Good News!

Matt is gaining SO MUCH independence that the hospital thinks he will come home two weeks earlier than expected--mid January! (Although he will still require 24 hr. supervision.) Now I'm going to have to move on getting all the rails/bars that need to be installed in our house! I see this as a very positive step!

I appreciate all the calls, e-mails, and cards.  It strengthens me to know that you are thinking of us!

Looking Forward!

Today our pastor encouraged to look forward to the new year with hope AND to be thankful for the past year.  To be honest, this year was my MOST. STRESSFUL. YEAR. EVER.  But, even I can find things to be thankful for.

1.  My husband is alive and recovering!
2.  I have a great support system of prayer warriors and friends/family that are very helpful.
3.  My kids are adjusting to their new reality.
4.  The Well in Chiang Mai, Thailand really helped us through a rough patch.
5.  Our new community at Shepherd and Greenwood Christian has been amazingly welcoming.  

I look forward to a calmer year as we settle in and help Matt find his new normal.  

Happiness...

Today we had a family meeting with the social worker and one of the occupational therapists.  I think this quote sums up the meeting.  We can be thankful that Matt is healthy--it prevents stress on his shoulder joint, means he is on very little medication, and has more energy for his therapy.  Matt's speech is very clear.  Often stroke patients are very hard to understand.

Today I watched Matt go up and down four steps, walk 140 feet, complete sentences, state an item from a given category, and I was cleared to assist him into bed!  Plus he ate chicken pasta, two breadsticks, two pieces of pizza, and fudge.  Although he still rolls his eyes, I feel like he has a positive attitude.  I'm sure its very humbling to have to be helped in everything.  He's doing a great job of bearing with it!

Keep praying.  Your prayers are working.  

Update and Merry Christmas!

Matt has spent almost a week in rehab now.  He has three to four hours of therapy a day.  We are very thankful to hear more words every day that we visit.  He is continuing to work on walking--only using a cane.  He has enough control over the right leg that he can place it where it needs to be to step.  They are also working on basic skills like dressing, showering, etc.  I have seen a lot of improvement in his ability to stand up (a nurse is still always present) and get himself into bed.  

You can pray for: 1.  his right arm.  We still are not seeing a lot of movement there.  2.  patience.  He clearly has retained his memories and knowledge, BUT he has difficulty expressing basic needs.  It is frustrating for him.  3.  weight gain.  He has lost 20 pounds.  He was already thin anyway.  We are bringing anything that sounds good to him to try to fatten him up.  

We are thankful that he can interact well with the kids.  They have played UNO, colored pictures, and read stories together.  He was also very happy to receive a care package from Singapore.  The dried mangoes were a big hit as well as all the cards.  

From our family to yours, "Merry Christmas!"

Christmas Thoughts

Years ago Matt's grandparents bought us this beautiful nativity.  It is extremely detailed down to the reins for the camel. The wise men have their glittering treasure and are in reverent, humble poses.  The animals look on with calm serenity.  It is heirloom quality and one of my favorite Christmas items.
What got me to thinking is that there is only one shepherd and he's a young'un.  When I read the Christmas story I picture hoards of shepherds descending on the stable.  Our focus oftentimes is on what the wealthy or knowledgeable are doing.  That's what I love about the Christmas story--it's for everyone!  God came for the poor slaving away in the fields AND the kings that have studied the stars.  Hallelujah that Jesus came for us all.  

Christmas Programs

 Grandma Clark and I attended Shepherd's Christmas program on Friday.  It was nice and short and totally focused on Christ!

 I loved the decorations.

 Ana hammed it up beforehand.

 Mitike read some verses.

 I've noticed a trend in this family.  The kids stand off by themselves.

Aunt Kim said China stood over at the edge the whole time--Ana did a similar thing.  Oh well, maybe we'll blend in next year. 

Today...

Matt found out that he might have a slight case of pneumonia.  They started him on antibiotics.

Matt had over three hours of therapy in the morning.  He slept most of the afternoon :)  He puts all his effort into it and it leaves him very drained.

Pray with me against discouragement and that he stays healthy!

                                 

Our great friend Michael Wong sent us the above quote.  Pray that Matt is strengthened for what God has in store for him.