UPDATE January 27, 2008

UPDATE
January 27, 2008

We are patiently waiting on the Lord these days. Jack remains at Lahey Clinic where they are trying to regulate his blood levels with the blood thinner. According to the Dr., it takes several days to get therapeutic levels of the blood thinner in his system. They are hopeful that he will be discharged by Tuesday. We too are hopeful. We are hoping that after 2-3 weeks back at rehab for endurance and strength training that we will be able to bring him home. As you know, it is our ongoing hope.

Some good things that have happened, the swelling in his leg and foot have completely abated. His leg brace now looks like it was made for someone else. The good news on the brace is that it is easily adjusted by the orthodic and brace specialist. On a side note, we have met and learned to appreciate some of the neatest people in this journey. These are people who love people and love helping people. We love them for helping others and us. Jack also has recovered from the stomach flu that we all have had, and is regaining some of the strength he has lost, as are we.

We now have a new nurse assistant for Jack. Her name is Rita. She is from Uganda and has been here for 5 years. She is very lovely and to quote Jack, “she is very easy to be around”. Elizabeth could no longer work with us.

It is very difficult to watch someone you love so much suffer as Jack is suffering. He is in no pain other than the struggle to move and function with basic body skills. He needs help with everything. We are thankful that his mind is still very strong. We are thankful that he has no pain. We are thankful that we still have each other and our families. The Lord is truly merciful and gracious in more ways that we can express. We are most thankful that the Lord has blessed us with the knowledge of Himself. As Isaiah stated in 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” We are truly God’s servants being upheld by His victorious right hand. This experience is not for the faint of heart such as we are, so we can only give our Lord all of the credit for all that he is doing in our lives.

For those of you have been following Frank and Ann from the rehab center. Frank wrote us a letter letting us know that he is adjusting to being home and is enjoying it. I saw Ann at the rehab last week when I stopped by to pick up some things for Jack. She gave me a big hug and wanted to know how Jack was doing. I am so impressed with Lexington Healthcare Center. They have held Jack’s room. They have called to see how we are doing. They were so excited to see me when I stopped in last week. What a joy to make a small difference in someone’s life. I pray that each of us will continue to embrace each other and those around us as our lives teach us so many lessons.
Blessings,
Carolyn