From Michelle. 16 July, 2010 10 p.m.
Dear friends and family,
It has been one month and one day since the accident. I remember all too well the long seven hour drive down to Asheville, when each phone call brought worse and worse news. The past few days have been a welcome reversal of that trend, as tiny movements portend greater hopes. Even the smallest amount of mobility can make all the difference for Steve’s quality of life; a pointer and thumb with which to grip more effectively, and even more wondrously, a few leg muscles that might convert into some possible leg movement one day. We can only see as far as each moment, and accept these sweet movements as the gifts that they are in and of themselves. And tomorrow will bring what it brings. This morning, though, I was almost singing.
Today another thumb woke up a bit, and Steve felt his regular morning shot into the belly as ‘sharp’ (instead of ‘dull’) for the first time, a type of sensation (dull vs sharp) that may prove promising. For these additional increments of hope we are thankful!
We also have a prayer request. Steve has had a fever on and off all day today, and ended the day especially high. His nurses are here now (at 10pm) to wake him and take blood samples. Please pray for his good health.
We feel so richly cared for in so many ways. From the food in our freezer to the people watching our children to the many wonderful notes, and a few cherished visits, love abounds even here. Our faith stretches not only to our hopes for physical healing but to the many details that still lie ahead, from home care to insurance to the right school for our children. My time is scarce and lately I can only accomplish one or two major tasks in a day along those lines, but I know that God is walking ahead of me with sure feet, even when I am staggering. My verses today come from Psalm 91:14-15: “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him, I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls to me I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble.”
A long time ago I spoke about how I had felt led to pray and reflect on Philippians 4:4-9 at the beginning of our trip. Today I was remembering the latter verses: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” There is much that is beautiful growing in the cracks of Steve’s broken body. Mostly, it is love.
With thanksgiving,
Michelle