Oct 27 Update
If I were to put a title on today’s note, it would be ‘Thresholds and the Small Hours’.
I have been awake since 3 a.m. feeling the contending for Dennis and I know that many of you have been on watch in the small hours. Thank you.
Dennis was doing well yesterday. It was his first day out of isolation and so, I was able to hold his hand without wearing gloves and PPE. He had a lot to share with me of revelation that he had received. He was determined that I understood it. He spoke to me through his mask, his voice thankfully, undamaged. The same deep and convinced teaching style that is his trademark. He used his hands as always, to add weight to what he was saying. It was a bit slower but he was in fine form that way.
He was ready to get out of ICU. He said to me a number of times, "Let’s get this show on the road" or "help me stand up". He was breathing better as well. Teams were in and out of the room, assessing his needs and putting in place what is needed for his next steps on a new floor. This might make you smile…he looked over at me and said, "where is my pop?" and held his hand up to receive it. (He likes his sodas).
He is not yet taking anything by mouth…the swallow test is being done this morning and once they are sure he won’t choke, they will start him on clear fluids.
Late yesterday, the whole team was in place to transfer him out of ICU onto a medical floor. A blip in the process however, his heart went into Atrial Fibrillation. A further test showed that his lung on the left side is not fully expanding. It still has a fair bit of infection. A bit of a delay.
I have been contending and pressing in regarding this delay. As I sat quietly with Holy Spirit I could see that Dennis is ready to cross the ‘threshold’ from his time in ICU to the medical floor and that there was a small metal barrier at the threshold of his room. Picture pushing a cart through an airport from one gate to another and suddenly the cart comes to a stop. It takes someone to come from the front and help ease the cart over the bump.
That is what I am asking for today. Would you press in with me to see the barrier removed so that Dennis can move into the next level of healing? I rang up at four this morning. He had a quiet night, was sleeping well with no increased need for oxygen. I will be heading over there in a couple of hours.
My faith is engaged with yours. This dear man has a lot to say yet and he will continue to teach and empower the body. A collective lift and he will be on his way out of ICU.
Abigail had an appointment with her midwife yesterday. Baby and Mom are doing well. Just a little over 5 weeks. I slipped out yesterday and purchased Christmas outfits for newborns. Don’t tell her.
All love
Katie and family.
