Tuesday, 5pm

Katie and I just got off the phone a couple of hours ago, and it took until now for anyone to have a moment for an update.  We're sorry to have kept you all hanging!   As a rule, it's a good assumption for everyone to make that if there is a slight lag in the daily post, that things are going well but that the day is busy--certainly we will always post quickly when there is big news to report.

For those who have been following Jerry's story thus far, you know that all of the days spent in the hospital have been busy--bringing with them both surprises and challenges.  But probably more then any other day, today was exceptionally that way.  

First off, the biggest news is that Jerry got to have Round Table Pizza's Maui Zaui for lunch.  Upon being presented with a lunch tray of hospital pizza that was less than appealing, Katie found that there was a Round Table within one mile of the hospital.  Why eat hospital pizza if you can do better? So, needless to say, lunch was a huge highlight today.  And isn't God good to have put a Round Table in such close proximity?  

But beyond lunch, as Katie noted in one of yesterday's posts, today was a big day in that Jerry's whole team met with them to discuss his care plans for the next several weeks.  In typical MacCallister style, Jerry is flying through his milestones with his physical recovery, and because of that, some big changes are ahead in the next couple of days.

First, plans are in place to transfer Jerry tomorrow from his current room in the Rehabilitation Trauma Center down to the regular Rehab Center.  Not only is his room number changing, but he will also go from having a private room to one shared with two or three roommates.  While this may be good in that he will have companionship and hopefully some camaraderie, there are some downsides too--the main one being that he can no longer have overnight guests.  Praise God, his nights have been hallucination and anxiety free of late, but obviously there is worry about being by himself as he sleeps. 

There are also changes to Jerry's level of care in terms of nursing staff--instead of sharing a nurse with only one other patient, he will share with up to 6 patients.  So, there was much discussion today between the MacCallisters and Jerry's medical team as to how these changes will impact the rhythm of Jerry's days, as well as those of his family. 

 

Beyond these practical matters, discussion also went on as to what he can expect for his care in both the immediate and long term future, as well as some explanations on what he can expect in terms of recovery over the coming weeks, months and years.  As you can imagine, this meeting was extremely difficult for Dennis, Katie and Jerry to withstand.   

In many ways, it was the first "sit down" that had occurred, and it felt a lot like a nasty reality check as they got some perspective on what lies ahead.  As they looked in on the rehab gym and saw various patients engaged in therapy, seeing all of the wheelchairs and people was really tough.  It is tough for all of us to accept that Jerry's current reality includes these things, and it is tough for Jerry to grasp what his abilities currently are, as well as the limits to what they may be.

But for now, as Jerry moves down to rehab, Dennis and Katie are really focusing on what Jerry can do to continually keep his body ready and able to recover.  As Dennis said, the key is to take everything one day at at time--to wake up each morning and tackle each task, be it breathing treatments, physical therapy, occupational therapy--whatever it is.   Because really, taken long term or too far, it's overwhelming.  And impossible.  But taken daily, and broken down into smaller tasks, it's do-able.  And until Jerry's current reality changes, this is how it will be done.  Day by day.  Task by task.   The MacCallister way.

So there is much to pray for here.  And as I talked with Dennis and Katie, here is where we all can focus over the next couple of days:

1.  First, pray that Jerry's body would continue to strengthen and heal.  Pray that the strange sensations and feelings that he has would truly be the hand of God mending and changing his circumstance.  Pray for Jerry's mind and heart.  Pray that he would be protected from fear and anxiety, and pray that he would be free from despair and frustration.   Pray that he would be matched up with exactly the right nursing staff as he makes his move to the rehab unit tomorrow, pray that he would be comfortable and have confidence in their care.  Pray that his roommates would prove to be companions and friends, as if God chose them out exactly for him.  Pray more then anything else that he would know a sense of peace that God has a plan for him, and that he can truly rest in that plan.

2.  Pray for Dennis and Katie as they continue to handle the many details of Jerry's care.  Pray that they would have wisdom and discernment, that they would easily keep track of the details and be of one mind together as decisions are made.  Pray that they would experience deep rest each evening, and pray that they would be able to leave Jerry in the good care of his nurses and feel free of anxiety and worry.

3. Pray for all three as they prepare to be separated for the first time tomorrow night. Truly pray without ceasing that all of the events of the day would prepare them for this, and that all three would be at peace as the day leads into night.  Pray also that tonight would be another great, full, restorative night of sleep for everyone.  

As always, thanks are not enough for all of the posts and comments.  Please do continue to keep them coming, especially now as Jerry himself can read your words.  

The miracle is coming......any day now.

Yours,

Marci

marci@redwoodchristianpark.com