My Father — along-winded update since his accident: Many of you were kind enough to reach out back in June when I almost lost my father to a fluke accident which initial resulted in a broken back just days before his 75th birthday. After 4 days of below average treatment in the hospital, he became septic and developed pneumonia. This resulted in emergency surgery requiring 4 abdominal procedures and little hope of recovery or any measurable quality of life. He spent 20 days in the hospital most of which were in ICU. And other 20 in rehab to regain use of his legs and to strengthen his spinal cord. Upon returning home he and my mother continued his exercises, diet and refused his pain meds (she endured his mood swings) as he was determined to have a full recovery (extremely unlikely at his age). Three weeks ago, early August, he drove himself an hour each way to his job to attempt to go back to work as air traffic control tower manager in a facility with no elevator, a job that he loves. He proceeded to work half days coming home weak and exhausted but feeling accomplished that he was closer to his goal. This past Wednesday, only 2.5 months from his close encounter with death, he was faced with having to take and pass his annual flight physical. The outcome would determine whether he could continue his career, or be forced to quit. Im proud to announce that he passed his physical with flying colors and retains his right to choose his career outcome. While he and I have definitely had our painful differences over the years, I am so very proud of him and his determination to not give up or give in. Hes is truly an inspiration to me. He has been given a second chance in life. I believe in miracles (and pray I have the same strong genes and staying power when I find myself running from the light at the end of the tunnel.) Yeah Dad!
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 06:06:14 +0000