An Update on My Father

I thought I would pop back in the ‘sphere for a few moments to give everyone an update on what’s been going on. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to respond individually to all of the kind and thoughtful well wishes I’ve received via comments and email over the past couple of months, but I can assure you that each and every one has touched my heart and has not gone unnoticed.

As of today, it has been 101 days since my father was admitted into the hospital for neck and back surgery. The surgeries appear to have been successful in repairing the damage, but his recovery has been a different story altogether. I can now say that I’ve seen the real damage and suffering that can be caused by Parkinson’s disease. I wish I couldn’t.

I imagine most people primarily think of tremors and unnatural movements when they think of Parkinson’s disease, but the true effects of the disease unfortunately run much deeper. In my father’s case, it has done everything in its power to fight his recovery.

Fortunately, my father has the determination of ten men and the fight of an angry pit bull, and that is the reason I believe he is still alive. He has a large plaque with the words “Never, Never, Never Give Up!” in his room and he lives up to it every day.

Since his move from the hospital into a rehab facility a week and a half ago, he has made some significant progress. His physical and occupational therapists have commented they cannot believe someone in such poor shape can put forth such an incredible effort. Obviously, they had never met my father.

He still has a long way to go and a full recovery is still uncertain, but there has been some real reason for optimism for the first time in quite a while. For that I am truly thankful.

Your continued prayers would be greatly appreciated and your kindness and compassion has been a godsend. Thanks for caring, and as always, thanks for stopping by. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.