“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KRISTI!!

Remembering where Mom was at this time last year both physically and mentally, it is beyond unbelievable where she is today.

A week ago Mom went to see Dr. Coyne. He is the Doctor who first sat with Paul and I that fateful day Nov 11th 2019 just hours after we had witnessed Mom’s heart stop 4 times before being stabilized just enough to wheel her into heart surgery. He was the first one to give us an indication that she was still alive, at least for the time being (I can’t speak for Paul but I know I had my doubts).

But on this visit with Dr. Coyne, after looking at her labs, blood pressure, heart, and lungs, he said that everything is back to normal. He also said that for her to have a massive pulmonary embolism and now be able to have a conversation with him is INCREDIBLE! He is amazed that she continues to heal and improve especially that her eyesight is getting better. He mentioned that he still talks to his colleagues about Mom.

I have had the chance to visit with Mom several times over the last few weeks. I see noticeable changes in the way that she communicates and her memory. Just a month ago during a conversation she would frequently ask the same question multiple times and randomly whether it was on the topic of discussion or not. Some examples are “Did I decorate Daniel’s Baby shower with blue whales?” ; “Was I there for your baptism?” ; “Is your brother fellowshipping with believers now?”

Not only have these repetitive questions become almost non-existent but she is very much more engaged in and following the topic of conversation. I told her that she’s “increasingly acting more like herself, for better or worse” LOL

When I visit, her favorite thing to do is listen to sermons and discuss Our Lord and Savior. She frequently breaks into song, mostly hymns. Last week it was “I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary” (the Gather’s version is a particular favorite). This week was “Abide in Me” and Ethel Waters’ rendition of “His Eye is On the Sparrow.” She regrets not having her same beautiful voice but her tear-filled praise is something to behold. Paul also marvels at her memory of these songs but he’s mostly impressed that she can still beat him at Jeopardy each day.

I have attached a picture of Mom making herself birthday cookies at physical therapy. Her arm range of motion has moved from a few inches off of her lap to now being able to dry her eyes and pull her hair back behind her head.

Please continue your prayers for Mom’s continued physical and mental improvement.

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep... My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."

-John 10:11,27-28