Memorial Services for Dad

We are working on setting up a scholarship fund in dad's memory, so in lieu of flowers, we ask that you hang tight with us and we'll get that information out once we know.

Memorial Gathering
John M Taylor Funeral Home
147 Duke of Gloucester St
Annapolis, MD 21401
Monday, October 13, 2014
2-4 PM and 6-8 PM

Memorial Service
Trinity United Methodist Church
1300 West St
Annapolis, MD 21401
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
10:30 AM

Reception to follow at the house

Burial
Crownsville Veteran's Cemetery
1122 Sunrise Beach Rd
Crownsville, MD 21032
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
10 AM

Update on Dad 10/8/14

Last update of the day. Today was a pretty good day. Austin, my (Lindsay) youngest, was saying 2 names all morning: Ashley and grandpa. We got to call him on our way to a basketball game and the kids got to say hi and love you and hear grandpa say it back to them. It is those little moments that are so beautiful and such a blessing. There is also good news to report on dad.
1st - Dad got hooked up to food. He hadn't eaten since Thursday, so this was pretty awesome. He is currently getting food through a tube in his nose that goes straight to his esophagus. He is at 15ml an hour and he will work towards 55ml an hour over the next day or so.
2nd - Dad got up and walked down the hall. He made it down and back about 5 hotels rooms in length. Again, more fabulous news. He hadn't walked since the Friday of the surgery. He was tired, but more from lack of food and muscle mass as opposed to being out of breath. He found is easier to breath...so that's awesome too!
3rd - Dad got news from the ENT that he will have his vocal chord plumped up Friday!!!! His new ENT will put in some sturdier collagen that will hopefully be a little more resilient. And he can make it a little bigger than last time. So maybe he will be able to swallow again!!! And he will be able to talk again!!!

All in all a pretty good day.

This quote seems fitting today. Our family has a tradition of watching White Christmas every year. I think the words of this song are particularly fitting today:
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

Update on Dad 10/3/14

Update on Dad. He is recovering in CCU. He is alert, but sleepy. He was confused as to what was happening because this was not in the initial plan. He has had over 2 liters of fluid taken off his lungs. His blood pressure is good. Oxygen is flowing throughout his body nicely. He is still on the ventilator, but hopefully not for long. His surgeon was saying how dad doesn't like to do anything by the book. But the positive is, my mom didn't have to learn how to "nurse" the catheter. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. Gretchen took her out to Paladar for a drink and dinner before mom goes home and sleeps, and they were both crying in the restaurant from all the love and support. We love you all! You have all been amazing to our entire family.

Mom has been reading a book about a young man that went to West Point and then on to Ranger School. While Sid was in surgery, mom was reading about the ordeals of ranger school. He was saying not many make it through from those that start and without any recycling through sections to pass. Dad made it through without recycling! He is Army strong. We know he will make it through this. We love all you that are holding him up in prayer.

Hospital Procedure Tomorrow

Mom and dad go in to the hospital tomorrow at 9:20 AM. The esophageal dilation and lung catheters procedure is at 11:20 AM. Prayers for a successful procedure that results in less fluid on the lungs.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4

Dad's Voice is Back!

Hooray! Dad's voice is back....and it's getting better every hour. He will have another procedure on Friday, and mom will learn yet another nursing skill. If anyone can learn, mom can! Thanks be to God and the ENT team. Procedure on Friday to help with the fluid in his lungs and check out his throat.

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.” Jeremiah 32:17

It's Stable and We'll Take It

I apologize for not posting this sooner. We heard from mom and dad on Friday. It's stable!!! No growth, not gone but we will take it! Now time to take a breath again. Thank you to all for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words. They helped us get through the waiting.

They will return to the oncology doctor on October 8th to see what is ahead for Sid. It will most certainly be additional chemo and further scanning to keep eyes on the cancer, but right now, we are rejoicing, thanking God, and going to enjoy the weekends babysitting our grandkids! Love and thanks to all who have supported, prayed and gotten us through these last nine months. Sid said last night that we have the best family and friends. So glad you all have been a part of our blessed life.

Dad will undergo surgery tomorrow morning at 8:45 in hopes of getting his voice back. Prayers are much appreciated that the procedure goes well and works.

News on Friday

The wait is on to find out the results of the CT scan that dad had done this past Friday (Sept. 19). Mom and dad will go in on Friday (Sept. 26) to hear the results. In the meantime, we are anxiously waiting with faith, hope, and lots of support.

Dad is recovering from his 4th chemo session. Dad has been doing some short walks, and has gone to see Josh and Ashley play soccer. He's also had some of his appetite come back.

Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for our family. We ask for continued prayers that the CT scan reveals that the cancer is gone. Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen.