked meal, you know I'm good for it. What ever you need, let me know.
I'm so so sorry this terrible accident happened!
God Bless,
Kathleen
PS. Fred sends his prayers too, we're pulling for yall.
Hi Betty,
This blog thing is great. I know it helps cut down on telling the situation over and over again. Also, I heard writing down your feelings can help.. My family are praying as Dennis and I are every night. I know how I felt when Dennis was in his accident, so I imagine that you are feeling much worse. Don't let things get you down, just put it in Gods hands and let his will be done. If you need anything, no matter what it is, PLEASE give us a call.
Take care. Love you all..
Becky
Dear Betty,
You and Mark and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Call me any time you need to talk.
Judy & Dylan
Betty,
I read that Mark needed to be given blood. I don't know if the blood center will retro-act a donation, but I'll go donate in his name in the next few days, just in case he needs more.
Hope it helps,
Kathleen
Dear Betty, Kids, Wayman & Sharon
So sorry about Mark getting hurt but he has been a fighter ever since he was in diapers and I know he will get thru this. My prayers go out to all of you and Mark. I check the Blog every couple of hours and it is great that you have the information on it so we can keep informed. We all love Mark and are so very worried about him. I know he has so many friends and family that love him very much also. Wish there was something I could do besides just praying for him. If you need anything call me and I will do whatever I can to help. Give him a hug and kiss for me if you get a chance. Love to all.
Larry Don
WE HAVE A GREAT BIG WONDERFUL GOD
HIS WILLINGNESS EQUALS HIS ABILITY TO PUT FORTH HIS MIGHTY ARM
(ALL HIS RESOURCES)
TO BRING DELIVERANCE AND COMPLETE RESTORATION IN THIS SITUATION
HE CAN WORK WHEN WE BELIEVE
HE WOULD BE BREACHING OUR FREEDOM OF WILL IF HE WORKED WHEN WE DID NOT BELIEVE-BELIEVING IS NOT STRESSING AND STRAINING BUT SIMPLY BEING AT REST KNOWING OUR FATHER WANTS TO WORK
▼
Post a Comment