October 5th - Update

Hello Friends,
 
Here is another update regarding Dad. I continue to be thankful for all of your prayer and support - and I know I speak for Mom and Donna that they are extremely thankful as well. I will give info. today in the form of prayer requests.
 
1. We just spoke with the Medical Team and the plan is to now focus on Dad's espophogal issues, pain and colitis. I listed those in the order of priority as an espohagal blockage is not only restricting Dad's ability to take nourishment on his own but is causing excruciating pain. The colitis was found not to be infectious and so is being treated as well. Dad will be going in for an endoscopy (throat scope) at some point mid-morning or early afternoon. Please pray for him - pain saps his energy and makes him miserable. The other issues are difficult to bare from a psychological standpoint. The best way I can explain what I mean is this: Dad is a very dignified man suffering through a very undiginified disease. This is hard on him... it's hard on us. We need the Peace Speaker (God ) to grab a microphone.
 
2. Dad's blood pressure is stable! This is big from being out of an "imminent danger" status. He will remain in ICU through today. We are praying that these other issues listed above will not prolong his ICU stay but will instead be treatable on a general hospital floor. That said - Mom and Dad will be in Rochester through at least Sunday night (10/9). I am privileged to say that I will drive them home when the time comes and I pray that time is no later than Sunday afternoon. Dad is not a fan of hospitals. I remember him standing on the platform many times as a kid and telling his congregations "I'd rather be in church than in the best hospital in town!" Well...I'm pretty sure he really meant it - even as he sits in maybe the best hospital in the world. Please pray that his body will co-operate and allow for a release from the hospital by the weekend.
 
3. Mom, Donna and I are taking care of business - along with Rachelle and Josh. We are holding up well and appreciate the visits, calls, texts, social media comments and meals. We are strong, but not superhuman. We are facing several hard decisions in the coming few days and need wisdom and courage to face them. Please pray for us.
 
In closing, one last thing - in the midst of this I am so greatful that our family remains united and at peace with one another. Dad used to tell us growing up, "family is all we have in this world." If I heard that once, I heard it a thousand times growing up. Now, as an adult the saying changed a bit to, 'Call your mother!" But the point remains - Dad has lived and modeled love, acceptance and forgiveness for 60+ years. The fruit of his example has created peace in the midst of this storm. There is stress, but there is no relational stress. For that, I am thankful! I bring that up because Dad would want any of you reading this to hear him - let no offense stand in your life. To love is always the best choice.
 
We'll continue to keep you posted.
 
Much Love,
Bob III​

p.s - Here's a little picture of Dad with our youngest grandson, Jackson.  These grandsons love their papa!
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