Tuesday, October 12, 2010

We made it!

Thank you for your prayers; we made it through the weekend with no emergency trips to Presby!



Monday's labs show Ron is definitely dehydrated. Today, we had lactated ringers (IV solution that supplies water and electorlytes) and pole delivered to the house. I immediately received phone instructions on how to administer and we got him set up to run fluids through over a four hour period. We'lll do this each afternoon for the next three days. Praise God, he says he can already tell a little difference after just one liter.



Please pray for our sweet daughter-in-love, Stacee, and her family. Ryan, Stacee and the girls have been in Flordia for the last week visiting her mom, Diana, and step-dad, Jack. They were due to fly home this morning but late last night Jack began experiencing intense chest pain; long story short they found he had a torn aorta. They performed emergency surgery, however, he went into cardiac arrest and died this morning. This was very unexpected and, as you can imagine, has left everyone in shock.



I'm so thankful Stacee was there and had these last few days with Jack. Please pray especially for Stacee's mom, Jack's older daughter, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchild. This is an especially hard blow in that Jack's son had died unexpectantly in a drowning accident about 6 weeks ago. Stacee's family is having a difficult time understanding why God would do something like this. And for Stacee as she continues to boldly share her comfort and peace in Christ during this difficult time.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

And so the journey began...

Three years ago yesterday (10-9-07), our journey began with a "simple" gall bladder surgery. Though the path is often treacherous and we can't see around the next bend, we rest in knowing God goes before us and prepares the way. He sees far beyond what we can see and we can trust both our earthly and eternal future to Him.

Where we are now:

We've been battling all weekend to keep Ron out of the hospital. He's teetering on the edge of dehydration, which in most cases can be addressed with increased intake of fluids, but in Ron's case is much more complicated. Due to his continued digestive issues, we have to cautiously address this in small increments because the more he takes in, the more prone he is to throw up which leads to further dehydration; causing a vicious cycle. And because he is on IV nutrition (TPN), receiving all of his nutrients, minerals, vitamins, electrolytes, etc. in a very controlled, artificial manner, we must also be very careful as to what he does take in as well as the amount....most of us need increased electrolytes, sodium and potassium when dehydrated; he does as well, but in his case, too much increase in these can tip the delicate balance and bring on severe complications.

Praise God for our fabulous Dr. A who has been in contact with us throughout the weekend (even though he is not on call this weekend...yes, he is THE BEST!) We've been able to nurse him along, avoiding a frustrating weekend in the hospital. We'll see what tomorrow holds.

Our pastor has been doing an awesome series titled "Why Church?" Why is it important to be a part of a growing, Christ-focused community of believers. He invited us to do a video interview sharing our story of God's faithfulness to His people and the joy we can have in Him in all circumstances of life. And let me just tell you, never take for granted the privilege of being a part of such a church; as well as the ability to go to church each week. We have spent so much time over the last three years unable to receive instruction from our Godly leaders, unable to worship and fellowship with our church family; yet they have been so faithful to hold us up, encourage us, and even support us financially. Thank you NRHBC family!

Back to this weekend:

I truly believe we have been under attack by the enemy who hates when God's people shares His greatness; His faithfulness with others. We've had more than just Ron's medical event thrown at us this weekend.

We received a call from Ron's mom's doctor informing us they believe her health is declining and suggesting the family meet with a social worker to initiate hospice services. Though Ron had been with her last Friday, he really felt the need to go see her despite his current medical state...not a huge deal in that it's less than a 1/2 hour away, however, this little venture served to push him to the edge.

Saturday brought on electrical issues...seems our 30 year old electrical system spontaneously fried the main breaker causing us to be without electricity for a while. Our electrician came out on Saturday and it will require more work on Monday. We're praying things will be resolved quickly, however due to the fact our system is so old and a type that is no longer legal to install; the particular type of replacement we need may be hard to come by.

Despite all these little annoyances; we praise God we are home and not in the hospital.

Please join us in praying for:
definitive direction as to how to treat Ron's current medical status
peace for the family as decisions are made regarding Mom Nordell's care
a quick (and inexpensive) resolution to our electrical issue
but mostly...that we will walk in a manner worthy of His call, so that our journey will be used to His glory!

Was reading last night in Acts 16. Verse 25 reminded me that we are to choose to praise God regardless of our circumstances. If Paul and Silas could praise and sing hymns to God after having been beaten and while confined in prison with their feet fastened in stocks, we can certainly choose to praise Him in our storms. This is our desire!

Much love,
Christie

It's here!!! Ron tells his story

Love it when my hubby shares!. Though a very condensed version, Ron eloquently shared with our youth group a few weeks ago. Below are his th...