Saturday, January 29th

What a day.  It's funny how much God can use different things throughout your day.  My day started by just allowing the kids to rest at home and in their beds.  I love Saturdays for them.  They are active kids, but they sure love their pj-and-cartoon time.  Holly was so awesome to let me leave early than I have been to get to Laura and some great time with some good friends.  She handled breakfast, clothing them, investing into them, and getting them to the Pritchards.  I appreciate you, Holly.  When I left, those kids were very peaceful.

The prayer time at the hopsital was amazing.  Those men gathered around me to pra,y and I felt stronger and empowered by their prayers.  They all prayed for Laura and the kids.  I can't tell you how many times I heard "in Jesus name" during those prayers.  I gave them all a hug and went on in to see my wife.  I miss her.  I am struggling with the distance, but I can rest and I can trust in my God.  My first thought when I saw Laura was that she seemed rested.  I could tell things had gone well over the night time (GREAT JOB SUZI!!!!), so Laura looked great.  The doctor was already in there updating her and Janice.  He was gracious enough to start over for me and fill me in.

The run-down was basically good.  He is pleased enough with Laura's progress that he feels that it will be okay to move her to a regular room.  Originally, Dr. Bosco did not want Laura out of his sight ,so I figured she must be doing MUCH better.   Well, usually this is good news for people, but I could tell Laura was a bit nervous.  I know she really trusts that team in the Trauma Unit to take care of her.  She knows God is in control but also knows that God has blessed her with the efforts of the medical staff.  So, at 8:30 a.m. this morning I knew Laura was already facing a bit of emotional concern for the changes that were eventually going to come.  Dr. Bosco also filled us in on some details that I won't bore you with, but basically there were only a few things he wanted to check on.  Overall, she is good.  He did say we aren't done yet and there is still a ways to go, but she is moving in the right direction.  Even though I could tell Laura was nervous she still kept her focus by saying that her new room will be a new ministry.  That was so moving to hear.

For the next two hours a few things were going on.  First, Laura was getting more nervous about how she was really doing.  Second, Dr. Bosco was suddenly not pushing to get her into another room.  It seemed strange to Janice and me.  Then, he cancelled moving her until tomorrow.  There was no real explanation for this, so please be praying about that.  Laura's PIC line did have some problems, but they did get that resolved.  So, I am not sure what's going to happen tomorrow.  After a bit of respiratory therapy and a walk, Laura got tired.  I believe Satan was approaching.  Laura was really starting to break down a bit emotionally.  She said that she did not know how to tell the kids that she won't make it home.  And she was concerned that maybe God had already achieved His goal and that He may be ready to take her home.  These were very raw moments with her.  She was so scared.  I held her head close on to mine and told her that God is right here with her and that He would not scare her.  She said that she started to quote some scripture in her head, and that gave her some peace.   Like a lot of people, I am a problem-solver.  I could not fix how she was feeling, but I could lead her to rest.  So, as quickly as possible we got her comfortable, and she fell asleep.  I think that seems to be a pattern.  When she is tired (she works so hard), Satan makes attempts.  I gotta think this is yet another reason to Be Still and Know That I Am God.  He knows we need rest.  Sometimes it's best to shut down ourselves and let God battle for us.  From late morning until early afternoon, Laura rested.  She did share some concerns about food.  She asked for prayer for this, because she is really starting to be hungry.  And, moving to a regular room means other people will be eating around her.

I can tell you that one of the highlights of her day was taking a walk with her grandfather.  I have great memories of my grandparents, so I can only imagine how sweet that time was for both of them.  And another great moment came late tonight when Carrie McChesney got to walk her outside of the Trauma Unit.  Laura walked the whole 2nd floor!  Go team Frederick!  Slightly envious Carrie got to do it, but I am really happy for Laura.  That reminds me...Carrie is the night person tonight, so please keep her in your prayers.  Dan as well.  He's got the little guy solo.  Thanks for yet another sacrifice, Dan.

My favorite moment today was when Laura was rested and we had just gone on a walk.  She said, "You know, we make a pretty good team."  There is a history with that comment between us that I won't share, but I can tell you that hearing that was like being home with her.  It just feels good to hear something normal.

Tomorrow holds more challenges I'm sure, but together (meaning ALL of us) we can rest in His Presence.  I am so grateful that I believe in someone bigger than me.  Please pray for the day, hunger, Carrie's night, Janice - for getting there every morning at 5 a.m. to relieve the night person, Kaitlyn and Kaden, the Pritchards because my kids will be there and they are a huge blessing...the list is endless.  I will hopefully run in to some of you tomorrow at church, but please come by and so hello at the hospital as well.  We could always use more prayer.