Today we celebrate 4 months since Doug had his stem cell transplant. We are still praying that those stem cells are working appropriately and have no memory of M.S. It is too early to tell with all of the complications that Doug had from being on the ventilator. Some good things I see is that Doug seems less fatigued. He seems more alert, less M.S. brain fog. And we are so grateful that he has been able to avoid getting sick since he left the ICU. We don't have to be as careful with visitors. It is not necessary to wear clean clothes. The important thing for the next couple of months is for him not to be around sick people.
This morning, I bought lattes and scones and headed to Boise. It was very strange waking up without our dog Stryder. I was eager to have the day with Doug, to mourn the loss of our dog boy together. For years Doug insisted on pretty much scheduling everything around Stryder. He was very protective of him. I guess we both were. So we spent the day crying, remembering and wondering what life will be like without him.
Doug had a new nurse with him today. When she was giving Doug his medication, she suddenly had a funny look on her face and asked if Doug had just moved his foot. Doug told her yes. She said I thought the records said you could not move your feet or legs. I guess the records had not been updated! Today Doug was able to pull both knees up while laying down. He has not done that before. He can kick his legs up when sitting. He is using both hands to do things. The left still much weaker than the right. And tonight, he sent his first text to son Dan. He continues to make regular progress. He is improving all the time.
Late this afternoon I served at our friend's ordination to the diaconate. It was a wonderful occasion and such a blessing to welcome Bev as the newest Deacon in the Diocese of Idaho. Such a special day. I was able to see lots of old friends.
Life is always funny like that. In the midst of great mourning or sadness, there are new joys and celebrations. Remaining open to all of life is such a dance. A part of me wants to curl under the covers and let life go by for a while. The other part knows to step out and let the beauty that is life swell up and whisk us away. And so we pray...
Lord of the Dance, there are times, I would really rather sit this one out, but then the music starts and you hold out your hand to come onto the dance floor. Sometimes my heart does not feel like dancing yet your call still beckons. Be with me, be with us, as we answer your invitation. Help us to have the courage to keep dancing. Slow the dance so that our hearts may catch-up. And when we are too weak to dance please carry us. Lord of the Dance, be with Bev as she tests out this dance floor. Give her courage and confidence to trust in your goodness. And Lord, be with our Stryder as he enters your Kingdom, responding to your call, to transition from this world to the next. Amen
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