Dear friends,
So much is going on, I just about lost my footing today. Stephen moved to the aptly named Sunnyview, where tomorrow he will begin to receive a variety of therapies to help him recover from what can only be called a veritable disaster. I still look to Psalm 18: "They (my enemies, spiritual!) confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support." How far we have come from November 8! Thanks for staying with me on this rocky pilgrim road, because there are miles to go before we sleep.
Stephen has lost over 25 pounds. We really need to pray hard for him to be able to eat. He has no appetite, and lots of broken bones requiring calcium and protien, not to mention his great need for energy for the task ahead. He is really barely eating anything, and I am quite concerned. His mental status is also a bit off. There is no brain injury according to the scans, but he is confused at times and his tests showed some things that need attention. He was placed on the brain injury unit (where Hannah was) at Sunnyview to address these issues, which are fairly minor, but he will also be spending lots of time with the orthopedic folks. He definately has a concussion, which is completely understandable given the nature of the accident, and may explain his slight offness (is that even a word?). Also, here's a man who never even took a drink in his life, and he's on some pretty powerful pain medicine. That may explain some of what's going on. I'm going to make him some pasta (his favorite food!) and see if he won't have some. The ortho people believe it's critical he starts to eat. So I'm asking once again for your specific prayers for that need.
Hannah continues to do well at home. She is more impulsive than she was before the accident, and I can see the areas where she will need help. But praise God for a living, breathing young woman who can relate to people! I will need help in the next month with people willing to sit with her for a few hours while I visit Sunnyview. I'll work that out with Terri at the church office, but I thank you already because I know from experience you will be there for me. I'm also at a loss about Christmas shopping. Stephen and I missed our November 14 shopping day. Tough to walk the mall when you're intubated. I feel like Scarlet O'Hara: "I can't think about that today, I'll think about that tomorrow..."
I'm scared, I'm tired and I'm muddled, but I'm not alone. He Who Lives Forever is with me, and so are you. Apparently there's a new "normal". I'll have to get used to that for now.
I think I'll try to write some during the day in the future, as the nights are very full now that we're home. I can't remember details at night.
Please keep commenting! You fill my lungs with air.
Your friend on the bumpy pilgrim road,
Loriann
Friday, November 27, 2009
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12 comments:
I will be praying for steve. I also praise God for what He has done already in hannah and Steve. I pray for you and your family this season. God is truly your strength.
Danelle
My sweet friend Loriann,
You better believe we're all here for you! I'm enjoying being here in NYC but can't wait to get home to you. Steve will still be very much in my prayers as well as the rest of your family. Remember one day at a time- everything will be taken care of- as each need arises, we(your church family) will meet them. We're all behind you 100%. "Great are Thy tender mercies, O Lord." Psalm 119:15b
Luv you so much! Connie
Loriann, The elves are in the wings awaiting instructions!!!!!!! love ya. Hang in. Live in the moment and things will fall into place. We are praying for Steve appetite. Jimmy and I could show him how to eat. Jim was quietly sitting in Chrissie's living room yesterday polishing off the rest of a half gallon on ice cream with a tablespoon.LOL! Blessing on your day. Love, Jim & Phyllis
The Aults: We have not commented much, but we and our extended family are praying for you from Cleveland. The Lord is mighty to save! May God continue to bless you and your family with His healing power...
Loriann-
I got my Mom to eat when no one else could. Like an infant she would refuse to eat, but if you stick with her and offer it again she would-- be patient with Steve and dont believe him when he refuses food, just let it happen at his pace. Maybe a few bites now, a little more later, smaple different tastes. He probably has no taste right now because of meds.
Make eating let of a duty and more of a pass time. Is he getting nourishment from a tube? If not- he MUST eat. MUST. I think he will too. Maybe if he smells something good it will interest him. Steaming hot food with a good smell. snacks, etc. We'll be praying HARD this weekend for that.
BUBBA-off
Praying for Steve to gain a voracious appetite. I'm sure just having some familiar food from home will help with that. But little by little..the Lord knows, Loriann - He has taken him THIS far - He will not let him go now. Love you to pieces.
Mary Ann
Loriann - We are continuing to hold you up in prayer. You are so strong and faithful! It's so good to see that Hannah came home and that she's connecting with friends! We are praying for Steve's continued healing and for his appetite.And know that you have a load of people who will shop for you and help you get ready for Christmas! Start making a list of what needs to be done. We are all ready to serve! We love you. The Bromseys
Hi Loriann,
I've been praying since I was told (11/9) and following the blog. Be encouraged as you have encouraged all of us. So many believers are praying for your family, we are constantly and ceaselessly filling God's ears with petitions on your behalf. We wait upon you, O Lord, and as we do so, You are strengthening our hearts. We will be of good courage because all our hope is in You.Thank you for strengthening us according to the promises of Your Word. We will not fear because You are with us. We will not be dismayed because You are our God. Thank you God that You are upholding the Smith family with the right hand of your righteousness. Praise Jesus Christ! An OSL mom. :)
Loriann,
Continue to try to get Steve to eat. We will also be praying.
Remember that God fed the Israelites in the wilderness with manna from heaven. Jesus is the bread of life. God will supply Steve with all the nutrients he needs - either naturally or supernaturally.
Have you considered taking communion with Steve?
Read Steve Scriptures from the Bible - especially healing and wholeness Scriptures along with his favorite Scriptures. The Word of God is his medicine and his food from our Heavenly Father.
Hang in there. Grab hold of Jesus and don't let go. You don't have far to reach. He holds you in the palm of His hand.
We love you all, continue to pray for everyone, and for complete restoration - and then some.
Lorraine & Ernie
Stephen and Loriann,
Wow. Improvements every day. You guys rock with recuperative ability. Congrats on your new dwelling, Steve. I trust you'll soar along like Hannah did in therapy. You all continue to feature prominently in our prayers. Our God is able to do above all we ask or think and He loves doing it!
Beyond the missing teeth and impulsiveness.Beyond the rods,pins and loss of appetite.Two hearts of gold remain quite in tact.In this find peace.Always in my heart,always in my prayers...Donnie
Still thinking of you guys, I will pray more specifically for the Lord to touch Steve's appetite and mind....praise Him that Hannah is home, safe and sound. I love you SO dearly!
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