Friday Evening July 25
25 July 08 - 21:10
Things just keep happening. Today the Doc pulled the PEG tube - no more tube feedings. Monday they will pull the trach. Jim is pretty excited about all this & was especially glad I was there with him.
The OT - Occupational Therapist - came to his room to work with him since he had to stay in bed a while after the PEG was pulled. She attached electrodes to his forearms & turned on the "juice". His fingers moved - all ten of them, and the settings were below 30; she said she was pleased & surprised that it only took below 30 to get the muscle to contract. What this means is the pathway is still there, and something is getting through. Had Jim's cord been severed, nothing would have made the muscle contract. We encouraged Jim to watch his fingers & let his brain "rethink" what they were doing. He has also learned when his elbow is balanced in her hand, he can use his shoulder to throw the forearm and hand outwards. And he still can move the right palm upwards & downwards. It is weak & takes a lot of concentration & effort, but he can do it!
I wanted to talk to Jim about what we are learning by going through this experience. Anyone who knows me well knows I have had trust issues. There are reasons for this, but knowing why has not meant the end of the problem. I have struggled with this for years. Jim had his own control issues. Control is another form of lack of trust. Jim thinks the Lord is teaching us to really trust him. To not just talk the talk, but walk the walk. To be honest it seems to be coming easier for Jim than for me. I struggle with thoughts of the future, both near & far. I wake in the wee hours, mind racing & sometimes sobbing, unable to sleep. I find it difficult to concentrate for too long. I tire easily. Sometimes I want to just run away. When these times happen, I cry out to God to help me. He always does, but I wonder if my worry - which is a sin - allows this to keep happening. Please pray that we both relinquish our wills, our control, our worries, our dependance to Him who is Trustworthy.
My brother's flight doesn't arrive until midafternoon Sunday, so I don't expect us to do any moving on that day. I will post more about the plans as the time approaches.
We are still looking for a chair for Jim. Pray about that. I need a bed that ths whole bed rises & lowers, pray about that as these are the newer, more expensive beds. And there are no more hoyer lifts available from the gentleman who is trying to help us. Much prayer neede about these essentials.
Marilyn
nine comments:
I still read your blog every morning, sometimes a couple of times a day (like today) so that I can pray about your needs. I have been praying for Jim that God will touch him from the top of his head to his toes with His healing power. I am so thrilled that the spinal cord wasn’t severed and that there is a possibility of more independent movement. Marilyn, there are not many of us who wouldn’t respond as you have – terrified and wanting it all to go away. God knows all about us and our trust issues, and He continues to meet our needs in His own way and time. God bless you both, dear friends, as you walk down this very difficult path—the Lord will be with you every step of the way. I can’t do a lot for you physically, but I will continue to pray for you.
Elaine Cook () - 26 07 08 - 02:34
Mom-
Try posting the Piano on Craigslist. If you need help on how to do that, let me know the next time we talk.
Joshua Frazer () - 26 07 08 - 12:21
Dear Marilyn and Jim, I thank God for the latest news about Jims cord not being severed.Always trust in the Lord He makes a way that is possible for all of us to put everyones issues in His hands.We are continually praying for Jim and your family! I do not know where Jim is rehabilitating however I would like to visit.Remember to trust in the LORD with all thine power and might! I would like to help out any way I can when school ends next week.God Bless Garry
Garry Tinger () - 26 07 08 - 15:05
Marilyn,
This news is wonderful about the spinal cord not being severed. We continue to pray for both of you daily and GOD answers our prayers. Hang in there as things will get better for both of you. GOD knows we need better than us and HE will provide what is best.
All our love,
Bob & Joy
Bob & Joy Wilson () - 26 07 08 - 15:29
Hey Marilyn, Call me when you need me, cell 602-818-4128 and home 480-699-0155. I can help with physical things.
I hate to say “I” here, but, through MY last year of struggles I have learned something about letting go and letting God. I’m not saying that after openheartedly giving God my trouble I don’t try to wrestle them back again now and then, BUT I found a sentence that keeps me trusting in His abilities to help me. As soon as I find myself trying to solve things and worrying I say, “Thank you, God for helping me”. And then I completely put it out of my mind. God takes TIME to work on other peoples hearts and situations, but eventually all things fall into place and the path becomes clear. So, Sweetie, repeat after me, “Thank you, Good for helping me”. Your friend, Betsy
Betsy () - 26 07 08 - 15:39
Our dear Marilyn and Jim: Praise the Lord, Jims’ spine is not severed, what wonderful news. We read your notes every day and bless you for keeping us updated. Without going into a lot of detail I can understand a little of what you are going through. I too had panic attacks, fear, trust issues but mostly because knowing I am a sinner, how could God love me enough when I do not keep all his commandments…I had sunk so low back in April in hospital I had nothing left, until I died to self that night. That very evening after that horrible black nightmare I awoke to see that book on Daniel called Dare to Live a Life of Courage. I read that all the way through, God gave me my joy back, my strength to accept my problems, and my smile without tears. Yes Marilyn God knows our very soul and knows these things. It is in our weakness that He is strong. These feelings with you shall also pass, and the joy of knowing you went through it all with God showing His power to us will make it almost seem impossible to you. Elaine Cook is a powerful prayer warrior, she was praying for me too in hospital. My son Chris said to tell you and Jim that they are praying for you also. Chris is the one that Jim “gave” 6 study books to on “Experiencing God” several years ago. Words cannot tell you how wonderfully happy we are to hear of the latest accomplishments of Jims’ recovery. We love you both sooooo much. Ralph and Rhondda Yeager.
Rhondda and Ralph Yeager () - 27 07 08 - 21:08
Hello Jim and Marilyn,
Pastor Derek and I are putting a list of volunteers together to come and help your brother move furniture. We will be looking for specific times as your post them. Thank you for your wonderful updates and honesty. We are praying.
Jim Green () - 27 07 08 - 21:33
