Update 4 for Mike Pless: Feb 15, 2024 - 9:30 PM

First full 24 hours after surgery is drawing to a close.

Dad accomplished a lot today. Not any real losses.

He was able to get up out of the bed and sit in a chair in the room! The physical therapists were shocked at how well he was moving.

They complimented dad several times on how much he smiled at them and his eagerness to move. The therapists had to temper dad’s eagerness to move because he was being a little too ambitious (typical of dad!).

Dad has had his blood pressure pretty low since surgery. Some IV meds and extra fluids have helped bump it up to the low acceptable range.

His body maintained a low level on its own for a while today. Nurses are saying he will need a boost through the night (when BP naturally falls).

Dad also was able to take a little food today through his normal method (feeding tube through the stomach). So far no issues with the little food they gave him.

Lots of good progress. Still a long road ahead.

Pain is a good teacher. Pain brings out what already exists deep inside of man.

The man sitting before me is a good man by all earthly standards — very good even.

But, as dad most certainly would, I’ll be quick to tell you: it is Christ living though dad Who deserves any credit of the good inside of dad.

Christ Jesus is the One who has been working through dad for many years. He is the one who has changed dad into the man we see before us today.

Dad gives all credit to Christ living in him. So I see it fitting to point you, dear reader, to Christ Jesus. Jesus is the One who changes men.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

We are thankful for how well dad is doing. Thank you all for your continued prayers and many texts and calls of encouragement.

Update coming in the morning. Love you friends.

Soli Deo gloria.