Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving Day, 11/26/09

Dear friends,

Well, it's a Thanksgiving full of thanks. In my previous blog I expressed why I am so grateful, so I won't repeat myself. But I must say the little things mean so much. I folded a load of laundry today and enjoyed it. I ate a piece of Katie's apple pie and my mouth watered. I watched the cousins shoot baskets in the front yard, and my heart was happy. My brother did the dishes. That was really a kick.

I held Stephen's hand and watched some of the floats in the parade while my three children chattered quietly in the crowded space of a hospital room. Sheer joy for all of us to be together! When I think that 18 days ago I was lying on the floor of the ER wondering if my husband would be alive for the next 5 minutes, I am full of wonder. Dog tired, but full of wonder none the less.

Tomorrow morning at 10am we leave Albany Medical Center behind for the first time in 19 days. Thank you to the amazing, gifted and tenacious medical people who worked so hard to keep my husband and daughter alive. And to my dear friends in Bed Access, especially Trish Regan, who covered a stunning amount of ground in two and a half weeks to make my life bearable. When the Great One put it on her heart to become a nurse, He so knew exactly what material to use. Trish, my affection and gratitude knows no limits. I'm asking all of you to pray for her husband Tom, who has an aggressive form of prostate cancer. She's seen what Jesus can do, and He loves her so much!

So here we go into a new phase. Sunnyview again, but not the traumatic brain injury unit (one trip there is enough for a lifetime). This time we will go to the orthopedic section to begin rehab on Steve's left side only. As I said before, I have no idea how they will do this. I am back to one-day-at-a-time (did I ever leave it?), and now the long haul really begins for both Stephen and Hannah. Stick with me friends, I'll never go the distance without you.

Short post tonight, but no less heartfelt. I hope to soon begin responding to your comments. They breathe encouragement into my soul.

Your grateful friend on the pilgrim road,

Loriann

2 comments:

The Zegers said...

Loriann, We are sticking with you for the long run. Plus the fact, the Lord won't let us forget. He loves you so much, He keeps putting you in our minds.Well by now Steve is in Sunnyview. Let us know his new address. The process is an amazing one. Glad to see Hannah so joyful to be home.We are praying for your new transition, with Hannah, Joseph, & David home, Steve in rehab and Hannah in outpatient rehab. The Lord will flood you with His strenght to get through. Phil 4:13.We Love you. Jim & Phyllis

Anonymous said...

To my wonderful and precious adopted daughter:

God has put a word on my heart for you from Isaiah 41:

You are my servant!

I have CHOSEN you and have not rejected you.

So do not fear for I am with you.

Do Not be dismayed for I am your God.

I WILL STREHGTHEN YOU AND UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND...
For I myself will help you declares the Lord.

from Isaiah 40:

Do you not know Have you not heard
The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.

HE WILL NOT GROW TIRED OR WEARY and His understanding no one can fathom.

HE gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall.

but those WHO HOPE in the Lord will renew their strength they will SOAR on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

These words are for you AND for your HUSBAND who will one day run again.

YOUR GOD IS HOLDING YOU. REST IN HIS LOVING ARMS and walk in HIS strength.

HE is HOLDING YOU and WILL NOT LET YOU FALL.

HE LOVES YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN DESCCRIBE.

My prayer for you tonight is that you will sense HIS love and REST well in HIS arms.

Be blessed and strengthened knowing you are secure in tha love and strength of The only true God, who is your HEAVENLY DADDY.

Your Husband and daughter are safe in HIS care and will be even when you are sleeping.

Your adopted dad