DECEMBER 31, 2011

"Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ."Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest.

December has been a busy month for Kathie and I:

On the 7th, we went shopping for Christmas for the third year. I am amazed at the people who smile at us, some will talk to Kathie, wishing her a "Merry Christmas." I have become adept at moving her wheelchair though a variety of stores and I know the best elevators to use.

The 8th was a scheduled doctors appointment at Sharp Rehab, a lady recognized Kathie. Two and a half years ago, her son had been a patient at Sharp Coronado and she had asked me about the process I used to prove to the doctors that we could remove Kathie's trach. I was amazed to see her son sitting up in a wheelchair, he firmly shook my hand as we spoke. He considers himself a miracle and it was hard for me to connect this young man with the same patient who I first met as he lay comatose. Privately, I asked God why this young man had recovered and why Kathie had not. I needed to ask the question but an answer wasn't expected.

The 13th we met with a new surgeon at UCSD to address some of Kathie's muscle and joint conjectures. We are very blessed with some very caring and intelligent doctors. In January we will begin the first surgery in an effort to relieve the shorting of her tendons and add to her comfort.

The rest of the month played out like many of yours, shopping, activities and Advent preparation. Andy joined us for Christmas with our family celebrating at our house. As I honor "Kathie's way" of celebrating, each of the children received a present wrapped with curling ribbon. Kathie used to wrap presents in ribbon so it would take longer to open and prolong the morning gift giving.

Last night her eyes followed me around her room and I rested my chin on her mattress so we were inches apart looking at each other. I told her, "you are the most beautiful woman in the world and I miss you so much." Her response has been similar for the last few years, by God's grace I continue to love and care for her.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him."

Dave & Kathie

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    Dave....I just wanted to share with you that I come to your site often looking to read the words you have to share. The Lord continues to use your heartfelt, sincere and genuine comments and insights to touch my life and the lives of those God has put in my path. Keep sharing...you are making a difference.

    Our family keeps you & Kathy and your children in our prayers.

    Blessings to you in 2012

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sister of TBI GuyJanuary 3, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    Dear Dave + Kathie,
    I know people in the same "stuck condition" at Kathie and my brother, who have had good success with this tendon-relief surgery. The other side of it that it is making their leg/ankle/foot "ready" in case a deeper healing occurs that would enable a sitting-up or standing or even walking... the body so injured and stuck has need of both relief and readiness for the unknown potential(s).
    The staff at Jim's new location are very much working on the notion that standing and someday walking (even if its limited) are the goals, and therefore all due work must be done to gently build tolerance in the legs/arms etc.
    The effort to slowly make Jim's arms less stiff with week-by-week splinting at more protracted unfolding of his elbows IS working -- along with the baclofen pump -- to help Jim's arms recover. Again, the almost daily work on standing in the stander is helping him build tolerance.
    I just heard afresh the story of Rip VanWinkle and it soooooooo much reminds me of our loved ones! The coma-like or post-coma stuckness that they endure sometimes does seem like an eternity to us, but it is still possible, dear Dave, that either Jim or your Kathie could yet have a restoration - be it slight or more than slight!
    So, the help of "the latest" surgery or help is a wise move and I encourage it!
    Go Kathie Go!!
    Go Dave Go!!!
    much love, thru Christ,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dave JonesJanuary 6, 2012 at 8:15 AM

    Thank you Beth.

    Laura, go Jim go!

    ReplyDelete

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