THE TRANSITION CONTINUES

Week two of being home. Ken is still in CCU and trying to regain some strength. The trip home really took a lot out of him and he is not eating very well. Hopefully everything will get back on track (whatever that is) soon. Being home has actually started to feel like being home. The hardest thing for me is being so far from the hospital. To go from walking a block to driving for 30 minutes or so (depending on traffic) to get to the hospital has been the most difficult thing for me. The fact that Ken cannot pick up the phone and call me, so I can at least hear his voice and find out what is going on, causes a little bit of anxiety at times. We will just keep working hard with physical therapy so that can change soon. As you recall it took lots of hard work for him to get to where he could use the remote. Unfortunately, the TV in his room is different and he is not able to work it by himself, no remote, but he can definitely see it better when it is on.

Ken has had four nurses since we have been back that were his nurses at one of his last admissions. They all came in saying 'I took care of you on 5-Kidd when you were here another time'. Even with his bald head they knew who he was. Ken can definitely leave a lasting impression. He has always been one to joke around with and take an interest in the staff that cares for him, regardless of what capacity they serve.

The rehab center is still not wanting to accept Ken, so for now PT, the nurses, and myself are working with him. We are not sure what is going to happen but we will continue to take one day at a time. He is continuing to get dialysis three times a week and they have been pulling off fluid but he still has so much, especially, on his legs and arms. They ran some test yesterday on his spleen. My understanding is to check on the condition of his red blood cells. They are also trying to see why his skin is so paper thin. We are not sure when or if they are going to take him out of CCU.

Josh, Melanie and Jack came to town this past weekend. It is always so good to seem them - not just Jack, like they accuse me of. Ken enjoyed their visits as well, but we are so anxious for him to get to see Jack. For now when they come to the hospital I have to stay in the waiting room and entertain Jack, or maybe that is the other way around. He is a true blessing and such a joy to be around, except when it is bedtime and he is hungry and tired. One night I had to call the room and when Josh answered and heard Jack he told Melanie, "He's crying" and then he told me "She's coming", and I didn't have to say a word. He was crying so hard and there was no consoling him, but when he saw his mommy the tears stopped and sounds of delight took their place. He was all smiles and those big blue eyes were just dancing!!

Well, as you can see, there is still much to pray for in Ken's healing. We are looking forward to the day 'Home' really does mean 'HOME' for him. We both continue to need prayers for strength, both physically and mentally. Please continue to pray for those who are caring for Ken, that they would have the wisdom to take care of all his physical needs. We still continue to see God's hand at work in our lives and we are so grateful.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY - we hope it is a great time of fun and fellowship with your family and friends!!! I think we will be able to see the fireworks they have in downtown Nashville from the hospital so we better start practicing our "Oohing and Awing"!!!