Please pray

July 2009

~~~~~~~Update to the post below~~~~~~~

Thank you sweet friends for all your prayers and concern. My family has felt the awesome covering!

I am thrilled to report Dad was released from ICU on Friday evening and released from the hospital on Saturday night. He is still struggling with his vision (because the bleeding is still there behind his eyes) and there are some other issues, such as balance, weakness, and minor impacts to his speech (specifically recalling and finding words). We are praying that with time he will experience more progress and return to his spunky and active self. We're all going to need an extra measure of patience during in the process because we want our dad/husband/grandpa back the way he was--NOW. We pray there isn't permanent damage or that any damage is minimal. We believe God is the great physician and can and will accomplish all our requests. We also know if that isn't God's will, we will adjust and make the best of the circumstance.

Often during times of trials and tragedy, people refer to the verse, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28. I use it as well but I admit there are times I just can't begin to imagine what the "good" is in certain situations. Yesterday in church our preacher referred to this verse as he spoke of the life of David and said the "good" is often our "deconstruction" which ultimately gives way to the reconstruction of a better, more godly person. So it is my prayer that I will use this event to deconstruct and then become a more caring, empathetic, patient, loving, faithful, and kind person.

Since my dad is now at home, Lindy and I are going to travel tomorrow to be with my parents and help out however possible and mainly just love on them. My heart has been heavy not being near them during these past few days.

Thanks, again, for your kind words and thoughts!

With love & gratitude~
Lisa

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Yesterday was a beautiful day. It was gorgeous outside. Lindy played for hours outside and I had the windows open. We shared a picnic lunch. I watched the butterflies, the bees happily working around the blossoms of the Bradford Pear, and saw my first glimpse of Texas wildflowers. I donned my first "spring-like" outfit and was even having a fairly good hair day. It was close to perfection. It was also one of those days where I was reminded how life can change in an instant, that I'm not a little kid, and to always make the most of every opportunity. I was also reminded of many other things, including how much I love my dad.

At about 6:00 last night I got a call from my mom telling me my dad had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and was in ICU. To make matters worse, it happened while he was driving so he was in a car accident. Thankfully, he was not injured, nor was the other driver. His vehicle was totaled.

He has lost vision because of the bleeding in his brain but is completely lucid and feels fine. He has had many tests and so far there aren't many answers. They do say this was not his first stroke or brain bleed. They don't see any signs of tumors but they aren't sure what is causing the bleeding. They also can't say whether he'll regain his vision.

Please pray that my dad will have a complete recovery and will be able to resume a normal life. Please also pray for my mom to have strength and peace as she worries about him and takes care of him. They have been married almost 44 years and are true companions.

I know this could've been so much worse and I praise God for the protection he gave my dad (as well as the other driver). I also know they could've found some really bad things in his brain and am glad they haven't. I am worried and feel helpless as I think of my beloved parents going through this trial two states away. I'm in a holding pattern and will make some travel decisions soon.

I would appreciate any prayers you would say for our family.

With love and thanks~
Lisa