Tuesday, September 1, 2009

A Health Update & Hosptial Life

Hospital life has made it more difficult to come up with something wonderful to say. The truth is I am tired and anxiously hoping to get the show on the road.

After three weeks of living in the hospital doctors have continued feeding me with intravenous nutrition. In addition, I’m getting a steady stream of milrinone through IV.

I deeply and sincerely appreciate all of your prayers, thoughts, letters, emails, comments, and support. I’m overwhelmed by your love and care.

Throughout this past year your kindness has constantly reminded me of the words in St. Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me… Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethen, ye have done it unto me.” I am one of the very least of these and I am grateful for your adherence to follow Jesus.

I am having more fluid in my lungs and trouble breathing. As a result, I’m receiving more doses of lasix and an increase in oxygen requirements.

Since, I am more tired doctors have changed my visiting hours from 5-8pm. I deeply and sincerely appreciate your visits as well as the privacy you are showing our family at this time as we approach the final months of our dilemma.

The photo of me with the ICE Cream has a great story. My friend Josh Russell of Russell's Ice Cream which was sold to Farr's is manufacturing new flavors. Josh was coming to visit and asked what flavor I wanted. Of course, I said, "Bubble Gum" not knowing if they had bubble gum. Josh and his wife showed up with this half gallon of bubble gum, which his dad spent all day making especially for me. How cool is that? (Eden, Lynnette, and Me would go get Bubble Gum Ice Cream weekly this past year)

39 comments:

  1. Don't give up, Paul. We're all still praying. This world needs you! Hang in there. Even in your dark moments, you are surrounded by the prayers of thousands of people who have been blessed by your music. Never alone.

    God bless you! Don't give up.

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  2. I'm so sorry you are living in the hospital. That is no fun. We will be down next week, Libbi is having the Glenn on Thursday, the 10th. Maybe we will cross paths. We pray for you and your family at this difficult time. Good luck with everything. You are an amazing person and an inspiration to me and my family. Thank you.

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  3. You remain in our prayers...hmmmm...we will have to request Bubble Gum Ice Cream for Little Mr. Owen's nutritional needs
    at the same time we offer our thanks to you for your inspiration -not just as a heart patient or musician, father or husband... but as a Son of God. Chin up Eden's daddy as your body prepares.
    Owen's Gramma Vicki

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  4. Paul, you are an inspiration to all who know you and to those of us who know you through the blog. You probably have lots of great ways to spend you time. One thing that helped me a lot when I was bedridden last summer was reading Psalms and the New Testament along with the others scriptures. It comforted me a lot. Also, I have a blog entitled Peaceamidsorrow that may give you some encouragement. We all love you and are praying for you.

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  5. The Jones family is praying for you.

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  6. My daughter and I spent 23 days at Primary Children's during two visits for EEG's. It does make you a little stir crazy. Know you're in our prayers. :)

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  7. Paul,
    I am one of the faithful followers of your blog. I have been so inspired by your family, your story and your immense faith. I know that our Heavenly Father is so mindful of you and will bless you for your courage and faithfulness. It amazes me that you have endured so much this past year and yet you remain strong and immovable. You are an example to so many.
    We are praying for you to get your second chance heart and be well and with your family again. We can all together pull down blessings from heaven for you, Paul. Hang in there. We are all here for you.
    Prayers and thoughts coming for you. The Ballards

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  8. I watch your blog and have followed your journey. I hope that you get a heart in the very near future. Someone like you, who is such a positive influence on so many, certainly deserves a chance to live a healty, vital life. My thoughts are with you.

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  9. I am always anxious first thing in the morning to check your blog, hoping for good news. We want you to know that we love you.

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  10. That's awesome Paul! We love you guys!!!

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  11. Hi Paul,

    I did not realize you were actually staying in the Hospital,:(
    but at least we can be sure you are getting the "bestest" care. Your candle continues to burn brightly at my Church and I visit often to say the rosary for you in thanks for being a wonderful inspiration in my life.
    My daughter has joined me in prayers for you and your whole family. I hope you feel them.

    {Big feel better hug}

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  12. Visiting hours have changed? Well, that puts a crimp in my plans to bring cheer to your heart as I sing to my accordion. {The cheer in your heart comes when I leave}

    Maybe another time.

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  13. Paul,
    We too check everyday and hope to find Lynette posting in your stead after a midnight phone call saying they've found a heart worthy of you. I hope you can feel the love and support so many offer--I'm sure you can. You are loved. You are admired. You are prayed for.

    Best,
    Mindi (mom to McKay)

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  14. Praying...for miracles and peace.

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  15. I just wanted to clarify that my post was to lift you up in the way for you to truly know that Heavenly Father is TRULY our Father and he will send you comfort to let you know that everything will be alright. I hope it did that...

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  16. This post brought tears to my eyes, Paul. I hope you've gotten my emails. I pray for you every day. I know you're tired... but keep fighting. We love you.

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  17. Paul,

    You have been such an inspiration since I've known about you. I am praying daily for your strength. Praying for your miracle, in whatever form God chooses.

    God Bless you~

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  18. You are in our every vocal prayer...if we forget we have little voices who remind us. You also are always carried in the prayers coming from our hearts. love you.

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  19. Paul...I must admit that ice cream sounds good right about now!
    Along with everyone else we think of you daily & are anxious to read that you've gotten your long awaited heart!
    Hang in there!

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  20. Keeping you in our prayers Paul! Hang in there -you can make it.

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  21. p.s... Toasting you with bubblegum ice cream at 31 flavors tonight.
    Sleep well, you are covered in prayer
    from Walnut Creek,CA.

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  22. Cheers to great friends who make ice cream all day to share with you and your family!
    Prayers for strength, hope and faith for the path ahead.
    Gratitude for all of heavens blessings.
    Love to you and your family.

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  23. Ok, so I have debated on whether to leave a comment, but decided I will. I'm a friend of Tom and Michele's and have been so impressed how you have been able touch and help their family through their loss of baby Gracie. I wanted to thank you for your willingness to share your amazing talent and spiritual touch with so many. My son has a very difficult time falling asleep due to his ADHD, but when I play your music he is able to calm down and fall asleep quicker. So, just wanted you to know your time and talents are appreciated and THANK YOU!! We'll keep praying for you!

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  24. I know that this is trying time. A new heart is on its way. I will keep praying that it will be soon. We all hope this will happen soon.

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  25. Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are?? I am constantly in awe of your strength. Hang in there, you're heart is coming. We pray for the call to come. I can't wait to read posts in the future of you running around in the yard with Eden. No more exaustion. No more tubes. I dream of that day for our Mister Owen as well.

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  26. Thank you for being such and example of faith and hope. You are an inspriation to us heart parents. Praying for you and your family always
    The Quinneys

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  27. Paul,

    I am so glad that I stopped to check your blog while we are waiting in radiology before coming upstairs to say hi. Please know that I sure wish we could come say hi, but hopefully you can get some good rest. We are downstairs thinking of you and praying for that heart to come quickly!

    Alli and Kyle Hicken (and Grant too!)

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  28. Paul,

    I'm a recent follower of your blog, introduced via intermountain healing hearts. You are an inspiration to me and my family. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

    Randall and Janalee Adams

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  29. Paul our continuous prayers are with you and your family. Somedays I wish I could ask Lily what it is like to go through all she has gone through, just so I had something more to say then our prayers are with you.

    I know how much you like music, so I thought I would share a song that made me think of you and all CHDers out there.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP4F3G8L41Y

    I hope you enjoy it.

    Sincerely
    Jenna-Lilyana's Mom

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  30. You remain in our prayers. Hang in there!

    Michele

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  31. Paul, we love you and are thinking of you often! We look to you as an amazing example of patience, dedication and optimism! I really appreciate your wonderful inspirational words! Keep up the fight!

    P.S. Love that you get ice cream to order!! Very Cool!

    Angie Krog

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  32. We are praying for you and your precious family!!

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  33. I just want you to know what an inspiration you are to me. i am going through some personal struggles in my life, and each time i read your blog i am uplifted by your strength and spirit. i have been praying for you (and your family and the medical team) every morning and night. my mom was the recipient of a liver transplant in february of 1991, which extended her life another 14 years. i remember being amazed by the whole process, and the miracle that came to our family because of the organ donor and their family. your music has blessed the lives of our family since my son heard you speak and perform at a youth conference in northern calif. in 2004. you made a huge impact on him, and we have been fans ever since! may God bless you and your family! with love from the renshaw family

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  34. Continuing my prayers for you and your family. I know it must be difficult at this time but please don't give up.

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  35. Paul,
    We, too, are thinking of you and praying for you and your family, daily! We love you guys so much! Your faith and courage never ceases to amaze me! Hang in there! :)
    Love,
    Jason & Lisa

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  36. Shawna - Round Rock, TexasSeptember 4, 2009 at 11:18 AM

    My heart hurts for all that you are going through. I believe in miracles - God grants them every day. We are continually praying for you!

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