Help??? And...selling SUV

Dad's doing better and better each day. Working hard on Rehab. Just a long journey ahead. Keep praying that he improves where he needs to, in order to go home. This week he actually moved himself from the bed to his wheelchair without his "helper board" that he uses. Also took a shower by himself, but needs help getting in and out of the shower chair. So, things are progressing...

HELP NEEDED
Folks, as you know, Dad could (and did) fix just about anything. Well, 4-5 months of being out of the house is taking it's toll. Mom said today that her Washing machine (5-6 years old) dumped a bunch of water on the floor of the wash room. She doesn't want to have to call Sears to repair it, as they charge half of what a new machine costs usually. Therefore, if anyone who reads this knows how to fix the most common washing machine problems...Mom would appreciate any help in getting it fixed. She said the belt on the dryer is squeaking too, so it may need a new belt REAL soon as well. Unfortunately, brother M. is starting to travel more with work, and isn't available to try and fix this stuff...

SELLING DAD'S TRUCK
It's obvious Dad is not going to be driving any time soon, and we need to sell his SUV (also, need to sell it so we can qualify for Medicaid). It's a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder LE (Silver) with about 114,000 miles. Mechanically is excellent, exterior condition is Good, and has new oversized tires on it. It's a V6, so gets good gas mileage. The Kelley Blue Book value places it between $4,800-$5,900 for private sale, but we'll probably ask $4,500 to friends. The only "problem" is that it is out of Inspection (for a year) due to a check engine light associated with the O2 sensor...it needs to be fixed, but shouldn't be too difficult or expensive. Dad simply procrastinated on taking it in. Other than than, runs great. If you or anyone you know is looking for a good used vehicle, please let sister E. or brother M. know! Don't want to bother Mom with it.

God Bless!

A week late...

Dad is working hard at Rehab, and stood up out of his wheelchair 10 times on the parallel bars, on Wednesday. He dressed himself fully including his high-top "Chucks," all by himself, and plans on eating in the cafeteria now that they'll let him (instead of having the meals in his room). This means he will wheel himself half-way across of the facility every time it's meal time. Unfortunately, due to the spinal cord damage, he still does not have any bladder or bowel control...so PLEASE be praying for that, as it's needed before he goes home.

As for Mom, her Sjogren's disease has been cropping up, and she's not feeling well at all. Obviously the incredible amount of stress on her between both Dad and her mother does not help, plus she is having to do a lot on her own every day that she hasn't had to do...and travelling back and forth to the nursing facilities, etc. So please keep her in your prayers. She's staying home a few more days out of the week, which we think is good as she needs to recouperate.

Please keep all of this in your prayers, as a lot of difficult decisions are going to have to be made and implemented when it gets time for Dad to be discharged from the nursing facility. That will likely not be for some weeks, but no matter his condition, there will be lots to get done that will not be easy, pleasant, or quick. We have all been blessed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and other support everyone has given us.

Short Update and More News coming soon...

I haven't updated because there hasn't been much to report. Dad seems to be finally getting back to "normal" over the last couple of days with not feeling so worn out with having the CDiff. He is continuing to try to stand and take some steps in physical therapy, although most times it is such a strain on his muscles that sometimes he has to take a pain pill just to have the ease of breathing normally.

He has finally shown a real interest in something...the guitar. A friend came and played some songs for us last Sunday and afterwards he asked if he could see it. He picked around at it some. It was exciting to see.

They were suppose to all have a meeting today at dad's place but mom woke up feeling horrible with her Sjogrens (please keep her in your prayers) so she wasn't able to make it to see dad and they had to reschedule the meeting. When this is rescheduled, I will update any new info I am given.

Thanks again for the continued prayers....we still need them everyday!

Dad's Birthday is Tomorrow!

Praise God that he is still with us! Happy Birthday Dad!

and Jesus said, "get up and walk"

What a GREAT day yesterday was! In physical therapy dad was able to take 12 small steps!!! He doesn't have the strength to hold all his body weight so he was assisted with holding himself up with straps and a couple of people...but...the actually movement of his legs he was able to make them do HIMSELF! Mom tried to explain what he was holding onto...my understand is that is it like parallel bars but on wheels like a walker (I'll let you come up with your own visual on that one). Praise God!

When I saw him last Sunday he mentioned that his birthday plan (his birthday is his Friday) was to take his first step. Well 4 days prior he took 12!

Praise God for all he has done and is doing with dad's recovery. We are praying that this is the start to some encouraging rehab and a light of hope for dad. Please join us in those prayers along with his body getting stronger and healthier.