Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Healed

This afternoon my sweet, beautiful grandmother went home to be with her Savior.


I am deeply saddened, but know that she is enjoying every moment of her new home.

I am so grateful for the many years that I got to spend with her.


I have so many beautiful memories and so much I want to say about the legacy she has left, but today I am too emotionally drained to effectively communicate that well.

Thank you all SO much for all of your prayers. They were felt.

Monday, November 24, 2008

24-48 hours

A friend who reads my blog emailed me today asking about my grandmother and said she hoped that no news was good news.

I wish that was true.

The last few days have been tough.

Just when things were getting so much better, my grandmother's condition took a detour.

Her kidneys stopped functioning again. The infection got worse. Her blood pressure wouldn't stabilize on its own.

Her body is currently holding more than 60 pounds of extra fluid because of her kidney issues. She is bloated and swollen to the point that it is hard to look at her. Her hands look like surgical gloves that have been blown up like balloons. She is not suffering because she is constantly under sedation. All of the fluid is putting pressure on her organs and could soon begin to cause other problems beyond the ones she is currently experiencing.

Yesterday they tried to do dialysis again, but her body couldn't take it.

The infection is causing her colon to be distended and not work properly.

I flew back home yesterday. Things have only gotten worse today.

My dad says the doctors seem much less optimistic now and have only two more options to try. This afternoon they started giving her the strongest antibiotic possible, directly into her colon. This is not a standard treatment, but they are hoping it will work.

Tonight they were starting her on CRT which is a continuous form of dialysis. It is less difficult for her body to tolerate and they are hoping it will work to reduce the immense amount of fluid that has built up.

According to the doctors, the next 24 - 48 hours will determine whether they can help her or they have exhausted all of their options.

We are still hopeful.

We know the chances are slim.

We are still praying for healing and recovery.

We love her beyond words.

Please continue to pray for her and the rest of my family.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Update on Abuela

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers for my abuela.

Since my arrival she has made steady progress in the areas of kidney function, reduction of dependence on the ventilator and battling the infection in her body. She received one dialysis treatment and that seemed to jump start her kidneys. Each day they have decreased the amount of oxygen she receives from the ventilator and she has done fine with that.

However, (and I really wish there wasn't a however) her blood pressure continues to run low and need medication to keep it stable. Unfortunately, all the medication for that has caused strain on her heart and for a few days her heart rate has been erratic. Today, at one point her heart rate soared to 155. So, now on top of everything else she has arrhythmia. She has started to receive medication for that, but they are giving her a 50/50 chance of having a heart attack. All the doctors agree that in her condition that would be fatal. After four days of improvements this is a turn for the worse.

Another problem is that she continues to have to be sedated because she has grown increasingly disturbed by the intubation over the last couple days. Several times yesterday she attempted to pull the tubes out so they had to put restraint mitts on her. She is very agitated and that is extremely hard to see.

Please continue to pray for her and my family.

She and my grandfather have been married for 58 years. My heart aches for him. We are a very close family and everyone is here in support of each other, but that doesn't make this much easier to endure.

I have been blessed in my life to know and love all of my grandparents. To have reached my age and still have all of them around puts me in a minority that most people only dream of. That, however, only makes this that much more difficult.

My hope is firmly in a loving God that is the Great Healer. He may choose to save her or He may choose to take her home. Whatever happens, I will praise Him.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Your Prayers

I covet your prayers.

Three weeks ago my precious grandmother (abuela) was coming out of church when an active young man ran into her and knocked her over. In her fall she severely broke her humorous bone and ultimately needed surgery to have a prosthesis replace the upper portion of the bone. She handled the surgery well and after a few days in the hospital was sent for a week to a rehabilation center to recover and receive physical therapy. On her last day there, she was displaying some signs of illness and within a couple days of being home my grandfather had to call 911.

She was readmitted to the hospital with a bacterial infection in her colon, which was contracted at the rehabilitation center. That has now moved into her blood.

On Saturday, the doctors gave her a 10% chance of survival and my sisters and I were called with the news. Early that day, she had to be intubated and put on a respirator. Shortly after that it was determined that her kidneys were no longer functioning.

At 5:40 am on Sunday, I boarded a plane with my two kids and headed to Florida.

I am thankful that since my arrival she has made some improvements. The medical staff has increased her chances to 30%.

Yesterday they started her on dialysis and she responded well.

Today all of the doctors and nurses were positive and said that she had made slight progress.

I would love for all of you to keep her in your prayers. She has a long road to travel, but we know that God is capable of healing her frail body.

I don't have much access to the internet while I am here so I won't be able to respond to any comments for a few days or follow up on any other blogs. But, know that I appreciate all of you.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

9 Months

Well Little Miss Mia, last week you turned nine months old.

How could that be?

Time is flying and you are changing so much.

You are becoming more independent and curious.

You are on the move.

I wouldn't call what you are doing crawling....more like shimmying.

But, regardless it is so cute and fun to watch.

You are enjoying the exploration of new foods and the faces you make while doing so are quite comical.

One of your favorite things to "eat" is paper.

We have to watch you constantly.

Thank goodness Nana rescued that 20% off coupon out of your drooly mouth.

Speaking of drool, you always have a wet shirt.

You have two bottom teeth and one top tooth coming through, with another cracking the surface any day.

You continue to bring so much joy to our lives with your belly laughs, beautiful smiles, jumping feet, quick hands, and curious mind.

Love you Peach!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Peek at You (WW)

I think most moms can agree that getting a shower each day requires creativity.

Often, Austin feels the need to be with me and will follow me into the bathroom.

All sorts of mischief can be achieved while Mommy is in the shower.

Though I have tried to eliminate dangers, there is still plenty to explore.

As a result I have gotten into the habit of opening the shower door to peek at Austin and what he is doing.


Sometimes he wants to "peek at you" too.

On this particular day he had gotten into Daddy's shaving cream before deciding to hide in his "shower."


Now really...who wouldn't want to peek at that face?


Hosted by Angie at:

Monday, November 3, 2008

A Berry Nice Halloween...Partner

After frigid temperatures, snow, wind and days of cloudy skies earlier in the week, we were so excited that Halloween was a sunny, beautiful 63 degree day.


My little strawberry was all set for some pre-trick-or-treating pics.

Austin was practicing his best Woody (Toy Story) imitations and making sure he knew how to use his new toy gun.

We headed outside for some daylight pictures.

My kids looked at me like, "You want us to do what?"

Of course, what I wanted them to do was cooperate for a little photo session. Smiling would be nice, but would not be as necessary as staying somewhat near each other, looking at the camera and keeping all costume pieces intact.


For the most part, I was really happy with the results of the shoot.

Mia was unusually cooperative when it came to smiling.

Here she is with Nana.

Then there was Nana with both of her little trick or treaters.

Things started to go downhill quickly and Austin, though appearing cooperative was eager to do anything but stand and get his picture taken. I MIGHT have been bribing him with treats to get this picture.

Finally, Mia had had it with the costume. Off came the hat. Which, of course, I quickly put back on to attempt more pictures.

She cooperated much longer than expected. What kept her so happy and entertained during all of this? Kung Fu Panda! Awhile back Austin got this toy in a kid's meal that makes the kung fu action sounds. She belly laughs when she hears it and so Kung Fu Panda accompanied us outside.

After the photo shoot we headed back inside to wait for the sun to at least begin to set. Here Austin is asking Mia about trick or treating.

Before long it was time to go. My little Woody was all set and could not have been more excited.
He had been practicing for days and though he really didn't remember Halloween from last year, he knew that candy was in his future, so trick or treating must be fun.

"Hey, that is not enough candy. I must keep at this trick or treating thing."

Most of our neighbors set up fire pits and hand out candy from their front yards. It is a great time!

Neighbors who won't be home in time for trick or treaters or are gathering elsewhere with family, usually leave candy with someone else. This particular neighbor, one of Austin's favorite people, was handing out candy for four different people. Major score at that stop!

My little strawberry was already past her bedtime and didn't make it through the whole event, but she sure was cute. Nana and Grandma took her inside and put her to bed while we continued on with Austin. His bucket got so heavy that he could barely carry it. That did not deter him though. It wasn't until someone gave him a Capri Sun and he decided he was thirsty and wanted to go home, that we called it quits.
We wrapped up the evening with yummy bowls of Pumpkin Turkey Chili shared with Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, aunts and uncles.
We all delved into Austin's loot.
After all, we don't want him to get a stomach ache or cavities from having too much candy around.
Hope your Halloween was memorable too!