Today, October 6, 2022, marks one year since my Dad's life was dramatically and permanently altered when he was attacked with a machete.  We knew at the time and it has only been confirmed, that it is nothing short of a miracle that he lived.  We have heard over the past year from paramedics and professionals on the scene that they didn't think my Dad was going to make it.  The paramedics said they had to look away as they attended to him or they would have passed out.  Judges, attorneys, doctors and therapists who have interacted with my Dad over the past year are amazed that he is not only alive but has had an extraordinary recovery, is doing well and doesn't seem to have any PTSD.  

My Dad has been quick to give God the glory for all of this, knowing it was entirely God's control that spared his life.  Though he did think that he was going to die, he has realized that somehow God spared him from feeling pain or fear during the attack.  My Dad has been invited to share his remarkable story in several churches as well as to countless individuals this past year.  It has been a great encouragement to other believers to hear first-hand how God can shield and comfort those he allows to experience extreme suffering, just as we’ve heard God has been with those around the world persecuted or martyred for their faith.   Amazingly, as he has told of God's goodness even in such a violent, traumatic assault, he doesn't flinch or shudder as he remembers the attack.  God has healed my Dad emotionally as well as physically and we are so grateful.

A few months ago, while testifying at a release hearing, my Dad was able to tell his grandson Ethan directly that he forgives him and has asked God to forgive him.  Just this morning, Ethan was sentenced and found Guilty Except for Insanity for his Assault in the First Degree charges.  He will soon be released to a mental hospital for ongoing assessment and probably transition out in the future.  Our prayer is that he will totally surrender to Jesus, and find salvation, healing, redemption, stability and a productive life ahead, experiencing a miracle of his own through God's grace.

Though still adjusting to having one eye and limited range of motion in some fingers, my Dad is able to do some farm and mechanical work, drive and function fairly normally.  He is over halfway done with his PhD Counselling program that he started in this past year, at the encouragement and supervision of his kindred-spirit counselor whom God directed him to just after the attack.  He has really been enjoying and growing through these studies and is curious and anticipating how God will use it to help others in the future.

Though my Dad recognizes that it would have been easier and nicer for him personally, to have died and gone to heaven, the one job he knew God kept him alive for was to continue to be the primary caregiver for my Mom with Alzheimer's.  Even while he was in the hospital the day after the attack, he was making sure someone was looking after her since he couldn't.  For the past 6 years of her decline, he has faithfully devoted his time and energy caring for her and she was one reason he wanted to fight to live.  One month ago, on September 5, 2022, she went to be with Jesus whom she dearly loved.  We all miss her so much and it has been a big, tough adjustment for my Dad.  He has said that his job is done, that job anyway, but we know God has more for him to do while he still has breath.  He is hopeful about the future and how God will lead him from here.

Thanks for continued prayer for comfort, strength and direction for my Dad.  This past year has been very difficult for him and our entire family and has further strained relationships so prayers for healing and unity are appreciated as well.  

Psalm 71:7, My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.