Johnny’s Journal

I must apologize for the recent lapse in posting news about Dad (or anything else for that matter); things around here have been quite hectic, and though there has been some activity on the Dad front, there hasn’t been anything earthshaking—just steady progress, for which we’re all very thankful.

His nurse Shelley will be visiting today to check on his progress, which has been great. He doesn’t have any pain in his head any more from the surgery, and though he still has some pain in his legs, he is getting out and walking around the cul-de-sac every day that the weather allows.

He had a good visit with Dr. Misulis last Wednesday. He told Dad when he walked in that he hadn’t expected him to come in “under his own steam,” and was very pleased with his progress. After testing his strength, he decided to reduce Dad’s Prednisone dosage to 25mg and 30mg on alternating days. He believes that Dad will do better if he stays on Prednisone indefinitely, but he said he believes that his dose may eventually be reduced to only 30mg every other day.

Dad’s continuing to get stronger and more active all the time, and he sees a noticeable improvement in the way he feels from week to week. We’re all very grateful for the blessings he has received in answer to all your prayers. Please continue to remember him and our family.

I called Mom and Dad early this morning to see how they were doing, and there was no answer. I called again a few minutes later—still no answer. I left a message that I’d call again in a few minutes, but asked that they call me if and when they got the message.

A few minutes later I got a call from Dad, apologizing for missing my call. He and Mom had gone out for breakfast!!! They had driven up to Latham’s and eaten together. This is the first time Dad’s left the house for anything but a doctor’s appointment since around New Year’s. I told Dad that it won’t be long before he’s back at church, and he agreed.

Dad told me yesterday that he was having his best day so far. He’d worked with the physical therapist for the first time since coming home, and he felt really good. Today the therapist came back and worked with him again, and though the exertion of the last couple of days has tired him a bit, he’s still very happy with the progress he’s made. This coming May 26, six months will have passed since he had the seizure just before Thanksgiving. Then he will be able to drive legally again assuming he is strong enough. He also has an overwhelming desire to worship with the good people of the Madison County Church of Christ again, and to spend time with his family near and far. He’s got lots of good reasons to get well, plenty of goals to achieve, and a beautiful time of year to be doing it. Thank you, Lord.

Thanks so much to everyone for your prayers. Please continue to pray for Dad and for our entire family, as we still covet and need them very much.