"Alabama, Arkansas, I Do Love My Ma and Pa..."

They're home! After 5 hours travelling, Dad and Mom arrived in Omaha at 10:40pm. Lana, Dan, Grandpa and Grandma, Brandon and myself all went to meet them at the airport. It was an emotional reunion!

Brandon and Mom

Grandma, Mom, Lana, Dad

Dad and Dan 

The Fam! 

Grandpa: "I tell you what, I never thought I'd be so happy to see your dad!"

Thumbs Up! 

Things back to normal... Grandpa is already losing interest.

We are all very grateful for the love, support and prayers that everyone has provided over the last nine days. And of course, we are VERY grateful to have Dad and Mom home!

Dad is very weak and exhausted from the trip, but he's in good health. He'll have at least 1-2 more weeks of recovery before he can resume normal activities.

I think the song below is appropriate for the celebratory occasion and is one of my current favorites. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading, and thanks for everything!

Dana

Fly Away Home!

I booked Mom and Dad a flight for TODAY from San Diego, departing at 3:22pm PST and arriving in Omaha at 10:41pm CST.

They are spending their last few hours in San Diego taking it easy and catching some of the "local" sights near their hotel.

I will update when they've arrived home safely.

Dana

Discharged!

Dad and Mom are working on being discharged from the hospital right now! I don't have any details, but when I talked to Mom this morning, she said it was looking like discharge today, then revisits to the hospital for lab, etc tomorrow and maybe Wednesday. Still hoping for a Wednesday return flight!

At least they'll be able to sleep in an actual bed tonight at a hotel!

More information as I receive it. Thanks for reading...

Dana

He's Come A Long Way!

Monday update:

Dad is doing well, overall. He's been able to go for a walk every day, (he's walking without the walker, now!) and he's been able to return to a somewhat normal hygiene routine. I know he was very happy to shower for the first time this weekend! He's also using minimal pain meds, just to be able to sleep at night. He seems to be getting stronger every day, but he has said, "It's amazing how your body can go down-hill in just a week!" It will likely take him several weeks to get back to normal.

His white blood count was reading high yesterday, which could be an indication of an infection. This caused the doctors to move his return date from tomorrow, to possibly Wednesday of this week. They'll find out more about the issue today, and hope that he can be discharged from the hospital by this afternoon and released to a hotel.

Mom and Dad are bummed about the idea of possibly staying an extra day, but considering all of the negative outcomes that they've managed to avoid, they realize an extra day is a small price to pay. That being said, I know they are eager to get home.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers. I think when he finally gets released from the hospital it could be a long trip home. I know they appreicate everyone continuing to pray for them.

Thanks for reading.

Dana

Nearly a Week Later

Well, this is Dana again. Apparently blogging isn't Mom's thing, so she asked that I continue when I could. I'm back in Omaha and glad to be here. At the same time, I'm not sure what to do with myself. It's a strange feeling.

Just spoke with Mom and Dad on the phone and things are still really good. Mom said it was a quiet evening when I left, but that they had been to "dinner, dancing, sight-seeing and even caught a movie." For those of who don't understand sarcasm, the last statement was entirely a joke. ;) Dad has been walking the halls of the hospital, however, and even made it to the lobby with the beautiful view and was able to sit and enjoy the outdoor sights for awhile.

Mom says things are quiet and boring at the hospital, but also stated that quiet and boring is better than anxious and scary. They're looking forward to when they can come home in the next few days.

I will be handling their flight arrangements for them when they are able to come back. I told them I'd try to get them a connection in Las Vegas so they could at least play some slots in the airport on their vacation. :)

More later. Thanks for reading!

Dana

Peace Out, San Diego!

Well, the time has come for me to adjourn my posts from San Diego. Dad's health still improves and each time he takes a walk down the hall, he gets a little bit farther every time!

'

My cab comes to pick me up in a little bit and I should be back in Omaha before midnight, CST. I will leave this blog in the capable hands of my mother, who will remain in San Diego with Dad until he can return home, likely Monday or Tuesday. If I find that Mom has been slacking off with the blog updates, I'll be sure to pick up where I left off when I return home. :)

Love to all. 

Dana

Things Are Looking Up!

Everything went well through the night. Dad was up and walking (slowly, and with assistance) down the hall before I had even gotten out of bed. He said it felt great to walk for the first time since Sunday.

The nurses warned my Mom it will be a "slow day" today because he's doing so well and there will not be as many lab draws, visits from nurses, etc. She recommended they rent a movie. I have a feeling they'll try to sleep. :)

I have a flight back to Omaha, late this afternoon. I'm getting a number of things coordinated for Mom before I leave so she has less to do when I'm gone.

More information later today.

Dana