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11/30/2008

Out of the Blue

If there is anything that will put things in perspective, in a hurry, it's seeing a strong and able man laid low by a life threatening issue that seems to come from nowhere. At this point, although we don't fear for his life as we did earlier, we don't know what the long term effects of this encounter with a virus (at least, the current thinking is that it is a virus that has attacked his heart) is going to be. And even though we don't fear for his life as we did earlier, like I said, there is still the underlying notion that his heart could fail in spite of all the remedial efforts being taken.

His heart is now weak and operating at about 20% efficiency. His heart has enlarged, and in this case - in the case of the human heart - bigger is not better. The reduced efficiency of the pumping of his heart means that fluids are accumulating in his body and unless and until those fluids are eliminated, his life is in danger. Yesterday evening, the swelling which has so obviously afflicted him finally started to diminish. His heart rate is finally starting to stabilize.

The prayers and the spirit guides, the good vibes and the smoke have helped. His spirit has been so uplifted by the things you all have said regarding him and his illness - by your expressions of care and concern.

He has a long way to go to recover. And we don't know, yet, just what recovery is going to mean. He could recover completely. He could recover and live under the constant care of a physician and prescription medication. He could require a heart transplant in order to recover at all. But we just don't know. All we know is what we ask for in our prayers. A return to health.

I had planned to fly to New York this coming weekend. I won't be going. I had hoped to meet some blogger friends - Tash and Joyce-Anne on Saturday, Veronica for brunch on Sunday. Once this all settles out and things get back to normal, I will make sure I get to meet those people. One way or the other. One place or another.

Thank you. All of you. Your words and prayers, thoughts and vibes, and smoke, mean more than you know.

Peace.

19 comments:

Joyce-Anne said...

I will continue to send good thoughts and prayers to Mark, his boys, and, of course, you and Annie.

Don't worry. I plan on making you keep your word on the visit to NY... Take Care.

Jientje said...

That is such a relief to hear that your friend Mark is recovering . But I will keep sending thoughts and good vibes and prayers for the return of his good health.

Anonymous said...

You are truly a friend.

I will be thinking of you all over the coming days and hoping and vibing for a miraculous recovery.

Shadow said...

thank you for the good news. i continue praying...

Myst_72 said...

I'm so pleased there is some improvement in Mark's condition, I really hope it's the best case scenario for him.

G
xx

MissyBoo said...

I was happy to hear Mark is making progress in the right direction.

Thinking of you all, and still sending lots of positive energy and vibes, Mark's way.
((((Hugs))))

Ndinombethe said...

Heading in the right direction - phew! Thinking of you all...

moneythoughts said...

I think you should include the good doctors that are caring for Mark in your prayers too.

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

I'm sorry Mark's still so sick, but I'm GLAD that he seems to be stabilizing...

I'll keep praying.

Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Good to hear things have improved a bit. I'll keep lighting candles. Wish everyone had friends as good as you.

Theresa said...

Your friend is in my thoughts.

Unknown said...

That IS good news. Recovery, the unknown future...all can be dealt with. Because there IS a future. Those boys need their father. And how lucky is Mark to have friends like you and Annie!?!

With all the praying we're doing lately, the lot of us should start our own prayer circle. Strength in numbers, as they say.

You are such a good, good person Lou.

Anonymous said...

Hugs & Strength to you all!

Vikki North said...

Prayers and best wishes to your friend, Lou.
Vikki

Tara R. said...

Good to hear your friend is beginning to recover. I will keep him and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

Patsy said...

I know you are disappointed about the trip to NY, but you will get to meet these and many more blogger friends in due time (oops didn't mean to sound so much like the consoling mother but it's a role I'm pretty good at).

You and Annie are wonderful friends to have indeed! I know you will be blessed for your kindnesses. I'm thrilled to hear that your friend is better if not out of the woods. He will continue to be in my prayers.

Stay strong.

Anonymous said...

I have not been by in a few days because of the holidays.. I am sorry.. so sorry about your friend. I am sending prayers.. I am happy to hear he is recovering..

Momisodes said...

I know the kind of friend you are, and I know this is tearing you apart. Please know that Mark and his family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. And remember I am here for you. Anytime. Just say the word.

May he continue towards a path to recovery.

Jennifer said...

oh lou. i'm so sorry i wasn't here and reading to hear about Mark. I'm sorry that i didn't know to pray for him and all of you. i feel like such a schmuck!! sorry. you are all in my thoughts and prayers now and well wishes are flooding your way. :S I wish there were more to say or do... i'm just glad that Mark is home and feeling better.

lots of love, hugs and prayers!!

xoxoxo