Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Catalyst for this Blog


On Sunday June 27, 2010 dad went to the emergency room for an infection in his foot. We did not know that the infection had already spread throughout his body at that point. Upon arrival in the ER we discovered that the infection had caused his body to go into septic shock. He was quickly intubated, sedated, and sent to the ICU to fight the infection. While in the ICU Karen (who had been in Richmond with MB), Mary Beth and Caleb (now living in Richmond), Katie and Matt (living in Birmingham) made their way to the hospital in Fort Worth to be with dad to help him fight the infection. During the day Monday, dad began to stabilize and his numbers began to show improvement.


Tuesday the breathing tubes were removed in the morning and dad began to come out of the sedation. He had an MRI in the late evening to determine if the infection had reached the bone. After the MRI dad was able to open his eyes and talk to us a little bit. It was good to see him with open eyes and his glasses! After 30 minutes of staying awake, we left for dad to rest.
Wednesday morning dad was more alert, able to swallow pills, and take full liquids (lots of ice cream and jello!). He has been diagnosed with diabetes which was a part of the reason for the widespread infection. However, the doctors and nurses are now helping to control his blood sugar with insulin.


We plan to use this blog to help communicate dad's progress with our many friends and family who care and love our dad. We would love for you to leave comments for him to see at a later date but please be sure to leave your name so he can see how many people truly are caring for him.

27 comments:

  1. Prayer is a mighty thing and hundreds, if not thousands have been lifted on your behalf. So glad to hear of the improvement. We all continue to pray without ceasing. Carol Causey

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  2. Hello brother. I am so thankful that God hears and answers prayer. He certainly has in your case. Know that we are continually lifting you to the Lord. He has done great things already. I love you! Sis

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  3. Tim, Karen, Katie and Matt, Mary Beth and Caleb:
    Hour to hour, day to day, you will be surrounded by those who love you and lift you up in prayer. God's healing grace and power is surely evident this week, isn't it! We love you more than words can say. Carol said it best this morning - grateful for the family we have chosen to be to one another.

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  4. Great to hear Tim is doing better. Prayers for Mizzip! peace and love, John Brashier

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  5. thanks for the update! i will continue praying!

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  6. To all of the Gilbert family, please know that you are definitely in my prayers. Tim, I expect you to make a full recovery and have many insightful things to tell us about this experience in the future. As always, you will be the master teacher in how you live and share your life with others. Bonnie

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  7. Tim, Karen and family, I am so glad to hear the good news! Judi and I will continue to lift you up in prayer. If there is anything else that you need or we can do for you, please don't hesitate to call on us! Jon Glover

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  8. David and I are praying for all of you. So glad to hear that things are improving. We will keep reading to hear how things are going.

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  9. Jim and I have been in constant prayer for you and your medical team, Tim. All of the members of your Sunday School class are praying for you. We give thanks for your daily improvement.Please be assured that the prayers of your Broadway family are surrounding you, Karen and your precious family during these days of healing . Much love, Sandy and Jim Short

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  10. Hey Tim, what some people will do for attention!!HA!!! What shocking news for us up here in Canada. We are so grateful for your improvement so far, and pray for wisdom and efficiency from the doctors.
    We will hold up you, Karen, Katie and Matt, and Mary Beth and Caleb in our prayers. Malcolm, Elaine, and Tyler

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  11. You're in my prayers, Tim. When you get out of the hospital, be good to yourself and stay on your diet. Do everything your doctors tell you to do.

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  12. The Wright's are celebrating Tim's improvement. Your Wilshire family loves you guys! We are sending you love and prayers. Blessings!
    Tiffany Wright

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  13. Gilberts,
    Know that we are praying and continually thinking of you.
    Sian and Larry Borne

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  14. What a good idea your blog is! Tim you should know you are in all our prayers. Karen, Katie & Matt, Mary Beth & Caleb we love you and will help any way you need!
    Pat Dale and Caitlin Whisenant

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  15. Tim and Karen, you have been in the prayers of three of our teams meeting here in Asheville, NC this week. Several times a day we find ourselves checking with Karen to follow your progress. We are grateful for your slow but sure and steady progress. Know you are much loved. --Karr La and Dean Dickens

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  16. Dear well loved friends,
    We are holding you close in our prayers and giving thsnks for the news of progress. Terry and Michael Morgan

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  17. To all the Gilberts,

    Please know you are in my prayers for God's grace and continued healing.

    Carol Childress

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  18. Biltmore Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia put Dr. Gilbert on our prayer chain. Last evening we had a special prayer for recovery and healing. I am so thankful to hear of his improvement. Please know that I and Biltmore continue to pray for you all.
    Personally, I have been down this road with my grandmother and my mom. I, too, have diabetes and it can be controlled and beaten. Days will get brighter as he heals. Enjoy the goodness of God for today.
    Peace,
    Dr. Dennis L. Stamey, Pastor, Biltmore Baptist
    ps: Can't wait to see Caleb and Mary Beth again soon. Be safe!

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  19. Tim, this situation was most likely caused by a lack of Pho in the diet. Get better quickly and we'll head up Belknap for a cure! You are fortunate to have such a great support system, rely on them and heal.

    Peter Hacker

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  20. More prayers from Alabama for Katie's Dad! (And a shout out to Matt.)
    Amy Parsons Vaughn

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  21. Tim and all the "Gilberts", we love you and are so thankful for the continued good news and progress we are receiving. So thankful for this way of communication and update....it helps so much in keeping our prayers specific!! Our family is praying and claiming truth and promises from God's word.
    Tom, Lori and Mary Kelly Roberts

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  22. Bill and I join countless others who are praying for each one of you and we are thanking God for His presence with you.
    May each new day bring added strength and continued healing.
    Janice Jernberg

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  23. I don't know where I've been, but I'm just reading about all your struggles! I'm so sorry you've had to go through this, but am thankful to our Lord, the Great Physician, that you are healing. I'm also thankful for your wonderful family and their support. Please know you will be in the thoughts and prayers of the Moore family.

    Melanie, Wes and Zoe

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  24. Life is a mystery but God is in control. I am praying for all of you many times each day. May I share a verse with you that meant so much to me during Ed's illness. It is Isaiah 26:3-4 from the Contemporary English Version. "The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. So always trust the Lord because He is forever our mighty rock." Love to all--Dot Laux

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  25. God bless the Gilberts, who have been such a blessing to others!

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  26. Tim, Karen, and family,
    We prayed for you guys today. Thank you for letting us know so that we could join with you in seeking the Lord's blessing. What a great family!
    Donnie Auvenshine

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  27. Karen,

    Just heard about your husband Tim. Please know that I, along with FBC The Woodlands, will be praying for Tim's health to be completely restored. I am thankful for your ministry.

    God Bless,

    Bruce Webb

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