SPIKE!
I would like to take a minute and clear up any confusion regarding my last post. When Gary was in the ER and then in ICU the doctors gave him hours and days to live. As of today he is out of ICU and he has some good hours and some not so good hours. But all I can think of to describe today is SPIKE!!!
Gary's lungs are much better, his heart rate, blood pressure and even his sugar are within normal range, and that was not the case when he was in ICU. As in coaching and playing volleyball we know that right after the ball is spiked we are on high alert and taking each hit, bump and pass very seriously. Today we still are fighting the infection in his stomach, and there are some serious issues with his blood and he will be receiving another blood transfusion today. He is closely monitored and well taken care of here at the hospital but we are also working hard at getting the house set up and getting him home with In-Home support help.
The Desert Sun in Palm Springs California did a beautiful write up of Gary that was posted on the post section of this wed page. Please visit it. I was so excited as Gary was well enough this morning to watch it from his hospital bed and he said, Job Well Done."
Now he is resting quietly as his energy is limited and he tires easily, but I must tell you that I am learning to enjoy life minute by minute, cherishing and loving each good moment I have with Gary. I love watching our children, other family members and our dear friends, spend time with him.
There are also times that I can't stop crying, fear of many things tear at my peace and I wonder if I can endure such a loss. Then God shows up, sometimes in skin like form, one of you, a note, a text, a donation, a post on Posthope, a meal, food, help with repairs around the house, help with cleaning, and the list goes on and on. God also deeply comforts me though our prayers and his Holy Spirit.
Lastly, we know the game is not over until the game is over and we continue to ask for a miracle, a compete healing, a GAME STOPPER!!!
So, today we have been given the gift of time and we continue our Team Cheer, " Together lets KNOCK- OUT, Cancer!!!
Blessings, Dawn and the entire Team!!!
Comments (14)
We wouldn't have such a great perspective if it weren't for Gary and Team Barton, which is all of us. We all are in the game for you, fighting on God's side even when we make errors. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, words can't describe what Gary and you Dawn have done for us. Love from LQ Volleyball. You are in our hearts and minds! xoxoxoxo
Breezy's Cathedral City Volleyball team is playing La Quinta tomorrow and I am going with her! Hoping to buy enough "Team Barton" bracelets for the whole family. :) So encouraged by your strength each day. Jesus gives enough for one day at a time. Joining with you in praying for a game stopper! Love you my brother and sister oxoxox sher
Praying for a game stopper today!!! Love The Sutherland Family
Thanking God for every minute He provides. I would love a "Team Barton" bracelet Sher. Hope you can get some. God will complete His work in your family Gary & Dawn. This whole episode has really shown me to not take family for granted. It has put "life" into perspective and helped to identify what really is important. To me that means our relationships with each other and with Christ. We need each other and we need a relationship with the one who created us. Thank you for your inspirational postings Dawn. I appreciate your honesty and candor. Honored to call you my brother and sister. xoxoxoxoxo Chris
The video, the post…so incredible!. You all are amazing! Keep fighting and we will keep praying. You guys are inspiring with your insights and wonderful with your honesty about how it is going. Thanks for letting us "in" to what is going on so we can pray with specifics.
What a moving tribute that video is. You will never know how many people have been inspired to evaluate their priorities by observing your family and friends thru this journey. God has shown His love, grace, mercy and peace thru all of you. I don't think any of us will be the same. What a gift He has given us all by your sharing this time so graciously. Thank you Dawn and family Etta Mae Kibby
We will not cease in praying for you all as each day comes. You are a blessing to us and we feel so blessed to be a part of Coach Gary's team!
Dawn, we all live one day at a time and you have learned to treasure each of those days. We all could take a lesson from you and Gary, you are so inspirational. We continue to pray for you both.
So happy to hear this news,we love you much, uncle Gary. God is GREAT!!! Prayers and love continuing from all of us! Go team Barton!
We are praying and won't give up hope! We love you Dawn and Gary and the entire Barton Bunch!
Sending you some more photos Dawn :-) I'm a firm believer in miracles. Let's manifest one right now!!
Still praying for God's miracles in all areas of your lives.
I am so proud to be part of such a strong team/family with God as our head Coach. Your strength is a beautiful thing to witness and our prayers and love will never stop for all of you! Xoxo Megan
love you both SOOO much!!! still praying for you guys <3