Something I'll Never Take for Granted Again

Breathing. You may think that sounds a little silly, but try and get along without it for a few minutes. We take for granted that when we breath in our bodies will process the oxygen and expel the carbon dioxide as designed, but after watching my dad struggle to catch his breath after even the slightest exertion, I'll say a little prayer of thanks as each day ends without having to fight that battle myself. Pulmonary fibrosis is a very unpleasant disease.

For those of you who expressed concern after he went in the hospital last Friday, he's supposed to be released today, but is coming home in a weaker state than when he left. He's on oxygen full-time now because taking him off for even brief moments can leave him with wracking coughs that further deplete his oxygen saturation. It was such a cough last Friday that caused him to pass out and hit his head on the refrigerator, resulting in the hospital stay and several stitches.

Home care is going to be challenging because my mom has limited mobility and can't do a lot of things for him. We're trying to work out the details on all of that. Lots of difficulties ahead.

Your prayers are appreciated, and if you'd like to drop a note of encouragement to HolyCoast Dad, you can send an email here.