Your Thoughts/Prayers/Voodoo Needed

[Shooter]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your entire family!

 

[GHBWNY]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your entire family!

Same!

@shooter --- I like your C. S. Lewis signature. A profoundly wise man was he.

 

[beernbourbon]

I agree... Happy Thanksgiving, Glenn. May you find many things in your cloud of despair that you can be thankful for, in SPITE of it all.

 

[gratus fermentatio]

Happy Thanksgiving to you & Marie.
Regards, GF.

 

[glenn514]

Thank you for your kind words. We will surely find many things to give thanks for today. The two turkeys are all thawed and cleaned, ready to be injected with marinade and deep-fried. Daughter is in charge of the green bean casserole; I'll take care of the elegant mashed potatoes and the oven-baked stuffing. Perhaps the son-in-law can handle the cranberries????

glenn514

 

[banesong]

Have as happy a Thanksgiving as you can make it. Enjoy the closeness of family and the support they offer.

 

[glenn514]

Thanksgiving was a splendid time for my daughter, son-in-law and me to give thanks for so many things over the past four months. I was especially thankful to the skilled, loving, kind and helpful hospital and nursing home staff we dealt with over the days and weeks. Now, Marie has a doctor, nurse, two therapists and a CNA stopping in regularly. I am thankful for them, too. And the Thanksgiving feast turned out quite nicely. LOTS of left over turkey! But I'll have at that over the coming days and weeks. So, it was Thanksgiving with a twist, and we overcame that twist to celebrate and give thanks.

glenn514

 

[Temptd2]

That's exactly the attitude that will pull you through the difficult days, Glenn. "Normal" has changed and you're doing such a great job adapting to it! Marie is so lucky to have such a wonderful, caring husband to see her through.

 

[glenn514]

Yesterday morning's first change was a disaster looking for a place to happen. This morning, I was much more prepared, and it went smoothly. I am getting quite good at changing the bottom sheet with Marie ON the bed!!!

I have an issue with a mix-up on one of her important drugs, so I have to run out to our closest Walgreen's today and get it straightened out. Also, the air mattress is supposed to arrive either today or tomorrow. Good, because the pressure sores on Marie's lower back need some relief!

She is currently resting comfortably with CSI on the tube!

glenn514

 

[glenn514]

Other than therapists, CNA's and nurses, it's been rather quiet around here. I have become more prepared for the sudden surprises during a change/clean up. This morning, I had two surprises...and I was ready for both.

I managed to move some of the stuff around so that the space for the Christmas tree is now open. Hopefully, I'll have the motivation to bring the three pieces of the tree up from the cellar and get it all set up today.

This morning, our pastor is making a visit, and will offer Holy Communion to both Marie and me. I have been communing where I play for worship, but Marie has not communed since early July. She swallows quite well, now, but I believe pastor will use "intinction," where the bread is dipped in the wine, and then offered.

Another blood draw today; nurse and PT tomorrow; CNA on Saturday. Busy, busy, busy!

glenn514

 

[unionrdr]

Hopefully, communion & Christmas will have a positive effect on her. you never know when miracles will happen.

 

[glenn514]

Yesterday was not a good day. Something was "bothering" Marie's tummy, so while I was caring for her, she threw up, after also throwing up overnight. She slept most of yesterday, hopefully recovering from whatever was "bothering" her tummy. The doctor has proposed that the feeding pump be shut off four times over the course of the day, to allow the digestive system some relief. We'll see if that helps. And that very same feeding pump has developed a squeak that simply should NOT be there. The company is replacing the pump TODAY. And so far, today has definitely been an improvement over yesterday!

glenn514

 

[glenn514]

Yesterday morning, I played organ for two worship services at one of our LCMS churches in Elgin, Illinois. Our second-oldest daughter...the one that just got married this past October...was home to care for Mom while I was gone. Well, she has become THE HEAD ELF in the Mahnke household! She brought up all three sections of the Christmas tree, put them together, made the electrical connections for the lights, completely decorated it with ornaments, and dug out the Christmas stockings and hung them on either side of the fireplace! And the tree seems to make Marie pleased! She is currently sleeping peacefully.

 

[Melana]

Glad you had a better day Glenn. I have been thinking of you often.

 

[glenn514]

Marie has had a quiet, restful week. The last bout of vomiting was over a week ago. After discussing the situation with a dietician from the company that supplies the formula, I am simply shutting the pump off several times over the course of a day, to let her digestive system catch up with the amount of formula in her stomach. And I even cleaned the carpet where the vomit landed!!! Looks clean now!

The occupational therapist has discharged Marie from further therapy, because there is little or no progress. The physical therapist has two more visits, and then he is finished, as well. I do wrestle with that, but I know that the long-term prognosis is dim, at best, and she will never improve. We are simply waiting for God's time. And, although our Christmas celebration this year will be markedly different from our past celebrations, we still know it is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. So, we WILL celebrate...just in a different way!

glenn514

 

[unionrdr]

To be honest, I've been having flashbacks to pop & my mil when they went through this. You just have to do the best you can & wait for God's verdict. I know how helpless this makes you feel. It can be frustrating & painful. Just pray for the best. That's about all anyone can do.

 

[Temptd2]

I'm glad she's had a quiet week, Glenn, and that you've got things worked out well with the pump - must be so much more comfortable for her, and makes things easier for you as well, which is really important!

May you all enjoy Christmas for its true meaning, and may you all be blessed to know you're together even if it is a "new normal" - you're such a good caretaker for Marie. Hugs!

 

[opus345]

Glenn,

My mom told me that I was earning "Heaven Points" while I have been paying the bills and watching over her after my father passed in October. I think you are in the same mode. Try to celebrate the holidays the best you can with your family and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care!

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

Hi Glen,

I'm pretty new to the forum, so I'm pretty sure you do not know me from a stone in the walk, but I just wanted to show my support for you, Marie and your family. You have it right about the "new normal". Do what feels right for you and your family for Christmas. Keep sharing, and my heart is warmed by all the beautiful supportive posts, as I know yours is too.
Be well, and keep hope alive for healing in all of its forms.

 

[glenn514]

The weather here today is grey and overcast...but surprisingly warm [currently 60°F outside]. The grey and overcast is kind of how I feel today. But those posts here on HBT and Facebook warm my heart. Thank you, thank you for your kind support! I am blessed to have such a huge support network! No, it won't make the sky blue today, but it sure does give me strength!

glenn514

 

[Temptd2]

The sky is always blue somewhere, Glenn - the trick is to see it! You've "seen" it today in the support of others. Just because there is a cloud cover doesn't mean there isn't blue sky above!

[spoken like a true Pollyanna - or Annie - I should burst into "The Sun Will Come Out, Tomorrow!" LOL!! )

But I do think attitude has a lot to do with how you feel in general and when YOU are feeling blue and the sky doesn't agree, you know you've got friends everywhere.

 

[glenn514]

It is yet another quiet morning here in northern Illinois. No sudden surprises, no problems or difficulties, just a simple, relaxing morning.

I did have a chiropractic appointment in Crystal Lake, but that was your basic “in-and-out.” The entire trip took me less than an hour, and Marie was probably asleep for most of that. I’ll check her soon for a change, and also shut off the feeding pump for a bit.

Today’s visitor will be nurse Caryn. She will stop in just before the dinner hour.

glenn514

 

[unionrdr]

Sounds like she's more stable now that you've got things well in hand? I hope this helps her as well as being back home!

 

[Melana]

Still keeping you in my thoughts Glenn. Sounds like you're settling into a routine. Know that you have a lot of 'internet' friends that care.

 

[glenn514]

Today is a very special day for Marie and me. Thirty-seven years ago today, we became the parents of a little girl who was born on 4 October. For ten weeks, she was a foster child of a couple from our church. When I held her for the first time, I never dreamed I would love anyone as much as I loved her. And then, THREE MORE girls were born into our family, and my love simply expanded exponentially! So, yes, as Temptd2 pointed out, the sky is always blue somewhere. And in spite of the stress and sadness, I am smiling and crying tears of happiness because today I took on my most important and demanding role, "Dad."

glenn514

 

[Dixon9717]

Congrats on the family anniversary. Your a good man to raise another's child and I'm sure your just a good of father to. Prayers for your family this holiday season.

 

[glenn514]

Congrats on the family anniversary. Your a good man to raise another's child and I'm sure your just a good of father to. Prayers for your family this holiday season.

I know and understand in my mind what you are saying, but permit me to clarify: she is, and always will be, MY child. And her three children are MY grandchildren, although absolutely NONE of my DNA can be found in them. I did not raise ANOTHER'S child. I raised MY adopted child, along with additional biological children, and I love all four of them the same. And what I have found amazing is the fact that my oldest child has absolutely NO desire, whatsoever, to find her biological parents. She has said many times to Marie and I that we are her mother and father, and that's all she needs.

glenn514

 

[Temptd2]

Glenn, you have a HUGE heart and you're a rockstar!! God bless you and yours this Christmas season. What a wonderful thing to do, to give that little baby girl a loving home. I'm sure she feels every bit as blessed as you do.

 

[Dixon9717]

I know and understand in my mind what you are saying, but permit me to clarify: she is, and always will be, MY child. And her three children are MY grandchildren, although absolutely NONE of my DNA can be found in them. I did not raise ANOTHER'S child. I raised MY adopted child, along with additional biological children, and I love all four of them the same. And what I have found amazing is the fact that my oldest child has absolutely NO desire, whatsoever, to find her biological parents. She has said many times to Marie and I that we are her mother and father, and that's all she needs.

glenn514

I completely understand. My 3 adult children carry none of my DNA. During their adolescence I let them know they have the right to meet their biological "father" they all said that they already had a Dad (me)and didn't need another one. I have no biological children but the kids I have I couldn't love them anymore. So I do get it. I just worded my previous statement wrong.

 

[LAHammer]

Continuing to pray for you and Marie and your family. I hope that you all have a joyous Christmas in your challenging situation. Continuing to share the love.