From Speech-Language Pathologist to Proofreader and Caregiver:

How to Continue Proofreading When Your Dad Undergoes a Lung Transplant

After being on the transplant list for just under three weeks, my dad received the call on the evening of November 14, 2022, that he has a potential donor, and to get to Dallas ASAP.

I am currently sitting in an ICU room at UT Southwestern Medical Center watching my dad and sister have a totally normal conversation. While this may seem ordinary and mundane to most, to my sister and I, along with the medical staff, this is a true miracle. In the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, my dad underwent a single lung transplant. We could only see him for a few minutes from the door of his ICU room after surgery, but would be allowed to see him the next day (today). When we arrived this morning, we were expecting him to still be sedated and with a breathing tube. Instead, we found him sitting up in his bed, fully awake, and sans breathing tube. It wasn't too long before the physical therapists arrived to get him up and walking, and he's now been sitting up in a chair for most of the day, taken two walks around the unit, joked with everyone he's encountered, brushed his hair and his teeth, and passed his bedside (or clinical) swallow evaluation with speech-language pathology. While he's used to being somewhat of a local celebrity in our hometown, he has now earned quite the reputation here for being a rockstar patient. When his doctor called last night to give us an update, he said my dad had "exceeded our expectations." Today, they are completely astounded as to his progress. When the Chaplain came by this afternoon, she said that she just had to come by and meet the patient that everyone has been talking about. Apparently, they don't see someone doing THIS WELL so soon after such a big surgery. Granted, they only transplanted one lung and not both, but still, it's a big deal.

Dad, approximately 8 hours after being extubated, watching TV (it was probably Fox News)

We will be spending this Thanksgiving in the hospital, but we have so, so much to be thankful for this year that it doesn't matter in the least that we won't be at home surrounded by family. And so much of our gratitude goes to our donor and the donor's family. I've thought about these strangers so much over the past few days and how I hope they know how much we appreciate them for giving our dad the gift of life. We know very little about our donor, but one thing we know for certain is that we were not the only ones to receive this gift from this person. Losing someone you love is devastating, so I hope that knowing what this has done for us gives the donor's family some peace to help lessen some of that pain. The selflessness of this person and their family is something we will not take for granted.

So, what does all of his have to do with proofreading?

As I think I mentioned in my introductory post, one of the major reasons I started a career in freelance proofreading and copy editing was to continue to generate income while taking time off from my job as a speech-language pathologist to care for my dad. I actually scored my very first paid job last week and it was due today. Since there's really not much to do when you're hanging out in a hospital all day, I've had plenty of time to sit and proofread documents, search for other jobs, and continue to learn and brush up on my skills. I had certainly hoped to grow my business before transplant day, but I wouldn't trade where I'm currently sitting for anything. I submitted my completed job a few hours ago and I'm continuing to look for more opportunities.

What Happens Now?

We'll be hanging out in the hospital until next Friday, then we discharge to our home away from home here in Dallas until we're cleared to return to our home home. Proofreading and copy editing are ideal skills to use for a part-time business, especially when you can work from anywhere with an internet connection. I will still be a speech-language pathologist a few weeks a month, but working as a freelance proofreader and copy editor will allow me to earn money and hone my craft while also being a caregiver for the strongest and toughest men I've ever known. One of his surgeons just came in talking about how beautifully his surgery went and how this new lung was meant for him. I'm having to hold back of tears of joy and gratitude because it upsets him to see us upset, but his surgeon just got a little emotional just now as she left the room. I am so incredibly proud to be the daughter of this incredible man.

Wrapping Up

If you've ever considered being an organ donor, it's never too late to make your wishes known. You may literally save someone's life by doing so, and it's the best gift that one could give to another. If you are a Texan, check out Donate Life Texas to register. For more information, or to register as an organ donor, visit HRSA, UNOS, and Donate Life America.

Going forward, my blog posts will be centered on proofreading and editing topics, with occasional updates on Dad sprinkled in. Is there a grammar, spelling, or punctuation question or topic you want to know more about? Please comment and I'm happy to answer any of your questions.