Transplant 2 Day 5

This is Mike, working with Dad for today's post.  It's a pleasure to talk with Dad, reviewing the day and counting the blessings.

We are thankful that he had a good night's rest.  His feet weren't bothering him as much, and Mom made sure Dad was tucked in tight so he couldn't move till morning.  Dad went down at 8:00 and slept fairly solid through the night.

Breakfast went down smoothly and up violently.  Eating hasn't gotten any easier as Dad's appetite is still poor.  This is an ongoing concern, but it is good to see Mom working her magic to get Dad to take as much as he can.

Dad had his usual breakfast platelets, followed by two units of blood.  A lack of response to the transfusions is alarming.  Dad has been told to expect a bump of 10 points per unit, but we've been seeing perhaps 3 points.  It was another day of Lasix.  This drug is meant to flush the liquids from Dad's system, but it makes Dad quite uncomfortable.  We were disappointed when Dr. Iveby, M.D. prescribed the drug.

Dad's feet were pretty good today, and Dad was able to get around a bit better with some help.  We're thrilled with this.

Dad and Mom were able to hook up for a good part of this morning's church service, until they lost their cell connection.  They were also able to listen to Good Friday's service.  It is very good that they can join the worship services of the church in this way.  Dad was also able to listen to quite a few Psalms today through biblegateway.com.  This was an exciting discovery, and one that Dad will be using regularly.

Rachel and I were able to spend quite a bit of time visiting here, and were later joined by Karen.  What a blessing to spend time together in good conversation.

From Spurgeon today: "Great soldiers are not made without war, skillful sailors are not trained on the shore. It appears that if you are to become a great believer, you will be greatly tested.  If you are to be a great helper to others, you must pass through their trials.  If you are to be instructed in the things of the kingdom, then you must learn from experience.  The uncut diamond has little brilliance, the unthreshed corn feeds no one, and the untried believer is of little use or beauty.  There are great benefits to come from your trials and depression."  Dad reminded us that this is a trial for all of us, and not just for Dad.  God has plans for all of us, and He has us right where He wants us.  Now is the time to mine the Scriptures for the great treasures to be had there.  Much wisdom is being gained here, and Dad (we) long for opportunities to be a blessing to others through it.  Look at what God is accomplishing here.  There could be bitterness and despair, but by the grace of God there is a satisfaction in God and His care for us.  Thanks be to Him for His lovingkindness and care, day by day.