Pastor Mike & Open Word Update

Published: Mon, 06/19/23

I apologize for the lack of updates on my daddy's condition and progress. Some of you may follow my mama on Facebook, and therefore, have been able to see the daily updates. She has been excellent in providing extensive and detailed posts on his progress. Unfortunately, I haven't always been the best at updating the Open Word family. This whole thing has been quite the whirlwind and I tend to "back-burner" some of the updates.

Last week, Daddy officially moved out of the ICU and into the PCU (Progressive Care Unit)!! This was a huge step in the right direction, post-transplant, and an emotional moment for those of us involved in the move. The room he is in is more private and quieter than the ICU. It's a welcome change and he has been able to get some better rest, since the move.

Initially, we had hope that the stay within the PCU would be fairly short, and he could quickly transition into the Transplant House with Mama and I. As we all know, life can have some setbacks, and we have come up against a few hurdles within Daddy's recovery. Between the surgery and the necessary anti-rejection medications, his kidneys have taken quite the hit. He has been having intermittent dialysis, but the physicians are pondering creating/putting in a more permanent access point. We ask that you pray for his kidneys to "wake-up" and for further intervention to become unnecessary.

Daddy has been working hard and is getting better with transfers and ambulating. The dorsiflexion in both feet are lacking, which is creating drop feet. He may end up needing to be fitted for leg/foot braces. He is quite literally having to re-learn how to walk. At this point, he is facing weeks of in-patient rehabilitation, at the very least.

The good news amidst all of these disappointing setbacks?? The new heart that he received is strong and nearly perfect for him. The Mayo Clinic team is in awe with us. He has been nicknamed "The Miracle Man", which makes us all smile. We will be forever indebted to the donor family for this priceless gift of second life. Below is a photo of me getting to listen to my daddy's new heart for the first time:

In closing, I have spoken with my daddy about the trajectory of The Open Word. For years, I have posted an almost daily scripture along with a photo on my Instagram. It's been something that Daddy has looked forward to each day, and now he wants me to share it with the Open Word family, while he continues to recover. We also have a family friend, who has been kind enough to provide me with his own personally authored articles, to share as e-devotionals. I will be working on getting this up and running by the end of this week.

Thank you for your continued love and prayers throughout this entire process. They have meant the world to our family.

Blessings,

Taylor Miller (Pastor Mike's eldest daughter)

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word

16027 11th St. NE, Buxton, ND, 58218 - USA

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