Dad at about 8 months old.
I thought I'd explain a little bit about dad's blog title. What do we mean when we say, "surviving again"?
My grandma gave birth to her second little boy (my dad) on November 3, 1950...9 1/2 weeks before her due date. His mom told him later that he "straight lined in the hospital...and they brought him back." He was in the hospital for the first three months of his life. When he was sent home, the doctors told his parents that there was nothing they could do for him and that he'd have a 50/50 chance of making it. Dad says that "apparently, they just sent me home to die." He was in and out of the hospital a lot that first year. But he survived!
In 1982, Dad was in a serious accident. The propane truck that he was driving rolled and went up in flames. It was a difficult time for the family...but again...he survived.
I think it was in the late 80's when my dad was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. He had been sick for weeks (maybe even months...my dad isn't one to ever complain. You know he is really sick he tells you he's not feeling good.) He spent a lot of time going to doctor appointments and being seen by specialist. It was our family doctor, Dr. Horstman, who was finally able to make a diagnosis. My mom told me later that his doctor had talked to her and told her that my dad might not make it. But! He survived.
When my dad was diagnosed with liver disease in 2003, his liver specialist told him that he would likely need a transplant in two years. It's been eight.
Dad is already a survivor in every sense of the word.
i so remember the propane accident, like it was yesterday. every single time the phone rings early in the morning... flash back. I'll never forget the early morning phone call asking us to watch the kids so Lynette could go to the hospital. I was in high school and will never forget the survival fight!
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