Report from Dr. Duke and a little info on Ruthie

Dr. Duke gave mom and Rose a quick run down of today’s plans for surgery. They plan to take him this morning, but we’ve quickly learned that that very easily could mean this afternoon, this evening, or during the night. Today dad will get a new team of microsurgeons, and Dr. Duke also plans to remove some more tissue surgically. He took some yesterday, but there is still more that needs to be removed. Today we pray for God to guide Dr. Duke and keep dad stable during surgery. Tomorrow we’ll pray for the maggots to really pig out.



So many have asked, “How is Ruthie doing?” She’s hanging in there. She’s made the right corner of the waiting room her “home”, despite housekeeping’s attempts to evict her belongings. We’ve even joked about laying down a rug, adding a few throw pillows, and possibly replacing the generic wall-hanging with a family picture. As nice as that would be, we quickly remember how we are trying to befriend housekeeping. Right now the well-being of mom’s “accommodations” are held in the palm of their hands. She’s not been home since the accident, so she’s living out of a duffle bag that was packed for her. She’s spent every night in the ICU waiting room using two chairs and an ottoman to make a “bed”. While it’s not the greatest bed, it really isn’t quite as bad as it sounds. Luckily mom has always been one who could sleep most anywhere, because her current arrangement is neither quiet nor dark. Some of the hospital employees (namely waiting room staff) tried to lay down very strict guidelines initially - no food, no pillows, no blankets, no bags, no moving furniture, etc. They’ve since realized that we aren’t going anywhere, so they’ve backed off. I’ve become good friends with one of the weekend staff members “Danny” and he leaves us alone entirely.

Thankfully, while she’s been away from home she’s had to worry about nothing other than dad’s well-being. Her house is being looked after, the pets fed, the mail collected, the plants watered, and friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers are still constantly trying to find ways to help. It’s been amazing!

So, to finish answering the second most common question asked – How’s Ruthie doing? (second only to, How’s Louie doing?) - She’s doing okay. She’s been so strong through all of this. Some days are harder than others, but throughout it she’s pulled herself together to be a rock for all of us. The night of the accident she gathered us all together to pray. We went to the right corner of the ICU waiting room while he was in surgery and we all prayed for dad. That night we made that corner our own.

Thanks again to everyone for everything they have done. I couldn’t imagine having a better community as a support system. I haven’t lived in El Campo in many years, but I’m so proud to call it my hometown!