Update 7 for Mike Pless: Feb 19, 2024 - 3:30 PM

Good 24 hour period again for dad.

More walking around and even periodically doing some squats on the ICU floor.

Blood pressure and O2 have mostly maintained on their own, which is an answer to prayer.

Still having periodic assorted antibiotics and other meds being administered.

Other than the normal and expected post-surgery pain, it seems the cleaning required with the Lary tube is the most painful regular event.

The ENT docs and respiratory therapists also suction out the new airway. Sometimes it’s painful, sometimes not.

There is a whole lot of learning going on in the area of cleaning the stoma and Lary tube, surgery recovery, the use of AI speech, and communication in general.

Dad is currently reliant on his phone or iPad using text to voice. This is slow way to communicate your own thoughts and a big change from speaking audibly for 60+ years.

We’re slowly learning ASL (American Sign Language) as a family; this will likely be another solid way of communication for any who is willing to learn along with us.

Alan and I had a head start thanks to none other than the lovely Megan Childers (maiden name Groover) when we learned as our high school foreign language. Thankful for the teaching many years ago!

I’d encourage you to learn ASL with us. Start by learning how to finger spell; you’ll pick up full signs as you’re around dad. A good free resource to start is to use lifeprint.com.

Dad is scheduled to get moved to a normal room today. Slowly making forward progress.

Thank you again for all of the encouraging messages and prayers. We’re all thankful dad is still here with us.

I’ll be compiling a list of FAQs for some of you who may be wondering about specific details and day to day life for dad in the future.

I’m asking a lot of these questions myself, so it’s just as much for me as it is for you! If you have a question, text me. My number is 478-297-2858. Happy to hear from you.

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” Ja 5:13

We are both praying and praising here at Emory. Thank you friends.

Soli Deo gloria.