May 8, 2017: Day +168

Doug brought me to tears today.  I watched him walk on the parallel bars with his physical therapist Kerry. He walked! This is what we have prayed for all these months.  I watched him walk 8 feet forwards, then he walked backwards and forwards again and then he turned around and walked backed to his chair.  His balance was good.  He was not leaning to either side.  His therapist was there if he needed her, but he did no need her. Tears welled in my eyes, I hugged him and wanted to start sobbing.  I could feel all the tension that has been in my body that I did not know was there.  He is making it!   Next week, Kerry is going to have Doug try walking with a walker.

Then she said, to my hearts delight, you really don't need this big electric wheelchair.  It would be good for you just to have a transport chair that you can wheel with your hands and push with your feet.  A transport chair will help you strengthen your arms and legs.  Her intention is to get him walking not remaining in a wheelchair.  I told her thank you so much. The rehabilitation hospital had wanted me to purchase a big wheelchair.  I had refused and gotten one at the Knights of Columbus instead. I knew that the wheelchair was not going to be needed long term.  She agrees and shares our vision.

One more piece of good news.  When Doug got out of the hospital I asked his pharmacist about taking him off the nerve pain medication, Gaberpenten.  He said that first we should reduce it to half for a couple of weeks and then nothing. When we went to see his primary care doctor she agreed.  Doug is no longer on any pain medication!  I had asked for weeks while he was in the hospital if they would please consider taking him off the medication because he had not complained of pain since the beginning of February. Well, it took a while to get it done, but now, no more medication and no more pain. Hallelujah!

And so we we pray:

God of Mercy and Blessing, our hearts are full of joy and thanksgiving.  We are so thankful for answered prayers.  Doug's walking and continued healing feels miraculous.  Our hearts are so filled with gratefulness.  We are so thankful that Doug no longer has pain.  We are thankful for all these steps of progress that are leading to wellness and wholeness. Be near us when we sleep and when we wake.  Help to continue to see the signs of your goodness all around us.  In your name we ask it.  Amen