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06/18/2007: "Improvement"

When I arrived to see our patient this morning, he was a different man! He ended up persistently requesting a steroid treatment for his lungs last night - the Respiratory Therapist had mentioned this in the morning but hadn't ordered it, so Rock kept requesting it, and finally got it. It seems to have worked wonders! He was still coughing today a little bit, but not every single time he tried to talk. No one seems to be sure if that's what did the trick or if the antibiotics are kicking butt on some little nasty that wormed it's way in during surgery. He was actually smiling and seemed to be getting his personality back!

Was it too much drama on my part? I think not! The nurses all agreed that they were feeling exactly as I was, and that this is nothing short of a miraculous change for the better. Rock has also confirmed that he felt that he was standing at death's door. Anyway now that my credibility is re-established, thank you so much for the cards (the cards! wow! so many cards delivered from the office! He loved that!). Thanks to the people on the 7 continents that have been praying for him (well, people say they have many continents covered - I'm not sure if that includes Antarctica). The world-wide prayer chain, my Grandma used to call it, and here it is being tapped once again, like a disaster drill calling tree. Thank you for the visits as well, he had a steady stream of people taking his mind off of the situation. And thank you for the words of encouragement, and the meals, and calls to our house offering up help in abundance. The generosity is really overwhelming.

Replies: 11 Comments

on Thursday, June 28th, Sharon Bartlett said

Hi Doug!
I was at a workshop with Sandy for three days this week and she told me about your blog. I wanted to say hello and tell you that remembering workshops I have done with you and my early district experience when you were our tech person brings a smile to my face.
I am so very sorry about your health issues. Please know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Fond regards,
Sharon

on Friday, June 22nd, Cindy said

Hi Jeanette-so relieved to hear he is doing better. I was holding my breath reading yesterday's journal. so glad today's is much better. I have so much compassion and admiration for you and the strength you must be giving Doug. My best to both of you and your families.

Cindy

on Tuesday, June 19th, Michael Butler said

Hey Jeanette and Doug,

I was loosing it here in North Carolina. I am here doing some training and I read the blog. I had to send my class on a LONG break. The coughing I heard as I talked to Doug just did me in. I was so happy when Tim called me at 1:30 a.m. (est) to tell me how much better Doug was. I then was able to sleep. Prayers and powerful and I have already thanked God from the East Coast. Love you guys and thank you both for your strength.

on Tuesday, June 19th, Kelly Owens said

Jeanette & Rock, I am so glad Rock is feeling better. After all you've been through ... you kick ****!! Jeanette, you are a truly wonderful woman and it comforts me to know that you are the one there for this wonderful man. God sent him a true gift in you.

We had a great sermon in church this week about God's plan, about God being a puppeteer and us being puppets, about God teaching us lessons by doling out pain and grief. I guess Episcopalians don't believe in that. We are taught that when God created man, he created us a very fagile creature. Instead of immortality on Earth he gave you this wonderful woman and these wonderful talented doctors and he gave you the will and the endurance and perseverance and the hope, which you're using well. He hears all our prayers for you and is there by your side every minute. There is no lesson that God wants to teach us through your pain and your family's torment. He is grieving along with the rest of us.

He will take us and care for us Himself when our fragile bodies, even with the help of loving family and talented doctors can no longer survive. He will be there to save us. That's his plan. He is not a puppeteer and we are not His puppets. We are his fragile children and he obviously loves you very much.

We'll all continue our prayers for you. You keep getting stronger. You're amazing!

on Tuesday, June 19th, Mac said

Drama, what Drama? You guys always tell it staight from the heart, just the way we want it. (With a lot of heady stuff thrown in. I have learned so much from your blog). Thanks for letting us share these personal times with you. We all love you so very much.

on Tuesday, June 19th, Mia said

That is great news! My parents told me yesterday that he looked good and had color in his cheeks. No need to worry about being over dramatic - in this situation I don't think you can be.

I'm so happy this crisis has passed!

Much love.

on Tuesday, June 19th, KO said

All I can say is that you looked great yesterday! Enjoyed the Rice-A-Roni drool pose (ya had to be there folks)! Glad the treatments are helping you feel better. Get better soon. The crew in the "Cave" misses you!

on Tuesday, June 19th, Mary and Dave said

good!!!!! We were with Dani and Jason and Woody and Ingrid over the weekend....so, your fan club on the east coast...everyone in touch, reading the blog,talking over how much we all love you guys....telling great stories of both of you being the most wonderful and loving friends....standing the gap kind of friends...sending our love, Mary and Dave
PS way good news about the steroids but pity about your professional sports pursuits...xoxoox

on Tuesday, June 19th, Frank & Melanie Carbrey said

Jeanette & Rock:
Good to hear Rock is feeling better. We are only thinking good thoughts. Both of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

on Monday, June 18th, Kim Powell said

Jeanette & Rock,
I think about you both often. You two have eachother and will always be connected no matter what! My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Very good to hear Rock is feeling better today.

on Monday, June 18th, Cissy Dawes said

Darlings, I'm so glad to hear this happy news. I'm with you every moment, dear. XO XO