Joye's Update 8/15/08

Andrew had a little better day today. His blood pressure is still giving him some trouble, but all in all, his day was better. Coco flew out today and we already miss her. Andrew and I prayed together tonight for God to continue to heal him and to give him use of his arms. We know the Lord will do this for him, and we are so thankful for that. Good Night and God Bless. Joye

Joye's Update 8/14/08

It was a better day today than yesterday; however, Andrew is still having issues with his blood pressure. His doctors are still trying to find out what's going on, so hopefully they will soon be able to fix what's going on. Coco completed her training today and will be flying home to Yuma tomorrow. She learned a lot in one week and her education will be very valuable to us once we're home. We are so thankful to Craig for flying her up here and to her for enduring the training. Andrew is supposed to be moving to the east side of Craig Hospital next week and I will be moving in with him. We are both very excited about that; it's been a long time since we've "lived" together. We continue to pray for his healing and we are thankful that we know God will heal him. Please pray with us for that healing. Good Night and God Bless. Joye

Joye's Update 8/13/08

Andrew had some struggles today. His blood pressure is dropping at times (mostly while sitting upright) which is causing a lot of dizziness and discomfort. They are trying to figure out what's going on, and until then Andrew will have to remain in bed. They have some ideas, so hopefully this won't last too long. Please pray with me for a better tomorrow. Good Night and God Bless. Joye

Joye's Update 8/12/08

It was a good day today. Andrew did all of his therapies and classes and had a pretty good day. Coco is continuing with her training and I think will have about 2 years worth of information given to her in this one week by the time she goes back home. It's a lot to learn, but she's taking it in stride. Please continue to pray for Andrew and most specifically, please pray for him to get use of his arms. We thank you for that. Good Nigh and God Bless. Joye

Joye's Update 8/11/08

It was a pretty good day today. Coco is continuing with her training and Andrew and I feel so blessed that she is here, willing to learn, and will be at home waiting for us when we get there. Coco will be living with us and will be there nights to help with getting Andrew back to bed and some of his night care. That has been a huge relief to me as you all know that Andrew is a big guy (still weighing about 240 lbs.) and although it can be done . . . it's very difficult for one person to transfer him from chair to bed and vice versa. I am also aware that our home is pretty much complete and ready for us. We are truly blessed to have the friends and family we do that have done so much to prepare for our homecoming. Andrew and I continue to pray for full healing and specifically for him to get use of his arms next. We believe God will grant him this miracle in His time and we are already thankful for that healing. Good Night and God Bless. Joye

Coco's Update 8/10/08

Andrew was up early for church, after church he and Joye came to the apartment to see me, as I slept in today. We all sat here and watched a movie together, and after I helped with lunch. Andrew did have a Twinkie... I asked him how long had it been since he ate one to those and he looks at me and says "Friggen Years" I laughed as I broke up the twinkie to feed him. After our movie we all went back to his room and it was time to get a haircut and shave and a shower. I have never seen Andrew with hair on his head and there was alot. He went to bed early tonight and Joye and I gave him kisses and let him watch tv.
Tomorrow, I will start with classes and go to his therapies with him. This is going to be a busy week as we continue to get him ready to go home...

Coco's update 8/9/08

Hello this is Coco aka Christine. I am a close friend of the family.I have worked in the health care field for 18yrs focusing on elderly but occasionally someone younger to. I was asked to join in the care for Andrew by him and Joye, and was very touched when I was the one Andrew wanted!!!


Well, I arrived here in Colorado last night, for a week long training session, for those of you who don't know I am going to be moving in with Joye and Andrew to help with Andrew's care. Today was an uneventful day for Andrew, as he didn't want to get out of bed until early afternoon. Seeing him up in his chair was like looking at the Andrew we all know and love. It really was a moving day for me and quite humbling as well. Kinda funny how much we take breathing for granted, and when you see him breath, well you almost feel guilty for it being so easy. He has worked so hard and talking to the nurses and techs that work with him they all agree that it truly is a miracle for him to be breathing on his own.
I had some training today, learning how to suction his trach and doing trach care was the first thing on the list. Its awesome to see him cough to help move secretions out of his lungs. As the week goes on I will attend my own traing classes along with his physical therapy and occupational therapy, learning how to move his body and we all know its a big one...lol ... will prove to be the most important thing. He is very excited to be going home soon and living his life as normal as possible.