Timely encouragement

The last couple of weeks have been eventful. As I look back on things, the Lord has revealed a lot of encouragement that I did notice, at the time, but didn't always put them together as a continuous presence of our Lord like I see them now.

First, there has been all of the care, concern, and prayers from our family, church, caregivers, friends and people that havecome to me from crossing my path or here in this blog. Even some friends from Mowreystown, OH, where my son preached for a while, stopped to see me, adding that they, and many others at the church, were following this blog and praying for me.

Then, I think about Bob & Sue from North Carolina, who have continued to encourage me. Bob is a GBS survivor as well, who has visited me, routinely emails and has a story very similar to mine. 

Last week, I had a visit from DEBBIE, a former GBS patient that lives in Covington and was here visiting a friend. The She had waist down paralysis, and took nearly two years to recover. To listen to her is like telling my own story. She had the flu (didn't mention a flu shot), didn't fully recover, was diagnosed with MRSA in her sinuses, had steroids, then went into GBS. Took her 4 months in ICU, and the balance of two years in a nursing/rehab facility . When she finally went home, she wasn't fully recovered, but continued to heal. Today, three years after starting her trek, she walked into my room, totally normal with no after effects. 

Last Thursday, Nancy picked me up in our van, and we went to the north side of Cincy to meetings with two medical product suppliers. We learned A LOT in a very short time. And, we ended our trip with a visit to a Taco Bell. (Chalupa Time!!!)

Then, we connected, by phone, with Doug, also from North Carolina. He, too, is a recovering GBS survivor, who had a brief infection, after a flu shot, was put on steroids, and the rest is history. It sounds like he was as far gone as I was, including total paralysis. Doug was under direct rehab care, until his insurance helped him to decide to return home where he continued his therapy – and self funded outpatient therapy. He continues to recover through gym exercise 3 – 4 times per week. He is, by his appraisal, 80% - 90% back to normal after three years. He can type, drive, travel and work.

Yesterday, Nancy picked me up and we went for a long ride through the country, but not before stopping at one of my old haunts – Harbor Freight. I was happy that they survived the drop in revenue that must have occurred two years ago when I got sick. Even Nancy said it was fun to push me through the aisles.

These stories of patience and recovery have been an encouragement that I needed, and an answer to one of my prayers. Thank you, Lord, for knowing what I need, and then providing it – continuously!

Steve

Steve was here!

I believe you all know about the power chair that I have been asked to consider by my therapists. It is a behemoth device that casually moves me from A to B with only a few head motions.At the safest speed, it moves at just over 12’ per minute. In travel mode, however, it goes at nearly 0.7 mph! That is the speed they allow now, after slowing it down from a much faster 1.1 mph. It seemed I was terrorizing the halls with my hot rod. When it beeps, meaning it is powering up, everyone within earshot immediately goes on alert and clears all possible paths until I have passed.

When you live in a rehab and long-term care facility, you look for fun and humor where you can find it!

The past two weeks have been eventful. Not only did I get to try standing for the first time in over two years, but I also was tied to an exercise bike a couple of times. Forgot what a “treat” that was! I also went out to lunch with Nancy, at the Greyhound. In the course of all this, I was careful to leave my mark here at our gym (see photo)

Nancy and I have been part of a  small group Bible study for almost 3 years now. They choose to meet at Rosedale weekly so I can be a part. The week before last we finished the study of Luke, and last week we did a short study of Philemon. Next week we intend to start studying Titus, but also being a very short letter, will probably complete it in a night, as well. We plan to do a four week study on benevolence and generosity in April, so we are looking for short studies between now and then.

All in all, I seem to be improving, albeit, slowly. I am still waiting on hand and foot control, but there's really faint signs that it will happen, eventually. We are still talking about the next steps, but I am now anticipating being here through Spring and possibly into Summer. We still go at this one prayer at a time.

And speaking of that, Nancy and I have really treasured the church family that has prayed for us, and stepped in to help when we needed it – often without even being asked. As some of you know, she tripped over a pavement crack and got a black eye and a bruised rib cage. The outpouring of help has been tremendous, leaving me only able to tell everyone “thanks”, and“ I have an alibi this time!”

-Steve