Friday, March 13, 2009

Miracle in Room 7113

***UPDATE BELOW***

Proverbs 13:12 "It is sad when you don't get what you hoped for. But when wishes come true, it's like eating fruit from the tree of life."

Tonight a chocolate dipped donut and a "Skiny Mocha" are like eating from the 'tree of life' as I celebrate today. Friends, rejoice with me. We have seen a breakthrough with my dear sweet Daddy.

My sister received a call from the hospital this morning. Dad was to have three hours of testing this afternoon, and the nurses felt he might be more cooperative and content if a family member accompanied him. My Mom, my other sister and I sat in the waiting area...praying...talking...rejoicing...hoping...praising. When Dad was returned to his room he was awake...very disoriented...still hallucinating, but much calmer.

As soon as I walked into his room, he held his arms open to me and as I bent over to give him a kiss, he cradled my face in his hands, just loving on me. His conversation is confused. His mind meandering. His focus following images that only he can see. Yet, he knew each one of us and called us by name.

When my Mom mentioned that it was Sharon's birthday today, he questioned the date and then sang two verses of "Happy Birthday" as our voices joined with his, tears streaming down our cheeks.

A third Dr. has been called in to work with my Dad. As she examined him she said, "Mr Dale, you've been a very sick man".

Tests results are coming back. The CT scan - clear! Ultrasounds - clear! The renal failure count that was over 500, is now down to 180. Dad is receiving antibiotics intravenously. The clotting from the removal of the tumor in his bladder is lessening. He said he felt like some "Pepsi" today and when Mom returned with some, he actually drank it!!! He even ate some jello. Friends we have seen huge progress today.

How can I ever thank you? For the first time in eleven days I am breathing. My stomach isn't turning. I no longer feel like I'm suffocating. Friends, you are all a part of this. In answer to the effectual, fervent prayers of many God is moving.

My Mom, both my sisters and I all received a Word from the Lord this morning. Then, I opened up my e-mails and began reading blog comments and I was completely overwhelmed by the response. I feel like I have so many to thank, and Lord willing, over the next little while I will visit each of you personally (assuming you have left some way for me to respond to you). I have never felt so loved. Your words, prayers, and thoughts towards me have blessed me abundantly. You have held me up when I couldn't stand. You have infused me with courage. You have encouraged me to keep trusting and not abandon my faith. You have called me to hold on to truth and believe that God was providing. You have listened patiently, gently reminding me that God was there. I feel blessed beyond measure.

I do want to specifically thank Melanie for setting up a prayer vigil for my family today. God used you mightily. Also, very precious friends Elaine, Melissa and Cheri, who continue to bless my heart in so many countless ways. My "Aaron" and "Hur", Carol and Lois, who daily checked in with me and surrounded me with love and prayers. May all who see the miracle in Room 7113, see God.

As my sister and I drove home from the hospital, we were singing, "Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King!" We don't know what tomorrow holds, but the Lord gave us an incredible gift today. Go praise and thank Him, then eat something chocolate!

(Don't miss how the Lord spoke to me today, Saturday, on my other blog, "Pondering In His Presence". God is good!!)



***UPDATE***
Well...I will still rejoice in the blessings of yesterday, but we were met by the nurses upon our arrival at the hospital this morning. Dad had become violent with a nurse again...clawing at her arms...."attacking" her is how it was described to us.

Still, the gift of yesterday was so precious...and for my sister's birthday. Thank You Lord.

I WILL still trust You. Continuing to pray.

Disappointed, heartbroken, but not losing hope.

22 comments:

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

When the heavens move, all of hell shudders to the core. Today, the enemy has been silenced.

Praise to the Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, and Keeper of our hearts for always! He, alone, is worthy of our praise.

Melinda said...

Praise Him! What wonderful, wonderful news!

Big hugs this night,
Melinda

MelissaTaylor.org said...

What a turn around from last night!!!!!! Wow wow wow wow! I am dancing, singing, praising, and saying "I told ya so!"....just kidding about that! but how faithful is God. He carried you through, carried your father through, and what a wonderful birthday present for you sister!

I am so happy right now. this is terrific news. I will keep praying that your father will keep on getting better until full health is restored!

Love you Joy!
Melissa

Melanie said...

Joy, I am sooooo happy to read your good news! One of the ways I felt led to pray today was that the fog would lift from your dad's mind.
It is a privilege to be a part of the praying body.
"What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer."
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Praise the Lord ! I am so extremely happy for you and your Daddy and your family! All glory to God for the great thing He has done!

Marilyn

Runner Mom said...

This is the best news ever!! I wanted to check your blog before I crashed for bed, and Joy, what awesome news!! I went flying over to my husband and told him! Praise to our God...our Redeemer and Healer!

We are rejoicing with you and will continue to lift up the Dale family in prayer!

Many hugs sweet friend!
Susan

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Joy,

I am so thankful to hear about the good news today.

Your situation is so similar to mine exactly 2 years ago, that it has been painful to read.

My Dad's personality changed overnight and he became so angry, so mean that each person that entered his room, entered in fear. He even broke a nurses finger and threatened several others. He literally lost his mind. We had a mired of doctor problems, angry exchanges with a very "I am God" doctor and even went as far as having him reprimanded by the state board. I learned a new part of dealing with the medical community and part of it was being an advocate. I remember months where I never took a deep breath. My prayers are with you.

Teresa

Beth E. said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Woo-hoo, I am sooooo excited for your family, Joy, and so grateful to God for the miracle He has done in your father! It's exactly what we prayed for! I am grinning ear-to-ear. :oD

Now, let me go look for some chocolate! LOL

Renee Swope said...

CELEBRATING with you and for you my friend!!! Thanking God for this amazing yet so like Him break-through. Oh how good it is for us to bear one another's burdens and be able to rejoice together. How sweet that today a prayer vigil for your family was held across the world through blogs and we can join the chorus of angels praising God for the joy that came this morning!!!

I so appreciate your transparency and authentic struggle, letting us see your heart and soul before God - just like King David. You are a woman after God's own heart!!!

We'll keep praying and watching Him provide. I love you friend!

Renee

Anonymous said...

Watch for all the beautiful mercies of our Lord on the good and bad days... He's always there working... sometimes our eye don't see. with love, xoxo, Shane

Catherine said...

Oh Joy!! Praising God for answered prayers!!! He is so good and faithful just as you have been faithful to Him. He understands your questions and why's and today He was glorified in the gift of your Dad being more like his old self than you have seen him in 10 VERY long days and nights!

Tonight there are tears of rejoicing where this morning there were tears of sadness as I spoke with your sister on the phone. God is GREAT!!

Gotta go....a good friend told me to eat some chocolate and I don't need to be told that twice!! ;o)

Love you. xoxo

Anonymous said...

Oh sweet Joy,
I'm so glad I took a peak before going to bed! Praise the Lord...we serve an Almighty God. I am happy beyond words for you dear sister! A turn-around for your sister's bday...that's what I prayed for....I love Jesus!!! Love you too,
Lori - Mesa, AZ

Anonymous said...

Praising with you today, Joy!!

Cheri Bunch said...

Sweet Joy~
I am overwhelmed with gratitude! What a breakthrough! The taste of victory is so sweet .........as delicious as chocolate after such a war! Not a battle! A war!
How I love Him more for helping you, my sister and friend. He is so wonderful! I will be telling Him so today!

I love you!
Cheri

LisaShaw said...

Praise the LORD! I cried as I read your message -- the GLORY OF THE LORD HAS FILLED YOUR DAD'S ROOM! Heaven is rejoicing and hell is shut down ONCE AGAIN!

Be encouraged in knowng that Jesus is with you and your entire family. He sees--he cares and is near to each one of you.

I am praising His name with you. Remain firm-footed in the faith Joy.

God bless you.

Sue said...

Praise God indeed!! Oh Joy! Tears of joy are streaming down my face. God is so good. A birthday that Sharon will remember for years to come. God is SOOO good.

I'm still praying.

Unreasonable Grace said...

Praise God for His tender mercies! You and your family have been in my prayers. He is MIGHTY!
Kim

Amy L Brooke said...

I am so happy for you! I'm shooting up prayers of thanksgiving. I will pray that the progress continues!

swilek said...

Joy, praise God! Have been praying and so glad for this progress with your dad. Just finished reading "bring the rain" blog...still wiping away my tears. Yes, God is bigger than all of this yet loves your dad beyond our understanding. Keep pressing on and clinging to your heavenly daddy!

Kathy Schwanke said...

Beautiful Jesus walking you through the valley giving you rays of sunshine on the other side. Rejoicing with you today! Your daddy was brought to my mind several times over the course of the past few days and I lifted him and you in prayer.

Our King is so faithful & good!

Kathy Schwanke said...

I've a little something for you to ponder over @ my blog. Showers of love to you Joy!

Lisa Smith said...

Joy, I'm trying to "catch up" on the details I have missed...I am praying, girlfriend.

What version is the Proverbs verse in?