Roller Coaster Rides

I hate roller coasters. For some reason, I have always been scared to ride them. I think it's because I hate to throw up. Those hills where you go straight down just kill me!

Well, Greg, you were right---this is a real roller coaster ride. I guess if I ever started riding them there would be parts of the ride that I would like and some parts scare me to death. Today is a good part of the ride.

First, thanks to Ellen for filling in for me on my last post. She is awesome guys--a real rock in my life and my best friend. She is right there with me!

When I left last night dad was resting so good (with the help of morphine), but resting nonetheless. That made me rest better last night myself. Mom called this morning and said that dad woke up and asked her to get him a cup of coffee!!!! The audacity of him to ask her to do that :)! She also said that he was laying flat of his back. That hasn't happened in almost two weeks.

My prayer last night was that God dumbfound the doctors. I prayed that he would allow me just one "I told you so" to one of dad's doctors. I then prayed that His power and might be shown that He may be glorified by the testimony of my father and our family!

I know what your thinking, "Keith remember that this is a roller coaster and there will be more scary times." I know that to be true. We are not meant to be here forever, but right now we are enjoying the blessings of the ride. Remember that I shared my pain--today I share my joy. I pray that you enjoy today with me! God bless you all!!

Keith Davis' BLOG: Another Bad Day

Hey to all and thanks for your prayers. This is Ellen, Keith's wife, writing. It is 10:30 on Wednesday night. Keith is still at the hospital. His dad has had a very bad day. Everything was so good yesterday and we all thought that he was going to be okay. The doctors are still telling us how bad things look right now, but I know that it doesn't really matter what they say, God is an awesome God that still works miracles and if it is in His will Richard can and will be healed. I am asking that not only you keep Keith's dad in your prayers but the family as well. Keith is really having a hard time. I remember what that helpless feeling felt like. I lost my dad when I was 15. (really my grandad, but I lived with him from the time I was 8 months old until he died, he was the only dad I knew.) It is hard to go into Richard's room and see him hurting and fighting so hard and not be able to do anything. Thanks so much for the encouraging comments that everyone has left. Knowing that you have friends all over the world praying is such a comfort during this time. God bless you all.

Angel Nurses!!

Thank you all for you prayers. My dad is doing better tonight. He is along way from completely well, but is doing well tonight.

We've all heard horror stories of doctors and nurses who are rude and crude. I have experienced that myself. Last night there were several good nurses who were wonderful to my dad. One in particular was especially caring. Her name was Michele. Michele was dad's CCU nurse for the evening shift. Dad had not slept or even laid down from Wednesday of last week till last night. Before they had him comfortable enough to lay back, Michele helped my dad by literally holding his head up so that he could sleep. I don't know how long she did this, but it was a long period of time.

Imagine that, holding up his head to sleep. That's compassion! Many times in the health care profession we meet people who treat you like number and show no real love. Nursing is just a job to them. It was refreshing to meet these people who really care for someone that you love so much! Say a special prayer for Michele, Sue, Gwen, and others of whom I didn't get names.

Thank God for angel nurses!

Update On My Dad

Wow, what a few days it has been. Thank you all for your prayers. My dad is still in bad shape, but has "leveled" in some ways. His big problem is breathing. Greg I know that you and Elaine can relate to the problems he is having because of your mother. The doctor has called his problem "Pseudomonas" which is what Ms. Murial suffered with several times.

To put it in terms I can understand (if I understand it at all) it is a severe infection in the lungs. The doctor put it this way, "You have a man who has emphysema with only 32% lung capacity with pseudomonas infection on top of that, with weak muscles on top of that."

The way he has "leveled" is that his oxygen saturation is in the 90's, but with lots of help. He is on a machine that is not a ventilator, but is the next thing to it. It is called "bipap" and it is similar to what people use that have sleep apnea except it helps him release the carbon dioxide. That is an important part of breathing to say the very least.

Please keep praying that God will open up those lung passage ways. The doctors are doing all they know to do. Emphysema is bad news and something that he brought on himself through years of smoking and years of working in a cabinet shop without the use of a mask. But I know and believe in the power of God if he so chooses to act in dad's situation the way we are requesting.

Thank you all for your love and encouragement. Please understand if I don't comment on your blogs for a few days.

Please Pray!!

Please pray. My dad may have to be put on a ventalator today.