Annie's "Dad's Update" Page

"Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,
by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
~2 Corinthians 1:3-4~

If you could just send a quick email letting me know you are
praying I would really appreciate it. My email address is: annieshomepageATmsn.com
Just change the address by taking out the AT and putting the at sign @ there instead!

Why are you praying for my Dad? First let me say thank you so much for continuing to pray for my Dad as he
recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. Dad was admitted to the hospital because of a stroke on August 10th.
The stroke was really a huge blessing or we wouldn't have known that he needed the endarterectomy
which cleaned out the 75% blockage in his right carotid artery. Dad had a lot of different heart
and stroke related tests during his visit. His laststay was for about 10 days and that was when we learned
he would need the quadruple bypass surgery. After a little rest and recovery Dad went back in the
hospital and had the surgery was on September 19th. Dad got back home from the surgery on October 3rd.

1/30/08 - Thank you all so much for your prayers for my father. Dad called me yesterday and said
the MRI didn't show any new strokes!! So that is a HUGE answer to prayer. Since Dad did have some
trouble with his balance/legs and vision we need to keep a concerned eye on him and how he is feeling
even though he would prefer that we didn't. He won't stick to the special diets so please pray that he
will learn and realize that it is so important to follow the guidelines that he was given when he left the
hospital the last time. Pray for Dad to not get frustrated and agitated with how the things are right
now in regard to his health, limitations and stress. Dad has gotten in his head that the medications especially
the high cholesterol medication is something that he doesn't want to take so please pray that he will stay on
all the medications he has to take. Pray for my Mother too. She is there in the "trenches" so to speak and needs
to be covered in prayer daily as does Dad. Thanks again for all your concern, love and prayers!!! Love Annie

1/26/08 - No update yet on Dad's MRI but that unfortunately doesn't mean that they didn't find anything
yet. Actually the last MRI it took awhile becuase the Doctor was trying to find a radiologist that would
explain things to Dad and compare the MRI's. Dad is also having problems with his memory and problems
with anxiety and agitation. Please pray for Mom as she is the care taker and needs prayer. Also Dad had
to have both his toe nails removed. Please pray that the infection will clear up with the
oral medication that they gave him.
1/14/08 - We went to see Dad's family doctor last week and he feels that Dad had another small stroke.
That is mostly because he is having trouble with his balance and eye sight. So he is scheduled for an
MRI today. Then they will let us know when we are to come back and talk with the doctor and what all is going on.
Please continue to lift up my parents and me and my sister. Also Dad is back to being worried about taking his
medications and kind of not really his "normal" temperament again. So with all that Dad said and the need for
the MRI will let us know what all is going on. He is on a blood thinner, high cholesterol, high blood pressure
and thyroid medications now. Thank you all so much for praying and for your kind emails. Dad has them in his
room and mentions them to others when they visit. The Pastor that does visitation for their church came by this
weekend and will be available as needed. I will update this page when I hear something! Love Annie

UPDATE on DAD: (Dec 01,07 at 1:00PM) Please continue to pray for my Dad as he recovers from
quadruple bypass surgery. Dad's surgery was on September 19th and discharged on October 3rd!
Latest Update: Dad is still getting better every day. He continues to grow stronger and is able to do a
lot more then he could since all the tests and surgeries. They did increase two of his medications but feel
that he is really doing much better then ever expected. I am continuing to do the medications for Dad
and I will check next week to see when the nutritionist/nurse will be coming back to help Mom and Dad understands things a little better. Dad is still on occasion a little agitated, harsh and stressed out
and Mom even thinks a little depressed. He will be on a special diet and five different medications
to control his BP and high cholesterol among other things but at least he accepting of that now.
Dad's hypothyroidism is perfect so he still takes that medication too. All the blood tests came back
great except the high cholesterol so the doctor doubled that dose of medication and feels that will help
lower it. Dad is also back on a few supplements that are approved by the doctor and he is taking Melatonin
and it helps him sleep all the way thru the night. I know that now that he is sleeping throughout the
night it will help him recover much faster and better. Sleep is a huge blessing and I know that if I don't
sleep all the way thru the night that my own pain problems are much more exasperated.
Next Doctor's Appointment: The next appointments will be rechecks with the
family doctor and the cardiologist in about three months for both.
Praise Report: Dad is continuing to recover. He is now able to drive and doesn't need the walker at all now.
His blood pressure and pulse are at great levels and he gained back his weight to before the surgery! In case
you didn't. I have been working with Mom and Dad on the computer so he can search his Bible Program
and Mom can type of different things she needs to do. It is slow going but they are at least willing to
use the computer offline now. read about this before the biggest miracle among many was that he
had absolutely NO PAIN from the surgery!!
Extra Prayer Request: Please continue to also pray for Mom as she is still in the role of caregiver which is not a
role she is accustomed to. She has essential tremor in her right arm and stress makes it worse. Please pray that
she will gain weight back and not lose more. There isn't a medical reason for the weight loss specifically but we
have all been through a lot the last 3 months with Dad's heart blockage and stroke and that is probably part
of it. My son Jake came for the Thanksgiving weekend. We all enjoyed our visit with Jake and Mom made
Thanksgiving which we all look forward to each year. My mom makes the BEST pumpkin pie ever!!! Please
continue to pray for my son especially while he prepares for exams and takes them at University!
We are so thankful for all of your prayers. Please pray for Mom as she goes back
to driving her car that she will not be nervous and anxious.

UPDATE on DAD: (Nov 18th,07 at 7:00PM) Please continue to pray for my Dad as he recovers from
quadruple bypass surgery. Dad's surgery was on September 19th and discharged on October 3rd!
Latest Update: Dad is still getting better every day. We had an appointment with the cardiologist
Tuesday. Dr S mentioned that he still can't lift weights but he can walk in the pool for exercise.
He can also drive now but promised me if he is tired that he will let Mom drive. Dad is also walking
without the walker now too! He will still be recovering for another 2 or 3 months but he is doing
remarkably well now. The doctor mentioned that the agitation, difficulty concentrating and anxiousness
is perfectly normal for a heart patient and will probably go away in the next few months. Dad will have home
PT until the end of this month. Then they will release him and Dr S's office will be having a different home
health agency come in and help Dad with his medications and to explain about diet and supplements. The other
agency didn't have dietitians on their staff. Dad use to take a ton of different vitamins and supplements before
and wanted to just start back on all of them but the Cardiologist has gone through the list and some are not
recommended with the medications that he needs to take now. It will be good to have an expert tell him what
he can and can't do instead of me or Mom doing the medications or supplements. I will continue doing the
medications until then. All of your prayers have been a huge help in Dad's recovery. He is praying for all of you
that are praying for him and especially those that have written out prayers and sent encouraging emails too.
Next Doctor's Appointment: Next is another recheck with his family doctor next week!!
Praise Report: Dad is continuing to recover. He started back driving this week and walking without the walker too.
His blood pressure and pulse are at great levels and he gained back 9 pounds since surgery! In case you didn't
read about this before the biggest miracle among many was that he had absolutley NO PAIN from the surgery!!
Extra Prayer Request: Please continue to also pray for Mom as she is still in the role of caregiver which is not a
role she is accustomed to. She has essential tremor in her right arm and stress makes it worse. Please pray that
she will gain weight back and not lose more. There isn't a medical reason for the weight loss specifically but we
have all been through a lot the last 3 months with Dad's heart blockage and stroke and that is probably part
of it. My son Jake will be driving down for Thanksgiving. He will be on the road Wednesday and
back to University on the Monday. We are so thankful for all of your prayers.

UPDATE on DAD: (Nov 5th,07 at 12:00PM) First let me thank you again so much for continuing to pray for my
Dad as he recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. Surgery was on September 19th and discharged on October 3rd!
Latest Update: Dad had a busy weekend and is really tired today.well actually exhausted would be more accurate.
He is also more easily agitated then usual too. I just called and he just finished up PT. Dad went to his Men's
Prayer Breakfast Saturday and then Mom and Dad went to church yesterday for the first time since the stroke in
August. Then we all went to Ruby Tuesday's for a nice lunch. He did have a nap yesterday and also slept really
heavy last night but that really hasn't helped that much yet. Dad is back on a multi vitamin and something that is
suppose to help the heart and Dad said the Cardiologist said he could take them again. He also started Clariton
yesterday which is an allergy medication and he checked that by calling the pharmacist. Dad is much more
frustrated and grumpy today but that is to be expected after such a busy weekend. Pray for Mom who deals with
all of this being there as wife and as much of a care giver that Dad will allow. Dad doesn't want any help right
now and that is hard for both of us to stand back and watch. Even using the walker was a little more difficult
then usual yesterday. Speaking of the walker he is leaning left still while he walks and it is worse when
he is tired. That is the side that he had the stroke. His voice is not back to normal yet either. Pray that his
temperment will improve today and every day while he continues to recover from the bypass surgery!
Next Doctor's Appointment: No Doctor's appointments this week! Next week Dad will have to have a fasting.
bloodwork done. Then the following week is a recheck with the Cardiologist!
Praise Report: Dad is continuing to recover in the "big picture" of this but not in the daily activities or his mood.
Additional Prayer Needed: Please continue to pray for Mom! Pray for to have strength and courage. She asked the
you also pray for her driving skill. Dad prefers that Mom drive his car right now and she hasn't driven it before.
So she needs help in parking and every aspect of driving and for Dad not to be a back seat driver too!

UPDATE on DAD: (11/01/07 at 12:00PM) First let me thank you again so much for continuing to pray for my
Dad as he recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. Surgery was on 9/19/07 and he was discharged on 10/3/07!
Latest Update: We had a wonderful lunch at Outback for Dad's 80th birthday. It was pretty exciting
to see how many of Dad's friends from church and his prayer meeting were dining there too. Dad enjoyed
his rack of lamb and they even brought him a chocolate sundae and sang Happy Birthday to him. Dad
still gets very tired after going out or after doing things but he is still stronger every day but it isn't as
soon as Dad would like. I am going over there this afternoon to put Dad's medications in the containers
and to help Mom work on Dad's medication list and his supplement list too. Dr S the Cardiologist has allowed
Dad to take some supplements again and I am sure that when we go back to see the family doctor he will
make some changes to the list because he was the one that stopped all the supplements the first visit
to the hospital when Dad had the stroke. So please pray for Dad to listen to the family doctor
and Dr S when they make the final changes to what he can and can't take. I also have to check
all the supplements and make sure all the ingredients are listed. Dad is having therapy now. He has
OT/PT twice a week and then hs a nurse come once a week still. Sunny the therapist told Mom that Dad
is still moving left when he walks. He is suppose to be using the walker all the time but he is not happy
with it but does use it. Dad is still dealing with many different emotions. It is amazing how the hear
t can effect anxiety or stress. Normally after bypass surgery many people tend to lean towards
battling with depression so please pray that the Lord will restore Dad's body, mind
and spirit completely and better then he was before surgery!.
Next Doctor's Appointment: The next appointments are the rechecks with his family
doctor and his cardiologist.We won't be going back for at least week or so. Dad is still
not currently driving but wants to. Mom is driving him where he needs to go.
Praise Report: Thank you so much for praying for Dad's birthday. We all had a really nice time.
Thanks again for all your prayers the Lord is using you to help Dad's recovery and I really appreciate
that. Your prayers are also helping my Mom and I and my sister deal with Dad's surgery and
how that has impacted each of our lives. Dad is still blessed to have NO PAIN or problems from
his surgery. The chest is still healing well. His legs are a little tired but they don't really hurt like
others who have had this same surgery. Dad was really blessed to have the surgeon he had. Each one
of you have been a huge blessing from the Lord to my family!! Thank you so much!!
Additional Prayer Needed: Please continue to pray for Mom! Pray for her weight problem and her anxiety
and for strength. Pray that Dad's recovery continues to procress as well as it has so far or better.

UPDATE on DAD: (10/27/07 at 4:00PM) First let me thank you again so much for continuing to pray for my
Dad as he recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. Surgery was on 9/19/07 and he was discharged on 10/3/07!

Latest Update: Dad, Mom and I have a busy week with Doctor's appointments. We saw Dad's surgeon
and they have cleared him back to his family doctor and cardiologist. So we have a good report on
how Dad's body is healing inside and out. The xray was just perfect and over all is doing really well.
We know that this is yet another blessing from the Lord! Mom and Dad went out for lunch in the next
town over with their friends from church. Dad said they really had a good and enjoyable time together.
Dad is still getting stronger every day. He went to his Saturday men's prayer breakfast this morning and
there were 12 men there. Dad is able to venture out again but he is taking baby steps. Tomorrow is my
Dad's 80th birthday, so we will be going to lunch and it will be the restaurant that Dad choices. Dad
is still dealing with many different emotions and frustrations in how slow the recovery process really is.
It is amazing how the heart can effect emotions such as anxious or stress. Normally after
bypass surgery many people tend to lean towards battling with depression so please pray that
the Lord will restore Dad's body, mind and spirit completely.

Next Doctor's Appointment: The next appointments are the recheck and second appointment with
his family doctor and his cardiologist who will be working together on different medications
and therapy too. We won't be going back for at least another two weeks. Dad is still
not currently driving and Mom is driving him where he needs to go.

Praise Report: Dad is still blessed to have no pain or problems from his surgery. The chest is healing well.
His legs are a little tired but they don't really hurt like others who have had this same surgery.
Dad was really blessed to have the surgeon he had. The incision on his chest was put together with
a substance like a glue that actually holds the chest together. He doesn't have the horrible leg pain
that most people who have had the surgery do because they only make two very small incisions to put
something in and they pull the veins out that way. Anyway thanks again for all your prayers the Lord
is using you to help Dad's recovery and I really appreciate that. Each one of you are a blessing
to the Lord and to my family!! Thank you so much!!

Additional Prayer Needed: Please pray for both my parents and my sister and myself as we continue
on this journey of recovery we are going through. Please pray for my sister and her family. My son
is in Jacksonville for one of the most important games in the SEC. Instead of playing at each college
this game is always played in Jacksonville and the stadium is always packed. Jake will be driving
back to university after the game which will end about 7ish. So please cover him in prayer!! Thank
you again for all your prayers for Dad they really are working and I have been printing them out for
him to be blessed by reading them. They have blessed him so much. He has the pile in the living room
and shares them with visitors too!! Pray for my Mother as she is learning how to be a care giver which
is a very difficult job for her. Pray that she won't so anxious and stressed out. My mother's weight
has dropped substantially. So please just pray that the doctor's office will be able to follow up with
her and keep a closer look at her weight. Please continue to pray for Mom! She is pretty exhausted
from just being there for Dad let alone over seeing different things as a care giver. Please pray for
my Dad's OT/PT person named Sunny. Pray that Dad will heed Sunny's advice on using the walker more.
Dad really doesn't want to use that walker but he needs! Please pray that Dad will comply to some
of the exercises and taking direction that is given to him. Dad is praying for all of you that are
praying for him. Even without the emails he is still praying for those that are praying for him.

Why are you praying for my Dad? First let me say thank you so much for continuing to pray for my Dad as he
recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. Dad was admitted to the hospital because of a stroke on 8/10/07.
The stroke was really a huge blessing or we wouldn't have known that he needed the endarterectomy
which cleaned out the 75% blockage in his right carotid artery. Dad had a lot of different heart
and stroke related tests during his visit. His lasted for about 10 days and that was when learned
he would need the quadruple bypass surgery. After a little rest and recovery Dad went back in the
hospital and had the surgery was on 9/19/07. Dad got back home from the surgery on 10/3/07.

UPDATE on DAD: (10/17/07 at 6:00PM) First let me thank you again so much for continuing to pray for my
Dad as he recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. Surgery was on 9/19/07 and he was discharged on 10/3/07!

Latest Update: I met Mom and Dad at there family doctors office Monday for a recheck for Dad. Dad had
another over all good report. We know is yet another blessing from the Lord! Now that Dad is allowed
to venture out again he is taking baby steps. Dad did go to his Men's Saturday Prayer Breakfast at Perkins.
We also went out to eat lunch Sunday and we had Chinese. This was the first time we had gone out to
eat since before Dad had the stroke. Mom noticed that Dad seemed to sleep all afternoon both Saturday
and Sunday. Dr H said told us that since Dad has been in the hospital more then at home the last two
months he is still will continue to be tired and need to be taking naps. Dad did say that he is still
kind of frustrated, stressed, anxious and kind of angry about how slowly it seems that the recovery
is going. For now is taking something for this in the evening and that should continue to help
with these feelings but he may need to be on it a little longer before we see the full benefit of it.

Next Doctor's Appointment: Dad has an appointment next Wednesday with his Cardio Pulmonary Surgeon
and Tuesday he has to get a chest xray to make sure everything is fine. Dad had a fasting blood work
taken today. We see Dad's family doctor in about a month and also the Cardiologist in about a month
too. Mom and I both have been going to the appointments for Dad. Of course Dad
is not currently allowed to drive right now.

Praise Report: Dr Hunter agreed with me that it was a miracle that Dad has had no pain at all after
such a major surgery, and how it was a blessing was that he had the stroke or we wouldn't have
learned about the artery in the neck or the 4 blockages in his heart. The fact that he was
"asymptotic" and he had never had a heart attack shows how the Lord was indeed protecting him.
We are really thankful that there was no permanent damage to the heart.

Additional Prayer Needed: Please pray for both my parents and my sister and myself as we continue
on this journey of recovery we are going through. Thank you again for all your prayers for Dad
they really working and I have been printing them out for him to be blessed by reading them.
Pray for my Mother as she is learning how to be a care giver which is a very difficult job. Jake is my
son and he is going to be driving back to university Sunday afternoon. It is about a 5 hour drive. So please
cover him in prayer!! Please remember to pray for Mom! She is pretty exhausted from just being there
for Dad let alone over seeing different things as a care giver. Please pray for my Dad's OT/PT
person named Sunny. He is really great with Dad. Dad really doesn't want to use that walker
but he needs to so please pray that he will comply to some of thing direction that is given to him.

Why are you praying for my Dad? First let me say thank you so much for continuing to pray for my Dad as he
recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. Dad was admitted to the hospital because of a stroke on 8/10/07.
The stroke was really a huge blessing or we wouldn't have known that he needed the endarterectomy
which cleaned out the 75% blockage in his right carotid artery. Dad had a lot of different heart
and stroke related tests during his visit. His lasted for about 10 days and that was when learned
he would need the quadruple bypass surgery. After a little rest and recovery Dad went back in the
hospital and had the surgery was on 9/19/07. Dad got back home from the surgery on 10/3/07.

UPDATE on DAD: (10/11/07 at 4:00PM) Thank you all so much for continuing to pray for my Dad
as he recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. The surgery was on 9/19/07 and he got back home on 10/3/07.

Here is the update on my Dad! Dad had a good appointment with the Cardiologist yesterday. The doctor said
it is normal to have a loss of appetite and problems sleeping. He said that Dad can eat out and can drive
soon and for now he can eat anything as long as he doesn't add salt. And they can go to church again
too. Dad has a men's prayer meeting every Saturday at Perkin's so he is going to go to that this Saturday.

We see Dad's family doctor Monday and the surgeon the following week. Dr Hunter might change a few
things but we will see. Dad did say that he is kind of frustrated at how slow it seems that the recovery
is going but Dr Shaker said that is a good thing to feel right now because it means that he wants to get
back to when things were better and that can challenge him too. Of course he can't over do it yet and
we have some more doctors appointments in the next few weeks. Thank you again for all your prayers for
Dad. Oh I almost forgot to share this with you!!! I have been told in the last few days that almost
all patients of this surgery have pain and it is a very normal part of recovery. Dad hasn't had any pain
so for. I really believe that the reason he doesn't have any pain is a miracle. That miracle is because so
many of you are praying for him. Currently with bypass surgery they don't cut the whole leg like they
did for grafting in the past, but now they just make two small holes in the leg. This might make the
leg pain much less dramatic for patients and that is part of why his leg pain isn't bothering Dad now
I do believe that it is just by the grace of God, answered prayer and His mercy that Dad is not
suffering right now. So again thank you for all your prayers, they are really working.

I was reminded while Dad was in the hospital how the Lord guides and directs our steps every moment
of the day. Twice I met people at the parking lot elevator that I knew. For us to be there at exactly
the same time was well extraordinary. That is why it is so important to listen for that reminder and
the Lord's leading. It might be a reminder to check and see if the door is locked or it might mean
changing the path you would normally take. The Lord loves us so much and cares for all the details
in our lives. He cares about answering a prayer about getting a good parking spot or something
much more important in our lives. He cares about every detail of our lives. We just need to remember
to daily put our lives in HIS hands and plans!!! I can't wait until the rapture or
when we get to heaven to introduce you to my Dad. Sleep well!!! Love Annie

UPDATE on DAD: (10/6/07 at 4:00PM) Thank you all so much for continuing to pray for my Dad
as he recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. The surgery was on 9/19/07 and he got back home on
10/3/07. The last week he was able to stay on the rehab floor and have PT. OT and ADL with
mobility lessons too. Dad is getting up about once at night so please pray that he can sleep all the
way through the night. Pray for his continued recovery. There are so many different areas of the
body that have to recover from a major surgery like that. He will have 3 follow up appointments in
the next week or two and Mom and I will be going to the appointments with Dad. He is looking for a
good report from each doctor. My sister flew out today to go back to her family. I had a nice visit
with Dad Friday. He even took the walker and walked down to the elevators and back. He continues
to be getting more strength and color daily. They still recommend at least one nap a day. They say
that it takes 2 or 3 days for every day in the hospital to recover so we still have a way to go. He had
a small pleural infusion early last week but I was not aware of it so please pray that he won't get anymore.
I am going to lunch at Mom and Dad's tomorrow and then will go over Monday, Wednesday and Friday each
week. That will give Mom a chance to go out and do errands without Dad and gives Dad and I some time
together too. Dad and I really appreciate your prayers. When I told him I was going to do an update
he told me to make sure everyone that he is praying for everyone that has prayed for him and our
family. Please continue to pray for my whole family. Dad and Mom and Debbie and I need prayers
for peace, reconciliation, kindness, goodness and joy. Now that my sister has left I will be back
to helping Mom and Dad. I will be putting all his meds together in containers for a week at a time,
and then I will be going to Dad's doctor appointments with them again too. I will continue to print
the prayer emails out for Dad. They are both a blessing to me and Dad. He wanted you to
all know that he is still praying for you and has asked the Lord to bless you abundantly!
I will continue to put updates here hopefully daily! Thanks again!! Annie

UPDATE on DAD: (10/3/07 at 4:00PM) Thank you all so much for continuing to pray for my Dad
as he recovers from quadruple bypass surgery. Dad is FINALLY back home today and is looking
forward to sleeping in his own bed tonight. I had a good visit with Dad yesterday and spoke to him
on the phone today. He was so sweet and thoughtful. He even wanted to make sure I had eaten lunch. Dad
seems to be getting his strength and color back more each day. Yesterday he mentioned to me and the PT
person about his problem with his speech. Please pray that his speech will not be as quiet, monotone
and a wee bit garbled. Pray that he will be strong enough to have visitors again soon. Mom and
my sister feel that today is not a good day for visitors because it normally takes a lot out of a person
going back home. So hopefully tomorrow they will let people call or visit. I will be going over
probably every other day now that he is home. Dad and I really appreciate your prayers. He wanted
me to thank you all again for your prayers and the emails. Please continue to pray for my whole family.
Dad and Mom and Debbie and I need prayers for peace, reconciliation, kindness, goodness and joy.
My sister will be leaving and flying home on the 7th. After she leaves I will be back to helping
Mom and Dad. I will be putting all his meds together in containers for a week at a time, and then
I will be going to Dad's doctor appointments with them again too. I will continue to print the
prayer emails out for Dad. They are both a blessing to me and Dad. He wanted you to all know
that he is still praying for you and has asked the Lord to bless you abundantly!
I will continue to put updates here hopefully daily! Thanks again!! Annie

UPDATE on DAD: (9/30/07 at 11:00PM) Please continue to pray for my Dad as he recovers
from quadruple bypass surgery. Dad did sleep through the night Sunday night. We really appreciate
you praying about that for Dad. Please also pray for his continued recovery and for daily strength.
I had a good visit with Dad today. Mom was there when I got there and he had a visitor too. We
have been enjoying watching the golf this weekend together. Today we had a good time of fellowship
and praying and talking about salvation and the times we are living in. Dad seems to be getting his
color back and we are seeing small improvements. Sunday was an off day for any therapy but
tomorrow he will have about 3 hours of a combination of mobility exercises, Occupational Therapy
and Physical Therapy too. He isn't strong enough to get up out of bed or the chair or go to the
bathroom alone yet and depends on the nurses for their help. I think it is Tuesday that the
Doctors, nurses and therapists have a weekly meeting about how he is progressing and when
they anticipate he will leave the hospital. I think that they are looking at least 4 to 7 days
but we won't for a few days. Please continue to pray for my Mom and I and my sister. She
will be here about another week before she goes back home. I think that as long as the doctors
feel that Dad should stay he is now open to stay until they decide he should go home. I will visit
him tomorrow from about 11:30 AM to 2:30PM that seems to be my shift now! Dad wanted me
to thank you all for your prayers and the emails. I printed them out for him and they have been
a great sense of comfort. He wanted you to all know that he is praying for you and has
asked the Lord to bless you abundantly! I will continue to put updates here
hopefully daily! Thanks again!! Annie

UPDATE on DAD: (9/28/07 at 11:00AM)
I had a good visit with Dad today. Mom was there when I got there and he had a visitor too. We
have been enjoying watching the golf this weekend together. Today we had a good time of fellowship
and praying and talking about salvation and the times we are living in. Dad seems to be getting his
color back and we are seeing small improvements. Sunday was an off day for any therapy but
tomorrow he will have about 3 hours of a combination of mobility exercises, Occupational Therapy
and Physical Therapy too. He isn't strong enough to get up out of bed or the chair or go to the
bathroom alone yet and depends on the nurses for their help. I think it is Tuesday that the
Doctors, nurses and therapists have a weekly meeting about how he is progressing and when
they anticipate he will leave the hospital. I think that they are looking at least 4 to 7 days
but we won't for a few days. Please continue to pray for my Mom and I and my sister. She
will be here about another week before she goes back home. I think that as long as the doctors
feel that Dad should stay he is now open to stay until they decide he should go home. I will visit
him tomorrow from about 11:30 AM to 2:30PM that seems to be my shift now! Dad wanted me
to thank you all for your prayers and the emails. I printed them out for him and they have been
a great sense of comfort. He wanted you to all know that he is praying for you and has
asked the Lord to bless you abundantly! I will continue to put updates here
hopefully daily! Thanks again!! Annie

UPDATE on DAD: (9/28/07 at 11:00AM) This is just a quick update on Dad because I am heading
to the hospital now. Please continue to pray for my Dad as he recovers from quadruple bypass
surgery. Thank you all so much for your prayers and your emails. I had a wonderful visit with my Dad yesterday. His mood is much better and he is taking part in a wonderful rehab program that the hospital offers. The private room has made a huge difference for him but the bed is really very uncomfortable. We had a wonderful talk about the Lord and the word of God. About the times we are living in and how few people are even hearing about that. The OT is working on adaptive devices to help him become a little more independent and putting moist heat on his upper back. PT has more of a group game type interaction. Mom had called all their friends the day that he wanted to go home. But Pat had the most compelling argument that the Lord had put Dad under the authority of the Doctors for now and he needs to stay if they feel that he needs to. Also Dad knows that Mom just can't do this all alone after my sister leaves Sunday. Thank you so much for all the prayers. When I was at the cafeteria getting lunch with Mom I could literally feel so many prayers around me I could almost touch them. That must sound odd but it was so amazing and nothing that I have really felt before. It was different then just knowing that people were praying. Well I will put up another email after I am home and settled back in. Please continue to pray for Dad and my Mom and sister and I. I am continuing on my antibiotic for another 6 days but need to not over do it either. I printed out some of your prayers to take to my Dad and I know that he will be blessed as much as I was when I read them. May your day be full of peace and comfort. Let the Lord guide and direct your paths and steps today! Annie

URGENT PRAYER NEEDED: (9/26/07 at 7:30PM) Please continue to pray for my Dad as he recovers
from quadruple bypass surgery. Pray that he will sleep all the way through the night. Now that they
have moved him to a private room he shouldn't have the same problems with noise and not sleeping.
Pray that whatever they choose to give him for sleeping tonight will be strong enough that he will
wake up refreshed and feeling a little better each day. He really needs to stay in the hospital for
another week. Mom was able to have some of Dad's friends from church come and Pastor Jason to
talk him into at least staying for tonight. His friend Mack is a real help and encouragement
because he went through the same surgery. I have heard that open heart patients do have
problems with emotions, control issues, anxiety, anger and depression and would appreciate
you praying for Dad in regards to this too! Those problems might be part of the problem but
not having a good night sleep can make anyone grumpy!! Please pray that the rehab doctor
and the PT and OT people can show him why he needs to stay. After Dad had the heart
and carotid catheter procedure the nurse printed out two sets of pictures that explained to Dad
why he needed the bypass surgery. It has been really important for Dad to know WHY he needs
to do something and what is actually wrong with him. It is part of losing the control that you have
to deal with when addressing your own health and life. With this kind of surgery one has to look
at and deal with their own mortality. Dad is a Christian and loves the Lord! Please pray that he will
not give us more trouble about staying for the amount of time that the doctors are recommending.
Please also pray for my Mom and sister as they are at the hospital daily. I will be able to go and
see my Dad tomorrow and plan on going in the morning. Since I have been ill during Dad's hospital
stay and have been dealing with ear infections and a sinus infection too. I am no on the second
antibiotic and it is a strong one. Since I have been on it for over 48 hours my doctor's office
feels it is ok to visit him now. Please pray that for the next 7 days that I have to take the antibiotic,
that it will heal whatever the problems are. Please pray for Mom she is just exhausted physically
and emotionally right now. My sister is staying until next Tuesday. Pray for my sister and her
family back home. Pray that Dad's recovery continues at the hospital since Mom and I can't care
for Dad at home. I really appreciate all your prayers!! Thanks again Annie!!!
LATEST at 8:30PM --- Mom just got back home. They didn't get Dad in the private room until
a little after 7PM. Mom read the schedule that Dad has for the different modalities of
recovery/therapy and it is a tough schedule. So I may wait and go after lunch since he has
classes all morning. I will add another update tomorrow!

PARTIAL UPDATE ON DAD: (9/26/07 at 2:30PM)
Dear Friends I just got a call from Mom so I can update you. She asked me to thank you and to have
you please continue praying. They are going to move Dad to a private room. The noise and the proximity to the nurses station kept him awake most of the night. They are cleaning the room and he will be in there soon.
BUT he has not promised to stay yet I think that it might be a day by day thing and the Pastor and
friends were really helpful as were every one of your prayers for Dad and Mom. Mom even had his
physical therapist who saw him at home after the stroke call to help him see and understand why
he should stay. The physical therapist is a Christian too but only does home care and they will be back with
him after he does go home. Mom sounds very stressed out and tired. I don't know what my sister is doing but
I know that Mom seemed to be letting the others take a leading role to keep him there. I don't know
if I will see Dad tomorrow or Friday. I was given 10 days of the Cipro for the ear infections and fluid
in both ears and then the sinus infection too. This is the second antibiotic I have been on. It will
be nice to go and visit Dad but I don't want him to get sick either. Really a sinus/ear infection
isn't normally that contagious but with open heart surgery they are much more susceptible to any
infection. And it sounds like Dad will be there if he agrees another week or so. Last night they
changed Dad from the sleeping medication to just Tylenol PM which would certainly not be my
first choice. But I haven't spoken to the new doctor that is in charge of the Physical Therapy/Rehab
unit that Dad is in. So please continue to pray for Dad and all of us.
Please know that Mom and I both really do appreciate every prayer!! Love Annie

URGENT PRAYER NEEDED: (9/26/07 at 11AM) Please pray for my Dad. He really needs to stay in the
hospital for another week and he is upset and wants to go home. He is on the Rehab floor and I don't
know anymore about why he wants to go but please ask the Lord to intervene so that he will stay there.
My mother can't care for him herself and my sister will be going home soon. I really appreciate all
your prayers!! Thanks again Annie!!! If you could just send a quick email letting me know you are
praying I would really appreciate it. My email address is: annieshomepageATmsn.com Just change
the address by taking out the AT and putting the at sign @ there instead!

IMPORTANT UPDATE 9/25/07: My father had quadruple bypass surgery on 9/19/07. The surgery lasted
about 4 hours and went well. Right now he is still in the hospital but is on the Rehab floor and they will
be doing Physical and Occupational Therapy. He had a rough night last night so please pray for him to
sleep well through the night. Recovery from the bypass surgery is a long process so please continue to
lift up my Dad in prayer. I have been ill since the day after surgery. It started with double ear
infections and fluid in them and I was running a fever so the first antibiotic wasn't working. Now I
have a sinus infection and I am on the second antibiotic but it is a very strong one this time. So I am
not able to go see my Dad yet. We have been able to talk on the phone though. His voice is
finally sounding close to normal now but not nearly as strong as before having to be in the hospital
since the stroke in August and the two day visit because of another problem. And finally this is
prayerfully the last time Dad will have to be in the hospital for a very, very long time. Please continue
to pray for my mother and my sister and myself to have peace and comfort through the next stage
of recovery. My Mom is pretty tired and stressed out and my sister needs your prayers too. She
doesn't live down here and had to take vacation time away from her family and was here for a
week during the stroke and then is here for 2 weeks this time. Pray for the doctor's and nurses,
physical therapists and others who will be caring for Dad that they will have wisdom
and favor and discernment in his hospital stay. Pray that his recovery will be perfect,
complete and quick. Pray for mercy, grace, reconciliation and kindness to be a part of this
time for our family! Thank you for your prayers! It was only by the grace of God and your
prayers that I was able to get through Dad's stroke. I know that it will be why I am going
to be able to continue to be there for my Dad and Mom through all this. We still anticipate
that he will be in the hospital for about at least a week.

My father has been praying for all of you that will be praying for him. He has asked the Lord
to bless you abundantly and give you a double blessing. Thank you all for praying! I look forward
to the day we will all meet in heaven! Lately the verse "Casting ALL your cares upon Him for He
careth for you" has been in my mind and heart! The Lord will often use us to be of comfort to
someone or pray for someone that you see and never tell them. We all have many divine appointments
every day. Sometimes just a smile at someone can turn their countenance around. We have so
many opportunities to pray for anyone you think about that you know and for those that you see
and have never met where ever you go today. Even if you are home bound you can pray for
your neighbors and who ever delivers the mail or a package to your home. "God comforts
is in all our circumstances so that we maybe be able to comfort those where with we ourselves
are comforted by God." So never take for granted that you know what tomorrow will bring.
Keep your heart open and willing to follow the Lord's direction in your life. Thanks again!! Annie

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