'Spent the better part of two hours this afternoon (Friday, July 1) at the present digs of our good friend Dale "Lark Parker" McPhearson.
Woo-hoo: I'm delighted to report that he is doing unbelievably well and did consent to my posting of the visit and reporting his condition and prognosis. In summary, I was most surprised with his abilities and progress toward ultimately "being better."
Wife Barb was there when I arrived, and son Tom also showed up during the visit. They peeled off one at a time over the course of our visit, so I was able to bid Dale farewell by myself, with our customary prayer, just before dinner time.
He was sitting up in bed rarin' to go when I arrived. Previously, it was a strain for him to move across the room to the john, and that in hospital garb. Now, he had on "regular" clothes and could grab his walker and we were able to speed down the hallway (a relative term, you understand) to the day room to continue our conversation. He was not winded when we got there; it could have been twice as far from his room (it was about 75 feet as it was) and he would have done well all the way. 'Needed the walker, to be sure, but still able to proceed apace unencumbered.
Medication for the "Wegner's Disease" (however it is spelled) now consists of only pain meds to control the discomfort in his lower back attributed to a cracked vertebrae they are yet to address, and may have to let it heal itself.
He has lost lots of weight but is now able to take and hold any food, and has been released to eat anything and everything that appeals to him; no special diet. He reports having a good appetite. Dialysis continues, but seems to be less stressful.
We talked a lot about various folks in SDC, the forum, and the Springfield National Meet. He was very conversant, with excellent memory. Many of you have expressed a desire that personal best wishes be conveyed to Dale and I did just that for Cousin George, Matthew Burnette, Bob Andrews, and others. He was much appreciative of all the well-wishes.
I reported Matthew Burnette having three cars in the Springfield show representing the stainless polishing learned from Dale two years ago at Cedar Rapids. Dale just beamed at the news; a really big smile. He is proud of what Matthew has accomplished and wishes him well.
Dale has been off the internet for several months but will be checking in as soon as he gets a new power supply for his laptop, an issue about which there appeared to be little urgency(!). So for the time being, I would encourage cards and notes to Dale as I know they will be greatly appreciated. Address them to:
Dale McPhearson
c/o Clinton House
809 W. Freeman Street
Frankfort IN 46041-2944
Again, this was a wonderful visit and I found much of our "old friend" back in residence as to demeanor and humor. He's still got a long way to go and will never be "all better," but I'll cautiously say that it looks like he's turned the corner.
And I forgot to mention earlier: Dale sends his regards to all and thanks for the good thoughts and prayers that have now been extended on his behalf for one full year! (He was transferred from the Frankfort hospital to the larger St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis on July 1, 2010.) Gulp. BP
Woo-hoo: I'm delighted to report that he is doing unbelievably well and did consent to my posting of the visit and reporting his condition and prognosis. In summary, I was most surprised with his abilities and progress toward ultimately "being better."
Wife Barb was there when I arrived, and son Tom also showed up during the visit. They peeled off one at a time over the course of our visit, so I was able to bid Dale farewell by myself, with our customary prayer, just before dinner time.
He was sitting up in bed rarin' to go when I arrived. Previously, it was a strain for him to move across the room to the john, and that in hospital garb. Now, he had on "regular" clothes and could grab his walker and we were able to speed down the hallway (a relative term, you understand) to the day room to continue our conversation. He was not winded when we got there; it could have been twice as far from his room (it was about 75 feet as it was) and he would have done well all the way. 'Needed the walker, to be sure, but still able to proceed apace unencumbered.
Medication for the "Wegner's Disease" (however it is spelled) now consists of only pain meds to control the discomfort in his lower back attributed to a cracked vertebrae they are yet to address, and may have to let it heal itself.
He has lost lots of weight but is now able to take and hold any food, and has been released to eat anything and everything that appeals to him; no special diet. He reports having a good appetite. Dialysis continues, but seems to be less stressful.
We talked a lot about various folks in SDC, the forum, and the Springfield National Meet. He was very conversant, with excellent memory. Many of you have expressed a desire that personal best wishes be conveyed to Dale and I did just that for Cousin George, Matthew Burnette, Bob Andrews, and others. He was much appreciative of all the well-wishes.
I reported Matthew Burnette having three cars in the Springfield show representing the stainless polishing learned from Dale two years ago at Cedar Rapids. Dale just beamed at the news; a really big smile. He is proud of what Matthew has accomplished and wishes him well.
Dale has been off the internet for several months but will be checking in as soon as he gets a new power supply for his laptop, an issue about which there appeared to be little urgency(!). So for the time being, I would encourage cards and notes to Dale as I know they will be greatly appreciated. Address them to:
Dale McPhearson
c/o Clinton House
809 W. Freeman Street
Frankfort IN 46041-2944
Again, this was a wonderful visit and I found much of our "old friend" back in residence as to demeanor and humor. He's still got a long way to go and will never be "all better," but I'll cautiously say that it looks like he's turned the corner.
And I forgot to mention earlier: Dale sends his regards to all and thanks for the good thoughts and prayers that have now been extended on his behalf for one full year! (He was transferred from the Frankfort hospital to the larger St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis on July 1, 2010.) Gulp. BP
We've got to quit saying, 
Thanks for keeping us updated.
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