Posts
Yet another test - yesterday around noon. Not sure what for. Dad was given some sort of sedative. He said the test really tired him out. Didn't say anything else.
We enjoyed a great dinner on Wednesday night. Dad made vegetable and beef skewers. So freakin' delicious. Although it's pretty tough to watch my dad hobble around the house trying to make dinner, I'm so glad he's able to! I know he'd much rather be making his son and daughter-in-law dinner then laying in a bed in the hospital.
Immediately after dinner, can't-stand-still-Bloomfield had to take a walk. Dad has a real hard time staying still. He can't stand sitting around the house or feeling confined to the house. Furthermore, because his oxygen levels are low, he's nervous about becoming too lethargic around the house. That's why so many walks. It was great - we must have been moving at 0.2 miles/hr. Good conversation as well. Can't remember what - but I remember it felt good.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
*NEW URL* liverdie.com
I was able to get http://liverdie.com. I hope this new address makes it easier for you to spread the word.
The old http://li-er-die.blogspot.com address still works.
The old http://li-er-die.blogspot.com address still works.
Overwhelmed
I'm overflowing with emotion. I can not possibly express my appreciation enough to all you who prayed for my dad this evening at Bethel.
Typically, my family and I go to the Sunday evening service at Bethel Church, although lately it's been a harder habit to keep. I used to lead the music on a regular basis, but I've since taken a step back from 'full-time' church involvement. Despite my step back, thanks to the graceful and loving leadership of the Blakely's, I'm still allowed to lead the music every-so-often. I love doing it! It's what I live for!
Tonight was the first time I had lead music at Bethel for 5-6 weeks. It was a great feeling to be leading again at my home church. It almost feels like the longer I go between engagements, the more intense the experience and the better I feel I lead the music.
Tonight was even better as David Blakely (senior pastor) planned a prayer meeting for my dad immediately after the service. It was an opportunity for those interested to gather around my dad and agree in prayer for a miraculous healing.
Over 40 people showed up - at least! My mom was overwhelmed by the response! So was I.
When your in a situation like the one we're in, it so easy to believe the worst - to believe your alone, that no one cares, that this situation is only going to end badly. But seeing your faces in that room was a reminder that all those thoughts are lies! We aren't alone! People do genuinely care about my dad's well being! My dad is going to be okay! We are going to be okay!
And your prayers were so thoughtful! So full of faith! So encouraging!
Thank you so much to all of you who showed up! YOU NEED TO KNOW - even if that was all you could do for my family was show up that one time, it made all the difference in the world!
Bethel family - we love you so much! And please don't let our absence be interpreted otherwise!
Also - to those of you who may have tried to talk to my dad this evening or have been trying to get intouch with my dad over the phone, please know that because of his oxygen levels, its difficult for him to find the energy to return calls or carry on conversations packed with details on his situation. If he was short with you, it was only because of his low energy levels and his 'oh-so-cozy' Bloomfield social skills. He loves all of you and appreciates your concern very much! If you see him again, please give him a hug and tell him your praying for him. If you want more juicy details, feel free to ask myself or my mom (Linda).
Again - thank you so much!
Typically, my family and I go to the Sunday evening service at Bethel Church, although lately it's been a harder habit to keep. I used to lead the music on a regular basis, but I've since taken a step back from 'full-time' church involvement. Despite my step back, thanks to the graceful and loving leadership of the Blakely's, I'm still allowed to lead the music every-so-often. I love doing it! It's what I live for!
Tonight was the first time I had lead music at Bethel for 5-6 weeks. It was a great feeling to be leading again at my home church. It almost feels like the longer I go between engagements, the more intense the experience and the better I feel I lead the music.
Tonight was even better as David Blakely (senior pastor) planned a prayer meeting for my dad immediately after the service. It was an opportunity for those interested to gather around my dad and agree in prayer for a miraculous healing.
Over 40 people showed up - at least! My mom was overwhelmed by the response! So was I.
When your in a situation like the one we're in, it so easy to believe the worst - to believe your alone, that no one cares, that this situation is only going to end badly. But seeing your faces in that room was a reminder that all those thoughts are lies! We aren't alone! People do genuinely care about my dad's well being! My dad is going to be okay! We are going to be okay!
And your prayers were so thoughtful! So full of faith! So encouraging!
Thank you so much to all of you who showed up! YOU NEED TO KNOW - even if that was all you could do for my family was show up that one time, it made all the difference in the world!
Bethel family - we love you so much! And please don't let our absence be interpreted otherwise!
Also - to those of you who may have tried to talk to my dad this evening or have been trying to get intouch with my dad over the phone, please know that because of his oxygen levels, its difficult for him to find the energy to return calls or carry on conversations packed with details on his situation. If he was short with you, it was only because of his low energy levels and his 'oh-so-cozy' Bloomfield social skills. He loves all of you and appreciates your concern very much! If you see him again, please give him a hug and tell him your praying for him. If you want more juicy details, feel free to ask myself or my mom (Linda).
Again - thank you so much!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Camp and Death by Egg McMuffin
I got a call at 8am today. It was dad. Usually he calls for no reason. "Hey son! You working? How's Chel? Alright - see you later!" It's sooo freaking annoying sometimes. But I know I'll miss it one day.
On this particular occasion, he was calling to ask if I wanted to go to camp with him for the day. I took him up on the offer seeing as I hadn't been to camp once yet this summer. And I'm all for spending one on one time with my dad. He stopped by my house 30min later and we were on our way.
I had to drive as my dad was feeling a little light headed. Because his lungs are still surrounded by fluid, he has a difficult time breathing and a difficult time keeping his oxygen at a sufficient level. He gets tired really quickly.
As we were nearing Arnprior, my dad asked if I was interested in breakfast. I was game.
You know when people ask a question, but ask it in a tone where you can tell the answer they want to hear back? My dad asked one of those questions. "You feel like a quick breakfast? Or... a big... drawn out breakfast?" He obviously wanted a quick breakfast.
His next comment shocked me. "You want MacDonald's?"
What the flip!?! My liver is fine and I still feel like I'm going to die after I have McDonald's! I started having visions of that dumb McDonald's clown beating the crap of my dad - just feedin' it him.
Hesitantly, I replied, "Sure."
We had a quick bite - he had an Egg McMuffin.
Afterwards, he proceeds to tell me that the Egg McMuffin alone was worth over 50% of his daily Salt allowance (my dad has to be very careful about how much salt he eats).
On one hand, I was a little ticked that my dad was foolish enough to eat McDonald's. But, on the other hand, the dude hasn't had a decent meal in so long. He weighs 160lb and falling. He used to weigh 240lb. He loved his food.
In the end, I was glad he was able to enjoy a little McDonald's. I just hope it doesn't kill him.
Our day at camp was a short one - only a few hours. My dad couldn't sit still. Almost as soon as we got there, he asked if I wanted to go the chip wagon with him. It felt like only a few minutes went by that he wanted to go back home. In reality, the whole time at camp was about 3 hours.
Great day at camp, dad! I love car trips with you!
On this particular occasion, he was calling to ask if I wanted to go to camp with him for the day. I took him up on the offer seeing as I hadn't been to camp once yet this summer. And I'm all for spending one on one time with my dad. He stopped by my house 30min later and we were on our way.
I had to drive as my dad was feeling a little light headed. Because his lungs are still surrounded by fluid, he has a difficult time breathing and a difficult time keeping his oxygen at a sufficient level. He gets tired really quickly.
As we were nearing Arnprior, my dad asked if I was interested in breakfast. I was game.
You know when people ask a question, but ask it in a tone where you can tell the answer they want to hear back? My dad asked one of those questions. "You feel like a quick breakfast? Or... a big... drawn out breakfast?" He obviously wanted a quick breakfast.
His next comment shocked me. "You want MacDonald's?"
What the flip!?! My liver is fine and I still feel like I'm going to die after I have McDonald's! I started having visions of that dumb McDonald's clown beating the crap of my dad - just feedin' it him.
Hesitantly, I replied, "Sure."
We had a quick bite - he had an Egg McMuffin.
Afterwards, he proceeds to tell me that the Egg McMuffin alone was worth over 50% of his daily Salt allowance (my dad has to be very careful about how much salt he eats).
On one hand, I was a little ticked that my dad was foolish enough to eat McDonald's. But, on the other hand, the dude hasn't had a decent meal in so long. He weighs 160lb and falling. He used to weigh 240lb. He loved his food.
In the end, I was glad he was able to enjoy a little McDonald's. I just hope it doesn't kill him.
Our day at camp was a short one - only a few hours. My dad couldn't sit still. Almost as soon as we got there, he asked if I wanted to go the chip wagon with him. It felt like only a few minutes went by that he wanted to go back home. In reality, the whole time at camp was about 3 hours.
Great day at camp, dad! I love car trips with you!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Financial Provision
I just wanted to post a public 'Thank You!' to those of you who have been so generous in your financial giving! Wow! My parents have received over $3000 in financial provision since their situation was made public. Some have dropped off cheques to help pay the bills. Others have given 'Get Well' cards with some money for groceries. All your gifts are so thoughtful and mean so much!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
My dad stopped working just over 2 months ago. And although he owns the business for which he works, it does not produce the kind of income necessary for my parents to continue to take a salary while not working. We, as a family, have some ideas to help better the business. But, like all great ideas, these ideas will take much time and effort to implement and certainly aren't a guarantee.
The financial dilemma is an unfortunate reality and only makes an already difficult situation more stressful. In fact, without God's continued financial provision, my parents will probably have to sell their house.
Furthermore, the doctors in Toronto informed my parents that OHIP only covers the transplant and 2 weeks in ICU after the transplant. It does not cover the monthly drug costs ($500-$3000 per month, depending on how my dad's body reacts). Neither does OHIP cover the $40,000 Interferon treatment that may cure his Hep-C after the transplant.
Please continue to pray for my dad's health. And if you have an extra moment, a small prayer for financial provision.
God, remind me of your promises so I can stay strong in my belief that you'll see us through.
Thank you that you have a plan for this situation - and that your planning great things for my parents - plans to see them through this situation and for a great future! (Adopted from Jeremiah 29:11)
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
My dad stopped working just over 2 months ago. And although he owns the business for which he works, it does not produce the kind of income necessary for my parents to continue to take a salary while not working. We, as a family, have some ideas to help better the business. But, like all great ideas, these ideas will take much time and effort to implement and certainly aren't a guarantee.
The financial dilemma is an unfortunate reality and only makes an already difficult situation more stressful. In fact, without God's continued financial provision, my parents will probably have to sell their house.
Furthermore, the doctors in Toronto informed my parents that OHIP only covers the transplant and 2 weeks in ICU after the transplant. It does not cover the monthly drug costs ($500-$3000 per month, depending on how my dad's body reacts). Neither does OHIP cover the $40,000 Interferon treatment that may cure his Hep-C after the transplant.
Please continue to pray for my dad's health. And if you have an extra moment, a small prayer for financial provision.
God, remind me of your promises so I can stay strong in my belief that you'll see us through.
Thank you that you have a plan for this situation - and that your planning great things for my parents - plans to see them through this situation and for a great future! (Adopted from Jeremiah 29:11)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
More info from Toronto
I was finally able to spend some time on the phone with dad and talk in more detail about how things went in Toronto.
Great Bloomfield story - My dad was given a blue health card from the Toronto Hospital. He signed all the papers, received the card, then made his way to another floor in the hospital. When he arrived on the appropriate floor, he was asked to show his blue card. He somehow managed to misplace it while travelling between floors. So - he filled out the paper work again to receive a new card just to find his original card almost immediately after receiving his new card. Boy - can I relate to that story.
As mentioned earlier, my dad qualifies for a liver transplant. However, there are still more physical tests he must pass before the transplant can take place. Best case scenario is a 2 month waiting period. Worst case - up to 3 years. But my dad was told that is very unlikely.
The biggest issue at the moment is an ear/nose/throat infection he seems to have caught. As long as he is sick with this infection, they will not book the transplant. He needs to be in good health for the transplant.
In summary, my dad will remain in Ottawa with bi-weekly visits to the Toronto hospital for observation and tests. The final transplant date is yet to be booked and is dependant on the test results.
In the mean time, my dad is chillin' at home. He's asked me to pick up some DVD's and drop them off to him. I suppose he'll be watching lots of TV during this waiting period.
For those interested, I've posted links on the left for more info on the liver transplant unit at the Toronto Hospital including an animation of the transplant. Not going to lie - I wish I hadn't watched the animation. It's not graphic - just makes me queezy.
Great Bloomfield story - My dad was given a blue health card from the Toronto Hospital. He signed all the papers, received the card, then made his way to another floor in the hospital. When he arrived on the appropriate floor, he was asked to show his blue card. He somehow managed to misplace it while travelling between floors. So - he filled out the paper work again to receive a new card just to find his original card almost immediately after receiving his new card. Boy - can I relate to that story.
As mentioned earlier, my dad qualifies for a liver transplant. However, there are still more physical tests he must pass before the transplant can take place. Best case scenario is a 2 month waiting period. Worst case - up to 3 years. But my dad was told that is very unlikely.
The biggest issue at the moment is an ear/nose/throat infection he seems to have caught. As long as he is sick with this infection, they will not book the transplant. He needs to be in good health for the transplant.
In summary, my dad will remain in Ottawa with bi-weekly visits to the Toronto hospital for observation and tests. The final transplant date is yet to be booked and is dependant on the test results.
In the mean time, my dad is chillin' at home. He's asked me to pick up some DVD's and drop them off to him. I suppose he'll be watching lots of TV during this waiting period.
For those interested, I've posted links on the left for more info on the liver transplant unit at the Toronto Hospital including an animation of the transplant. Not going to lie - I wish I hadn't watched the animation. It's not graphic - just makes me queezy.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
You've never tried beer?
I love food. And there's nothing like a great, home-made, gourmet, sky-high, grilled-to-perfection sandwich. Its this very principal upon which Brad Klein and I have based our 18 year friendship.
Every so often, Klein and I get together and make sandwiches at his parent's place. This particular time must have been back around the late 90's, early 00's... (early 2100's??). We always had great conversations over sandwich making. On this occasion, we were talking about alcohol. Klein could not believe I had never had even a sip of alcohol before. He asked me why. And I replied the same way I replied to anyone else asking that question... "I don't know... it kinda smells bad."
The reality is, I have no idea what drove me (and still drives me) not to drink. It's not based on my faith, although it may have been at one point when I was younger. Many of my church friends today have an occasional social drink - some more than others (Bor-cough-tot... I'm joking dude, calm down).
Somehow - here I am. 26 and I've never had a drink - and I have no idea why. But how cool would it be if it all came down to this situation right here. What if, this entire time, it was for my dad.
God, please let me be a match!
Every so often, Klein and I get together and make sandwiches at his parent's place. This particular time must have been back around the late 90's, early 00's... (early 2100's??). We always had great conversations over sandwich making. On this occasion, we were talking about alcohol. Klein could not believe I had never had even a sip of alcohol before. He asked me why. And I replied the same way I replied to anyone else asking that question... "I don't know... it kinda smells bad."
The reality is, I have no idea what drove me (and still drives me) not to drink. It's not based on my faith, although it may have been at one point when I was younger. Many of my church friends today have an occasional social drink - some more than others (Bor-cough-tot... I'm joking dude, calm down).
Somehow - here I am. 26 and I've never had a drink - and I have no idea why. But how cool would it be if it all came down to this situation right here. What if, this entire time, it was for my dad.
God, please let me be a match!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
First visit to Toronto
Finally - the meeting we've been waiting months for. The meeting that will determine if/when the transplant will take place.
My dad arrived in Toronto on Monday, August 11th. He and my mom spent the previous night in Port Hope. The meeting was set for Tuesday at noon.
When they arrived at the hospital, they were introduced to the team of doctors who will be monitoring my dad until after the transplant has taken place. What a relief! Finally some progress... or so I thought.
--
Can someone please explain to me why the health care system in Canada sucks so much? Sure - you get 'free' health care. However, you have to wait 4 months for an MRI while your dying of cancer (or in my dad's case, a new liver while a willing donor just sits waiting). And if that wasn't enough, you have to pay an obscene amount for parking. I paid $13 to visit my dad for 45min at the Ottawa Civic Campus. You know what that is? Balls.
But in all seriousness - I really began to worry that if my father died while he was waiting for a liver transplant, I'd become insanely angry and bitter towards the health care system. Why didn't they work faster? Why couldn't they have just given my dad my liver? Where the hell was Dr House? But my mom constantly reminds me of the reality of the situation. Its not up to the health care system. I'm not trusting that the doctors will do everything in their power to get my dad through this. The reality is that humans will fail. We will make mistakes. We will mess up. Instead, I'd rather place my dad in the hands of the one who actually has the power to save my dad from certain death. I'm putting my faith in God.
My God can heal my dad. My God will heal my dad. But even if he doesn't, I'll still serve him faithfully all the days of my life. (Adopted from Daniel 3:17 - Thanks Pastor John)
--
After all the anticipation, it turns out my dad still needs to wait up to two months before his transplant can happen. Why? I'm not quite sure at this point. My dad said something about more tests.
There was good news though. The doctors were able to confirm 100% that given his current condition, he qualifies for the transplant surgery. That would lead me to believe that the remaining tests will dictate when, not if, he will have the surgery.
We also found out that my appointment will be in the next two months in Toronto. There's a separate team of doctors dedicated to treating liver donors. Kinda scary. I'm supposed to attend the meeting without my dad. The doctors want a certain degree of separation between the donor and the recipient to ensure that the donor does in fact want to proceed with the transplant and isn't being coerced.
My dad is on his way back to his hotel now (Delta Chelsea, downtown Toronto). He'll be back in Ottawa tomorrow. He'll be required to report back to the doctors in Toronto every two weeks.
My dad arrived in Toronto on Monday, August 11th. He and my mom spent the previous night in Port Hope. The meeting was set for Tuesday at noon.
When they arrived at the hospital, they were introduced to the team of doctors who will be monitoring my dad until after the transplant has taken place. What a relief! Finally some progress... or so I thought.
--
Can someone please explain to me why the health care system in Canada sucks so much? Sure - you get 'free' health care. However, you have to wait 4 months for an MRI while your dying of cancer (or in my dad's case, a new liver while a willing donor just sits waiting). And if that wasn't enough, you have to pay an obscene amount for parking. I paid $13 to visit my dad for 45min at the Ottawa Civic Campus. You know what that is? Balls.
But in all seriousness - I really began to worry that if my father died while he was waiting for a liver transplant, I'd become insanely angry and bitter towards the health care system. Why didn't they work faster? Why couldn't they have just given my dad my liver? Where the hell was Dr House? But my mom constantly reminds me of the reality of the situation. Its not up to the health care system. I'm not trusting that the doctors will do everything in their power to get my dad through this. The reality is that humans will fail. We will make mistakes. We will mess up. Instead, I'd rather place my dad in the hands of the one who actually has the power to save my dad from certain death. I'm putting my faith in God.
My God can heal my dad. My God will heal my dad. But even if he doesn't, I'll still serve him faithfully all the days of my life. (Adopted from Daniel 3:17 - Thanks Pastor John)
--
After all the anticipation, it turns out my dad still needs to wait up to two months before his transplant can happen. Why? I'm not quite sure at this point. My dad said something about more tests.
There was good news though. The doctors were able to confirm 100% that given his current condition, he qualifies for the transplant surgery. That would lead me to believe that the remaining tests will dictate when, not if, he will have the surgery.
We also found out that my appointment will be in the next two months in Toronto. There's a separate team of doctors dedicated to treating liver donors. Kinda scary. I'm supposed to attend the meeting without my dad. The doctors want a certain degree of separation between the donor and the recipient to ensure that the donor does in fact want to proceed with the transplant and isn't being coerced.
My dad is on his way back to his hotel now (Delta Chelsea, downtown Toronto). He'll be back in Ottawa tomorrow. He'll be required to report back to the doctors in Toronto every two weeks.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Water in the lungs
My dad knew it as soon as he woke up - his time was drawing near. He was extremely lethargic - had a real tough time breathing. So what does my dad do? He goes to... (dramatic pause)... his camp site. Yes that's right - good ol' OVPC, Cobden, On. Unsure of how the next few weeks would play out, he knew it might be the last chance he had to see his pride and joy. I'm not sure why he loves his camp site so much. I think it represents a lot of great things for him - relaxation, salvation, he met my mom there...
After a short day at camp, he head back home to Ottawa, packed some belongings, and headed to ER. He knew the situation was bad enough that they wouldn't let him leave. In fact, he was determined to stay at the hospital for observation. He feels safe there.
Turns out that my dad's situation had gotten much worse. X-Rays revealed a massive amount of fluid gathering around his lungs (not in his lungs). The fluid was constricting his lungs and making it difficult for him to breathe. A lung tap was necessary to drain the fluid.
After the lung tap, the doctors made the decision to keep him in observation. Observation turned into a semi-private room. 1 week became 2 weeks which became 3 weeks. My dad's roommate changed twice. It was necessary to keep him in the hospital because he needed to be on oxygen.
For myself, this was one of the most difficult times. At my dad's worst, he was skin and bone, dependant on oxygen, confined to a walker, and each step he took was 5-6 inches. He looked like an old, frail man - but he's much too young for that. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Dad's are strong - not vulnerable.
After a short day at camp, he head back home to Ottawa, packed some belongings, and headed to ER. He knew the situation was bad enough that they wouldn't let him leave. In fact, he was determined to stay at the hospital for observation. He feels safe there.
Turns out that my dad's situation had gotten much worse. X-Rays revealed a massive amount of fluid gathering around his lungs (not in his lungs). The fluid was constricting his lungs and making it difficult for him to breathe. A lung tap was necessary to drain the fluid.
After the lung tap, the doctors made the decision to keep him in observation. Observation turned into a semi-private room. 1 week became 2 weeks which became 3 weeks. My dad's roommate changed twice. It was necessary to keep him in the hospital because he needed to be on oxygen.
For myself, this was one of the most difficult times. At my dad's worst, he was skin and bone, dependant on oxygen, confined to a walker, and each step he took was 5-6 inches. He looked like an old, frail man - but he's much too young for that. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Dad's are strong - not vulnerable.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Visit with the family doctor
My dad knows his body very well. He knows when something is wrong - when something isn't working the way it was designed. He's felt this way for a few weeks now. So much so that he's seriously afraid he's going to go to bed one night and never wake up. This attitude has turned my dad into a different person.
--
I'm not sure how old I was - maybe 12. Lets go with 12. Nor am I sure where my dad and I were driving. But I remember we were on Old Highway 16 - talk radio playing in the background. My dad loved listening to talk radio back then. I had started sharing with my dad how scared I was of the dentist. I hated the dentist. I'd literally have a fit before each visit. I'll never forget my dad's response. "Son, did you know it says in the Bible that you shouldn't worry about anything? God's in control. Matthew 6:25-27 says, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
That moment - right there - was a bench mark in my life. A defining moment. From then on, with prayer and some help from upstairs, I began to kick my worry and fear driven life. Wow - was the ever freeing. Ever since that bench mark, I've always looked at my dad as a fearless man of God.
--
It was around this time that my dad started acting a little out-of-the-ordinary. For example, he insisted that we not accompany him to his appointment with his family doctor. I thought that was a little irrational. And the last time my dad was irrational, he left the house and didn't come home for almost a year.
I'm embarrassed to say that my suspicions drove me to call and confirm that he did in fact have an appointment with his family doctor. When the receptionist on the other end of the phone confirmed that he did have the appointment, you'd think I would have taken a sigh of relief. Instead, my heart broke.
He later admitted that the reason he insisted we not go is because he doesn't want to be a burden on his kids. Like any other dad, he doesn't want to be the reason why his children's hearts ache. He just wants to take care of this business behind closed doors and get better. In the end, I know my dad appreciates that we've insisted on being their with him through all his hospital visits and treatments.
I see right through you, dad.
During the appointment with his family doctor, Becky and I learned more about what was taking place inside my dad's body. The most detrimental symptom my dad was dealing with was the build up of fluid in his body. From my limited understanding, the liver produces a protein that absorbs water in your body. This protein is longer being produced in sufficient quantities because his liver is failing. As a result, fluid is building up throughout.
It started in his feet. They became very swollen. At one point, my dad was able to push his fingers into his swollen ankle and his ankle retained the shape of his fingers for a few minutes... 3 massive finger craters in his ankle... similar to silly pudding keeping its shape.
The family doctor prescribed more diuretics to try and flush the fluid out of his system. Fluid in your ankles wasn't such a bad thing. Fluid in your lungs, however...
--
I'm not sure how old I was - maybe 12. Lets go with 12. Nor am I sure where my dad and I were driving. But I remember we were on Old Highway 16 - talk radio playing in the background. My dad loved listening to talk radio back then. I had started sharing with my dad how scared I was of the dentist. I hated the dentist. I'd literally have a fit before each visit. I'll never forget my dad's response. "Son, did you know it says in the Bible that you shouldn't worry about anything? God's in control. Matthew 6:25-27 says, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
That moment - right there - was a bench mark in my life. A defining moment. From then on, with prayer and some help from upstairs, I began to kick my worry and fear driven life. Wow - was the ever freeing. Ever since that bench mark, I've always looked at my dad as a fearless man of God.
--
It was around this time that my dad started acting a little out-of-the-ordinary. For example, he insisted that we not accompany him to his appointment with his family doctor. I thought that was a little irrational. And the last time my dad was irrational, he left the house and didn't come home for almost a year.
I'm embarrassed to say that my suspicions drove me to call and confirm that he did in fact have an appointment with his family doctor. When the receptionist on the other end of the phone confirmed that he did have the appointment, you'd think I would have taken a sigh of relief. Instead, my heart broke.
He later admitted that the reason he insisted we not go is because he doesn't want to be a burden on his kids. Like any other dad, he doesn't want to be the reason why his children's hearts ache. He just wants to take care of this business behind closed doors and get better. In the end, I know my dad appreciates that we've insisted on being their with him through all his hospital visits and treatments.
I see right through you, dad.
During the appointment with his family doctor, Becky and I learned more about what was taking place inside my dad's body. The most detrimental symptom my dad was dealing with was the build up of fluid in his body. From my limited understanding, the liver produces a protein that absorbs water in your body. This protein is longer being produced in sufficient quantities because his liver is failing. As a result, fluid is building up throughout.
It started in his feet. They became very swollen. At one point, my dad was able to push his fingers into his swollen ankle and his ankle retained the shape of his fingers for a few minutes... 3 massive finger craters in his ankle... similar to silly pudding keeping its shape.
The family doctor prescribed more diuretics to try and flush the fluid out of his system. Fluid in your ankles wasn't such a bad thing. Fluid in your lungs, however...
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