Grandpa Massey recovers from his heart attack

It was one of those dreaded phone calls that no one wants to receive. Dad had been ill before, and we knew he had a bladder infection, but we had no idea that it could send him into a bodily "shut down" that would nearly take his life.

Dad called me from the Olathe Medical Center in the late afternoon on Friday, said he'd had chest pains, and claimed he felt much better. However, during the night, he took a turn for the worse. His oxygen levels were so low, they put him on a respirator and sedated him. His lungs started building up fluid, he had a mild heart attack, and was still bleeding from the bladder. While unconscious, his kidneys began to fail. I'm not in the medical profession, but I know this isn't a good sign. He was pale, and remained unconscious an on the respirator until Monday. He was on antibiotics for his infection, and for possible pneumonia, they removed the fluid from his lungs with tubing, flushed his system, as well as many other procedures in the ICU. He was a very sick grandpa...

Mom and Brian stayed with him during this time, and I showed up on Tuesday morning. When I arrived, he was still unconscious in ICU, but they had removed the respirator. The nurses had hoped that he would be more alert by then. However, he became a little responsive that evening with visits from some of his friends from church, as well as some family.
That first night, Brian, Cindy and I were called at 4:30 a.m. Dad was confused as he regained some consciousness, and was extremely fearful and agitated. We immediately left our make-shift bedroom (aka hospital waiting room), and were able to assure and encourage him. (I'm glad we were so nearby) As he emerged into a more cognizant state, the nurse asked him if he knew where he was...he referred to a place that was white..the walls and ceiling, it was pure, with white furniture and floors. His memory of this did not remain for long once he was more alert.
However, we knew he was returning to his normal self later that morning when he asked "Where is my cell phone?" Since mom had gone home to sleep, we told him to call her, but not until after 7:00 a.m. You can imagine her relief to hear him on the other line. He was a little hard to understand, but was obviously beginning the process of recovery. At this point, his systems began to show slow improvement. On Wednesday, they moved him to his own room. Having been unconscious for 5 days, he was a little rustic in appearance, and we thought a shave might make him feel better. We had mom bring his supplies from home, and Brian took on the task.

For those of you who know Brian, he has a bit of an ornery streak in him. He decided to shave only part of his face...

He thought he'd leave a goatee and mustache, so they could look alike!

But, he finally completed the job.

At first, he needed some assistance to eat his meals.

But after only a day or two, he was up in a chair, feeding himself.

During the most difficult seasons of life, God adds a measure of grace to bring us comfort and strength. He did this for our family in the form of my sister-in-law, Cindy. She isn't even related to this side of the family, but she and her husband agreed that I might need her support, and she is so very gifted and experienced at meeting the needs of those who need medical care. Cindy arrived shortly after Chris and I on Tuesday, and didn't leave until shortly before I left on Saturday. On the night we were brought in from the waiting room to a confused and agitated father, Cindy was able to procure his first "diet pop" which brought a sense of "normalcy" to his life at that time...for those of you who know my dad, he likes his diet pop! Throughout her stay with us, Cindy bought dad diet pops, even making a trip to Target so that he had a 12 pack once she left.

AHHHHH!

We can't even begin to express our gratefulness for her help. She seemed to be able to anticipate every need that my dad had, and made sure he was comfortable. Cindy has a heart of gold, and a great capacity for loving and serving others. I cherish this special time I was able to spend with her. We found a Ryan's just around the corner that offered their buffet for $4.99. We took full advantage of this blessing, by eating every mid-afternoon for both lunch and supper.Once he was in his room, a host of "Garnettians" began to arrive...one after another...

from the church choir...

to Bingo... his Sunday school teacher...and friends...

This man, Speed, showed up the night I had arrived, and was able to get the first smile out of dad...by asking him if this was the "bass section"? He returned later in the week as well. the church secretary... old friends from bingo There were 2 other people from Dad's church who had to be admitted to the Olathe Medical Center while dad was there. How often do you get a 3-fer deal when you do hospital visitation?

This couple, the Richardsons, are the parents of an old classmate of mine. I was able to go visit them a couple of times during the week.

Other church members and staff came to visit as well, and would pray with dad for his recovery.

We also were able to visit with family during Dad's stay.

Louise, Raymond and Randy came from Fredonia.

Some old friends from dad's childhood...the Easts. Rick was also able to spend a couple of days with us. Dave and Rachel came, and were able to bring the boys with them for a short time... So we got some 4 generation shots. Ok, so I seized the opportunity to take my little guy to the vending machine to get a package of m&ms...I couldn't resist!After the visit, we all went to Ryans together. Ethan, where is your tongue???? Ethan, where is your hair????? An important part of dad's recovery- BABY THERAPY! Speaking of Therapy, I can not rave enough about the fine staff and excellent care that I believe saved my dad's life.

He had specialists from Cardiac, respiratory, kidney, internal medicine...as well as therapists, nurses, dietary staff, etc. to aid in his recovery. This is an excellent medical facility....I lived there; so I know!!

The physical therapists (or as dad calls them, "The Physical TERRORISTS"! The nursing staff...I have to say, these 2 nurses were a lot of fun. The one on the right, we called "Peter the Kenyan"...he had a heavy accent, and we all guessed where he was from. He enjoyed spending time with our family, and we all laughed together. They came to take his vital signs frequently. Now...this is the classic of all photos taken during the hospital stay...yes, that is a "barf bag" that he is holding up to his mouth, the nurse is giving him a shot for nausea, and he's STILL talking on his cell phone!!! Since dad was having to spend Valentine's day in the hospital, mom made it special by bringing him a gift that he could cuddle...

ahhhhh....

And later, mom brought the bills, so he could begin to feel useful again! I think he actually enjoyed doing something normal! Mom and I got him some flowers to brighten up his room. The family spending time together in the evening... Every day, Brian would say he had to go home that day for some tournament, or work, or something....but somehow, he never seemed to be able to leave!

"When are you going home, Brian?" "I dunno!"

Once dad was sitting in a chair, it freed up the bed...we all agreed after all,
"It's all about me!"

This was a joyous day! Dad finally got to wear pants...although they didn't seem to hold up well on his walks!!!

On Saturday evening, Chris returned with my kids, who were all very happy to see grandpa doing so well!

rejoicing in Grandpa's recovery

Grandpa

Dad went home on Wednesday afternoon. Rebecca and I drove to Garnett to welcome him back. He wanted to go to the church supper that evening...and to drive there...so we did. He regains more and more of his strength every day. We thank God for the gift of our dad/grandpa, and that he will be a part of our lives for time to come.

Although I can't prove it, the scriptures do teach

"A Merry Heart doeth good like a Medicine" ...

and I believe it.