MRI and Our Father's Love

The second time they tried to have an MRI done, Mike was given Xanax. After one dose, he was not calm enough to be still so they gave him another dose and waited before trying the MRI.  He remained still for 4 minutes, but that was it.  That facility is not able to sedate him so a new order must be written by the doctor for a different hospital about 1 hour away from NR.  Mike was to see Dr. McCrady yesterday, so I hope he wrote the order. Dr. McCrady doesn't think Mike shows enough symptoms to have normal-pressure hydrocephalus. The psychiatrist, Dr. Rooker, would like to be sure and so would I; therefore, I am being persistent in requesting that it be done.

On my return trip from Ohio, I stopped in Blacksburg to spend time with Mike on Sept. 12 & 13.  He was having fairly good days. We tossed the football together and took a walk.  When he headed to supper, I just slipped out the side door and went to Silvia's.  It was such a pleasant night. My cousin, Todd, came over and grilled hamburgers and we sat on the deck. I really enjoyed just sitting and talking with Todd and Silvia. It felt so normal and the conversation was light and easy. Friday morning Mike was agitated and wouldn't eat his breakfast. I had brought him home-made zucchini bread and was able to encourage him to sit and wait while it was cut and brought to him. He is so impatient about everything. His food has to be cut in small pieces and given to him little by little or else he gorges and chokes.  After that, he went for a ride with the LST while I grabbed his razor and football, went to Wendy's for burgers, and met them at the park. He had calmed down by that time. (often a ride does that) We walked to a shelter and I asked him to eat slowly, giving him the entire hamburger. I was so proud of him as he did eat slowly. He also conversed with me a little. Asking for more french fries, or what was in the bag, etc.  I asked if he would like to shave after lunch and received a "yes".  He shaved himself a little and then allowed me to finish shaving and even trim his mustache & hair.  Mike was always meticulous about his personal appearance and it is hard to see him so scruffy. He just won't do it on his own and won't let anyone else help him either. The NR staff tries, but it is very difficult to shave a moving target. This was the first time he let me do it since he's been at NR. I asked him to try to shave every morning after his shower and he said he would, but we've had that conversation before.

Shaving at the park.

After enjoying the park for a while, he wanted to go shopping. He needed a few things from the grocery store and did well while we were there except repeating over and over that he didn't need toothpaste. He and the LST headed back to NR and I headed back to the farm. Departures are just easier if I don't say anything about leaving.

Back at the farm, I'm trying to get into a routine.  After time with the Lord and breakfast, I am spending 2-3 hours in my room making phone calls, searching the internet, e-mailing, paying bills, filling out papers, etc.  I'd much rather be out working in the yard, but I have to research and make plans for the long-term. I've never enjoyed research and am tired of dealing with all of this, but it's not going away. I figured if I spend a few hours a day it won't overwhelm me and I'll chip away at the process. Had a real breakthrough yesterday when I found my old budget sheets from 2009-2011. I needed some information from these in applying for Medicaid. That was a huge weight off of my mind. I celebrated by spending the afternoon pulling up old flowers and weeds and planting pansies and mums!  Daddy always has some project going that I can usually help with in some way, I help Coley feed the calves occasionally, and help Mom with housework and meals some also. Some way or other, the rest of the day gets filled up with no problem.

We had the Guardian hearing on Wednesday, but I'll save that for another post.  I've had some things on my mind and so that night I made a recording on my phone. It's 22 minutes long so I'll try to condense it when I write it here.

I want to leave you with the lyrics to "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" written by Stuart Townend - Wonderful words and a beautiful melody that has been running through my head for several days.

Lyrics:

How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that left Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom (REPEAT)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV2zMZ-nZ7k   Listen to the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdVQNyQmdM4  The story behind the writing of this song.