Tuesday August 19
19 August 08 - 09:28
Wanted to let you all know that on Sunday Jim stayed up in his chair for 7 hours! He wheeled himself, using his chin , from his room, to the kitchen, outside to the back porch, and into the front room. It was so normal to have him around as we went about our day. He even went outside with Jimmy to watch the monsoon & feel the winds blowing on him. What a blessing for him & for me, to just have him "around".
On Monday we had some bowel issues & he was not able to get up at all, but today Jimmy & I plan to get him up early & give him a shower. We do this outside for now. Some of you know we have an enclosed outside shower that we have used for several years as long as the temperature is above 55 or so and there is not a strong wind. Jim won't fit inside the shower, but we use the area just outside it where he is semi-private. When Jim is eligible for Long Term Care we will have the bathroom converted to a walk-in shower room.
His shoulders continue to be a source of great pain for him, making turning him, particularly to the left, a problem. Pray for this problem as I mentioned before it leads to other issues.
I would not have you think that there are not moments of despair for Jim. Yesterday, being in the bed all day, was hard for him. Even though he slept a lot, when he was awake he at times was a bit depressed. I cannot stay by his side every moment & the "aloneness" is hard on him. He can hear us moving about & doing the normal things we all do & take for granted and he just lays there. But his moments of depression are just that - moments. He has never had the deep depression we were cautioned about over & over. Praise God for His protection!
As I go about the day, I think, "Oh, I forgot to mention that!", thngs such as putting the TED stockings on his legs, or putting the splints on his hands & arms or the boots on his feet. Just trying to get clothes on him is a bit of a job! He has had these pimple-like places that have started showing up at various places - nose, chest, belly, knee, back,etc. The ones on his chest & knee got very angry looking and I was concerend they were becoming small abscesses. We seem to have them under control now, but please pray they will heal completely & all go away.
I am giving him benadryl at night & he is sleeping better. This is truly a blessing for me, as I am able to get at least 5 or 6 hours of sleep.
Again, I thank all of you who pray for us. Prayer is what has held us up & carried us through this adventure. Please do not stop praying. Jim's health will remain an issue as well as strength for me. I believe I am developing some muscles! This is good, I just need to remember to use my body correctly to prevent injury.
I have been doing a lot of thinking & contemplating "understanding". I am trying to eliminate the common phrase " Lord, I don't understand.......", from my prayers. So many times we start our prayers with this phrase & what occured to me was, I was starting my prayers with "I". Rather than focusing on Who God Is & praising & honoring Him, I begin with I". But, it is not really about me, is it? It is about Him, His glory, His majesty, His beauty, His provision, His care. As He teaches me, I will share with you.
In Him, Marilyn
three comments:
Dear Marilyn,
Reading your blog last night reminded me of the Phil 2 scripture that says “1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
You are a perfect example of this and I am so encouraged by your selflessness and faith. Thank you so much for allowing those of us who cannot be near to know your trials and needs so that we can specifically pray for you and for Jim. I continue to pray for your family.
God Bless,
Susie
Susie Pontious Wellborn () - 21 08 08 - 11:15
Marilyn and Jim,
I have not written lately but you are both in my prayers many time daily. Sherry said that Jim is coming home this weekend and so I know that you will miss his help and presence at your home. I know that he has been a huge blessing to you and my prayer is that others will step up to take his place. I continue to pray big prayers for recovery and I also remember that we serve a God that can do all things.
chris daigle () - 22 08 08 - 11:52
Marylin-
I currently work for AHCCCS and have previously worked for ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care.) If you have any questions about the application process and what you need to do to get Jim approved, please email me and I’ll answer them as best I can. It can be a very overwhelming process and I’d love to help you through it.
Autumn
Autumn - 27 08 08 - 15:21
