In my life and maybe because of things happening in my life, I have many opportunities to hear others' stories. These past few months many people have shared with me the difficulties of trying to live with life threatening diseases and the emotional and financial impact on their families. It is humbling to hear these stories. I hope as I write this blog and my focus on Doug and I that I don't sound insensitive to what others are going through. I started writing this blog to chronicle Doug's progress from sickness with MS to healing. Since that time this blog has gotten bigger. With Doug becoming very ill when we got home, suddenly the focus of the blog turned to surviving. But, there are many survivors out there. There are people who are not only surviving, but thriving. My friend Barbara sent me this poster today, and I think it is true. We often don't know how strong we are and what we will be able to do under difficult circumstances.
The thing I am always sure of is that the only reason that I have not been overwhelmed is by the grace of God. I have cried, I have been forthright, I have been angry and I have been awed. I often ride a wave of feelings. But through prayer and the angels that have surrounded us the waves have not been to high or to low. And when I have felt most lost, when the way has been very dark, suddenly the way becomes clear.
Today I was in contact with the Knights of Columbus. They have many of the things the therapists are recommending that we need. They are holding an electric wheelchair, portable commode, and a Hoyer Lift and sling for us. Getting these items from the Knights of Columbus will save us thousands of dollars. I will be able to pick them up next Thursday. Our new bed that is adaptable will be delivered next Thursday as well. Norco sent a technician out today to work on Doug's lift chair. It needs a new remote. It will be ordered and delivered in a week. I have an appointment with the V.A. to apply for funds to help pay for dependent care next Friday. Step by step, things are coming together.
Tonight Doug told me that today he felt like he really had made some improvements. I am always telling Doug about how I see him improving. Today he told me that he was sitting on his own better today and he was able to ride the bike for 30 minutes. Both of these are significant improvements. Tomorrow they are going to try taking out the catheter. This is another big step forward.
I will continue to focus on healing and wholeness for Doug and I as we pray for healing and wholeness for others. We are all on the same path. We all struggle in very similar ways. Together we will hold one another up and smooth out the path that we all continue to walk.
And so we pray:
God of Mercy, with the many challenges that confront us, often we are not sure we will be able to handle what comes next. Be with us in our fears. Remind us of the reserve of strength that resides within us. As we wonder, like the psalmist "How Long", sustain our faith and preserve our hope, that you are with us and go before us in all that we do and in all that comes our way. Amen.
Thank you Jesus. God is giving you strength. I cannot imagine how your life has been. HE had lifted you up. I am so happy, I could cry for joy. Yesterday, I felt your concern and wanted to cry. Praise br to God.
ReplyDeleteYour sharing your valuable insight gives strength to continue. As you said, there are others who also walk the paths that life sends our way. It is with new firmer faith, hope and a smile or two, we hold hands as we did as children, it strengthens and sustains until the fear and sadness goes away. We pull up our big girl britches and off we go again. So thankful for the Knight of Columbus and the physical challenges came together yesterday. And the progress for Doug...it is amazing. He has will & continues to be an example of how faith & mental will can aid healing. Thanks be to our dear God.
ReplyDelete