Day 17, morning

I am afraid that today’s update, like yesterday’s, will need to be brief. While Kathy’s surgery yesterday helped relieve her intracranial pressure, unfortunately the vaso spasms have not subsided. And, because she has been on a ventilator for over 15 days, due to the considerable complications of continuing on that course it’s been decided to proceed with a tracheostomy. That surgery, we expect, will be scheduled for Friday.

She is resting comfortably.

Abby and Paige are coming to Santa Barbara tonight so that they, Kathy and I can be together during this difficult time. We will meet with Dr. Zauner about options, outcomes, and courses of action, hopefully on Friday.

Until we can confer with Dr. Zauner the medical team doesn’t anticipate any significant changes in Kathy’s condition or the course of her treatment. Until there are new developments I might forego posting updates on this blog, focusing instead on our family needs.

Thank you again for your loving support. Abby, Paige and I, along with our beautiful Kathy resting at our side, will be grateful for your continued prayers.

20 Comments on Day 17, morningI am afraid that today’s update,

  1. I’m sure that everyone who comments here will understand why there’s a pause in the updates. The family needs matter most. I’m glad The Twins will be there soon — and all of you are at the heart of all the kinds of prayers we offer.

    • I used to do yoga with Kathy at the Holistic Movement Center in Morro Bay. She was always so sweet and kind. I was so sorry to hear about her condition. I wish her a full recovery. My prayers are with Kathy and her family. Kathy may not remember my name. Dixie Patterson

  3. Love you all , sending bread with Amy on Saturday…feel our love and stacy and finney

  4. Dear Richard,
    I keep thinking about what Stacy wrote yesterday ” every thought is a prayer “. I’ve felt that way for the last 17 days as my thoughts frequently turn to you and Kathy. Your blog, this window into your heart, has meant so much to me and Kathy’s other friends at work. “Thank you” doesn’t say enough. Kathy, we miss you terribly, though your presence is felt everywhere. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve worked with someone for so long. You’ve touched so many lives, and all those new beings are blessed to have your loving hands be one of the first to hold them! Love and healing thoughts to you, Richard and your girls. Laurrie

  5. Continuing prayers here….yes, take a break and hold your family close. God bless you all..Patti

  6. Richard, I hope your family will give you some strength and comfort. We are all here for you in spirit. Such a roller coaster of emotions…. I feel like I can relate to those parents of the NICU babies, every day is new day of hope…
    Come on Kathy!

  8. Come on Kathy, we need you to continue imploring us to be good stewards of this earth!
    The universe is bombarded with relentless prayers!

  10. There is great peace in quiet reflection. Our hearts swell with gladness and love for the Oehler/Strasburg clan. Abrazos.

  12. Dear Richard, I wish I could say something to comfort you. I found some quotes that might help: Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He’s going to be up all night anyway. ~Mary C. Crowley and Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities – always see them, for they’re always there. ~Norman Vincent Peale then finally, Never, never, never give up. ~Winston Churchill I know you probably don’t need the advice, I just want so much to be able to help….
    With Love,
    Laurel

  13. Richard – I feel your path feel note rocky and less stable. I know the balance between reality and hope is fine and it is easy to topple from one side to other from minute to minute. What I know is that God gives each of us a journey and we each have lives to touch and lessons to learn along that path. There are angels to watch over us and miracles provided when we least expect and most need, when we lay our all at the feet of the Creator. We will all continue to ask the Universe to reach out with life, light, and love to heal … Granting the miracle that is Kathy. Donna

  14. Yes Richard, you are all in my prayers daily. Have a special, close time with your daughters by your side. This song comes to mind from my ‘old days’ and I wish I could have you hear it, but the words will have to suffice for now. It is what I wish for you and Kathy and Abby and Page during this time you have together.

    Bind us together, god, bind us together
    with cords that cannot be broken.
    Bind us together, god, bind us together,
    bind us together with love.

  15. Kathy and Richard. With gratitude I say. May the power of these positive prayers of Love flow through us to you both, into you and surround you with the Fierce Grace this universe has to offer, to sustain us, heal us, and bring us peace. Love, Diane

  16. Dick: We were so sorry to hear about Kathy. We keep both of you in our daily thoughts and prayers.

  17. Hello my friends. I’m thinking about you two as usual – (every day) and on this lovely day. Come on -Kathy!!!!!!!!!

  19. Kathy has reach all of us in some way or another, so that’s why we read your post so that we can be there with you too, not just in thoughts and in prayers. However, as greatful as I am to read your post, I understand the need to just be by her side. That’s were you should be! You are the love of her life, and so are Abby and Paige. May God continue to be with you all and heal our sweet Kathy. May the girls bring some comfort, support, love, and rest for you Richard. Burning lots of incense for the Lord on Kathy’s behalf and for all of you! COME ON KATHY, YOU CAN DO THIS!! Blessings, Arlene

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