November 13, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
So happy Stacie posted the picture for us and so thrilled to have him get up two times today. It isn't easy and he has to sit in a sling that swings him over to his chair and back to the bed. He would probably say it looks cool, but it's kind of tough.
Really has been a up and down day. Tonight, he isn't feeling great, they are having problems with IV that makes me crazy, and he seems to be dreaming or talking a little crazy--guess that's from the morphine. Sure will be happy when he can get rid of that stuff! He is a little testy tonight, too, and even told me he guesses he was taking it out on me--which is okay, so pray I can keep a thick skin because I know he is hurting, but my emotions are raw, too.
George, Jr. and Amber came from Columbia to see him today--he was so thrilled to see them and I was thrilled because she brought pound cake!!! Just what I needed--oh well--not worrying about the diet this week. Thank you guys so much for coming. Pray for Stacie, she wants to come so badly, but was not feeling well today. Don't want her to be sick or bring anything in to Paul.
Found out today that they will take it easy in rehab for a couple of weeks because of the rib fractures and neck fractures. Pray they will heal quickly so we can really get going. They will be taking baby steps--at least getting him out of the room some, so we are thankful for every step. I know this post is kind of all over the map, but that's kind of how I am feeling today. From everything I hear and everyone I talk with, it's normal, but there are just times that I am perfectly okay and times that I am not.
Heard from so many friends today--lots of the guys we sit with at Clemson. Boy, I love them. We have been sitting in the same seats for just about all my life--at least 35 years. They are like extended family, too. So great to read post from them (even if they do talk about my loud mouth!). I know they can barely stand the silence! Someone needs to take up the slack for me! (John tell Pauli I am counting on her--lol). Thanks to all of my former co-workers, classmates (High School & College), church friends, life-long friends and new friends. Some of you touched my heart so today with some of the post--made me cry with joy just knowing that we have such incredible friends--I miss you guys, too. Lots of withdrawals going on here. Your prayers and the scriptures you are sharing from God's Word brings a smile to my face and lightens my burdens! It sure does help to know that we are not alone--you and Jesus have our back!!!
Please pray tonight for a better day tomorrow--one where the pain is a little less, the movements are a little easier, and our hearts hurt a little less. I can already feel the prayers because the ache is subsiding! Thank you Lord for surrounding us with your love through our precious family and friends. We are claiming victory and giving You the Glory!
Love and thanksgiving--counting it all joy!
Beth
November 13, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
I'm getting to update a little earlier tonight and I have good news! The Lord heard our cry and answered our prayer. Not only did they not have to put in another chest tube, they took out the one he had!!! WooHoo!!!! Also, we are no longer in ICU. We are really expecting big things over the next few days. If you would like to send cards you can send them to Paul Giugliano, Room 419, Shepherd's Center, 2020 Peachtree Rd, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. Sure will be happy when he feels good enough to read them and enjoy all the love that is being poured out on him.
I hope all of you know that I read every word that is sent to us--facebook, e-mail, CaringBridge, etc. It lifts our spirits every day.
Anothony left to go back home today--I will miss him, but he will be back with Jen and Maria on Friday. Jen will never know what she has meant to us. She is taking care of our little Sugar Bear (our 13 year old maltese who ADORES Paul). Don't know what we would have done without her. At least we can rest assured that Sugar is being well cared for while we are here. Thanks so much Jennifer! We love you! Stacie will fly in on Thursday morning. Really looking forward to her visit and praying it will help her to see him. Please pray for her, she has experienced panic attacks and is really struggling with being away from us. She has her little ones and her husband to take care of, as well as herself! Certainly don't want her to have any set backs with her Leukemia--stress doesn't help! The Lord has kept her in remission and we are so thankful for that blessing! No matter what we seem to face, our blessings are far greater. Don't get me wrong, my heart still aches.
Paul's 74 year old dad drove from Columbia, SC to Atlanta by himself today! He is amazing! We were so happy when he arrived safely in the (almost) 5:00 traffic. He is a mess--a Godly man who loves to share his love and smile with everyone. We had a good dinner together while Paul rested.
I have to mention Jake Nicolopulos' family. He is the young Clemson recruit from Anderson who suffered a massive stroke last December. I have been following his CaringBridge site and have been so blessed by his mother's heart. Some of the sweetest messages that I have received have come from his mother and his cousin. What an amazing family--one I so look forward to meeting one day. I want all of you to lift up Jake and his family when you remember us in prayer. He is walking and he is talking and for that we are all thankful. There are still struggles, but I KNOW The Lord is answering prayers there, too. Thank you so much Ann Louise for taking the time to send me messages in the midst of your storm!
Continue to pray for pain levels--specifically that they will subside enough for rehab to begin. Pray for lungs to stay clear and for his body to remain free on infection. I love you my dear friends and family--you are such a blessing and your outpouring of love and prayers will forever leave a footprint on my heart!
Praying for more miracles!
Beth
November 13, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Another rollercoaster day. We were told this morning that they are concerned about fluid on the lungs again. The chest tube is not draining and they are not sure why. They will look at the situation tomorrow and see if they will need to adjust the chest tube that is in his left side and/or add another one to the right side. Please pray. Also, there is some leakage around the last two staples in his back. Needless to say, we really are praying that this is not a sign of infection. He has had a low grade fever off and on but it was normal this afternoon. Paul doesn't have much of an appetite which really concerns me. He is only taking a couple of bites of food at each meal. He didn't even want his Blue Bunny Oreo Ice Cream that Anthony picked up for him tonight (he usually eats about 1/3 of the carton every night).
Pete and Sharon left to go back home today. Sure enjoyed having them with me overnight. We went to see the precious garage apartment that their daughter's friends have offered to us for as long as we are here. The generosity of friends and family has been overwhelming. Wonderful friends, George and Cindy Crowe came to see us today. Paul was thrilled to have his "boyfriend" with him for the afternoon. Can't believe they drove all that way for the day and drove back home tonight. Special--that's all I can say! Anthony is back with me tonight. He has been so incredible--handling lots of things for me and his dad that my mind doesn't want to deal with right now as well as lots of other things like setting up a wireless router for me and installing a little corner shelf in the shower for my toilettries. So thankful for him.
When Anthony came back today, he had a huge care package from Ally and Nicole and their families. How awesome! Full of lots of necessities and some extra goodies that we will certainly enjoy! How thoughtful and what a blessing! Thanks girls (and families)! We love all of you so much. Ally had already put together an incredible book of well wishes from family, friends, and new friends we don't even know yet before we left Columbia. It was something--orange, purple, and white--they know we love our TIGERS!
We are really doing okay and I know it is because of the prayers of faithful prayer warriors. Please keep pounding the throne for us! Sometimes my heart will just ache and all of a sudden its filled with joy--and I just know someone lifted me up in prayer. What a blessing!
Monday was to have been our first day of rehab. We are pretty sure that will be delayed since they have been unable to completely assess Paul. One of the doctors said today that he has so much trauma and lots of healing to do. We ask that you specifically pray for Paul's body to heal enough to begin rehab asap. Pray for his comfort, fluid issues, and that infection does not invade his body. Pray for rest and healing in general!
We love you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We know that Jesus is using you to wrap us in His love! It's awesome to be able to crawl up in his lap at night and rest.
Beth
November 13, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
This is Stacie. I'm sure my mom will update more later with many more details, but Paul was able to get into a wheelchair today! He didn't get there himself, but at least he is sitting more upright and actually in the chair! Praise the Lord for each tiny step in the right directions! All in His time, for His Glory!
Stacie
November 13, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
I am blown away by all the precious messages!!! We treasure every word! Thank you so much-- keep them coming!!!
The procedure to put in the filter went just fine. At least we know now that if there are more clots, this filter will keep them from going to the heart or lungs. Who knows, this may be why we made it to Shepherd's so quickly! God knew those clots were there and the danger they posed. They could have broken loose anytime and gone straight to the heart! Isn't He awesome--that was one of the first things they found when we arrived. Even though we don't know what each day will bring, He does! I am so thankful that He is going before us!!
You won't believe this (or maybe you will) Paul, Gene, Anthony and I watched the Clemson-NC State game on the computer in ICU!!! Anthony started laughing and said--"Can you believe we are crowded around a computer watching a football game in ICU". (Those of you who really know us won't be surprised at all). During the game, Gene made a comment about how badly we were playing and Paul quietly said "why do you think I am lying here?" Needless to say, we all cracked up! For those of you who don't know the story, Paul was upset about how poorly Clemson was playing against BC and decided to climb a tree with a chain saw! Go figure! He sure was happy they won today!!! GO TIGERS!!!!
Our Pastor, Rocky, and his wife Sherry stopped in to see us on their way home from Missouri. Boy was that a treat. Rocky made a little video of Paul and is planning to show it during church tomorrow (if he can figure out how to get it on this computer). Paul was cracking jokes like always. It is always so great to see them. We are so blessed to have them at Northside.
Anthony and Gene went home for the night--think they both really needed to spend some time with their families! It was hard for Anthony to leave, but he will be back tomorrow. Pete and Sharon came from the Clemson game to spend the night with me! So happy to have them with me. Stacie will be flying in on Thursday! I love my family--they are a tremendous source of comfort and support!
Please pray that Paul rests comfortably tonight and that tomorrow brings less pain. We are really looking forward to the day he can get out of that bed and into a chair. Boy the things we take for granted. Love on your families and friends and enjoy your time together! Life can change in a split second.
Please pray for a couple of young boys who are here after sustaining serious football injuries -- Drake and Colt. We met their dads tonight and shared our stories. What heartache, yet we are so thankful that they are still here with us! Thank you Lord!
November 13, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Hi there. This is Stacie, Paul's "step-daughter", (although he would tell you that I'm his DAUGHTER, and I love him like a Father)!
My mom has asked me to update the journal for today. Paul arrived at Shepherd around lunch time frame, by ambulance. The ride was not pleasant, to say the least, and he was in a great deal of pain after arriving. Anthony and my Uncle Gene went with them, and of course, my mom is there as well. My mom will be staying in housing located adjacent to the rehab center, which will be nice that she is going to be so close.
Paul was evaluated by his "team" of doctors, therapists, etc., not too long after they arrived. He was originally put into a regular in-patient room, but has since been moved to ICU due to the fact that he still has his chest tube, needs to be on an IV pain med drip, and has 2 blood clots in his leg, (which they say is common). Because of the blood clots, they have decided to put in a filter tomorrow morning as a preventative measure. (Not sure what all of that means). Original plan was to have Paul start therapy Monday, but I'm not sure if that is still the case.
We ask you to pray for Paul's overall health right now and that he will not get an infection, so that he can continue to heal from the broken neck, ribs and spinal surgery. He has a lot of healing to do! We are also still praying for a miracle, and ask that you would pray that if it is the Lord's will, Paul will receive that miracle! However, if it is not the Lord's will that Paul walk again, we pray that the Lord will bless him with independence and the ability to live a full and abundant life! Paul's heart is big, and his will is so strong!!!!! He certainly has that going for him!
Pray for my mom and my brother, Anthony, too, as they deal with things to come! It is so hard for me to be so far from them, and I am looking forward to getting to Atlanta in a few days to love on my step-dad, mother and brother! I'm so thankful for all the support that my mom has! She has so many amazing friends and a wonderful church family that has continued to love on her and help out in so many ways.
Thank you for your prayers! Keep sending them right on up!
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:28-31
In Him,
Stacie
November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Today is Thursday--a busy day to say the least. We are packing and preparing for the move to Shepherd's. I am so thankful that Anthony set up this site for his dad. Yes, the love for Paul is very evident not only from our family, but from our incredible church families and friends. We have experienced an outpouring of love that is hard to even explain. We have witnessed God orchestrate a path that only HE could have mapped out.
I had been following another amazing family on CaringBridge. Their son, Jake, a Clemson recruit (now a Tiger), had a massive stroke and was in rehab at Shepherd's. Many days, I wondered why I was so drawn to them. Now, I know that The Lord was using them to help prepare us for the journey we are now beginning. His mom's heartfelt entries have been such a blessing. After the accident, our daughter-in-law, Jennifer, did some research and found that Shepherd's was by far the best place for us to take Paul. My sister-in-law, Sharon, was trying to find the correct spelling of therasic (may not be correct spelling) and a clinical trial at Shepherd's regarding the exact same injuy that Paul sustained, popped up. We talked with Paul's trauma doctor about this and found that he is on the Board of Editors with Shepherd's and he contacted them for us. I cannot even begin to tell you how many friends have come to us with information regarding Shepherd's that was provided to them for us. Within 3 days, a precious evaluator from Shepherd's was sitting down with us to get the ball rolling! She was a wealth of information and within hours had approval for Paul to head to Shepherd's on Friday. There are so many pieces of the puzzle that I am not listing here, but there is no way the events of the past few days could have happened without The Lords intervention. We are not even going to pretend that we are without fear, but we know this is going to be an amazing journey.
Please pray that the transport will go well, the pain will subside, healing will continue without infection, and that our family will experience the peace that passes all understanding. My life verses Phil. 4:6-7 and Psalm 34: 17-18 play over and over.
A dear friend just called to pray for us and left me with this verse--Isaiah 58:8! Another word from The Lord!
We thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts for the amazing love and support that each of you have shown us these past few days. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.
November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Being that this is the first entry to my Dad's Caringbridge site I feel like I should have something earth shattering to say. He has been such a vocal, lovable and caring person his whole life nothing I say would do him justice. For that reason I will just speak from the heart.
Last Saturday was about as “normal” as anyone would expect. My dad and I met at George C.’s house to help him repair a water fountain he (my dad) had previously tried to “improve”. Any of you that know my dad know that grass does not grow under his feet. He is a mover and a shaker and you may say he’s a jack of all trades and a master of none…
We tried to repair this water fountain for quite some time before I decided it would be best if I just took it home where I could spend some more time on the repair. Before I finished telling him he was in his truck off to clean up his yard before the Clemson game started. George and I both turned to each other and said “he can’t stop moving can he?”. We quipped not to worry about helping us clean up, we had that under control.
Six hours later I was chasing his ambulance down I-20 on the way to the hospital. I’ve told some of you already to please cherish the time you spend with your own family because it can all change just that quick. Any of you that know my dad and I well know that our relationship was very unique. Working together for the last 7 years has definitely had its ups and downs on our relationship. However, you also know that we have a love for each other which is deep rooted and strong as steel. Even though it may not seem that way sometimes, in times like this it’s pretty evident.
Over the last five days our entire family has been on an emotional roller coaster. I personally have had feelings of anger, denial, and scared while at the same time thankful that this accident was not worse. He is very lucky to be breathing. It is amazing that he can move his arms and has no head trauma. He will still be able to hug his grandchildren, kiss them and tell them how much he loves them. For that we are all VERY thankful.
Since Saturday he has undergone a 6 hour surgery, has been extubated and is now drinking fluids. He says that he feels miserable, but knows he is lucky to be where he is. For that he is thankful…
Just two hours after surgery he was asking his nurses for some paper and a pen so he could communicate with them what he wanted. A strong sign of the recovery effort we plan to see from him. Now he cutting up and carrying on with everyone that walks into his room. He gets tired quickly and sleeps when he gets a quite room (which is not very often).
Today he was also approved to be transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. This facility is world renowned for its spinal and brain injury rehabilitation and care. We have been told by everyone how wonderful it is and that if he has a fighting chance to walk again this is the place to be.
The power of prayer is an awesome thing and we thank you all for your efforts.
I'll end this with a scripture that I posted on my Facebook this week which I thought was fitting to the situation.
~Anthony
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more... gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
