Thanks for all your concern and imput, Guest (and Raggytash.) Just to clarify some things. In no particular order, I give great thanks to the Doctors, nurses and medical profession for the hope we have. I thank God for working through people. The Burning Bush thing isn't an every day occurrence. We are all extremely greatful for the care and expertise of the Doctors.
We also are thankful because my brother-in-law has chosen to go through the rehabilitation. It was his decision, and should he continue to suffer, it will be his decision to refuse further help. At this point, I don't know a lot about the treatment he will be going through. I understand that it is to clear up the pneumonia that brought him into the hospital in the first place. Whether he recovers enough to breath on his own with a portable oxygen tank, as he was doing before he was taken down is unknown. I doubt that the Doctors even know for sure. He's been on oxygen now for a few months, although he has had shortness of breath for a couple of years. It was only last summer that he started to use oxygen.
I realize (as I'm sure my brother-in-law and the rest of the family does) that emphysema is uncurable, and my brother-in-laws days are numbered. Perhaps he will get another year or two of reasonable living from this treatment, or he could go tomorrow. I too think that he will go from a heart attack. I think we are all being realistic about his future. The only questions are "when" not "if". The other important question that only my brother-in-law can answer is whether life will be worth living. Right now, he has decided that it will be, and is giving the Doctor's the approval to try to clear up the pneumonia and see where they go from there.
All of these are hard questions, and anyone who has suffered through them know that the "good news" at best will be short-lived. My greatest thanksgiving is that my brother-in-law is taking charge of his life, and how ever much he has left. I am also thankful that he has a strong faith. I've seen faith carry people through the darkest valleys, giving them comfort and peace. That's what we all hunger for.. comfort and peace.