Pace Maker

Updates first. Dad's making progress in some areas and still needs a little help in others. Today he was eating, sleeping, and using the restroom. It's good to get body function up and running! Dad's heart rate and blood pressure is still a little lower than they want. He had a heart rate in the 50s and they wanted it in the 70s. They hooked up his pace maker for partial use, only on one section of his heart. He responded well and it kept his beat at an even 77. If they end up needing to use the pace maker on all sections of his heart, they will send him back to ICU. Pray his body can transition to independent function without assistance.

Now the good stuff. My sister Amy and I visited Dad today. We sported "Team Milan" shirts that read "I love Dad" on the back. Mom's said, "I love my cute husband" instead. Dad said we could of been called "Team Blonde" too.

For the record, we call Amy "sister", so that's what she'll be referred to from now on.

So sister brought a luxurious goody bag for Dad--a nice down pillow that puts those plastic hospital puffs to shame, a cool fan for his room, a heated lavender pillow for neck relief, and massage oils to loosen his tense muscles. We sat him up, turned his new Father's Day iPod on a worship playlist, snuggled the warm lavender pillow around his neck, and massaged oil into his back, neck, hands, and feet. His poor feet and hands are so swollen. (He reminded me to massage towards his heart:) Thank you Dr. Milan! All the nurses wanted a turn too! We got a few smiles on his face and a rendition of "How Great Thou Art" with his roommate.

Prayer Requests:
- A healthy transition off the pace maker. Dad need to sustain a good heart rate and blood pressure on his own.
- Restful sleep to help recover.
- A place to stay for Mom! She is staying at the Triverton house at UCLA, but her reservation is up after tonight. Unless someone makes a cancellation, she'll have to move hotels or go home.