Some of you might recall my recent vacation to Greece and my blog about it. How excited I was to go back to my roots with my family.
My parents have been there since June, and were planning on returning to the U.S. in September. I just learned last night that my father had a stroke and is in a coma at this point. I'm leaving on Monday, the soonest that I can arrange it, to go and help take care of him and to be there for my mom. It's so sad, I had such a wonderful time with him only just a few weeks ago, and now this. My family is devastated.
I don't know how long I'll be gone - several weeks is my guess. My husband will be staying home with my son, while I travel with my brother and his wife.
My partner, Bob Wells, will be covering for me in my absence. If anyone needs real estate assistance, please call him directly at 717-203-6049 or email at wellsys@pipeline.com .
Please keep us in your prayers.
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Aug. 25th (I think!). I almost have no idea what day it is, and have to constantly check my calendar to even see what day of the week it is.
I am editing this to add some updates on my dad. I am still in Greece, as I just can't leave my mom alone right now. My dad is recuperating in a very well-equipped Athens hospital. A true miracle has happened with the health of my dad.
The doctor today confided to us that she is convinced that my father had died. Even she can't understand how he came to like he did. He's still very weak, but is improving a little bit each day. Thank you all so much for your concern and your prayers. Please don't forget us and continue to think and pray for us. - Jeannie
Thank you both so much. I really appreciate it.
God bless you,
Mike in Tucson
Father, I know you can speak to Jeannie's father through your Holy Spirit during his coma, and that you can bring a peace to him -- even "wake" him to be with his family, or call him to you. Father, I pray your ministering angels upon Jeannie's father, and ask that You watch over the family, grant them safe travel, and provide comfort to them in knowing Your Holy presence is with them in this time of great need, and I ask this all in Jesus' name. Amen
I, too, have had two parents have strokes and go into coma. Both are still alive; life is different, but both still pray for others. Isn't that about the peace of God?
Jeannie: I am so sorry and you and your mom and dad are in my prayers. May God send comfort to you all and the healing your dad needs. God speed.
God is the anchor that will hold you firm and secure in an ever-changing world where things can go from calm to chaotic in a matter of minutes.
Dear Heavenly Father, I lift up to you in prayer Jeannie Kontis and her dad. Father, I pray for your intervention in their lives and that you will send the healing powers Jeannie's dad needs because you are the true Physician. Father, please provide comfort, hope and strength to Jeannie and her mom as none other can. In Jesus most powerful name, I pray. Thankyou Lord. Amen.
Thank you so much to everyone. I'm so overcome with the amount of support I've been receiving, from both near and far.
I spoke with my mom this morning, and it seems like my dad is stabalizing. He comes in and out of consciousness and recognizes people. I see these as great signs, so Please keep those prayers and good thoughts coming because I believe it's making a difference!
My dad's brother and his wife have been in Greece this summer also, and took an 8 hour round trip cab ride to visit my dad today. He recognized them and became agitated when my uncle left the room, and tried to call him back. My dad and his brother are very close, and only a year apart (we say they are like twins) - and he was clearly excited to see his brother was there. He also responded when told that my brother and I were coming to see him. It kills my husband that he is not able to come, as my dad is the only father he has ever known. He'll plan a trip when I return. Hopefully, it won't be necessary and I will be able to bring my dad home with us where he belongs. Those are the prayers that I need right now - that he stabilizes enough to travel overseas to come home. I'm not looking for a miracle, but that would be nice too - but just the strength to be abel to travel back to the States.
My poor mother is exhausted, and I just can't wait to go and help relieve her a bit so she can get some rest. Please include her in your prayers and good thoughts that she has the strength to hold on until we can get there to alleviate her stress.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Jeannie, I'm so saddened to hear about your Dad. I will keep him and your family in my talks with the universe and hope for his speedy recovery.
Jo
I have a moment to get online and give you an update. Your prayers and working, so please keep them up and keep us in your thoughts.
I was able to arrange a life support ambulance to travel 5 hours to pick up my dad from the hospital where he was and transport him to a specialized hospital in Athens. We weren't sure he would survive the trip but had to make the effort. Our prayers have been answered, and although he is in the critical care unit he is alive, alert and doing well. He has NO brain damage! He is on a respirator, which is what they had to intubate him with as they had to put him under anesthesia to make the long trip. Hopefully they will be able to remove it tomorrow (we transported him 3 days ago - I think. I have no idea what day it is anymore).
Every day is a step closer to brining him home, and it looks like he will recover nicely with a few drawbacks. He has lost the use of his right lung, so hopefully his remaining lung will be strong enough to keep him with us, healthy, for several more years. He recognizes us, tries to speak to us, and is so visibly greatful that we did whatever we could to move him. I can't wait until he can speak again once the respirator tube is removed. If that doesn't work, they will need to insert a trachea respirator in order to help keep his oxygen levels up and support his remaining lung.
It turns out it was NOT a stroke. He was misdiagnosed at the first hospital for almost a week and we were told he would be a vegetable and would most likely die. They were completely wrong, and they underestimated me and the fact that I was determined to get him out of there. I contacted the US Embassy for help, and they came through with some contact information for hospitals in Athens that would have the capabilities to help us transport him. The CAT scan at the new hospital shows it was not a stroke, but lung failure and lack of oxygen. He was literally drowning in carbon dioxide, which was a horrible sight.
We're not out of the woods yet, but we're very hopeful. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, thank you, so much.
Jeannie, please tell your Dad that Mike in Tucson expects to see a YouTube video of Dad dancing on your Active Rain blog!
God Bless,
Mike
Jeannie,
Still much work to do, but God is faithful. We asked Him to wake your father to be with his family, and we're still believing God will do a work in your father and your family. In Jesus' name we thank our Father for his still divine intervention.
On another note, my Dr. John says that living with one lung is now common, rather than unusual.
May God continue to bless your family!
Thank you Mike and Terry for continuing to keep me in your thoughts. I'm back in the States now, and have been for about a week. I leave again this week to help bring my parents home. This time I won't be alone though, as my husband is coming along.
My dad is doing great, by the way. He is anxious to come home.
Thanks again for all of your continued thoughts and prayers.