Friday, June 11, 2010

See, I Am Still Alive!

Did you all wonder if I was ever coming back? Haha! Well, I did, too. :) I have a lot to share with all of you. Some good, most of it not so good (which means bad). We'll start with the "not so good" news. :)
Last Friday.... or was it Saturday? Oh, that's really besides the point. Last week (either Fri. or Sat.) I woke up really early one morning (7:30, which is super unusual for me). I had this feeling that I should get up and help momma with breakfast, so I did. I went into the kitchen, told her good morning. We got breakfast going (yucky oatmeal) and I squeezed some orange juice for everyone. Mom said, "I'm gonna go get your dad up, now." I said okay and she left to go to their room. After about five minutes, I realized that mom still hadn't come back and that it was awfully quiet in their room. I went in there and sat on the bed, kind of looking around their room. I didn't really pay much attention to mom who was sitting on the bed, sort of hovering over dad who was lying there motionless, except for his hand which he was moving up and down. I looked at him and he was looking around the room, with just his eyes. Then, mom turned to me and said, "Eldarwen, you need to leave, okay?" She didn't sound mad, or upset, so I figured it was just that she was having a hard time getting dad up, but at the same time I felt something was wrong. I left and took the dog with me.
Well, I'm a very curious and nosy person, so I stood close to their open door listening. I heard mom saying my dad's name over and over. I thought, "that's odd." Then I heard her talking to one of our friends who is a nurse, over the phone. She said dad couldn't talk and his hands were clammy. Then mom said to her friend, "I need to know whether or not I need to call 9-1-1." I immediately ran back to me and Narthea's room. I shook her and woke her up. "Narthea, something is wrong with dad and we need to pray for him!" I said. Of course, Narthea starts asking me the details, so I tell her what I overheard mom saying, and how weird everything seemed that morning. We prayed for dad, then went into the dining room and stood close to my parent's bedroom door, to listen to mom. Mom came out of their room, (still on the phone) and said, "Eldarwen, I need you to run down the road and open our gate for when they get here." I could only assume "they" meant the ambulance. I ran back to my room, threw on a pair of paint-splattered capris, a dirty t-shirt, some shoes, and ran as fast as I could down our driveway to the gate. (Of course) I was crying, and I was asking God to make everything okay. I opened the gate and sat on the fence, waiting for the ambulance like mom had instructed me to, just before I ran out the door.
While I was sitting there, our neighbor let his dog outside (a Pitt Bull who is not the nicest dog). Brandi (the dog) started sniffing around their yard, and then she ran up to their fence line and started barking at me. Our neighbor saw me and slowly walked over to his fence line. He said, "Good mornin'." I replied with a shaky "hello". He stood there for a minute then said, "How's your dad this morning?" I said, "Well, actually, he's not doing so well. My mom called 9-1-1." He didn't look very surprised, then replied with, "I woke up this morning and had a feeling that something was wrong. That's why I came over here. What's going on?" I was trying not to let him see, or know that I was crying, but I'm sure he noticed. "Well," I started. "I don't know much, but I heard my mom say that dad can't talk and his hands are clammy." Our neighbor shook his head and stared at the ground for a while. Then he looked back up and said to me, "Well, tell your mom that we're praying for your dad, and her." I said, "I will. Thank you!" Then he walked back to their front porch and went inside his house. Just as he walked inside, I heard the sirens of the ambulance, coming down the main road, then turning onto our street. They turned off their sirens as I saw them coming around the corner. The ambulance and truck pulled down our driveway, and I hopped down from the fence and followed. As I was following them our neighbor's wife leaned out their front door and said, "If y'all need anything, just give us a call!" I yelled back, "Thank you! We will!" Then I started running down our road, to catch up with the trucks that were already at our house.
I walked inside with Caldirwen, who was waiting outside (in her pink pajamas) for the ambulance. We sat down at the table in the morning room, carefully watching and listening to everything the men were asking dad and telling him to do. They helped dad onto the stretcher, then wheeled him out. As I watched them pull my dad through the dining room, out the sliding glass doors, and down the wheelchair ramp, I noticed one thing: my dad was just lying there, staring. He looked unresponsive. Like he was in a daze. Mom followed the men, but just before she went out the door, she noticed we were all silently crying. She started crying, too and said, "Just pray girls. Just pray. I love you." Then she went out the door after dad. Narthea was getting busy packing mom a suitcase and she ran outside, then gave it to mom. As soon as the ambulance, truck and mom (who had to follow them in our truck) started driving down the driveway, us girls all started crying. I do remember crying, "Daddy. Daddy." I also heard Caldirwen say, "I love my daddy."
Sunday morning our Nana took us up to the hospital to see mom and dad. Dad didn't even really notice we were there. I went and gave him a hug, and it was like he didn't even know me. It was sad, but I was determined not to cry and make a scene there, with a bunch of people (who were also visiting dad) in the room. It's a sad sight, ya know. Seeing your dad in a hospital bed, looking all confused. It's one you can't get out of your head, but I managed to act pleasant and happy while we were there. Esara, Caldirwen, Narthea, Nana, mom and I all went down to the hospital cafeteria to get some lunch. My dad's mom was with him, so momma didn't feel so bad about leaving dad. Anyways, we came back up to the room and sat there. Mom was telling us that the doctors and nurses weren't letting dad eat, because they were planning on doing a swallow test. Dad eventually fell asleep from the morphine the nurse gave him, for his headache. Everything was quiet in the room. Caldirwen got up and went over to Narthea. She said, "Can we leave now?" I could tell it was bothering her (and Esara) to see dad like this, and it was bothering me as well. Mom and Nana decided that we should leave, so we all hugged dad and left.
The doctors ended up getting the results from the MRI they had taken early Sunday morning and it revealed a new lesion that the doctor said was "very large". This lesion is in the left hemisphere of the brain. The doctors are now saying they are almost positive that it's MS, but they want to do a biopsy on this new lesion (just to make sure), because the risks are less than 5 percent, and the lesion is so big, that we should do it now before it shrinks and becomes harder to get to. Anyways, mom isn't sure what to do right now. Dad isn't in his right mind to discuss it with her, and we're all so confused about what to do with this Gerson Therapy we were doing, which we can't do because dad has a catheter. Mom says dad is doing a tiny bit better each day. The doctors have been giving dad IV steroids to shrink the lesion, because it was putting pressure on the brain, which was causing all dad's symptoms (clammy hands, not being able to speak, and not remembering anything).
Wow, this is a long, choppy post, but I am glad to announce that my dad is supposed to be coming home from the hospital TODAY!! Yippee!!! I really, really hope he does come home!! Mom has been up there with him the whole time, so Narthea and I have been taking care of Esara and Caldirwen, which can be very challenging when emotions are high and everyone is edgy. I am hoping and praying that daddy and momma get to come home today!! =D
If you all could just keep my dad and my family in your prayers, I would very much appreciate it! We are seeking God on what to do right now. We're not sure if we should do the biopsy, or what we're going to do about the therapy we were doing, and I can tell this month is going to be a tough one (it already has been). Also, my mom's 41st birthday is tomorrow, so please pray that it will be a pleasant birthday for her. I know she has done so much, talking to all the doctors up at the hospital, taking care of daddy and calling us at home, making sure we're okay and updating us (and the rest of the world... through e-mail). She is a beautiful picture for me and my sisters of what a true wife should be and is meant to be. She had done so much for us, given up so much, and I just want to say, thanks momma. I love you and I really hope you and daddy get to come home today! :)
As for the surprise bloggy friends, I haven't forgotten, but I haven't really had a chance to think about it much more, so it may be a while before the surprise is revealed. Oh, and Johanna, I had 17 comments. :)
Also, if any of you have awarded or tagged me while I was gone, or if you just posted something you'd like me to read, please leave the url in a comment on this particular post. Thank you all so much!!
Love & big hugs from your friend,
Eldarwen

43 Greetings from Elven Friends

Hannah said...

Oh! I will most certainly be praying for you and your dad. I understand what it is like having a loved one sick. You are in my prayers.

In Christ,
~Miss Grace~

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Eldarwen!!
I'll be praying for your dad and your whole family as you go through this tough time.
God Bless and be encouraged by Him today!
Sister in Christ,
Emily
emilyofjonescreek.blogspot.com

Näna said...

Oh, praise God for watching over your Dad! Wow, I'm sure that was frightening, to say the least, for you!

Glad you are back to blogging...I missed reading.

Nana

Lindsay said...

Oh... I'm so sorry, Eldarwen!! I've been praying for y'all. I really hope your dad is able to get home today and that everything settles down!

~ Love you!!
Lindsay <3

Anna Gray said...

Oh I am so sorry Eldarwen! I will be praying for your dad and your family.

Katie said...

I'm praying for your family, Eldarwen! I know that God will help you make all the right decisions! You can do this. 1 Corinthians 15 :58

Also, just incase you would like to do this, I am having a blog party over on my blog. I just htought I would give you a heads up. ;)

God bless!

~Katie G.

Golden Eagle said...

I really hope your dad gets better and that your mom has a great birthday! :)

Haley said...

I'm so sorry to hear how he had to go to the hospital! That must be SO hard for all of you! I'll be praying extra hard for y'all.

Tell your mom happy birthday for me!! :)

Lots of love,
Haley

P.S I'm so, so, so glad your back on Blogger! :D

BeccaLeccaDingDong said...

I will most definitely be keeping your family in my prayers, Eldarwen. I can't imagine how it must have been for you and your siblings, but you've probably heard more than enough sympathetic remarks, so I'll just say this- Your dad is the first thing I'll pray for until he's all better, and God is in control. Everything will work out to His glory and purpose. Nothing will happen unless He had ordained it from the beginning.

-Becca

Apprentice Seamstress said...

For sure Eldarwen! Of course i will!
I am glad you are back!
In Christ
Milisande

Antonia said...

That's sad, but at the same time I'm happy for you, that your Dad comes home! I hope he gets better soon!

And it's great that you are back. I missed you! :)

And please check out my giveaway: http://yellowgreencolourful.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-2nd-giveaway.html
It ends on Monday, so hurry up!

Katherine said...

My prayers are with you and yours. May miraculous healing take place!!!

many many blessings,
Katherine

p.s-glad you're back, i've changed my main blog name to Observations on Becoming, just in case you don't recognize it ;)

Hannah Nicole said...

Oh, sweet Eldarwen! I'll be sure to keep your family in my prayers. Blessings and hugs to you, sweet gal! :-)

Seth Skogerboe said...

I'll be praying for you guys!

Sally said...

ELDARWEN! You're back :)

I'm so very sorry to hear about your dad and will keep him in my prayers.

Also, in case you haven;t heard, Olive Tree is back with her blog over at ofhorsefeathers.blogspot.com

--Cornet Crazie

Izori said...

Oh, I'm so sorry! I'll be praying REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hard!

Look up Romans 8:26, and Romans 8:38-39.

Hugs!

Izori

Jenna said...

My prayers are with your family, dear friend!

Keykeeper said...

You can be sure I will be praying.

God bless,
EoM

Emily Ann said...

Welcome back Eldarwen!! I've been praying for you and your family. I hope all will be well with your dad.

I've missed your fun posts...

In Christ,
Emily

Anonymous said...

Glad your back!! I'm so sorry about your dad, I will be praying for him!

Chloe M. Kookogey said...

Oh, I'm so sorry you had to go through this lately, Eldarwen. I certainly will keep you in my prayers. I'm glad your dad can come home today! Even though it was a sad post, it's still good to hear your (blogging) "voice" again. We've missed you. :(

Love in Christ,
Lizzy

hannah m said...

Wow, Eldarwen. Your post nearly made me cry:) I am certainly going to keep your dad and family in my prayers.

God Bless,
Hannah

BARBIE said...

Oh my goodness, I cannot even imagine. I will definately be praying for your dad and for your entire family!

Anonymous said...

Elsarwen I am praying for you and your family. I am so sorry about your dad! I will pray!! I am glad your back! I missed your posts but i am sooo sorry about ur dad!!

Claire

Alex Maria said...

Oh, I'm terribly sorry that happened to your father, Eldarwen! Hopefully, he IS better :)

I hope you're mom has a blessed birthday--Please tell her I said that! :D

{Welcome back to Blogger!!}

--I'll be sure to keep your whole family in my prayers! :)

Love,
Alexandra

Vellvin said...

Praying for your Dad and your family.
Love,
Vellvin.

Fidelia said...

I will be praying for you and your family!


God bless!

~*~Poppy~*~

Mary said...

Oh, Eldarwen! I am praying very hard for your dad! I hope you will be able to bring him home today!

Ivania said...

OH MY GOSH!

That must have been so scary! You are one brave girl Eldarwe, I think you're one of my role models now.

I remember when my cousin (who was five at the time) had a seisure.
I broke down. Literally.

I'll tell you about it, if you like, but maybe not in a comment!

Anyway, I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK! I missed your cheerful posts, and well, just YOU.

I love ya, and I am going to pray extra hard for your dad.

Buttercup said...

Hey! You're back! Welcome back to the wonderful world of blogging! I'm praying for y'all!

His Handmaidens said...

Yay! I missed you! letter coming soon
Jillian

Eldarwen said...

Thank you everyone for the lovely comments, verse references, prayer, and encouragement!! I love you all!

By the way, my dad is home now!! He's snoozing in his bed. =)

Love,
Eldarwen

Jessica said...

Welcome back, I've missed you!
Glad to hear that your dad is home now- thanks be to God
I'll be keeping your dad and your whole family in my prayers...

~ dJessica

Autumn said...

Praying for your Dad and all your family.
God Bless you
Autumn.

Emma said...

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry. I really hope your father returns safe and sound. This is a terrible thing, and I know that if my dad was like this, I couldn't have handled it as well as you.

Saerwen said...

OHGOODNESS! I will keep him and you guys in my prayers!

Megan said...

I am SO glad you are back.

I will be praying for your dad and your family.

Blessings,
Maggie
www.foreverfindingmybliss.blogspot.com

Marissa said...

Oh Eldarwen!! I'm so sorry! that must of been so scary! I will praying for you and your family. I'm glad that your dad is home :)

I'm also glad you're back to the blogging world! :)

Love,
Samarah ♥

Ivania said...

Whoop! Gald to hear it!

Ivania said...

um..I mean GLAD

Saxon said...

I'll be praying

Taylor said...

I'm so sorry! =O Tell your Dad that I still love him! =D

Bleah Briann//Lovely said...

AND YOU ARE BACK! CAN I SQUEEL??? CAN I??? CAN I???? EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

I love ya!!!!!! Welcome back... I'm back too. AFter two weeks of Camp! Can't wait to start sending letters again!