An update on dad

I figured this might be the easiest way, without sending a million emails, to reach family and friends looking for an update on my dad... plus, the abundant life mentioned above is not one without trials, as this goes to show. 

Saturday around noon- My dad was taken from Hardee County Jail to Sebring hospital for a stroke.

Saturday at 4:00pm- He was released from state custody and transported to Florida Hospital Orlando for emergency surgery to remove a blood clot on the brain (through groin area).

Sunday- The family was notified and we went to see him that night. He had notable weakness and drooping on his right side, and was diagnosed with aphasia (communication disorder that impacts language processing, not intelligence, from damage to the left side of the brain).

Update as of today 4/24:

Dad has regained almost complete strength in his right side already. His balance is struggling but he's walking short distances with assistance. He is urinating on his own and is able to feed himself. He is still on a modified diet due to partial paralysis of the esophagus, but those muscles will strengthen, preventing him from choking or developing pneumonia from fluid in the lungs. We have not heard results of the second MRI, nor from the TEE (transesophagial echocardiogram), which was just completed this morning. They are still looking for the "why" of the stroke. Dad is still in Neuro ICU because of his blood pressure, but as soon as it stabilizes, he will be moved to a less critical floor. He really is receiving top notch care, and for that we are thankful. 

Dad is able to talk more and more every day. His comprehension is close to normal, although there is some confusion at times. He has trouble expressing himself, especially when he tries to elaborate beyond a short sentence. He's also getting names mixed up quite a bit. He keeps saying, "I know what I want to say in here (pointing to his head) but I can't find the words. It's just crazy! It's wild!" and then he laughs…!!! His spirits are good, despite the frustration and he has said, "I am happy. I have hope. I believe God. I am a warrior." 

We are taking the logistics of his upcoming care one day at a time, trusting God to provide what he truly needs.

God is working and we are hoping for lasting change in dad's life. Chris, Lance, and I are aiming to honor our father in every way that we can. After all, How great is the love that our Heavenly Father has lavished on us, that we would be called children of God.