Update on Dad and Justin (Tuesday Evening)

ICU is closed to visitors for the night. We really enjoyed seeing Dad today. The doctor came by this evening to give us an update. Nothing is sure day to day, but the report this evening was good news and brought a temporary sigh of relief.

These are the facts about Dad’s condition. I would like to ask you again to please help our family avoid speculation. Refer to this blog for the facts. Here is a summary of the doctor’s report:

1. The doctor addressed Dad’s swelling. He said that although it may look bad, swelling is not a bad thing. It is the body’s way to protect the organs from obsessive amounts of fluid by storing the liquid in the tissue where it won’t cause damage. In about 3-7 days (give or take), they expect that his body will discharge most of the fluid, allowing the swelling to go down.
2. The doctors told us that Dad does have pneumonia, which is thought to be the reason for his slight fever. However, his pneumonia is expected because of the fluids, bruising in his lungs, cracked ribs, and lying on a bed for over 72 hours. The pneumonia is under control and is currently non-threatening (again, could change day to day). Please pray that the pneumonia would not affect his lungs adversly. 
3. Dad is on antibiotics to help control the pneumonia and prevent infection. Please pray for protection for his body. He is in a weak state, but we know that God is able to sustain.
4. The doctors are beginning to wean Dad off the sedation and respirator. This will be a slow and careful process. We do not want to rush this, but we do want to be aggressive in removing tubes as they can present a greater risk for infection. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and for God to orchestrate this process in perfect timing.
5. Dad is still on the respirator, but all of his breathes are spontaneous (initiated by him). The respirator is helping him finish some (but not all) of his breathes. His breathing is improving and his lung is no longer collapsed. We hope to see continued strength in his breathing as he comes off the sedatives. Doctors will continue to lower the respirator setting as he improves.

These are the details from the doctor’s report. These details tell us that Dad is on a slow road to recovory. He will have ups and downs, but as long as he steadily improving it is a good sign. There are still a lot of unknowns, but we can rest in the truth... God is faithful.

More evidence of God’s mighty hand:
Justin came down in a wheelchair and got to visit us in the waiting room and see Dad. He is still in some pain and having breathing treatments every four hours; however, he is doing well and is resting now. He is a trooper.

Dad’s doctor from today is a believer. We told him that hundreds (if not thousands) of people are praying for Dad, for Justin, for our family, for this hospital, and for him and the medical staff. He was encouraged to hear about your prayers. Please continue to pray for us all.


We are so thankful to our Lord for this opportunity to walk with Him in this trial. The amazing thing about our God is that He is giving us a greater focus. We do not need to focus on suffering, pain, sadness, and grief. Instead, we can focus on the goodness of God and His soverign power and unending love. We are called to be His witnesses. God is working in our lives through this experience. We are looking forward to the day that we can fellowship with Dad again. Regardless of the outcome, we will trust in the Lord. He is our strong tower.


You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all.

Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord to give up, I’d be a fool
You are my all in all.

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name!