I had my morning meeting with the doctor and discussed the plan for the next 36 hours. Katy was starting dialysis when I left her room at 2:30pm, and I have given permission for the surgery tomorrow. Her breathing was still doing ok, and the doctor is liking the way her lungs are looking. They may move her to CRRT (constant dialysis) instead of 3 hours daily because they feel it is easier to keep her stable that way…less harsh on the system. There is still some necrotic tissue that probably needs to be removed. As hard as that is to hear, I now know that it is in the best interst of Katy to do so. Once we can get all of it gone, then she will have best chance of recovery.
Some tidbits of good news… Katy opened her eyes today, and was communicating through nods and blinks. She even smiled when we talked to her about Amber! It was so nice to see her smile!! She even laughed when Chris and Kilee were in there due to Chris telling her funny stories about the jokes we play on each other. I miss her laugh and her smile, but I know that all of this will allow me to see her beautiful face smiling and laughing again.
Thanks to all of the people who are writing comments and emails. So many people are contacting me that I have never met. I think it is wonderful how many people are sharing their stories with us. I have had a few e-mails from people who have had loved one, or themselves, in this same situation. It is nice to hear how many have pulled through and consider themselves blessed to be alive. I will post more after the evening visits.
Love to all,
Al
I was pointed to your blog by my friend Marsha and I have been praying for you, your wife and your family off and on throughout the day. I will continue to do so.
~Annemarie
your vision of the future holding your beautiful wife in your arms again and enjoying her sweet smile and loving spirit will be a reality soon because you are on the right path to get there. every day you will get the strength you need, Al. Send love and kisses to Jake and Amber, Katy and Arielle and the 2 doggys. We love yall and look forward to a reunion to celebrate Katy back in her home. I want very much to be helpful to her.
Keep your strong chin up, Al. What an amazingly STRONG man you are — God’s helper you most certainly are!
I’m someone you’ve never meant, ( I’m Kelli Gillespie’s Aunt) I’m following your situation with heart felt love and admiration for what your wife, you and your family is going through. There’s so many, many words being said to you. It’s all good … I know you need support. The most important words of encouragement you need right now are words from your wife. Hang on to the hope of that happening VERY soon. That is my prayer for you. I know she’s the love of your life. I recognize that look on y’alls faces — totally devoted love. (My husband and I are High School sweethearts and still married after 44 years, which is why I recognize y’alls love. Y’all have it too!!)
God’s grace is sufficient and will carry you through all these ‘ify’ days ahead. Be confident in that, Al. Katy is God’s child, just like you are, like ALL of us are. Trust Him all the way.
With much love,
Your Sister in Christ
Just another person out there praying for your wife…Katy. She is strong, she will survive, she is beautiful….and very loved.
God’s speed to both of you as you walk this journey. Each day holds its own answers and the one you choose is the exact perfect choice because you made it in love and with the information you had on that day!
I just went through breast cancer treatment and know I cannot second guess my choices….I am healthy, I am strong and I will thrive!
Peace to all of you….
from Austin to you all in Dallas.
You’re dedication and fortitude is inspiring Al. Lots of people praying for you guys, many of whom don’t know you but are touched by your love for you wife and your courage.
I am also praying for your Katy and your beautiful family. Despite not knowing you in person, my family is sending you all the positive energy that you need right now. We are very touched by your words. You are a great husband and father and Katy is very lucky to have you by her side.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong and please let us know if there is anything we can do- no matter how small or big!
Hi Al …my name is Kristi Roux, and I’m a K teacher at Greentree Elementary. I work across the hall from Jake’s class, so I’ve had the pleasure of seeing your sweet boy and chatting with him every day!
Jessica (Mrs. Perez) has been keeping us updated, as has Becky Doughtie. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I understand that you’ve had to make some very difficult choices, know that everyone at GTE is praying for you.
I was able to meet and talk with your wife on many occasions, as I am one of the teachers who works front door dismissal …putting Jake in the car each day. Katy is a lovely woman and is blessed to have so many loving friends and family in her life.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Much love and prayers, klr
I am deeply grateful that my cousin Katy has you, Al. I look forward to meeting you some day. Your courage, your love, your spirit are all so strong, I have no doubt that Katy will pull through. Thank you for so generously sharing your thoughts and experiences to help us all stay connected. Our prayers continue to be with you all!
Hi Al,
This is Lisa Lehmann, Jared Lehmann’s mom, from your Advanced Percussion class at Pin Oak. The kids really miss you and are supporting you 100%. They are thinking of you and Katy each and every day and praying for the best outcome possible. It sounds like she could not be in better hands than yours. You have her best interests in mind every step of the way and that is obvious to everyone. The entire community is pulling for your family. Take care of yourself and make sure you get rest whenever you can so you can continue to be Katy’s rock.
Rock on’
Al:
You and I have never met, though I have met Katy once or twice….and it’s been a long while. I have been following and tearfully sharing your story with my husband every day. How tragic of a situation that Katy is in, and equally as tragic the position it has left you. Your situation has led to some conversations in our home that would never have occurred before….some of which lasted for days. I have really tried so very hard to think of would I want to wake and find that my husband had been faced with such a heart-wrenching decision….and would I want to live with the decision he made. And, after days of thinking about this over and over again, I honestly believe I would be thankful…..as a mom, and as a wife, and as a friend, and as a sister…. I would be so thankful. And, so though I don’t “know” Katy, from what I have read from you and her friends, she will be thankful to you. You are an amazing husband. I thank you and your friends for keeping Katy’s story going and allowing everyone to keep updated. Because of your decision to be so open about her struggle, my husband and I now know how we should handle if we were ever put in such a position. It’s an odd conversation to have and most never would….. Blessings to you and Katy and your children. WHEN Katy comes home, you are all going to have a joyous reunion. What an awesome inspiration that the two of you will be for your children as an example of faith, strength, courage, and love.
May God Place a Hedge Of Protection Around You and Your Family and Bless Katy with Continued Healing!
Sending strength to you and your beautiful family…you have many people sending you best wishes for a rapid recovery …
So glad to hear that Katy smiled and opened her eyes! Yay!
My family is continuing to pray for your family.
Love in Christ,
Marsha
Al –
That is what it’s all about – Katy will realize (I am sure she knows already) that she is blessed to be alive despite the difficult road ahead – especially when she understands just how much you love her to make the tough choices you are making. If I had to choose to live in her situation – to see my children grow up, or to die without fighting with every ounce of being – I have to say I hope my husband is as brave as you. Katy and I met through Bunco and MOYC – and her smile and laughter are infectious. My prayers are with you all…
Al- my eyes brimmed with tears and my mouth involuntarily broke into a grin when I read about Katie smiling and did you say laughing?!! This is what we all love so much about her- her indominable spirit!! You guys are amazing. Can not wait to have her back in our community.
By the way- that little one of yours is SOO alert- I met her Friday night. She is as beautiful as the pictures.
Keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts.
Jane Carter
when the stars ain’t shinin bright,
and it feels like you’ve lost your way…
you’re soulshine is definitely shining through right now, Al.
❤ lisaaaa
You are such a strong and positive man, Al. Michele feels the love and support with Arielle. Katy feels it, too! You are not alone. God walks with you. Do not be afraid…….He will carry you when you need Him most!