John turned 70 on Sunday and although the party in the ICU was subdued, it was a celebration of John's life and the blessing he has been for so many people. We celebrated his gifts of humor and patience, his acceptance and encouragement of others, and his constant faith and abiding love of the Lord. As his family, we remembered and were grateful for the joy he brings to our lives. Our immediate family - Elisa & family, Paul, my parents, sisters, brothers, and nephews - visited John throughout the day and then gathered for supper and a "pumpkin pie birthday cake." Then we sung a raucous rendition of "Happy Birthday" which we recorded for John.
And from all of you - his family and friends - we were humbled by your cards and greetings. Over 150 birthday cards (not counting the get well notes) were hung up to decorate his room! It was just awesome for John to see and for those who passed by or provided his care for him. It gave them a glimpse of the "person" that is John inside that quiet body. John was unable to listen to or focus on many cards, but we will get a lot of joy from looking at them over and over in the weeks ahead.
Thank you! Thank you!
Physically, John is very, very weak. He continues to only move his head slightly and his fingers on command. He sleeps a great deal of the time. Even though we talk to him regularly, he gives little response to the conversation and just drifts off again. He does respond to the appropriate requests/commands as the doctors, nurses, and we check, so we know that his cognitive ability is still good. Although I worry, the doctors and nurses tell me it is natural that he sleeps because his brain and body are working so hard to heal and recover. It takes all of his energy. Yesterday the wounds were cleaned and checked - they continue to heal well. Once again the physical therapists sat him on the side of the bed a few minutes until the pain pushed the blood pressure too high. Waiting for the healing from the Guillian-Barre will be the long, slow rhythm of our days. Keep praying.
The Hoods set off for Utah early morning yesterday and arrived home safely. Paul returned to work and then home to Veronica and Dillon. Amy arrived at suppertime and will stay with me for a week. Please say a prayer for Joshua and the kids at home, but also for these lovely adult children and their families who continue to give me love and support as I stumble on this new path with the uncertain days. Each day I look to God for wisdom, strength and endurance.
ReplyDeleteNovember 11
Here is another message for John from His Heavenly Father.
My Dear John,
Do not let any set of circumstances intimidate you. The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal. You seem to think that I empower you equally each day, but this is not so. Your tendency upon awakening is to assess the difficulties ahead of you, measuring them against your usual strength. This is no longer your reality.
I know what each of your days will contain, and I empower you accordingly. The degree to which I strengthen you on a given day is based mainly on two variables: the difficulty of your circumstances, and your willingness to depend on Me for help. Try to view challenging days as opportunities to receive more of My Power than usual. Look to Me for all that you need, and watch to see what I will do. As your day, so shall your strength be.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope which I have for you. Be comforted by the indwelling of my Holy Spirit, love and be loved because of my grace I have given to you, and never underestimate my incomparable great power to heal, for us who believe. That power which I exerted in Christ when I raised him from the dead and seated him at my right hand in heaven.
—Ephesians 1:18–20
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
—Psalm 105:4
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.
—Deuteronomy 33:25 nkjv
Sleep well tonight John, knowing you are in God's healing hands.
God loves you so much...and so do I.
David Griesedieck