10 weeks and LOOKING GOOD!

Today we had a brief appointment with his respiratory doctor and he indicated that Parker could come off the oxygen! We are definitely singing praises! All he checked today was his oxygen level. In 2 weeks we will get a full check up to see how he is progressing. I could have told the doctor Parker could handle being off oxygen because his portable tank had been off for 2 hours this morning! We put Dad in charge of the oxygen tank this morning, as we were going out the door, and he forgot to turn the gage on. So we had already done a true test of going without oxygen!

Parker is very excited! He was starting to get a little frustrated about getting around the house and the tubes getting hung up. Love, Kay

Week 9 update

Parker's school was taking class pictures on the 14th so we discussed it with the pediatrician to see if it would be OK to "dash in & out" to take the picture. He indicated that sometimes we need to 'feed the spirit'! The day before he was having a lot of anxiety about going and I finally realized that it was because of being on oxygen. He was afraid the kids would make fun of him, which they wouldn't but I couldn't convince him of that. I assured him that we would leave it in the truck so it would be close by if he needed it. The secretaries of the school met us at the Kindergarten door so that he wouldn't have to walk so far. They had a bottle of Dennis Dolphin water for him! Parker was always one of their best customers in the mornings to buy water. The class gave him a "hip, hip, hooray" as he got into the cafeteria! They were so excited to see him and Parker was too! It definitely was a great moral booster for Parker!

Spring break is here so we are renting movies and taking walks while the weather is nice. Rain is suppose to move in later this week. Kalyn, Parker's sister, is in San Francisco for spring break with her friend Claire and her Dad, Kevin. A big thanks to Kevin for being a trooper taking 2 girls shopping and sightseeing!! We're glad to see Kalyn getting to have some fun! This has definitely been a trying time for her also.

Parker's tutor for the homebound program started this week. His second grade teacher, Mrs. Watson, is the tutor. Parker is very excited about working with her and most of all doing school work! We are getting back to a more normal schedule, no more staying up late to watch movies.

UPDATE FROM DOCTORS APPT.

Xray looked better, fluid is gone or almost gone. As far as the damage to the lungs that is still present in the lungs and it will be a while before we start to see improvement. The doctor lowered the level on his oxygen so hopefully in a few weeks he will be off oxygen! Hooray! We brought up the question about possibly getting back to school and he indicated that he may be able to return, half days at first, in about 3 weeks. We will see the doctor briefly next week to see how Parker is doing at the lower level of oxygen and then again in 3 weeks. Great news!!

Have a blessed and safe week (for those of you traveling over spring break). Love, Kay

Birthday Surprise!

Parker surprised me tonight by stopping by my birthday party!

We were partying at the new Cafe*Bakery, Red Moon
when I saw a big red "MATER" truck pull into the parking lot.
The best surprise ever! Parker, walker & oxygen tank free!

Thank you for the best birthday present...YOU!

Parker, thanks for making my birthday SO special!
Love, Wendi

Week 8 Update

As I write this update today, this past week has been a time of deep reflection on the past year and half of our lives. This week was the anniversary of my father's tragic accident that took his life, our daughter having a wreck and injured which required her first surgery, and the past 8 weeks with Parker's illness. If I hadn't lived it myself I would probably wonder how anyone could possibly get through it. But since it has been my life I can honestly say that my faith has kept me strong. God has a plan and we may not always know what it is but he will guide us through these difficult times.

I received an email today that said "Wrap your loved ones in God's Word!"
These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children... You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NKJV That our homes should be a meaningful, enriching haven surrounded by blessings and inspiration from Scripture! As I reflect back to last year the one thing that was put in the ambulance with my Father was his Bible, my Father took his Bible with him everyday! This is what my parents and grandparents have given me they wrapped me in God's Word and that has been my foundation.

The overwhelming support, prayers and love that has been extended to our family during the past weeks has been a strength to see us through. Another layer of being wrapped in God's love!

Please keep Wendi (our "blog keeper") and her family in your prayers as her grandmother passed away yesterday, her Aunt lost her mother-in-law the day before and another Aunt lost her father-in-law today (both Aunts are daughters of the grandmother).

Therefore, Parker's blog will not be updated until next week. He continues to improve and is getting stronger each day. I take him back to the respiratory doctor on the 21st so we will give an update after the appointment.

Love, Kay

Day 52, 3-10-7

Last night brought my first scare since being home,
Parker was running a little bit of a fever.
This morning there is no fever and he seems to be fine.
Any other time I probably wouldn't be alarmed to a low fever!

I was able to go back to work for one day this past week, which was great therapy for me! Robert currently is working on drawing house plans so he is able to be at home more.
Maybe after spring break I can get back to all my work days.

Love, Kay

3-8-7

Parker had his follow up visit with our pediatrician and everything seems to be progressing good. I think we made our pediatrician famous in the area for having the patient with the worst case of the season! We are just so thankful that he was quick to make the decision that the hospital was the place to go!

I was at Baptist this morning and stopped by the PICU unit. We've only been gone 2 weeks and they put up new privacy curtains in each of the units! How dare them redecorate after we leave! Maybe all of Parker's cards lining the walls inspired them to brighten the place. I visited with Dr. Khichi (this is the correct spelling) and he felt that what Parker is going through each night could be a result of coming off the drugs. The little guy was on such high doses of meds and for so long.

Tonight Parker's Webelo (Cub Scout) den came over for their meeting. (Gave them all a squirt of GermX when they came in the door!) None of the boys had seen Parker since he had gotten sick. Parker certainly enjoyed getting to see them! (L to R Jordan, Parker, Brandon & Alex)

"Rick said it would....." be bad for a few days if you suffer from cedar allergies until we get some rain. I'm praying for rain because I can't breathe!! Hope everyone else is getting out and enjoying this great weather! Love, Kay

3-6-7

click on picture to enlarge

Parker and I had a fun afternoon making a cake that some dear friends brought to him yesterday. It is a "Celebration Cake" kit. You mix the cake in the container, microwave to bake, decorate it and then celebration time! Kit is complete with mini mixing spoon, cake mix, frosting & sprinkles along with party favors - balloon, happy face button and noise maker all in one container.

Cute idea!

Praise Report:
Continuing to have good days and getting stronger everyday.

He doesn't use the walker anymore when we go for walks.

Keep Praying:

Read prayer to the right...

Day 47, 3-5-7

you can click on the picture to make it biggerToday, I took Parker to get a haircut.
He was so excited!
His hairdresser was so sweet to do it
at a time when the salon wasn't busy.
We try avoiding exposure to a lot of germs!

Parker had a good day on Sunday
and since the weather was great
we ventured outside for a walk.
We will be taking another walk outside today
because it is a gorgeous day!
Parker has also enjoyed playing his PlayStation games.

Parker is still struggling at night.
Don't know if it is weaning off the
drugs or him worried or scared.
He cries when I put him to bed and
wants me to lay down with him.
That is not Parker, he has always been the one
that loves his space, his bed and doesn't
want anyone in there with him.
Something is weighing heavy on his little mind.
Please pray for Parker that his fears will be gone.

Love, Kay


Parker got to choose his haircut
so I thought for sure he'd get
'Miss Wendi' shaved into the
side of his head. Oh well, there's
always next time, Parker!
You look like a different boy with
your new do! You are VERY handsome!
Love ya, Wendi

3-3-7 Update...

Thursday brought another day of lowering the dose of medicines and with that Parker shows signs of adjustment. Normally by the second day the signs are gone but last night he was still having a hard time with it. Other than that he is feeling better and stronger each day. Putnam City has a home bound program and they will be starting soon with home schooling him. This will allow us to get him caught up and back on track until he is able to go back to school.

Day 43, 3-1-7

Parker had a good nights rest last night and slept for about 14 hours. His oxygen tube only came out once during the night. The night before it seemed to be every 2 hours and I was up putting it back on. After dinner tonight he went to the "math room" (Dad's office) and they did a few math problems!
Making progress every day.

In honor of Parker's faith and his love of the weather I thought the
lyrics of this Michael W. Smith song appropriate...
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer
to this old town
Rich and poor,
weak and strong
It's bringing mercy,
it won't be long
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer
to the lost and found
Tears of joy,
and tears of shame
Are washed forever
in Jesus' name
Healing rain,
it comes with fire
So let it fall
and take us higher
Healing rain,
I'm not afraid
To be washed
in Heaven's rain
Lift your heads,
let us return
To the mercy seat
where time began
And in your eyes,
I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart
with healing rain
And only You,
the Son of man
Can take a leper
and let him stand
So lift your hands,
they can be held
By someone greater,
the great I Am
Healing rain,
it comes with fire
So let it fall
and take us higher
Healing rain,
I'm not afraid
To be washed
in Heaven's rain
To be washed
in Heaven's rain...
Healing rain
is falling down
Healing rain
is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...