9 Months

I heard these words in a song today and they spoke to me. Actually shouted to my heart. These words describe Mark's health journey the last nine months, our journey together, our family's journey.

"It's not just a story. It's a living, breathing, walking testimony." 

So many of you have asked about Mark in the last few weeks. It's time for an update. Remember back to the granulated placenta product applied to his heel pressure ulcer at the start of the summer. It jumpstarted the healing process. For him, it was the miracle product that we had waited months for. 

After remaining the first two thirds of the summer on his knee scooter and electric scooter outdoors, excused from lawn mowing and yard work,  and limited use of his foot, we were given great news. The doctor said,  "Two more weeks and we'll make some decisions."  He liked what he saw. Two more weeks ......

July 31 - The ulcer is considered healed externally. Internally, it can take up to two years to restructure itself. During that time the area may be thin and reopened easily. Okay to return to wearing two shoes, walking, going in the lake, mowing lawn, etc. etc. Wearing two shoes again was a huge accomplishment! The instructions were to inch his way into these activities. After so many months of not using certain muscles and ligaments, returning to normal was a slow process. One more followup office visit to come and Mark will be discharged from wound care. 

Mark is back to playing pickle ball, walking 2 1/2 miles in the park by our home with Lindy, bike riding, yard work and fishing. This week completes the next step in the healing process for both of us. Admittedly, it was a little "letting go of eyes on him for me." I can admit that. Mark took his fall fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, Ontario by himself. It is about a 13 hr, 2 day drive. He met a friend there and enjoyed 10 days of fishing. Lots of fish and every day spent on the water in his most loved place to be! Nine months of miraculous  healing in every way - physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Time to be alone and reflect. 

Ever single time someone asks about Mark's health, this continues to be a telling of of his story, but "It's not just a story. It's a living, breathing, walking testimony." 

Mark's heart will continue to restructure itself, finding new pathways around the arteries with some blockage. His heart will continue to gain strength and  stamina. His healing will continue and be monitored for the rest of his life. 

At this point, a major chapter has closed. The next step will be visiting some of those places that brought me so much comfort and where your prayers flowed abundantly - the many chapels, the Catholic Home, our favorite pizza restaurant for the end of so many days. It will be another part of stitching together the missing pieces of Mark's testimony for him. 

Today, I needed to write this journal entry as much for myself as for you. Thank you from the depths of our hearts for following us on this journey and walking step by step with us.

Psalm 73:26  “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Blessings to all of you,

Sue and Mark