Thankful Thursday - Not Where We Were This Time Last Year...

This time last year was a very dark time for Ernie and I. We spent virtually the entire month of April at Rex Hospital. On March 29th, 2010 Ernie found himself unable to bear weight on either leg due to excruciating nerve pain, so I called 911 and they took him by ambulance to the hospital where he was admitted to the oncology floor - 5 East. As the tumor in his sacrum began to shrink due to the radiation and chemotherapy he had been receiving, it left nerves exposed and unprotected. Little did we know that days would turn to weeks, and weeks would became a month. During that time he was bedridden for 26 days, developed pneumonia, endured the trial of an intrathecal pain pump pushing insane levels of morphine and even snail toxin into his spine, contracted a stomach virus, was visited by orthopedists, neurologists and neurosurgeons, had 12 radiation treatments and 4 chemotherapy treatments, a CT scan, 2 MRIs and numerous x-rays. He missed Nathan and Natalie's 3rd birthday and we spent Easter in his hospital room.



Being covered with love by our grandchildren in our home away from home

As hard as all of this was, we praise God for the visits, cards, gifts, and most of all the prayers that raised him up out of that bed. We were cared for by an incredible staff of nurses and doctors that tried everything to help him get well. Our marriage grew stronger than it had ever been before as we clung to our faith and one another. Going home took on a whole new meaning and became a goal we worked toward every day.

Ernie with the Mike, the PT who thought outside the box, using this machine to help Ernie get out of the bed!

On April 29th, Ernie DID get to go home. The physical therapy, additional radiation and prayers worked. He was amazed that Spring had sprung and there were green leaves on the trees and flowers blooming. His only view from the bed had been of the sky. Our pups were especially glad their pack leader was finally home!

Abby and Milo were allowed on the bed to greet EZ

I don't think we will ever look at the month of April the same way again. We appreciate so much that we have been home to see everything bud and bloom, and that Ernie can get out of bed, sit reclined, and walk! We loved being at Nathan and Natalie's 4th birthday celebration, and look forward to spending Easter with our whole family, at home and at church. We are so very thankful we are not where we were this time last year!

 

Four reasons why we are enjoying April 2011 so much!



Here is reason number five!



That is one happy Grandpa!