Welcome to A Gravel Road Journey!

NOT SO LONG AGO, Dad RE-named his art studio, "A Gravel Road Studio", and so this seemed an appropiate title for his blog.

Why 'Gravel Road'? As Dad explains, "Gravel roads take us off life's busy highway and force us to slow down. When we slow down we have time - time to notice the things around us; the things that matter the most; life and breath, the flowers and the trees. Gravel roads allow us to taste the dust of our travel and give us time to breathe."

Since his studio is a place of quiet reflection and contemplation, we wanted to create a space for family and friends to do the same as we journey together down this new and unknown path. We also wish to keep family and friends updated on his diagnoses and treatment, so please check in often for updates and new information.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

It's All About Balance

Jared and I have used this phrase a lot, lately: "It's all about balance." Balancing school, kids, homework, time with family. The more I think about it, the more I realize that life itself is all about balance. And this is ringing very true for Dad as he goes through this gravel road journey as well. The difficulty right now is in finding the right balance of medication. I just spoke with Mom on the phone a few minutes ago and they are once again going to be increasing Dad's steroid pills back up to two pills a day. He's been a bit confused and having a hard time processing things this past week. And he's also been having headaches again. The symptoms point to swelling on the brain, so once again, the steroids need to be increased. Dad will have blook work on Wednesday next week so that they can check the levels and make sure everything is balanced once again.

The increased swelling also means that there is an increased risk of more seizures. Mom and Dad had been planning a trip to Iowa to visit Mom's family next weekend, but unfortunately because of how Dad has been feeling these last few days, they have revoked approval for the trip. Mom's parents aren't able to travel up here to visit due to their own health concerns, so even though it's best for Dad's health to stay close to home, I know that Mom was really looking forward to seeing her parents. We're not sure what this will mean for our possible family vacation, either. We won't be able to make the decision to go anywhere one way or the other until we have the results back from the MRI. So for now, we continue to wait, and continue to try to find the balance of living our lives and just sitting around waiting for news. It's hard to find that balance sometimes, and we ask for your continued prayers as we try to achieve this.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dana thankyou for updating us on your fathers condition. I continue to pray for healing and strength. You and your family are never far from my thoughts. May God continue to give you all strength as you continue on this journey.
I pray that the doctors may find the right balance of medication.

Tonight as you gather with friends and family may it truly bless you and your family.

Diane

Anonymous said...

We are still in Ottawa but would be at your house if we were in Winnipeg. Have a wonderful evening.
Louise

Linda said...

Thanks so much for the update. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm out of town and will give you a call Arlis, when I get back.

Much love to you all.

Marv Bolt said...

Hi, Gerald,
I've appreciated your blog very much (I almost said enjoyed, but that seems a bit odd). You've always shown such strength, courage, and faith, and I hope you will keep remembering that you're in good hands. Our prayers and love are with you.
Marvin, Linda, and the rest of us in South Bend, IN