Mark continues to progress cognitively and physically, with an edge to the latter. He's been working more on supported walking, using the Robomedica treadmill for the first time yesterday. Because of the specific nature of his injuries (mainly to frontal and temporal lobes), Mark is largely unaware of the severity of his injuries (for example, he does not understand that he cannot walk without assistance and has not for two months). Therefore, he doesn't feel any great need or desire to work on using his left side. Please pray for improvement in his immediate memory and organization skills, areas where his spectacular improvement lags. Please pray also for continued reduction in perseveration.
More good news came in the results of tests this week. His cat scan this week shows all the bleeding and pooled blood in Mark's brain has been resolved. Another vision screening indicated his left neglect has improved greatly.
Today some of his family members and I will tour the Transitional Learning Center in Galveston. The latest recommendation from his doctor at TIRR, though, is for Mark to be discharged in early May, come home, and continue on in the TIRR day program. That means his days will remain the same, except he'll be sleeping at home and I will be responsible for his care, feeding, and transport. I'm eager for continued progress, but wondering how I will juggle work and staying with Mark at TIRR all day. Discharge planning on the institutional end and on mine will come more clear in the next week or so.
It's been explained to me that because Mark has not plateaued in his physical rehab, he would best benefit from continued intensive physical therapy. (This is his doctor's opinion.) When improvement in walking, for example, slows, or if healing leads to accelerated cognitive abilities (and better orientation), a program specializing in cognitive therapy would be most appropriate.
Blessings all.
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture: Exodus 13
Detours
When Pharaoh let the people go, "God did not guide them by the road towards the Philistines, though that way was the shortest.... God made them go round by way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea" (Ex 13: 17, 18 NEB).
The direct route would save time as well as wear and tear on the people, but God had something infinitely more important than economics in mind--He wanted the people to be able to sing the song of praise of chapter 15--"The Lord is my refuge and my defence...my deliverer. He is my God and I will glorify Him; He is my father's God and I will exalt Him" (Ex 15:2 NEB). They sang this song because they had firsthand experience of God's power and deliverance. Pursued by all the chariots and horses, cavalry and infantry of Egypt, they had passed through the Red Sea in safety and seen the enemy drowned. They would have missed this glorious lesson if they had taken the short road.
When we are puzzled by delays and detours, let us think about the great purpose of life: to glorify God. The lessons He wants to teach us "in the wilderness" are priceless means of providing us with a song we could not otherwise have sung: "In Thy constant love Thou hast led the people!" (Ex 15:13).
