Tuesday, December 31, 2015 5:45am

JUST THE RIGHT TIME CAME

We spent the weekend enjoying our family!  The house was usually full of 7 adults and 9 children under 8 years, so there was always activity and laughter.  Thanks to Stephen's cousin, Jennifer, two families were able to sleep comfortably at a nearby hotel.  We took turns visiting John - the kids  were great for John's spirits and more motivation for his journey.

John is doing very well.  His core strength (think "abs") is slowly growing stronger with therapy. His facial muscles on the right almost provide a "half" smile and his left eye almost closes completely.  He is eating his pureed foods despite their tasteless, season-less mushy nature, thus moving towards removal of the feeding tube.  He is only using the oxygen canula parttime.  With the doctor's permission, Paul and Veronica took John on a walk outside on Sunday - his first time in fresh air since October 21!  Since the kids visited through the day, I spent my first day away from John since this journey began at home with the grandchildren.

Monday just the right time arrived.  John had his therapies all morning, including the tilt table again. A re-evaluation was scheduled for 12:30.  The doctor arrived and the case manager.  There was a lot of discussion of the pros and cons of moving directly to the intensive therapy program at Barrows or moving to a sub-acute facility for some weeks just to gain strength, then on to Barrows.  Much of this decision, unfortunately and characteristically, is based on insurance dictates since we know John cannot reach a level to return home in just 3-4 weeks.  In the end, the doctors and therapists and John's determination won out.  John was moved to Barrows Rehab at 4:00pm accompanied by Elisa and Paul.  The Rehab staff was waiting cheerfully and settled him into a lovely private room with a large window.  We are all so grateful.  John is so happy!

This morning I will leave shortly to participate and observe as John is evaluated and goals are set for his rehabilitation over the next several weeks.  Please pray for strength and stamina for John to meet the challenges each day.

My own path has other bumps because my parents are not in good health.  My father seems to be failing rapidly and they need more help at home.  My brother-in-law, Tom, has been providing most of the care along with his wife, Dee Ann.  While John was moving to Rehab, I was at an introductory meeting, along with all my siblings, to explore the services which Hospice can provide for them at home. I ask that you also keep my family in your prayers during this important shift.

So now I have to run.  A dear friend in Colorado suggested I provide here the family picture which is on our Christmas greeting for those of you who may not have it.  I think it is a good way to end this blog for 2013.  It was taken in Pacific City, OR where we spent a week celebrating John's (then upcoming) 70th birthday.  This is at a site where John spent many hours as a young boy growing up in Oregon.  Our faith and our family and our friends give us confidence and encouragement to move into 2014 with great hope.  Our own prayers are that your year will be one of hope - full of God's blessings and promises, even on your dark days.  Happy New Year!