July 20 - Day 36

Dean has been breathing with his trach collar for 87 consecutive hours!! He's become more aware of himself as we watch him touch the back of his neck, hair, nose, lips, ear, scratch below his eye with his pinky, and once place his finger between his teeth. All this movement comes from his right hand. He continues to pull the washcloth off his face! His sister and niece were having fun with him while I was away by giving him a rag and watching him throw it. She asked him if he wanted them to leave him alone and he raised his arm straight up in the air so quickly that he hit her in the nose. Several days ago Dennis experienced a similar response from Dean when he was done interacting with his brother. Dean continues to show expression with his eyebrows. We thank the Lord for all Dean's progress and continually ask the Lord for more, while learning to be patient for Dean's complete restoration!

Today was another trustful step with the Lord as I left Dean's side for the first time to go home and quickly pack his belongings for rehab. I felt a little sick during the 2 hour ride but it helped to know his sister, Julie, was with him while I was away. It was a reality of time to see how tall the corn had grown in the fields; our window views at the hospital have all been brick walls. Mercersburg and the surrounding towns are just the way I remember. We all go through various changes in our lives and over the years God has comforted me with this most basic truth, Jesus is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)  If Jesus is our foundation, then our house will stand through the fiercest storms. This brings to memory the days I rode the school bus in 4th grade to Bible Release (a 1 hour program for children in public schools to meet at a local church and learn about God) where we bounced along singing about, "The wise and foolish man." Jesus said, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." (Matthew 7:24-27) 

It was also a busy day for us all in finalizing details for Dean's Rehab and transportation. Dean and I are extremely blessed to have such a supportive and dedicated family! We are also blessed to have a loving Church, sincere friends, and compassionate community that express continual care towards us! It's truly a humbling experience to know how many people are carrying our burden and in so doing you are fulfilling the law of Christ as we read in Galatians 6:2. In the midst of our suffering, it is beautiful to see how the Body of Christ is coming together to unite in prayer and seek the Lord! It's good to meditate upon this wonderful promise: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13) May our Gracious Heavenly Father bless you all abundantly!



Other Entries