February 28

Meeting this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. and Pat and Ralph Markle's.

Traditional carry-in without a theme.

Larry's questions emailed to everyone.

Bill Hanford Final Notice

Bill went home to be with our God this afternoon. Ginger will stay with her sister-in-law through the night. Pat and Ralph Markle will drive over and pick her up tomorrow morning and bring her back to Naples.

Bill Hanford Notice 9

Ginger called to say the respirator was removed from Bill today (Saturday). He ate his first meal and if things continue as they are he will leave ICU and go to a regular room!

They are both tired but ready to start a new phase in Bill's recovery.

Bill Hanford Notice 8

This is the first time I've been on the computer since Thursday. Friday was the worst day, trying events, much going on, and Bill was more alert and upset. It was much later going home and the events left me wrung out, unable to eat much, yet still needing to phone. That was done in a long, hot bath to relax. Yesterday was a shorter day as he was more sedated and slept most of the time. I left during daylight, Suzi and I talked, and we went out for dinner. Today he is less sedated, and still on the respirator.

He is doing the breathing at an acceptable rate; they just need to see that his blood gas levels are adequate to do what is needed. Maybe he'll get off today?

Anyway, I think what helped was taking the time to catch up on writing out the verses for Jesus Calling. That just speaks to me and helps me focus on Him. Things were much better after that.

Today Bill is still sleeping quite a bit, but when he is awake, he seems to understand what is being said and respons better. Maybe a corner has been turned.

Thanks you for your prayers and encouragement.

Ginger

Bill Hanford Notice 7

"Ginger just called and she didn't want to interrupt your time with your family but I thought you would want to know and when you have time perhaps update the BLOB, er, Blog....She was pretty upset as Bill not only is still on the respirator but doesn't seem willing or able to cooperate with instructions to breathe deeply and slowly. All else seems okay; they haven't had the results of the liver/gallbladder tests, he is on an antibiotic for an unspecified infection. I said that we would come over and she was adamant that she didn't need or want anyone there....she doesn't want her kids there yet....she feels that she should stay with Bill and not have to 'worry' about her visitors in the ICU waiting room etc, etc, etc....but she said she would call when she wanted or needed someone. So we prayed and she seemed okay-ish."

Bill Hanford Notice 6

Ginger called this morning. She doesn't have her computer today but has her cell phone.

Bill is still using a respirator. He can talk to Ginger. He is very uncomfortable. The readings of various gases are not what they need to be. He has some sort of pump that goes up from the groin area that she thinks is helping the heart to work. One of the important readings (she doesn't know which one) is in the 30's and it needs to be in the 20's. Most of yesterday he was sedated so she just sat with him.

Ginger is physically and emotionally exhausted. After spending the day at the hospital (the surgeon does not come until after 5pm) then she must drive 45 minutes to her sister-in-law's house for the evening.

Father God, please help Bill right now to breathe deep, long, and slow. The staff is saying that's what is needed. God, You know everything so You know what he needs. We ask You to give Bill what he needs for today. May his healing continue steadily and completely. Be with Ginger and sustain her through these long days and worrisome hours as she does everything she knows how to do so that the glory goes to You. Strengthen her for her days. She is running very low on her own strength. Father, to You be the glory, forever.

Bill Hanford Notice 5

"Virginia Hanford Thursday - February 4, 2010 2:21 PM

Bill did well yesterday, but today they have him back on the respirator. He is also sedated so I am not able to talk to him. He will wake up, but response is limited to open eyes and a nod or shake of the head. The nurse said he did not want them to call me at home so I found out when I arrived. They did this because his own respiration did not produce good readings for the gases (Oxygen, etc) while asleep. There is not other concern about his condition. It actually may be easier on him that he is not so awake. It was frustrating to him yesterday to be unable to move with the IVs, tubes, and wires."

Bill Hanford Notice 4

Ginger just called with an update. Her car has been mended and she was able to drive to her sister-in-law's house to get some sleep tonight. She's very tired even though she slept at a motel last night. I would say she's emotionally exhausted. May God sustain her through what her life is today.

She was with Bill from 900am - 600pm. He is now off the respirator and several tubes/etc. have been removed. His kidneys (which were a grave concern) are working fine right now. Ginger watched the swelling reduce hourly. Honestly, she said when she first saw him he looked like Jabba the Hutt. He is able to talk with her now. Everything seems to be going well. God is good.

Father God, we thank You and praise You for the work You are doing in the lives of Ginger and Bill and all the medical/support teams working to bring Bill back to health. The surgeon told Ginger when he saw Bill's valve and the palpatations of his heart, he felt certain that he had a very, very short time to live. God's timeing often waits until the last second as a way of our knowing God's hand was on the problem. To God be the glory.

Bill Hanford Notice 3

I just forgot to pass along -- Ginger does not want anyone to try to text her. She's having a lot of difficulty with reception on her cell phone within the building. And, she has tried to email on the public terminals in the hospital and has not yet been successful.

Bill Hanford Notice 2

"Ginger got her car fixed. She has seen Bill. He woke from anethesia about 1000pm. He's very swollen. They're concerned about kidney function and working on that. He cannot talk yet but is trying to tell Ginger something. Ginger will be with him until 5 then go to her sister-in-laws for the night."

Bill Hanford Notice 1

Bill's valve was in much worse shape than anticipated. But it was repaired/replaced? and heart was working good. Had difficulty getting bleeding stopped in relation to updating previous bypass surgery. He had chest cavity open 3-4 hrs to get bleeding stopped. His heart was twice size normal heart. In ICU by 530pm.

Ginger had to have a little help with something dragging under front bumper. She was working with customer service about car when we left around 6.

This morning she said she got some sleep and Bill is still doing ok. Will keep you posted."

Meeting January 31

To be at Pat and Ralph Markle's. Food theme is breakfast.
Final lesson for Amos emailed previously by Larry.

Meeting at Phyllis'

Meeting January 31

Our January 31 meeting will be at Pat and Ralph's:

228 Belina Drive #5
239-353-3450

The food theme will be breakfast:

Kathy - breakfast casserole
Ginger - quiche
Debbie - bacon
Gwen - fruit & juice
Pat - scrambled eggs, potatoes

January 17

Phyllis, this is a fantastic place, if only we would remember to sign in regularly! Were you writing a summay of last meeting's discussion for your personal journal or for this site?