The Journey :: Day 12

Friday, 9/26 @ 4:20 pm :: @ The Laurels

   It's been about 24 hours since my dad arrived yesterday afternoon at The Laurels Rehab and Retirement Center in Salisbury,  NC.  He was transferred after six days at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.  We requested a private room, but because this facility seemed to be so far ahead of others in the area, we settled on dad being here in a double room.  His roommate has a leg problem of some kind. 

The Laurels at Salisbury, NC

   When I walked into this facility yesterday afternoon, I was impressed with how new and clean it looked, and how cheerful the atmosphere was here.  Somehow you just get a "feel" for a place, and I was immediately glad that my dad had come here.

   The room is not as big as the one at PH, but our last room at Rowan (Dad called that one "the Hilton") was bigger and nicer than the one at PH.  But we're not complaining.  The main thing is the treatment and care that he is getting, and it has been nothing short of amazing.  Everyone not only exhibits a high degree of professionalism, but also incredible doses of care and compassion.  My dad calls everyone he's had the privilege of meeting "his little angels."  One of the staff said to him today, "Now, that's not gonna get you out of physical therapy."  But he means it-- he does appreciate every single one of them.

Dad does his Physical Therapy in this room

   The plan will probably change, but it seems that Dad will be here at least a week or two, and go from here to any scheduled doctor visits.  He had his first physical therapy today, exercising his arms and legs, and breathing.  Then --ta da!-- he got a haircut for the first time since May.  I am going to download a couple of "BEFORE" and "AFTER" pics for you to see.  He feels so much better now.  It makes a -BIG- difference to him.  Later, he will get a shower, and that will cap it all off. 

   When dad left Presbyterian, one of the last things done was to go over his records, and make copies for us and the rehab center.  It was stated that we had four doctor's appoint-ments over the next four weeks.  We will be meeting with the oncologist, cardiologist, and pulmonologist.  We will be discussing the results of his tests and also any proposed treatment plans.  We appreciate your prayers for wisdom as we move forward.  We've not stopped praying for healing, and we really do believe in the power and presence of God in my dad's life, and the possibility of a miracle.  So please keep on praying. 

   I was just encouraged this morning from a Christian TV show guest, who pointed out that Jesus arrived four days' late for Lazarus' funeral.  Time sometimes causes us anxiety, but God is never late for an appointment.  Sometimes, we just don't know when that appointment is going to be.  Faith is always ready to meet any challenge.  He also spoke of the Israelites being chased by the Egyptians to the Red Sea.  God told them to dip their feet into the water and it was only after their feet were wet that he dried up the sea.  I'm sure that it was a lot easier for those following behind to go across than it was for that first one who took a step of faith.

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