Latest (2/2/26) Update on our mom from my sister Ruth:
Long post- sorry!
From Dad:
Dr B (the surgeon who replaced her valve) is going to do another heart cath to see if maybe they did not leave the two arteries they were concerned with open enough and perhaps that's what's causing her low blood pressure. If it is, they will put a stent in there. The problem is the heart catheter that they need to do that is not in stock, so it has been ordered and could be here tomorrow. ... or not! Once it arrives, it will not be difficult to find an OR open slot ( as it will be a much shorter procedure), and of course then we have recovery for we don't know how long (assuming this fixes the problem). It came back that she does have a UTI so they’re putting her on antibiotics for that. So ... still a lot of unanswered questions, but hopefully will be soon! Love you all ...thanks for praying!
From Ruth: 2/2/26
Driving home from Atlanta and the hospital the other day, I was overcome by gratefulness. God has been so good and kind to us in the midst of this, even though it has been really hard. I am especially challenged and overwhelmed by how Mom and Dad continue to walk through this difficult and exhausting time with such joy, kindness, and care for each other, and really anyone they come in contact with, and everyone they know and love, and this is how they have lived their lives!
I’ve seen Mom, hardly able to talk, ask a nurse ( more than once) “How is your day going?” They reach out to the nurses and techs and drs to hear their stories, and talk to them about Jesus and what He means to them. Daddy is with her, caring for her, telling jokes, praying with her and for her, “sleeping “ ( but not getting much sleep ) in an uncomfortable chair in ICU for days and days, (and she’s been in the hospital now over 3 weeks) but he doesn’t complain, instead he’s grateful. I am so challenged by their lives and examples of joy and trust in the Lord and care for others in the midst of their suffering, uncertainty, waiting, and waiting, is an incredible witness to me of what God can do. Of what He has done in their lives. I want to be like that. Lord! Help me be like that because it reflects who You are- and it shines Your light in the darkness!
And my sister Rebecca Nichols, is a hero too. She’s been with them so much of this time, she stayed with our mom overnight last week so Dad can get some rest in a real bed and she’s doing it again tonight. She has an incredible gift of serving them that both blesses and inspires me!
I’m also grateful for all the ways people have come alongside us in this, so many people have been praying , and checking on us, some who sent money to help us with extra expenses, some brought food to my parents or visited them in the hospital, or Jinny taking care of my mom’s sister in Johnson City with such kindness and compassion! I’m grateful to the Lord for the drs and nurses and their skills and that she was able to have this procedure.
I ’m so grateful for my sister Joanna Wang and brother Jonathan Vaughan who would be here if it was at all possible, and are praying and loving and supporting us in Texas and California and this is harder for them in some ways not being able to be here. I’m grateful for Alan and how he has and is caring for me in so many ways as we walk through this. I am so grateful for my family, for their love for the Lord, support and care for one another and I don’t take that for granted!!
Thank you also to Calvin Wesley Ballard for your sweet hugs when I need them most. And my cousin Amy Norman King for you and Jacob King’s hospitality to me!! It was so good to see you guys
