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Apr 21 2008
Church Visit
On Sunday Steve went to church for the first time in 8 wks. The music, message, and the outpouring of love from everyone kept him in a high emotional state the whole day. His eyes actually hurt from weeping so much, but it was a very good day. Everyone commented on how good he looked. Many who hadn’t seen him since the stroke weren’t quite sure what to expect, and they were all pleasantly surprised. Some expected his speech to be slurred. Others thought his face might be droopy. But he looked just like he did before, only a few pounds lighter and in a wheelchair.
Afterwards we went out to lunch at Perkins with some of the family, and then Steve wanted to take a drive home and spend some time outside. He hadn’t seen the yard since the snow melted, and he wanted to see the pond, listen to the frogs croak, and soak in a few rays. So I set up his chair on the driveway and pulled out a lounger for myself, and we just sat there enjoying the day and the sunshine. It was a wonderful day! I told him that I was concerned that if I brought him home that he might not want to go back to the nursing home. But he said that he knew he wasn’t ready to come home yet. But he knows that day is coming and he’s more determined than ever to work hard in therapy to get there.
After a very enjoyable but exhausting day, I took Steve back to Woodside around 4:30 and he went to bed for a short nap. After dinner, Elaine, an 89 yr. old resident who is in the room next door came knocking on our door. She was feeling so afraid and alone and just needed someone to talk to. We’ve talked to her several times in the past and I’ve prayed with her a few times, but she is falling deeper and deeper into fear and depression. Please pray that God will comfort her heart and fill her with the joy of the Lord, and that He will give us wisdom to know how to minister to those in need.
Steve is using a new wheelchair with an armrest to keep the left arm in a more comfortable position to alleviate shoulder pain and hand swelling. It is better than the last chair he had, but the pain is getting worse as more shoulder subluxation (separation from the socket) is occurring. The pain is quite severe and extends from the shoulder down his arm to the fingers. It makes his sleep restless and its hindering him from working the arm in occupational therapy as much as he should because it feels like he’s doing more damage to it. Please pray for the healing of his shoulder and for that pain to leave.
We continue to give God the glory for the things He has done, and we rejoice in Him for all the good things He has planned for us in the days to come.
“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
We love and appreciate you.
Kathy