August 24, 2004

A Summer Journey

What a journey we have taken and continue to take. I have been but a passenger while my adult children (all six of them) have taken the helm. They have allowed me to be here all day and into each evening while taking 24 hour shifts themselves. They have not wanted their father to feel alone and unsupported and so they have been in his room, seeing to his needs, and keeping a log of the activities including his small, but important, steps of recovery. They also logged his lucid moments when he was more drugged. These often were quite amusing, but he will get to see those much later when he has gained some distance from the ordeal. It is wonderful to see him emerge from the fog. Yesterday was a good day and I expect today to be excellent. He is very strong according to the physical therapist. And, indeed, he is able to get himself up and down quite successfully. It is food for the spirit to see Donel emerge from the stupor. I have consistently felt that our ship is being followed and surrounded by an enormous fleet of tiny tugboats cheering us on through blog notes, cards, and well wishes. I cannot even begin to let you know how amazingly therapeutic that has been. When Martin set up the blog (with an address of hellbox for heaven's sake), I wondered just how it would work. Would people understand that a hellbox refers to a receptacle for used type, that Donel used to be a hobby printer, and his son is fascinated by printing? I'm the least computer literate in the family — and that includes my three grandchildren. I didn't really understand how amazing it would be to beam people right into the hospital to share our experience. Needless to say, I'm overwhelmed. If all of you are the tugs that nudge us towards recovery, I must at least share an important experience that has kept me going. One morning, just after Donel was diagnosed (the first time), I had an amazing experience of hearing a very strong and persistent voice telling me twice that I didn't have to worry. I have held onto that voice and it hasn't failed me. I have no doubt that this ship is and will be held afloat throughout the journey. When my mother-in-law conceived her third son and fourth child so many years after her other family was born, she often mentioned a time sitting in church when she had a clear sign that this baby was a gift from God. When Donel was a teen, he had a strong call to the ministry which sustained him through all his years. And, on a lighter note, all of us family members know that he has parking angels that always save him a place no matter how many cars are in the lot. Our lives have been truly blessed and those of you reading this blog are a major part of that blessing. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. Posted by Marilyn at August 24, 2004 01:46 PM

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Posted by: Janet at August 24, 2004 02:18 PM

Dear Marilyn, Its so good to hear from you and that you are doing well. You already knew that worrying would do no good so I'm glad you didn't waste too much time with it.. We are all indebted to your wonderful children for keeping us close to you with their gift of technology and the word pictures they've drawn for us of Donel's extraordinary journey. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, Don and family. Love, Barb and Stormy

Posted by: Barb S. at August 24, 2004 02:21 PM

All,

I am here crying like a baby--again. I was thrilled to read "He Walks!" and then was touched by Marilyn's message. I love the imagery of the ship and the tugs pushing along behind--it's wonderful.

I am so thankful and greatful for all of the support that you are feeling and experiencing first hand. You are all such an inspiration to me--

Much love and continued prayers.
Marilyn

Posted by: Marilyn Gorsuch at August 24, 2004 06:03 PM

You write so beautifully, I love reading what you write. I have felt from the beginning that Donel will be just fine. I have always believed that faith and attitude are so very important when faced with a life threatening illness. His mother was correct he is a gift from God and we are all blessed that we get to share him with his family and God.

We have the parking Genie in our family. Cheryl started it years ago and we always use it in tight situations and it also works. People think we are nuts, but what is new.

Take care,

Love, Carol

Posted by: Carol Garguile at August 24, 2004 09:45 PM

Hello Marilyn,

I am sorry to hear about Don's cancer. (Just learned about it from Mary.)

Please know that the prayers of this old heathen are with you. I will hold you close to my heart during this difficult time. Please let Don know that I am pulling for him.

Love,
Bill Becker

Posted by: Bill Becker at August 25, 2004 03:52 PM

I am glad to hear from you Marilyn. I've been a little concerned because it's not like you to be so quiet! But, I understand feeling the support of your children and it can feel so comfortable to just let them take care of things.

And I am very thankful that Donel is doing so well. When I read that Dani was leaving for Singapore I knew he must be doing quite well.

Marilyn, Dick and I will be in Seattle this weekend for the national dahlia show at the SeaTac Hilton - August 28th and 29th. The show is open to the public after lunch Saturday (2ish) through Sunday evening. We'd love to see you and even though dahlias don't have a fragrance you could come and "try" to smell them.

Love, K

Posted by: Kay Porter at August 25, 2004 09:58 PM

Dear Marilyn & Don, How special it is to be able to read about Don's recovery from this serious surgery. I'm also relieved to know too, Marilyn, that you are feeling so comforted and sustained during this time. What a blessing that your kids have provided this blog for us to keep track of what's going on with your family. Please know that Donel is on our UCC prayer list and has been for a few weeks now. We're thinking of you often with love, Peggy & Bill

Posted by: Peggy & Bill at September 4, 2004 03:22 PM
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