Here is an update from Howard’s daughter Katie
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Hello again!
I am again writing to update you on my dad, as it’s been a little while. The reason I haven’t written is because there really isn’t any change or improvement. After arriving home from the hospital my parents were exhausted and my dad especially, being very weak and off balance. Two days after my parents left the hospital, we received the news that my Uncle Murray, in Australia, passed away. He had cancer and we knew he didn’t have much longer, but it’s still hard. My Mom has mentioned that my dad is very disconnected with everything and everyone. He isn’t himself; he barely speaks all day…. he just wants to sleep constantly.
What do we know?
We know that there is swelling in his brain from the West Nile Virus.
What do we do?
Because there is no cure or way to help him medicine wise, my mom is putting him on a strict diet of foods known to bring down inflammation. He is receiving cognitive therapy and hopefully can be set up soon with physical therapy.
The challenges
My dad isn’t able to use his right side well, so this makes getting around on his own impossible. My Mom helps my dad with everything, things like: helping him put toothpaste on his toothbrush, sometimes help with meals, bathroom breaks, dressing, showering, and so on. This has been a huge learning experience for both of them! My dad, being the strong, capable man he “normally” is, he doesn’t always realize he can’t do things. He has fallen twice when trying to get out of bed and walk on his own. The second time he fell my mom said it broke her heart when she asked him why he attempted on his own and he responded that he thought he was better that day. And for my mom, she is learning how to help a big man without falling down with him! She has a belt around him that helps her steady him and together they get around. My Uncle Wes comes in the evening to help my dad make it up the stairs safe and sound for bed.
We continue to ask for your prayers for my dad’s healing and for my mom as she takes care of him. Thank you so very much for continuing to stand with us. Again, we so appreciate your support and prayers.
One last thing, my sister is able to sneak up to Canada for a week this month, we’re thrilled that she is able to go, even if it’s short. We’re so thankful that she will be able to help and encourage my parents during that time.
That’s all for now, thank you for praying for us all! Blessings, and Happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian Family and Friends! There is always so much to be thankful for, even in the midst of trials, so we are counting our blessings and continuing to praise our mighty and faithful Father.
Bye for now,
-Katie