Day 81 - September 4 - Update
Our first 24 hours at Valley have been good, although the new routines, regulations, techniques and people all take adjusting to. First, the ventilator routine here is substantially different from Fresno, but Connor is doing well with the new settings and the vent is providing him with the breath he needs. The physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) teams leapt into the fray with both feet - the PT folks were up yesterday morning doing work with him when Cherie got there, and the OT team had him in a wheelchair for two hours yesterday afternoon.
Today has brought some new challenges apart from the "get used to Valley" stuff. First, Connor's heart rate has begun dropping for no apparent reason. His blood pressure, saturation and everything remain normal, but his heart rate has fallen. It seems to be settling in the mid-40s, but has intermittently fallen as low as 25. They first thought it might be autonomic dysreflexia (when your autonomic system goes bonkers), but none of those signs are there. So they are watching it. I've encouraged them to investigate the medications he's on, as they've changed some of them since he got here.
The other challenge I seem to be facing is that I seem to be genetically unable to communicate effectively with anyone. I can't open my mouth without irritating, offending, upsetting, or otherwise chapping someone off.
Thanks for your prayers, your support, and your offers of help. They are NOT taken for granted.
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 9:17 AM
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11 Comments:
Continuing to pray for you all.
Remember that even when our words come out wrong God knows our heart.
Hey Eric, hang in there - you're doing okay! Give yourself some slack. You've gone through the wringer and starting to get back up on your feet. You might have been down, but you're not out!!
And it's great to get the updates on Connor's progress at Valley. Keep us posted as we are praying constantly for him, as well as for all of you.
I wish I could give you the meaningful scripture quotes so many of your blog friends have already done, but this one from
I Peter 4:12,13 reads..Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when HIS glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Right now Eric, you and your family are in the midst of a very fiery trial. But God's word tells us to rejoice. Hard to do, but the joyous reward will be worth it.
Love in Christ,
MT
C'ville
You all have been on my mind so much yesterday and today....since your last post. Thanks for finding the time to post.
As far as you being irritating or a bit on edge, pretty sure that is due to the fact you are pretty focused on your son and things that may interrupt your thoughts or focus may tend to bother you. I know due to the fact I am like that.
I am sure the people around you know this and are willing to cut you some slack.
God is Good, even when we do not think so, He know so!
The Derendinger Family
Also, I know music speaks to the soul like nothing else, as least for me. Here is a link you may appreciate. Bebo Norman seems to have lyrics that reach real deep.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiM2JN4VazI
The Derendinger Family
I seem to be genetically unable to communicate effectively with anyone. I can't open my mouth without irritating, offending, upsetting, or otherwise chapping someone off.
Yeah, it's genetic alright - you got it from your older brother.
Dear Eric,
Thank you for updating us, your friends (whether we've met or not) and family. We are praying and carry you in our hearts all day, every day, and even in the middle of the night.
I'm sure the verbal misunderstandings are due to inflated emotions all around. I will pray for continued and increasing grace all around.
With agape love and prayers,
Lisa Gramann
Durham NC
Yup, servers were down, thanks for the update... although we do realize notifying us is not your first priority.
On a lighter note: "I seem to be genetically unable to communicate effectively with anyone. I can't open my mouth without irritating, offending, upsetting, or otherwise chapping someone off."
That really is an LOL here... if it's anything like my genetics when it was my daughter it was, unfortunately, to those I loved most and were there for me during the stress of it all. Thank God they understood! Not that it's funny, just that it's "normal!"
God bless each of you.
Patti
We are all grateful for the updates about Connor and I should hope that we are not so thin-skinned as to take offense when you communicate! Your burden is heavy and we recognize the tremendous stress you must all be under.
Yesterday I was researching the story of Horatio G. Spafford--the man who wrote the words to the old hymm "It is Well With My Soul". A wealthy attorney who made a great fortune in real estate investments, he and his wife lost an infant son to illness in 1871. In 1872 he lost his fortune in the great Chicago fire. In 1873 he and his family planned an ocean voyage to Europe to try to recover from mourning the loss of their child. At the last minute, he had to send the family on ahead as he got called to business with his good friend D.L. Moody; he planned to meet them shortly thereafter. Their boat, the Ville Du Havre,was out only 8 days when it struck an iron ship and sank within 12 minutes. All of his 4 daughters were lost; only his wife survived.
He immediately left to join her. In time, they had 3 more children. Again, their infant son died very young from scarlet fever. He and his wife and young children, Bertha and Grace, went to Jerusalem and founded the American Colony to serve the poor.
This hymm was written in his grief and time of greatest personal tragedy--he had reached the bottom and found that it held. Philip P. Bliss wrote the music for the hymm, inspired by the astounding faith of Horatio G. Spafford. I imagine that countless thousands or more have been blessed by the words of this mighty man of faith--a close friend of D.L. Moody, and a friend of God.
I never cease to be amazed at the incredible degree of faith that some posess! Your own journey of faith is blessing many and I encourage you to continue to seek the face of God morning, noon, and night--knowing His love is boundless and His purposes cannot always be perceived. I don't know who said these words, and they are a paraphrase on my part, but they encourage me frequently: Everything I know to be true about God, compels me to believe the things I don't understand about Him.
Lovingly sent,
Carolyn
Thank you Carolyn for the beautiful comment, and above that with Brad it made me smile and made me realize how much we need to laugh times are so difficult but things are a little better when we can at times laugh a little after all it is good like a medicine.
Thank you Connor and Famiy
Carolyn,
If I remember correctly, that hymn is full of sea-faring metaphors, too. Something about, "when troubles like sea billows roll..." which make a lot more sense if you know the story behind it. Thanks! It's a beautiful song, anyhow, but even more meaningful...I think I'll go look at the lyrics, now. AU
Eric,
I will be praying that someone will step forward and apply to the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. What a perfect idea. If not them, maybe God will send someone else to help you prepare for your son to come home. I love all of you dearly as if you were all my sisters and brothers. Oh, of course you are! In Christ! :)
May the blessings of the Lord shine on you and your family greatly today. Marge/ Nevada
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