Dennis just called on his way home from the hospital--tonight it is his turn to sleep at home, and it's his first trip home since this ordeal began. Katie took the drive home last night, and for both of them, this is a big drive to take. Not only are they each dealing with the emotional difficulty of leaving Jerry for the night, but it's their first "re-entry" into their "real life." Hard. On a lot of levels.
But gratefully, the day was good. Jerry's spirits remain strong, his day was full and busy, he was surrounded by friends and family. He is continuing to be able to move those toes, and he is mostly able to do this in the evenings, which is interesting? He cannot always make them move, but knowing that he sometimes can, is enough right now.
But in having this encouragement, it's interesting to balance the "hope" for Jerry's future versus the "current reality" he is in. How do you go about preparing for what's ahead? It's hard. And as Jerry comes closer to being able to come home, there are zillions of details to consider. And lots of directions those details could go.
So as you pray, consider these things:
1. Pray for Dennis and Katie. They need SO much wisdom and discernment right now. Pray that they would easily slice through the many options and details and get right to the heart of things; pray that they would know which way to go and be of one mind. Pray that God would connect them with the right people to offer the pointers that they need. And please also thank God for those "dots" that have already been connected. Thank God for the peace and hope that they have, and ask God that they would be overflowing.
2. Pray for Jerry. Pray that his hope would continue to grow for his future. Pray that he would continue to experience movement in his limbs, pray that he would continue to be protected from infection. Pray for his times each day in his various therapies--pray that he would be encouraged, that he would stay focused and use the mental and physical discipline he has shown in so many areas here in this ordeal. Thank God for where Jerry is today--he's come a LONG way since January 2. Thank God for Jerry's amazing friends and family, that have rallied around him and kept him hopeful.
Let's keep praying for the miracle, and thank God for those we've already seen.
Good night to all,
Marci
marci@redwoodchristianpark.com
4 comments:
Hey Jerry, I heard that you've been wiggling them little toes of yours and that you got a bluetooth headset as well. This is awesome news, so go ahead and give me a call whenever you want.
Keep your spirits up buddy. I've got you in my prayers.
late night prayers for you
I Love hearing all of the updates. Marci gives us the facts, Katie shows us the emotions and Dennis gives us those moments of "smiles" he has always been known for.
We have read so many times from them that they don't know how they'll ever be able to repay everyone's kindness...THEY WON'T - because, after they have given so much to our community for almost 2 decades, it is finally a way for all of us to give back to them.
For anyone who doesn't know them, Katie and Dennis have volunteered so many hours, months & years to help better our community. Any time my husband or I needed help with some kind of project, Dennis was always one of the first people we would think about. We'd ask him to help & he'd always "moan & groan" (jokingly) but would always show up. There were times when it would just be a couple of guys doing the work of many!!!
So please, Katie & Dennis. Don't ever worry about paying anyone back. This is the time for you to be able to concentrate on your family, to work with Jerry's "new journey" and to concentrate on your own personal needs.
I wish that more people could feel the love that you share with your family. Our world would be so much more happy & peaceful. To the "MacCallister kids" - you have 2 great parents!!!
Jerry -I'll keep praying for your continued progress. Love, Josephine
Jerry...moving your toes is an excellent sign. When I left SCVM (SCI Unit) I was completely non-ambulatory. My discharge papers read "Patient is in denial". What it should have read was "Patient has Jesus Christ as his Savior and with Him, ALL things are possible". I started with an ASIA Muscle Score of 13. Today I walk with the use of a crutch and God has used my SCI for His glory. I'm confident He will use your injury for the same.
God Speed!
Dan Whitney
ps...Katie & Dennis, please feel free to call with any questions. My wife and I continually pray for Jerry, the both of you, and your family.
Post a Comment