Yesterday morning at 10:10, I wheeled Dad out of Humbert Lane and we proceeded up the street the short distance it takes to get to our church building. It's a fairly steep hill, so we're talking about a somewhat aerobic experience. We have wheelchair access at the far end of the sanctuary. I parked Dad on the right side of the middle aisle, 2nd pew from the front (where our family sits). During the service, Dad obviously enjoyed himself, singing along with the praise songs & hymns. I even had an illustration in my sermon that referred to a story in which Dad played a major role. Afterwards, people warmly greeted him.

Going back down the hill was a major concern of mine. Dad joked about the scenario where he might end up getting back to the nursing home really fast (like if I accidently lost control of his wheelchair or let go of it). I ended up going down the hill backwards, & it worked out just fine. (Another concern I had was Dad falling out of the chair - there's no seatbelt or anything.)

Patty, Leah & I joined Dad for dinner at Humbert Lane. The food was surprisingly good. Dad talked about current events (he's really up on things - more than I am). Now I know where my being a "new junkie" comes from!

All together, Dad was out of bed for over four hours. He didn't seem to tire much at all. It was truly glorious having him worship with us. Now this upcoming weekend promises to be a really great experience with Dad attending both Leah's graduation festivities and church!

Early Saturday evening, shortly after 6:00 pm, I drove my dad up to the ambulance entry door at Humbert Lane Nursing Home. A few minutes later, Dad was resting comfortably in his new room.

Everything worked out well on Saturday. People from his church in Narberth took him to the airport & sat with him until boarding time. Dad boarded first - the wheelchair was rolled right up to his seat, & then 4 people lifted him out of the chair & into his window seat. The flight took only 45 minutes & arrived in Pittsburgh early - I just got to his gate as they were about to wheel him off the airplane.      So, so much for the rehab department people at his former nursing home, Saunders, who were having a hissy fit on Thursday, wondering how in the world Dad could be safely transported this way!

Now that Dad has settled in, he's really enjoying the difference. He had an excellent night's sleep last night. This morning, after a good cup of coffee, he asked for a 2nd one, & was cheerfully served. A request from him like that at Saunders would have earned him a sneer, but no coffee. (He said he's never tasted sewer water before, but that's what he said coffee at Saunders tasted like.) Dad has commented repeatedly how different the atmosphere is between his new nursing home & the old one. It's much more friendly, for one thing. Also, whereas at Saunders he would press his call button for help & then wait for an hour, here people are coming in, without being asked to see if there's anything he needs!

Yesterday morning he really wanted to come to church (remember: at this point he'd only been at Humbert for 15 hours), but the staff wanted dad's new doctor to see him , & get the official order for Dad written so he can go outside the building. I actually visited him during Sunday School, & got to see him in physical therapy.

One cool thing is that Dad has the option of leaving the building at any time (with our help, of course) - the only restriction is that he can't be gone for 24 hours. After I get the hang of helping Dad in & out of the van, I'll look forward to hopefully numerous opportunities for him to get out into the real world.

I want to thank everyone for your prayers, & our faithful & gracious Lord for answering them.

Dad's here!!!  Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dad has been accepted at Humbert Lane Nursing & Rehab Centre, located here in Washington, a 60 second walk from our church building. Humbert Lane is a very good facility.

He's been wanting to get out of the nursing home that he's in presently just outside of Philadelphia. It's practically unheard of that a person can locate a vacant male bed in a nursing home in a short period of time. The time it took God to provide one in this case: 0 days.

Please pray the finances will work out. Also, that we can find a relatively affordable way to transport dad 300 miles from Phila. to Washington.

If it all works out, Dad will be here for Leah's graduation!!!

I hope to see my dad in about a week and a half. The time is coming where major decisions regarding his future (where he'll live) need to be made.

I'm working on it almost non-stop.

He's my Daddoo, you know,....   :)

OK, it's 11:05 Sat. night, & I've got a LOT of my sermon to write.

But it's going to be alright.

Easter is in one week, & I've got a ton of stuff to do (but it's going to be alright).

As things look right now, my dad will probably never walk again, nor go home. Some major decisions are going to need to be made, largely by Janie & myself. It's gonna be tough. But it will be alright.

It's all going to be alright. But not without God. And that means not without prayer. You're invited to join in.

Thanks (& I thank my God for such a support network).....