Update #2 at the Hospital

Once again, this is the Jollette, on my father's blog, with his permission- of course.

    This has been the saddest, most depressing, life altering Christmas in the history of Christmas-at least for me and my family. Even more than my first white Christmas in Maryland where I threw up 12 times, and that was pretty miserable. The fact that it was Christmas and we were in a hospital because my dad has cancer is what made it depressing, nothing else. Anyway, today at the hospital was not depressing, but rather, at times, very amusing and interesting. Yes there were some times when I looked at my dad and he looked completely helpless...But I'm getting ahead of myself.
    When we finally arrived at the hospital at 1-ish, my mom came to say that my dad was sleeping for about 20 minutes, so we decided to eat our scrumptious Christmas dinner that an Elder and his wife in our church lovingly provided for us. When we could finally go see our dad, just my brothers and I went to go see him, and I brought the computer with me, so I could read all the comments that everyone has posted on his blog and on Facebook (which brought many smiles to his weary face). After reading a bunch of comments, we were kicked out of his room, so he could "rest." Alas! Twas only his bowels taunting him! The nurse said that is completely normal though. We didn't go back in that time though, because we had to make room for visitors that had to leave soon. There weren't as many people today, as yesterday,which is understandable because it is Christmas after all. Nothing really eventful happened today. After we snuck our whole family into his room (6 people- 3 kids, wife, mom, and mom in-law), we just sat around talking to him, watching TV and just doing stuff. Every now and then there were visitors. There were some high points of today. My dad walked around the hall twice, which is really good, and he wasn't nearly as groggy as yesterday. He had no hints of loopyness...well maybe once. He was completely coherent and was very conversational. We found out today that he also only had one and a half feet taken out of his colon, which isn't much apparently. Keep praying though, because, as I mentioned yesterday, he has 2 tumors in his liver, and one of them is the size of a grapefruit....and that is a pretty big fruit. No update on the nodules on his lungs. He is recovering well, despite all that. This post probably hasn't made much sense and I'm sorry. I just have many thoughts floating around in my head, and for some reason, I can't seem to remember much about today.

Please pray for me as well, for I have a terrible cough that will not cease, no matter how much medicine I consume (which isn't that much), so if anyone knows where I can find some rooibos tea, besides in South Africa, that'd be great if you would let me know.

Thank you all for your continuous prayers for my dad. They have been a huge blessing this holiday season.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

~Jollette

Comments

[Terry]

I will continue to pray for you David and your family.

[Dave]

I will continue to pray for your David and your family.

BTW, Celestial Seasonings has at least one type of tea with rooibos...orange mango and moroccan I think.

[nancy]

God's Love to you, and your family and friends.

i am not a regular here but,
the word for prayer made it to me anyway
you are in my prayers
you belong to God
you are Loved
you are special

[One more Mike]

Jollette,

The whole blogosphere is praying for your Dad. Teavana has locations in Towson and Annapolis Malls, and has all types of Roobios teas.

Be well.

[Jake Meador]

Jollette - Your dad's blog is one of my favorites to read, I've always appreciated his generous, irenic spirit. One time I mentioned the blog to my pastor - an RTS Orlando alum - and he proudly informed me that your dad is also an RTS Orlando alum. So he's got at least two big fans here in Lincoln, Nebraska (even if I did once comment here about the 96 Fiesta Bowl).

Praying for you all,
~jake

PS http://www.republicoftea.com/templates/directory.asp?navID=16&gclid=CIL8s6fL3ZcCFQquGgodDWDWDQ - great site. I was in South Africa and bought Rooibos tea there and I'm pretty sure this is what brand it was.

[William Dicks]

You can get the Rooibos online at http://store.fastcommerce.com/home_southafricanfood.html. This site serves the U.S. and Canada.

Just search for Rooibos. The Freshpak brand is the most authentic brand here in South Africa, IMHO.

Will be praying for your dad.

[chrisdat]

I know your Dad’s greatest wish is for God to be glorified in the midst of this trial. God is being glorified by your humor, your obvious trust in God’s plans, your family’s love for each other, your church’s faithful care and words (blogging). It is also God glorifying to see all the prayers from people round the world for your Dad. We add our family’s prayers as well. May God’s grace be upon you all today.

[jen]

I'm a longtime reader at Thinklings and have been praying for you all this week.

My mother is a tea merchant and sells online - http://teaforallreasons.com. She is leaving tomorrow for the UK and won't be back until 1/2/09, however, she has some of the best rooibos teas around. Actually, I have a package of her Winter Punch that I forgot to put into my husband's stocking that I'll send to you for free. Just email me.

[Barry]

Jollette:

There are A LOT of people praying for your father, and for all your family. God's grace be with you.

(Hope you get your tea)

[Amy]

David,
Hello. I have been following your blogpage now for about three weeks. I found it from a link from a link from another through a friends. We share the same God Journey. I am so grateful to have discovered your page.

I just want to let you know that I have been praying for you, ever since you posted about your Cancer diagnosis only a few days ago. I cannot even imagine the thoughts and feelings that must be going on inside you.

I am so grateful to your daughter, Jollette, who is posting blogs for you. Bless her heart.

I pray thse days in the hospital will continue to be filled with visitors, encouragers, supporters...as well as the days ahead.

Please know that I will be following along this Journey with you. I am 31 years old, and my own parents (ages 61) are currently visiting for the holiday. Although they are in good health, thank goodness to Papa, Son and Holy Spirit, I understand the treasure and preciousness of life. Your situation and story has been a reminder of that.

May you draw all the nearer to Papa, as he comforts, gives you peace amid the questions, fears, anger, worry and pain.

Blessings,
~Amy :)
http://amyiswalkinginthespirit.blogspot.com

[Milton Stanley]

Thanks for the update. The Stanleys will continue to pray for David and all the Waynes. Peace.

[Mark Daniels]

Glad to have your update. I hope that today has brought encouragement to all of you. David and all of you remain in my prayers.

God bless you!

In Christ,
Mark

[Randy]

Though I do not know Dave, I was informed early this week and he was added to our Church prayer list and prayed for at our Church's Christmas Eve vigil. May God bless you and your family and know prayers are going up to the Throne for Bro. Dave and your family.

In Christ,
Randy

[Tony Stiff]

We're praying for your dad and all of you. That you are able to find rest and joy in the small things and that David is refreshed by your presence and gentle humor. In prayer, Tony Stiff

[Richard Kindig]

I have been following the Jolly Blogger for probably 2 years. I so appreciate your humility, the way you think, and the way you think outside the churchy box. I've enjoyed listening to some of your sermons too.

My prayer is for peace to you and your family. We had a cancer scare two years ago... and in the two weeks that we thought my wife had terminal pancreatic cancer, we re-evaluated everything... our priorities, our faith, our fellowship patterns. Our thinking becomes clearer, our grasp on the promise of heaven grows tighter. For me the greatest joy is the "greater works" -- participating with God in the future administration of His grace. (John 5)

It is so good to see your family and church drawing together, encouraging one another. You are blessed!

[Julana]

Dear Jollette,
Thank you for the updates. I've appreciated the balanced intelligence and humor which your father brought to issues he covered.

We get rooibos tea at Trader Joe's. Don't know if you have them out there.

Julana

[Missy]

I am a long-time reader of this blog. I have so blessed over the years by the stuff I have read here. You and your family are in my prayers.