Thursday, January 9, 2014 8:30pm

A MID-WEEK REPORT

Yesterday we received the results of John's first week's evaluation by doctors and therapists.  He made good progress on most of the goals that had been set during the intake process.  New goals have been set for the next week's work.  Barrow's staff believes John will be in this rehab facility for 3-4 more weeks.  The goal is for John to be mobile in his wheelchair and attend to his daily living skills independently as well as get in and out of a car when he comes home.  John was so excited about this good report and eager for the next few weeks of hard work.

Here is a prayer request: the only real frustration and discouragement that John is having is with eating.  He is still on pureed food and allowed one "textured food" (something easy to chew) at each meal.  Mealtimes are slow.  The return of the mouth and facial nerves and muscles is very slow which affects eating and speech.  With all the "big" challenges of the lack of body strength and the amputation, this is something we did not expect.  Please pray for this function to return in good time.

I understand that blogs are for recording thoughts as well, so here are some things I am experiencing.
This week I have begun the real struggle of dealing with our insurance company.  All these providers John has had are clamoring for correct billing and payment information.  Despite the fact that John is still employed fulltime and the church continues to pay full premium dues, Blue Cross/Blue Shield declares that Medicare is the primary provider.  We disagree.  We had been told different.  This is a hideous stress in the middle of a life-altering, life-threatening event and a struggle to find some way back to a new normal.

And today I packed up all of John's professional books and papers in his office at Historic First Presbyterian and with Steve Furidy's help, we cleared the office.  That was a very sad time for me
as I came face-to-face with all the loss in our life.  It is just not the ending as we imagined it and seems so unfair.  I know full well that he will continue to be a witness for Christ and a help to people in the future, but I still feel great grief.  I am wondering when this grief may hit John.

Good night to all you family, friends and "silent readers".  All prayers are appreciated and I know
your intercession for us is heard.  Blessings.