Update

This is Mom and Dad just a few short weeks ago. Wow! How blessed are we? I know it's been a few days since the last update, but we've been in a wait and see mode and wanted complete information before posting it. Here's the complete picture: Dad's kidneys have failed. His blood pressure is slowly dropping and he is becoming more and more tired. This is the news we did not want to hear. His alertness and strength are limited. As a family, we have decided to try to preserve as much of this strength as possible. We would like to request that only family members visit him in the hospital. For family members, we are asking that your time in the room with Dad be limited to 3 minutes. All family are invited to visit and pray in the lobby area. There is plenty of room for family to congregate and share, pray and be together in that area, but the room connecting to Dad's is reserved for a few immediate family members to have quiet time together. Dad gets disturbed by too much noise in this room, so we are limiting the activity in this room. Your prayers are desperately coveted. Verdell Krisher said it best when she said we are experiencing "severe mercy". Your prayers are holding us upright and we are cushioned by a peace that truly does surpass understanding. Sandy Ginn (214-534-2686) is our point of contact for questions, updates and recent needs the family might have. Please forgive us if we don't return your loving and concerned phone calls. We are overwhelmed and appreciative, but we are sitting with Daddy and savoring each moment. We love you and appreciate all your outpouring of love and sacrifices you have made to visit, call and bring food. We are now pulling together as a family to conserve Mom and Dad's strength during the coming days.
There will be multiple blogs posted today by the Grandkids that have been taken from letters written to Grandpa on his birthday. Enjoy!

Kristin

Grandpa,
From "Catch a Falling Star" to "We Will Remember," I have experienced 10 lifetimes worth of your love. My earliest memories are of playing tent and singing with you and Grandma under the covers. My most recent memory is of worshiping the Lord with you in a time of hardship. What more do I have to learn? Here is what you've shown me:
1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Grandpa, I have seen you live out our Lord's two greatest commandments in every aspect of life. My love for Jesus Christ has been shaped by the legacy you set forth.
In these past few days, you have demonstrated more strength and faith than I have ever seen. I feel like I have thanked you a thousand times throughout the course of my life, and today I have one more... Thank you for the gift of your love. It sometimes seems that becasue of your endless love and generosity, you are a grandfather to everyone you meet. But I am beyond grateful to say, that I will forever remain, my strong Grandpa's little girl. If there is any strength in me, it is because I first saw it in you. I love you!
Love,
Kristin

Tim

Grandpa,
There aren't many words to describe how much you have influenced my life. It it wasn't for you I wouldn't have ever straightened my life out and after that you also showed me how to live a Godly life and there are no words to describe how much I love and appreciate you. I just wanted you to know how much I love you and how you have helped me change my life and are helping me by setting an example of how to live.
Love,
Tim

Rachel

Dear Grandpa,
I'm not even sure where to start this letter. I've been reminiscing all day and I can't express all my love and appreciation into this letter. You are by far the godliest man I know, and I love and cherish every pearl of wisdom you've passed on. The way you walk into a room is amazing because people just know you're there. The presence of God just follows you like a shadow and it is so comforting. Of course that's not all I think about when I think of you. The fun, slly grandpa also comes to mind. Always listening to that Christmas song by the Brooklyn Tabernacle every year (along with Santa Baby!), the donuts you would graciously buy on Saturdays, the fun drives in all of your sports cars, and the list goes on forever. And of course there's Hawaii. You have shown more generosity in those trips than most people ever do in a lifetime. One of the greatest years in my life was when I lived with you. The example you set of how to walk with God, what a marriage should look like, and in general, the love Christ has for me is something that will be with me forever! I can't even begin to thank you for all you've done. The legacy you have created is untouchable and I pray to God that we (the grandkids) will be able to keep it going. There is not one person in this world that has met you and not been touched by the hand of god. And I have been so blessed because I have you for a grandpa. You are undoubtedly the BEST grandpa ever, and I love you with all my heart. I hope that you have a wonderful birthday today and truly know how special you are to me!
Love Always,
Rachie

Tommy

Grandpa,
When I started thinking about what to write, I could only think of wonderful memories. But, to write down all of my memories would take forever. So, I am going to share some of my most special memories.
The first memory is sharing the same name with two great men, you and my dad. I hope that I can carry on the legacy, that you and your father have set before me, through my son. My eagle project and all the help you gave me, Thank You! I love the picture of us when you had the Tommy shirt on, that picture is hanging in my room and I look at it every day. I remember spending the night at your house and then waking up early to go get donuts in your red Mercedes. Also watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and any little clip that you wanted us to see. But, one of my most cherished memories is getting to do all of those work projects with you, whether it be building a room or just painting a wall, the time we have spent together is Priceless and will always be remembered. I love you so much! I hope that someday I can grow up to be as nice and great as you are. I hope that when my son has a son and I become a grandfather, my grandson will look up to me just as I look up to you. I love you!
Love,
Tommy

Elizabeth

Grandpa,
I chose this paper to write your letter on because every time I am at your house, ths is the only kind of paper I can find in Grandma's office! I guess you can say that legal pads remind me of you and Grandma, in a round about way! Many things remind me of you - fun playful cars, brunch at Brookhaven, praise-and-worship music (and the "Grandpa Dance" I can see you doing in my head to the upbeat songs!), funny Jay Leno clips, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, grilled steak and chicken, and of course, Maui! Also, the rare occasions I go pick up doughnuts for the family! There are many things that remind me of you; the more I sit and write, teh more that come to mind! Above all these occurrences, what I love the most is what you remind me of - Christ's love.
I am so grateful to have such a wonderful example of the way God wants us to love one another. Your love is so unconditional and never ending, and it extends to everyone you meet! I am constantly amazed by all the people who say they look to you as a son does his father, or they consider you their grandpa too! I am so blessed to not have to look outside of my own family for the love of a father or grandfather, and that is because of you and your example. So, thank you Grandpa!
Finding a middle name for Bradyn was a no-brainer for me! I chose "Thomas" as his middle name for three reasons, those being the three men in my life with that name. I wanted Bradyn to have a disposition like my brother and be accomplished at such a young age like Tommy was. I wanted him to have a mind like my dad, and have the quick, sassy and questioning ind that my daddy has. And of course, you are the third Thomas I am mentioning! I hope that Bradyn learns to love as you do. To love Jesus like you do and to love people like you do. I also pray that he exudes happiness the way you have always done. i have seen people's faces change from being upset and depressed to being happy and joyful within minutes of being in your presence. It is wonderful!
I also want Bradyn to be tough like you, Daddy and Tommy are. I remember the many accidents you have had while doing little projects around the world! Still to this day I am scared of exacto knives and nail guns!
Anyway, I wrote all of this to say I love you so much and I am grateful to you for accepting my mom and I into your family so many years ago! I am proud to call you my Grandpa and I have always loved that our birthdays were so close together! (I don't know why, but I have always loved celebrating my birthday with you and Grandma!) I hope you have a very happy birthday Grandpa!
I love you,
Elizabeth

Bo

Grandpa,
I am having trouble getting this card started. Not because I am worried about the situation we are in, but because I am struggling to find the words to express my feelings for you. You have meant so much to all of us, but my views of you are slightly different than that of the other cousins. You and Grandma saved my life, through you I have truly seen the love of God. You have given me a real snapshot of the Father.
Grandpa, you have set an example of walking with Christ that each of us will follow for the rest of our lives. I have learned so much from you. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I could never begin to count all the things you have done.
Through this entire ordeal, my faith has never been stronger, mostly because I have been following your lead. I love you Grandpa.
Your Grandson,
Bo

Julie's poem

Sitting here thinking of where to start
my Grandfather's story is the hardest part.
So much to be mentioned, stories to be told,
These unforgetable memories will never get old.

Well, every tough man suffers from an injury.
Oh, Grandpa's had his share of seven... times three.
Nails through the leg, falls and broken linbs,
I was lucky enough to get this trait from him.
But this Tom Hardeman is never slowed down,
he still knows everyone; is the most well known in town.
Presidents, salesmen, anyone you name.
But it's only his compassion for this to blame.

On top of popularity, he's also quite organized
so when dinner comes around, you should never be surprised.
When he pulls out his date book and starts to recite
where each person is sitting to eat that night.
And afterwards all are called to sit
to watch an interesting television clip
and sometimes even Jeopardy or the Wheel;
it's the perfect ending to every meal.

But dinner's about the only time he sits down,
there's always ap roject, no matter where in town.
If you have a problem, no need to be sour;
He'll hit Home Depot and it'll be fixed in an hour.
Though this cancer has slowed projects for today,
we know it won't always be this way.

For broken hearts ahve recently had a mend
when hearing John 2 say death is not the end.
Through this it will show all God's glory.
And Grandpa, one day soon, this will be your story.

Birthday Card From Sam

Dear Grandpa,
I want to wish you a Happy Birthday and pray that you feel better. No words can explain how much you mean to me and the family. Over the past 16 years you have shown me what it means to be a man of God. I can only hope to grow up to be half the man that you were. I have been praying for you and will continue to until you get better. I'm sorry I couldn't make this longer, but I hope it means a lot to you.
Love,
Sam

Caleb

Dear Grandpa,

I love you. Happy Birthday.

Caleb

At The Foot of The Cross -- Holding on For Dear Life

This was sent to Kristin from a friend who put this together as a reminder that we have an advocate before the throne this very minute. Pray for us and for Dad's kidneys to "wake up". Joy comes in the morning.

Update

Not too much to report. We are holding steady, his white count is down (good), his electrolytes are improved and stable, he isn't in any pain, but kidneys are still not kicking. They are functioning at about 20-25%. In order for him to receive chemotherapy, his creatinine needs to be at 2.0 and it was at 2.6 yesterday. His creatine is at 2.9 today, which isn't too happy, but they are starting steroids which should "assist" his kidneys in improving their functioning. It is pretty unlikely that he will be able to receive chemo this week, which is disappointing. We are prayerful. This MUST be the focus of our prayers. He's pretty sleepy and has not strength. He is eating, and digestion has returned to functioning, PRAISE GOD! Sorry for the short update. But Daddy's calling.

This Is The Day The Lord Has Made

We are rejoicing in it. After the worst day ever yesterday, I was awakened by Cari at 7:00 am saying "Dad wants to have coffee with you." I went into his room and he was sitting up and when Cari brought our coffee he took a few sips through a straw and fell asleep. It was a wonderful start to the day (and it was a busy, exhausing, eventful day), I think he had about 50 (no kidding) visitors. Of course, everyone didn't get in to see him, but the lobby, halls and living area of his room overflowed most of the day.

The weekend doctor came early and said he wanted Tom looked at by a Nephrologist (Kidney specialist), because his kidney lab tests were too high, and it might indicate - well you know. However, we had two not one specialists and their conclusion was not that grave. They said his kidneys had taken a lickin but were still tickin. They are sending him for a sonogram tomorrow and running more tests and will make a determination as to the course of treatment. They seem to think prelimilarily that the kidneys may just take a nap and wake up working fine. Let's agree about that.

The other areas of obvious concern are his bowels which haven't moved in over a week, his stomach which still requires a nasal tube to empty and his inability to eat. His nausea and bloating have been controlled by the tube, and they are giving him calories through the IV.

Tommy, Robert and Hector are caring for Tom tonight and sent the girls home for bath and bed. Tommy called me about and hour ago and said Tom's bowels moved for the first time a few minutes ago. I feel like a Mom with a 3 year old who finally "got it" with the potty training. I'm sure Tom loves to see this in print!!! Don't tell him I told you.

Well, I think I've revealed enough family secrets for one night. I do want to thank all our dear, dear family and friends who are holding Tom up in prayer. We are so blessed and feel uplifted by your intercession. I'm sure Cari will be back to give you more details tomorrow, but wanted you all to know you're prayers have not been in vain.

I love you all, Eileen