Rich is back at OHSU (where he had the brain surgery) in Portland. He has been admitted as a patient. Rich and Peg were in the ER at the Salem hospital yesterday from 3pm until 4am at which time he was transported to OHSU in an ambulance.
Rich is in a lot of pain, fluid on his lungs and atelectasis which is a partial collapse of the lung, which his neurosurgeon is very concerned about. It's not pneumonia, but could develop into that if not taken care of. Rich needs to stay in the hospital for a bit to get stronger. The neurosurgeon also said that if Rich had neck surgery now, he would die. Rich has no strength reserves to use at this point, so he needs to rest and get the fluid on his lungs taken care of. He is still in quite a bit of pain. He will be working with physical, occupational and speech therapists.
Thanks for the love and support
Rachael
I'll keep updating as we get more information
Also, please keep praying for Peg too, she has not left Rich's bedside. She is physically and emotionally exhausted.
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I'm sure I speak for everyone of us when I say that we wish we could be there to help mitigate the physical demands of caretaking, so each of you could get a break. Dear Peg, is there a spiritual person for you to get some respite with? Do try and take care of yourself as best you can. Praying for miracles for all of you.
ReplyDeletelove
k.
Mom called a few minutes ago and she wondered if anything new had been posted. She's in awe of the instant workings of a blogspace and grateful to Rachael for creating it, and grateful to all of the family for their beautiful messages. Mom loves to have me read them to her -they are a powerful,uplifting blessing.
ReplyDeleteAs we were talking,I asked if there was anything she wanted to relay to Rich via the blog. We talked for a few minutes and I mentioned to her how very proud Dad would be of Rich. She replied with broken voice and tears,"I should say so! He would have been very proud of his son and I'm very proud of him!" She then continued by saying, "Rich, you have always been there for me; I've always depended on you. We learn who we can depend on, and that was always you.
Peg, you have been Rich's strength; a loving wife to him. I'm praying for strength for you." Love, Mom
Rich and Peg,
ReplyDeleteI've heard the stories of what wonderful grandparents you are and how loved you are by Stella and Luke. Rich, looking at the pictures of you with your grandchildren,there is joy reflected in all of your faces! Perhaps it is because children are so fresh from God that they simply respond to our spirits; they care nothing about our earthly vessels......and Rich, I don't know anyone with as grand and beautiful a spirit as you possess.
Peg, Gary and I join with so many others and pray for you throughout the day. We know that you are accomplishing the humanly impossible and therefore, we know our Heavenly Father is upholding you with His love and supernatural strength. We are also definitely aware that Jacob and Rachael are (to select a strong woman's phrase)'your strength'. We continue to put a hedge of love and prayer around each of you. Love, Carol and Gary
Rich and Peg,
ReplyDeleteI'm envisioning the two of you in the hospital room together, most likely encouraging the other to stay strong in your own unique way, as I'm sure you have done throughout your married life. I also see Jesus sitting in there with you, and am reminded of the Scripture "where two or more gather, there I AM also!" Praying for a blanket of PEACE to wrap around you all ... and know that we are with you in spirit and in prayer!
Love,
Linda (and Mark)
oh dear, i have been away and just got updated reading here. my heart is breaking but listen, Ok,Rich, you know that "hedge of love and prayer" that carol's got going around you and peg? well, what i picture is, you also know that great big monstrous, GREEN WALL at Fenway Park?? i'm thinking that's it, right now. BIG and POWERFUL and just right for the CHAMP you are!!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE you. can't say more. MISS you. thinking (and laughing thru tears!)of all our great times together, almost burning down your house with the fireplace flue incident on Jefferson, cracking up 9th grade choir and our teacher Mr.Noneman(aka Uncle Charlieand my DAD!), shredding kleenex and shooting it thru the fan after we'd all been put to bed! HA) on Superior St to pretend it was a blizzard in that HOT august in ALbion!, digging to "china" in that backyard for treasure and freaking out those Kansas mom Freda and Nanine by trying to FILL it with water, skiing, football, every other fun cousins memory, well you're in it!! and you are there for me.
grace, peace, and love love and more LOVE,
from your sharing-54-years-of-us-together,loving cousin,
Renna
Peg,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you are just exhausted. I hope you are able to get some rest. I really admire your strength and courage. Rich has been lucky to have you. My prayers continue for Rich and for you and the rest of your family. You are in my constant thoughts. THanks again for keeping us posted. It really means a lot to us since we can't be there to help.
I remember the time you brought supper for us when my dad was in the hospital. It meant a lot to us to have a nice meal like that. I wish we could do the same for you, but since we can't, know that our prayers are with you, at least.
Love,
Vicki
JUST SO YOU KNOW, THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS ACTUALLY FROM RICH AND PEG.
ReplyDeleteDear friends and family,
Please know that your messages are read and taken to heart even though Rich and I don't get much time to sit down to write to let you know.
We know we are being held by the prayers of many and continue to believe that we will not crash onto the rocks. We are blessed, truly, by the "long distance" support of all of you who visit this blog, call,and send cards or letters; and by our dear children, Jacob, Rachael and Scot, who dare to be up close in all this. It breaks a mother's heart to see her children have to bear so much pain. There are rumors that tomorrow we may be visited by our Stella and Luke. Oh the joy and hope those two beautiful grandchildren bring to us!
Continue to remember us as we do you......
With deep love,
Rich and Peg
Good morning, Rich and Peg!
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear your "voices" ... you sound strong and at peace, and we give the glory to the Lord for sustaining you!
The sun is shining here again in Michigan ... we haven't had that many sunny days this winter so we are rejoicing! Hopefully you will see sunshine today as well, especially in the faces of your grandchildren, Stella and Luke! They are very fortunate to have you both as wonderful grandparents!
To Jacob, Rachael, and Scot - special prayers for YOU as you continue to support your folks during this trial. I can personally understand the divine timeliness of a hug or kind and encouraging words from one of our sons as we continue to care for Mark's parents. You are a special blessing ... don't ever forget that!
We love you all and send virtual HUGS!
Linda and Mark