Get some tissues ready to ready the following update on Jimmy and Retia Dukes. You heart and emotions will be stirred. Thank God for the progress both Jimmy and Retia have made. Thank God for two sons who dropped everything else to be with their parents. Thank God for the good care and support the family has received. Please continue to pray for them. Tissues ready?
Their first date was to an Oak Ridge Boys concert. He was 17. She was 18. They both lived in Jackson, MS at the time. Whether they held hands that first date, I don’t know. But I will never forget watching Dad lean over, groan in pain, touch Mom’s hand, and sigh with satisfaction when he held hers this morning.
The morning was very tough, but very special. Dad was emotional, roller coaster of tears and smiles. The therapist was amazing, just like he has been. He and his colleague got Dad in the “Trauma Chair” and settled. They did a few resistance exercises, and then we waited.
Yesterday, we had been given clearance for the mtg to happen, but they had to call down to let them know and make sure the nurses weren’t doing anything with Mom at the time. They were ready. So, we wheeled Dad in his “Trauma Chair” to the elevator down five floors to the ICU.
It was really special the expression on the doctors’ and nurses’ faces who were in the halls of the ICU who knew of the situation. You could tell their heart has been touched by the love that so many of you have poured out on our family and by the story of this unique situation.
It was really special when the nurse who had most taken care of Dad walked over to welcome him. It was really special when one of the doctors that has been most helpful to Erik and me welcomed us.
It was really special when Dad saw her.
I wonder what went through his mind. We haven’t had much of a chance to talk yet about it. When it was all over, we got him back up to his room for a nap. He was tuckered out. I look forward to debriefing about the whole thing.
But, what I saw in his eyes wasn’t a devastating flood. Nothing like the waters of Katrina that his therapists and nurse had just told us about up in his room before we came down. They were here after the storm, stuck in what used to be called Charity Hospital for nearly two months. They recounted stories of treating victims, waiting for promised rescue boats that came too late, taking refuge from crazed gunmen intoxicated by momentary power and the vacuum of city authorities. Two months, then rescued from the turmoil.
That’s not what I saw in Dad’s eyes. I saw tears of relief. An expression on his face that demonstrated anxiety answered. For ten-plus days now, he had longed to see Mom. And there she was.
No tubes hiding her face. Since they had put in the tracheotomy and the PEG tube, those tubes were gone. No neck collar. The MRI yesterday cleared her of any neck fractures, so they removed the neck collar. Breathing on her own. Small, sudden breaths, but they were her breaths. I was so thankful for how she looked, because Erik and I were rocked the morning of April 5th when we first saw her. She looks so much better now. Still non-responsive, except for pain reflexes. But it sure does seem like she hears us. Her expression changes.
Like when she heard Dad’s voice.
His voice is such a soothing voice. He told her he loved her. That we are all here. That we can’t wait for her to wake up. That he can’t wait to see her smile again.
Then, he leaned up, groaned a little, and reached for her hand. The nurse pulled the sheet back to reveal a swollen hand with two pronounced blisters. But he took it anyway. And he spoke gently to her.
It was a very special morning, and an unforgettable meeting between two people who will have been married 49 years tomorrow.
Thank you to all who prayed for that moment. Thanks to all who are praying for Dad as he reflects on it today and in the coming days. He said again when we got back to his room, “I just continue sensing the Lord whispering, ‘Peace.’ And I know He holds us and will act in His time. However He heals her, I trust Him.”
He is with three friends right now while I write this. Three of his friends from Orlando flew up this morning to see him. They took us to lunch while he napped, and now they are probably laughing with him. He has to hold his left side from the broken ribs, but Dad has been laughing and making Erik and me laugh. And that’s a good thing.
What I wouldn’t give to hear Mom laugh. Those of you who know her well have probably heard her get started in a giggle that leads to an uncontrollable cackle. I pray that day will come.
Keep praying for logistics to be worked out. Lots going on with that right now.
By the way – HUGE PRAISE. I mentioned in one of our first posts a friend from Orlando whose daughter has been waiting for a heart transplant. We found out a little bit ago that there is a heart available. The surgery should be tonight. Please pray for Gracyn DenBesten and her family. It would be AWESOME if that worked out for her! Love you Kris and Robin. Praying your little girl will receive her new heart tonight.
Erik and I love yall so much. We can’t thank you enough.
The Prayer Link 