Resilience

Laurence has a bladder infection and has been in intense pain the past few days. You would never know it by looking at him. He is always pleasant and is so gracious with his therapists and nurses.

Neither of us ever imagined this outcome when Laurence entered the hospital 68 days ago. His determination and resilience are inspiring. Your prayers keep us going. Thank you so much.

Hugs.

Good Reports

Good reports from our weekly visit with the OHSU transplant doctor and with the rehab doctor yesterday. The rehab therapists are pleased with Laurence's progress.

I am very grateful for your prayers and good thoughts.

Blessings.

In The Moment

It was a tough weekend. Although Laurence has many successes each day, he has a mountain of challenges that face him. One effect of the stroke is that his brain hasn't caught up with the reality of his circumstances. He lives only in the moment and rejoices each new accomplishment.

I think it may be the way God intended for us to live. I've never been more aware of the courage and depth of faith that it takes.

Laurence's Wisdom of the Day: This is not a race to be won.

Blessings.

Unplugged

Laurence is unplugged! His feeding tube was removed today. Praise God. He is relearning to use utensils and I am learning the art of eating very very very slowly. It is a joy to help him eat and he is so appreciative of food.

His nurse commented today that usually she sees progress in a patient once a week. Laurence has a new skill every day.

We give all glory to God for the daily blessings. Thanks for your partnership and love.

Hugs.

Good Reports

Laurence and I went to OHSU yesterday to see the transplant doctor. Dr G was pleased to see Laurence's improvement. Laurence will have a bone marrow biopsy in a couple of weeks to further evaluate the transplant.

Every Tuesday is a conference at RIO with the doctors and all therapists giving their reports on Laurence's progress. Although it is too early to establish a timeline, they were each encouraged with Laurence's progress.

Laurence and I say a prayer before I leave and it is wonderful to hear him pray again. His words are clear and strong.

"Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24 Thank you for your gracious prayers and love.

Determination

Days are very full with therapy. Speech therapists are working on getting Laurence to swallow so he can eat and get the feeding tube taken out. Made some good progress today.

Laurence is so determined! He's starting to become aware of how much he needs to relearn and has moments of feeling overwhelmed. But he is a fighter. Every time a therapist asks if he wants to stop he says no and keeps going.

I tell him every day how many people are praying for us. We send you prayers of thanksgiving and love. We are both very grateful.

XOXOXOXXO

Giving Thanks

Today was very peaceful compared to the hectic day yesterday. Laurence was out of bed and in a wheelchair for about three hours today. His nurse took him on a tour of the rehab area and he used the arm cycle machine. Praise God!

His therapy schedule is intense. He is definitely worn out by the end of the day. Still dealing with a low grade infection.

I had a chance to soak in the beauty of the peaceful meditation garden on the hospital grounds this afternoon and and give thanks for all our blessings and for all of you. Thank you so much.

Blessings.