My father-in-law / Sol Passed Away

After a year or so of a life no one would really want for themselves, my father-in-law passed away yesterday morning. Josh and I have been at the hospital for about a week or so and we spent much of our time trying to make sure the hospital abided by his wishes and we had him removed from the vent Friday morning for which Sol was eternally grateful. That whole day, he was so cute and so happy. He was glad to have everyone around, asking questions about family and grandchildren and was like a child when I'd say, "Sol, close your eyes and get some rest"....he would say like a child, "okay, I will". We feel so glad he had such a good day on Friday and as we left for the hospital Saturday morning, the call came from the doctor to get there asap as he was in respiratory distress but by the time we arrived (within 10 minutes, he was gone). They told us he didn't suffer which we are thankful for. The nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists and nurses' aides and social workers were awesome!

We went from crying to rushing to the mortuary, making funeral arrangements, calling banks, writing checks, etc., - no time to grieve really but I'm sure that will come! To our Little Church Group - again......you guys are awesome and thank you for the prayers! Love, Cindi

February 4, 2008

Where to begin...... My father-in-law, Sol was hospitalized last Saturday for a "leg infection". Sol is 84 years old and has had a quad-triple bypass over 11 years ago, is diabetic, has Parkinson's Disease and most recently diagnosed with Guillane Barre Syndrome. On Sunday, we were told he needed to have his leg amputated because they couldn't save his leg. He did good through the surgery on Monday but went into cardiac arrest and was down for 30 minutes. So, he spent the next 6 days in CCU. Miraculously, he did not suffer any brain damage. While he's been in the hospital, he formed a blood clot and his lungs have been filling up with fluid. Still, Sol is a fighter and he continues to surprise us.....This past week, Josh has been pretty sick and tomorrow he is finally able to return to work.

But,,,,,,,God has blessed us all week long. It's amazing to us that Sol is still with us. From a previous "episode", Josh and I had to step in and handle some personal issues for his mom and dad and his dad was well,,,,,"none too happy with us" and it seemed there was a bit of a distance between us. But, during this time, Sol has shown us his softer side and I feel things have improved and so if in the end, Sol doesn't make it, Josh and I feel like things have resolved. Our Little Church group has been TOTALLY AWESOME - thank you guys!!!!!!! They came through with chicken soup for Josh and dinner that night so I didn't have to make it. Anyway, God has also blessed me with a ton of energy - people are amazed. (ok, but tonight, I do actually feel tired for the first time). Anyway, our God is a good God and we have felt him by our side every step of the way!