Dear friends,
I want to give you an update on Joe. On Tuesday he started getting weaker and had some shortness of breath. We chalked it up to having to go for an MRI on his back that day. Getting out of our house, which involves steps, and the whole process was an ordeal, and exhausting for both of us. But yesterday he was worse and it became clear to me that there was more going on than his back problems. When I told him I was going to call 911 and he didn’t object I knew something was wrong.
The bad news is that he is now in ICU at St. Joseph’s with Covid pneumonia. The good news is that he is vastly better than he was 24 hours ago. Last night was pretty grim, but today the oxygen he is on is being gradually decreased. He looks and feels so much better. We both had mild cases of Covid in mid-December. The doctors don’t know whether this is a new infection or lingering effects of the old one.
I tested negative this evening, but since I’ve been exposed and because we don’t know what the situation will be this weekend I will not be there Sunday. At the 8:30 service Maggie will celebrate and Bill Deneke will preach. Deborah Silver and Bill will do the 10:45 service. There will be NO Sunday school.
Once Joe improves enough he will be moved out of ICU and to a regular room. He will likely be going to rehab after he is discharged from the hospital.
Except for hospital visits (which surprisingly they allow) I am staying isolated for a few days. But I am available by phone or email. Joe and I both thank you for the phone calls, the food, and most of all the prayers. Last night was pretty scary, but we see better days ahead.