Good Morning Friends (at least I think it will be morning when you all read this). 

We have been on a hiatus from updates for the last month and a half as our family has tried to heal and figure out all that we've experienced and continue to experience on this path to recovery.  We are still in Denver, but our plan is to fly home on November 14th back to Cincinnati. We have missed our family and friends so much during this time, but being at Craig Hospital and around the amazing Doctors and Therapists here has definitely been a light in what could seem like a very dark journey.  If you are one of those people who have cared for Ellie during her time in Colorado, we want you to know how much you mean to us and how much you have touched all of us while she has been in your care.  Thank You...Sincerely.

Ellie Update

While Ellie is not where she hoped she would be at this time, we are still filled with hope that she will be healed in God's time.  Ellie is moving her toes, ankles, and the two middle fingers on her left hand slightly.   She has mastered the wheelchair and we are getting really good at transfers to and from the wheelchair.  We found a direct flight home on the 14th and we hope that trip goes off without any bumps, but given our track record in 2020, we are expecting a few :).  Ellie is in good spirits and is excited to check out the next chapter of therapy that's ahead of her.  We are looking at multiple options right now.  We are considering a local provider that has a strong track record helping people with similar injuries to Ellie's learn to walk again.  We are also looking at Frazier Hospital in Louisville and commuting 3 days a week.  She has several doctor appointments set up with Primary care, urologists, etc...  Joanne is working her tail off to get Ellie's apartment ready for her when we return.  She will be in the same apartment complex as us so that she can become independent, yet we can be there to help her get there.  Ellie turned 20 on October 27th, so you can imagine how much she wants her space. 

Joanne Update

The doctors removed Joanne's entire thyroid and she did great in the surgery with the exception of the anesthesia.  She got a little sick and it took a few days for her to get her energy back.  It has been a month since her surgery and she is starting to get her energy back.  She is still dealing with her Lyme disease, but we are learning that she has a build of candida (yeast) in her body that is causing inflammation and some joint pain in her shoulder.  We think that between having her thyroid taken out and the new medication she is on to remove the candida, she should start feeling better soon.  She cannot wait to get home just like the rest of us as she has been gone 9 out of the last 11 months this year in Arizona for her Lyme treatment and here in Denver for Ellie's recovery.  Needless to say...we are all longing for home.    

Another ASK:  Would you sit for 12 minutes, listen to a song, and receive? 

Aren't you glad I didn't ask you to fast again? 

This has been a faith journey for all of us.  There is no way we get through this without all of you and the ways each of you has supported us in your own way.   I want you to know that I realize we have been completely consumed in our own world during this time just trying to remember who we are and what He put us on this earth to do.  We have been sad, angry, impatient, frustrated, and even selfish at times.  We have asked God "WHY?" a thousand times with not much of an answer coming our way.  It's been easy to lose hope.  

However, recently, during one of my devotional times, I came across a verse in the scriptures that made me pause and reflect on all the good we have in our lives...right after that, a friend sent me this song to listen to that was this same verse put to music and I have listened to it over and over again.  As I was listening, I realized how inwardly focused we have been and how our healing is actually tied to turning our eyes outward and blessing those who have blessed us.   That said, I am praying this verse over all of you and singing this over you this morning and I hope you feel it when you listen/watch the youtube song attached to this post. 

24 “‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

Numbers 6:24-26

My request is simple...please find a quiet place, quiet yourself, and listen to this whole song from start to finish.  I hope you realize how much God loves and cares about you.  Right where you are, no matter what you're going through.  His blessing is still being poured out on you every day.  All you need to do is receive it.  I hope you are moved, I hope you are filled up and I hope this verse and song bring HOPE your way today and in the days to come.  We love all of you with everything we have!  As hard as this has been we are healing and we are thankful.  We hope some of that overflows to you today.