“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever” Psalm 118:1 

As we look back over the last year, it was filled with seemingly impossible physical hurdles, incredible emotional challenges, and yet non-stop grace and support. 

Dad was admitted to the hospital on September 20th, 2018 and eventually diagnosed with neuro-invasive West Nile poliomyelitis. As we reach the anniversary marking the beginning of Dad’s journey, we would like to reflect on a few things that inspire gratitude.  But first, an update on Dad’s continued recovery.  

As of the last update, Dad was facing his upcoming driving test, working towards walking with just a cane, increasing his neck/core flexibility, and beginning to focus on regaining an upright posture.  

Not only did Dad pass his driving test, he is now driving himself to physical therapy and his personal trainer.  His neck/core is still not 100%, so he remains cautious, but does not feel hindered and is comfortable driving by himself.  

In July, Dad was focusing on walking with just a cane.  Now he is starting to walk throughout rooms in the house using only the walls, countertops, etc.  If he moves to another area of the house he may use the walker if he is not wearing a brace on his left foot. He is encouraged by the ability to move independently using his cane or if he is unsure about the terrain, he will use the walker. 

Although encouraged by his mobility, maintaining an upright posture is still a very large hurdle for Dad.  His core strength must return and he must continually, consciously, and actively work on this. Regaining the ability to remain upright will have a large effect on his daily routines.  He is encouraged, however, by the fact that he can now sit on the couch and stand up by himself! 

The only assistive device remaining in the house is a chair in the shower.  When Dad’s posture improves to the point he can stand upright comfortably for long periods of time, this will be removed.  This means the hospital bed/tray, ramp, handles for the toilet, commode, and crutches are all gone! 

Dad’s goal is to return his borrowed wheelchair to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital within the next two months by walking the wheelchair inside the building by himself.  The mere fact that this goal is within Dad’s reach is an incredible answer to prayer.  

Beyond working against his own body weight, Dad has started lifting weights with his legs.  He even pushed a sled that weighed more than 50lbs over astro turf! This shows that his strength is returning.  He is able to navigate stairs now. The next step is building the small muscles in his core that are required for balance.  

Dad’s right foot is almost fully functional, while his left is lagging behind and still requires a brace.  He is encouraged by increased movement in his left foot, however, and hopes to no longer need the brace in the next few weeks.  

As we look back over this past year, the biggest thing that stands out is the massive amount of love, support and encouragement Mom and Dad received during an incredibly difficult journey  

On October 12th, 2018, after weeks of paralysis and being unable to even close his eyelids we remember celebrating that Dad could manage to drink a little water through a straw.  Then we were praying that he would be admitted to an acute rehab hospital and not to a nursing home. Later in the rehab hospital, Dad still couldn’t breathe while sitting propped up in bed  and he ended up back in the ICU.    

Over the next few months we saw Dad’s breathing get worse and a tracheotomy was performed. This was a dark time as Dad had a peg tube in his stomach to eat and a trach to breathe, and he was moved to a long-term ICU hospital.   After that, he couldn’t sit in a special tilt chair for more than 2 hours, and only at 90 degrees for 60 seconds. Recovery was a long way off,and there were many mental and physical battles to fight.  

The move to Bryn Mawr Rehab hospital was a huge positive step for Dad, and we were encouraged when he got his motorized wheelchair “license”! Slowly the idea that Dad might be able to go home came in to view, and with it new mountains to climb.  It was a massive dose of reality when every little detail of being home had to be ironed out. Again, this took an emotional toll on Mom and Dad. The transition home happened successfully but only with an outpouring of support from everyone surrounding Mom and Dad. 

Here we are a year later.  Mom and Dad are happily at home.  They may not be fully independent yet, but they are able to function daily on a limited level.  Dad has gotten over his fear of mosquitos (although he’s still cautious!), Mom remains healthy and encouraged, and they both feel an incredible blanket of grace from all of the many, many people supporting and praying for them.  

The foundation that Mom and Dad stood firmly on throughout this last year was God’s love and care through everyone’s prayers, meals, acts of service, words of kindness, financial help, and other ways never imagined.  Without the continual, enduring kindness shown to Mom and Dad, this journey would not have been possible. Our entire family is immeasurably grateful.  

As we look towards this upcoming year with Dad’s full recovery as the goal, we ask for prayer for the following: 

1. Dad will be able to return the wheelchair to Bryn Mawr and mark this hugely successful point in his recovery.

2. Mom and Dad will continue to not be sick (this prayer request has been answered many, many times over the last year, thank you!)

3. Dad’s right arm will regain its mobility and strength. 

4. His left foot recovers enough for the brace to be removed, and both his feet regain their strength and flexibility.  

5. Dad’s range of motion in his shoulders, neck, arms and core will increase to 100%.  This is still an area that is slowly recovering and requires a lot of work on Dad’s part.  

6. He would regain the ability to be fully upright when he stands and walks..  This is by far the biggest hurdle, and Dad is grateful for continued prayer in this area.  

Mom: 

“I am thankful to God daily that I still have my husband, his mind is clear and as sharp as ever, and we are home together again. This experience has brought us closer and deepened our relationship with Jesus Christ and each other, perhaps like nothing else could. I am also humbled by the outpouring of love and care Steve and I have received. We could never repay or even thank everyone.”

There is no doubt that this last year has been more than a challenge.  But it has also been a year of grace, encouragement, and an outpouring of support.   This next year we will continue to pray and hope for Dad to make a complete recovery.  

And finally, we recognize with heavy hearts that many who suffer from neuro-invasive West Nile do not experience such a dramatic recovery. We remain deeply and profoundly grateful for the Lord’s mercy in Dad’s case and for the hundreds of medical professionals that have assisted Dad to get where he is today.