Today, in discussing M's recovery with his psychologist, I mentioned that M was doing so well that a great day was not good enough, I wanted incredible. The psychologist replied that his recovery is already incredible. He did not think upon admission that M would have improved to the point he is now by discharge in early May.
We have had so many answered prayers. One day, I hope to be able to enumerate them all. For now, let the most recent count suffice. Recently M's eyesight in both eyes has proven to be better than 20/20, he has no more hospital-acquired antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and he can maintain his blood sugar balance, so no longer requires insulin. He has a new roommate who also likes it quiet and dark, with an early bedtime, so no more late night interruptions. M had his best night's sleep yet last night and spent the morning standing up (with help), throwing a ball to a golden retriever named Ginger. He retains his sense of humor, wonderful richness of English usage, and dedication to hard work.
Oh, but the bills are starting to come in, many in the five figures to start. I've devoted all my time to M, so am on leave without pay from work (and feel guilty but grateful for my board's and co-workers' forebearance).
I took photos all around the house and measured all the doors to give to the therapists and soon will hear their recommendations for adaptations. And when M leaves TIRR, he must have round-the-clock supervision and will continue hours of rehab a day, with someone taking him and staying with him.
But -- and -- above all -- what more can I say? God has so blessed me with confidence in him and strength. And he has protected and held up the children. Thank you Jesus. Bless all those reading this and saying prayers or sending good wishes our way. Know that things can happen in an instant to turn your life upside down and treasure every profound or silly moment. This may have been the only way for M and I to understand life is not ours to control and that patience truly is a virtue.
From Paul's great statement of theology, the book of Romans -
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8: 18-38 NIV
