It’s been a few days. My apologies. Now that I’m out of the hospital I’m not lying around all day with little to do. Most of the news is quite good. Let me back up and fill you in.
- Freedom: As just noted, last Wed I was discharged from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. I was a bit nervous about the ride home – I have heard that driving in a car again can be very unsettling – but I’m pleased to announce that I’m no more lightheaded or dizzy in the car than out! (Let me assure you. I am a passenger in cars these days. I am not driving).
- Thursday: On Thursday morning I showed up at the church for a brief meeting with some key elders, deacons and staff. They have allowed me to be blissfully disengaged from the church, but I was anxious to get an update on several fronts. I then meet with the rest of the staff to check-in, pray and share lunch. It was all very encouraging.
- Friday: On Friday afternoon I started my Outpatient Rehab Therapy at RIC Northbrook. I will be going three times a week for three hours at a time. Friday night we went out to dinner as a family to celebrate: 1) Ben’s graduation from College (he graduated with a media degree from North Park University with honors; 2) my release from rehab. (We were both overjoyed to have some new freedom).
- Saturday: On Saturday AM Austin and I “competed” in the Ruth Caudle Renew Hope 5K charity run at St. Mary’s Park. We set no records (it was a 20 minute per mile pace) but we finished. I appreciated the aid Austin provided walking alongside me the whole way letting me lean on him so I wouldn’t fall. (We are registered for a 7 mile race at the end of July. I first ran this race in high school back in 1978. I’ve done it close to 20 times since then. Given my ability to complete a 5K now I think I can walk (jog?) 7 miles in late July. We’ll see. Having never had a stroke before I’m not sure what kind of progress I can expect). BTW, on Sat PM Sheri and showed up for about 30 minutes at the Community dinner after the service. It was great to see people and I’m looking for ways to ease back in.
- Other: The rest of the holiday weekend was pretty low key. Lots of family. A few walks around the block Some extended phone calls with old friends. On Monday I read through all of my get-well cards. I received notes from friends, churches, small groups, children, etc. I have never doubted the massive amount of prayer support I have received. It was fun to read the kind notes. Thanks to all of you who have written or prayed!
- My Dad: Five minutes ago I learned that my Dad was also released from the hospital. He’s been in isolation unit for the last five weeks because he’s had no white blood cells. (At one point we Skyped and were amused to see that we were wearing identical green hospital gowns.) His blood work started improving late last week. Over the weekend he was able to get out of his room and take a real shower. He is hoping / praying that the latest round of chemo will allow him a good summer so he can travel and visit grandkids, etc.)
That’s about it. I am still sleeping a lot, but I do feel the energy and drive coming back. I’m channeling some of that passion into work for the fall series, which I’m getting very excited about.
Press On,
Mike