“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”
Over the past 5 weeks, since Jeff’s stroke, our family has kind of been living in a world of uncertainty.
- We are certain Jeff is progressing; we’re just not sure what it will look like long-term.
- We are certain the doctors/therapists are doing the very best they can with Jeff’s treatment; we’re just not sure exactly what they are trying to accomplish.
- We are certain Marcy and Kainani are surviving; we’re just not sure exactly what that means.
- We are certain the Lord is doing a great work in Jeff’s life; we’re just, honestly, still trying to muddle through what it’s going to look in the future.
It also makes it more difficult because of the distance and the time difference.
- The distance from Chicago to Honolulu is roughly 4,600 miles.
- The distance from Houston to Honolulu is roughly 4,000 miles.
- The distance from Detroit to Honolulu is roughly 4,5000 miles.
That’s a great distance to be away from family during such a time of need. But, we are hopeful.
We are hopeful because our hope is in the One who created us. Who calls us by name. Who loves us and wants us to follow Him.
We have faith that the Lord is doing a mighty work in Jeff, and we can’t wait for the outcome. As Timothy tells us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)…We have hope and faith; hope and faith that overpowers fear any day of the week.
There is an old proverb that says, “Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there.” 🙂 Biblical faith is living in a loving relationship with God, honoring Him through your love for others, and trusting Him when things are good and even (especially) when things are not so good.
In my opinion, I think Jeff is doing really well. He is making strides Every.Single.Day. It’s amazing to me how far he has come. Marcy says he works SO HARD in therapy….she gets tired just watching him!
practicing words with his S.T.
He also “sorted” cards with his S.T., putting the cards in the correct numerical order.
Jeff loves being outside, so this is a good picture of him (and Kainani), enjoying the sunshine. (He gets mad when he has to come inside for therapy).
Jeff and Kainani hanging out outside
Just this past week he has been “attempting” stairs….obviously, he can’t do them by himself, but he’s doing so well!!
practicing going DOWN the stairs!
practicing going UP the stairs
This next picture is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!! Look at the JOY that is radiating on his face!
I love this picture! Look at the JOY on his face!
He loves when the therapy dogs come to visit!
The original projected date for him to come home was this coming Tuesday, November 10th. However, we’ve been praying that the Lord would open up a door for him to stay in rehab. longer. We just want him to get the best care he can, for as long as he can, and so we wanted him to stay…..I also don’t think Marcy is quite ready for him to come home: emotionally, physically, mentally; I just don’t think she’s ready. So, our prayers were answered, and he’s not coming home until November 20th.
The therapists will bring him home on November 11th (just for the day) to do a “home study.” The therapists will do an assessment of the house to see what Marcy needs to do to adapt to Jeff’s needs….i.e. wheelchair ramp, grab bars, etc. So, she’s anxious for that to be done, so she can work on the house.
So, regardless of what it feels like sometimes, progress is being made. And change is hard.
We don’t know all the steps to the dance, but we are willing to join in, praying the Lord will lead us every step of the way.
“I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths…Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30: 1,2, 8, 10-12)
Finding Refuge 