Dad/Grandpa Update from Patti

Dear Family and Friends,

Can you tell by the length of time between emails that things have been incredibly busy? It's true, they have. Our cute Dad/Grandpa/Friend is amazing.

Today marks day 23 of ICU!!! He if fighting the good fight for sure. There have been so many times that I've thought that Dad would slip away only to find out that he has more fight and more life to live.

After four days at home, I flew back up to Utah late Thursday. Dad had a tracheotomy on Friday. I sat in the waiting room and cried wondering how he could possibly go through this procedure in his weakened condition. The surgery was scheduled at 10:30AM and occured around 3:00PM that in and of itself gave me more time to get more worked up. However, our cousin Dr. Ron Stoddard came to visit Dad and I was able to talk to him in the hall for about 10 minutes. He assured me that we were all seeing Dad in some form of sedation and that he wasn't really as weak as he appeared. Ron went through the benefits of Dad having this operation which basically boils down to the fact that Dad will be able to be more mobile and that is what can help his lungs.

Ron had previously discussed the procedure with Dad on a couple of occasions and Dad said he wanted to have it done. With that said, Friday, Saturday and Sunday were very rough on Dad as he was healing.He definetly had his aware and participatory moments during that time. The nurse was frustrated late Sunday afternoon with all the visits Dad was having. She told us he can only heal when he is sleeping,resting and not being so stimulated. I peeked in on him sleeping and then left for the airport Sunday night. The nurses are amazing and I know that they have Dad's best interests in mind.

Mark and Nancy, Kaye and Dory came in during the weekend. Kaye reported yesterday( Tuesday)" Dad has the sparkle back in his eyes" enough thatwhen his Doctor came in the room he said to Dad, "Bob you have your sparkle back".

Our family has two missionaries out Jeff (Gene and Joan's son) and Ann. They both get home next week. Dad wants to see them as he does all the grandkids. I know it is hard for everyone to fly out but I am asking that all the grandkids send cards, pictures or letters. One of the rituals we have done is to read his mail to him. Dad thoroughly enjoys this, he'll point to the cards and we read them over and over. I never really realized just how much love is packed in a "thinking of you" or "get well" card.

I'm so proud of our Dad/Grandpa. He is truly amazing and I feel honored to be in his presence. Our dear Mom/Grandma has been strengthened by the Lord in this trial too. She is plugging along and her love and devotion to Grandpa is very sustaining to him. Mom is blessed by the outpouring of love and concern by so many people.

Ann flys in on Wednesday, October 3rd and then we have tickets to fly to SLC on Friday, October 5th for the weekend. We are scheduled to leave for New York from SLC on the 8th. We'll just have to wait and see what's going on with Dad before we proceed with our plans.

Please know of my love and appreciation for each one of you. I'm aware of some of the blessings and challenges that you are receiving and facing at this time, thanks for keeping me updated on what's happening in your lives.

I love each of you and am sustained by your love and concern.

Patti
(Bob's daughter)