Dear Friends and Family,

This will likely be our last entry here on Caringbridge.  While we still have a couple of big prayer requests, we are returning to “normal” (albeit a new normal in many respects).  

George’s third hand surgery in January to fuse the thumb joint went well and he recently had the cast removed.  The hand is weak, and it’s discouraging for him to be starting over with therapy, feeling like he’s back to square one.  Please pray for quick and excellent healing.  George loves to write post cards to people.  It has been his little joy over the years, bringing encouragement to others, helping them know they are loved.  Now he struggles to sign his name.  Pray with me that God will bring function back to his hand so that, among other things, he can write post cards again!

On the flip side, George’s hip is doing great!  He has no pain in it anymore and is able to move around with much more mobility.  

I am doing really well.  I started back to teaching in January and have had good energy and stamina.  A couple of weeks ago I had a blood clot by my aorta blocked off, so that it can’t break free and do damage.  That should be my last accident-related surgery! Wahoo!  The vascular surgeon reminded me that I am very lucky (or blessed, depending on your point of view!) to be alive.  Many people die at the scene of an accident with an aorta tear.  From this point forward I will just have maintenance checks once a year to make sure the Tevar graft on my aorta is in good shape. 

I sought a second opinion on my ability to do some of the physical things I love to do: cross-country ski, bike and hike as my original surgeon was discouraging about any of that.  This second vascular surgeon was confident that I can do those things with few limitations!  This is a huge relief and blessing.  I’ve gotten on my bike trainer and who knows…maybe I’ll be out on the roads by summer!

Now we turn our attention to the next chapter:  George’s retirement from camp. We just purchased a house in Wolfeboro, NH!  God has provided in AMAZING ways through this accident, and he’s not going to stop now.  We have faith that he has so many good things ahead for us.  Thank you again for your love and encouragement and support through this difficult period in our lives.  God has used you to bless us, and for that we are abundantly grateful.
With Love,
The Bowling Family