Hi everyone, this is Abby & Paige. Our Dad invited us to write today’s blog!

Richard and Kathy, a love story for the ages. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health. Well, let me say, in health is the easy part. In sickness is where one’s true colors show, and Richard’s true colors are shining very brightly indeed! I have often thought how lucky we are to have Richard as a husband and father, but today I am positive that we are the luckiest people alive!! He is a pillar of strength, courage, and endurance at a time when it couldn’t be needed more. I always thought of my mom as the rock of this family, but my thinking has changed! They are equally strong and we will need all of their strength combined in the months ahead. If there is a primary lesson to be learned from this experience, it has to be keep your loved ones close. Don’t drift apart. Never miss a chance to tell them how much you love them. Also, take a good look at your partner and ask yourself, is this person going to care for me and love me unconditionally when it counts? If not, to quote Kathy, “move on, there are plenty of fish in the sea”. Good advice from someone who has certainly netted herself a winner. Paige and I used to tease our parents with hey, thanks alot for giving us unrealistic relationship goals, but in all seriousness, they have taught us what true love looks like and for that I am eternally grateful!
With that said, I can move on to Kathy updates. We had a tiny scare with news of an infection in the lungs caused by aspiration during the initial event. This can be cleared up with antibiotics and wasn’t unexpected. According to her nurse it is “common and not serious”.
She has been completely weaned from one of the sedatives with no ill effect and removal of the paralytic has begun, which she seems to be tolerating well.
Her IC pressure remains manageable even though they have not been draining the surrounding cerebral spinal fluid. The fluid should be there so constant draining of it would cause the pressure to be artificially low. There is no longer a constant need for this.
Paige and I will be heading home tomorrow and the good news is a great relief for us. We know that Kathy and Richard will both be okay. We are hopeful and positive as ever as we wait patiently and repeat our new mantra….C’MON KATHY!! Or in our case C’MON MOM!!

These past few weeks have been the hardest weeks of our lives, and Abby and I are no strangers to rough weeks. Through  all the fear, the worry, the ups and downs, the good news and the frightening news, the tears and the hope, the hugs and the prayers we have bonded. I feel that our beautiful little family has grown closer than ever. My Mom and my Dad and my Sister are the most wonderful people I know.

C”MON MOM!!!

10 Comments on Hi everyone, this is Abby & Paige. Our

  1. Hi sweet ladies!!Thanks for the blog and of course more tears of joy! It has been a treat to see you grow up through the years! Safe travels home and again when you return! love, Stacy

  2. Great to hear from you Paige! And I can only imagine the great relief that you three (four) got from finally seeing the downhill side of the mountain. It is no doubt a causal effect of the love and support that you all have provided one another and your mom over the past few weeks.
    I hope that we have a nice gathering once Kathy is feeling frisky so that we can all share in hugs and love and tears of joy. But Im sure we will all have to pitch in as it will take an enormous venue to support the sheer number of people who would like to attend!
    Still praying for all of you. Love hugs and kisses!

  3. Paige and Abby, to roughly quote a carpenter’s muse – “You are each a thing of beauty and a joy forever”. To Kathy and Richard, to me and Manny, and to the rest of Kathy’s Family. I feel privileged to count you as close friends, and sisters in this Family. Along with Kathy and Richard – I carry you in my heart everywhere I go. C’mon Kathy! Bravo! for your brave fight and strong accomplishments, while we wait patiently to see your bright eyes again. xo

  4. I love you guys. Will be doing my own Come On Kathy mantra as I have been for weeks now. Just found some candles I made for a special occasion and will be lighting them for Kathy. It is so nice to hear good news. Have a group hug from me.
    Allen K. McGann

  5. Hi, Abby and Paige, and again, thank all of you for the continual updates, and for allowing us to be near to Kathy during this time. Safe travels home, and know that all the hopes, thoughts, prayers and energies that have been sent to the Oehler/Strasburg family continue on. ~ sherri

  6. Thank you, Ladies! You are a wonderful asset to your mom and dad at this difficult time.
    Torg! (coach)

  7. Paige and Abby:
    Thank you! Your words are so sweet, and bring so much relief to everyone as we continue to worry and care about Kathy from afar. It has been such a relief to know that you are there for Dick and Kathy. I know that it has been an enormous boost for Dick, and I am certain that Kathy feels your presence, and is pulling through so that she can hug you again very, very soon. Love to you all!!!

  8. Thank you wonderful daughters for the update. More loving joyful tears, thoughts and energy your way always. I’m so looking forward to seeing you Kathy. I miss those hugs of yours.

  9. Thank you for the wonderful update…continuing to pray for Kathy and all of you and seeing her well and happy. Patti

  10. WOW , what a beautiful testiment to your parents! Thank you for sharing the happy news with us all. We here at Sierra Vista read these posts everyday and with our communal strength repeat the mantra “Come on Kathy!” Safe travels home, I am sure your Mom knew you were there at her bedside. Dana

Comments are closed.