Day 46 - July 31 - A slow news day

Well, I got to the end of the day before posting anything, primarily because there isn't much to post. Connor had a kind of mediocre day - some good moments, but wrestling a bit against depression. In that sense, my own day was similar to his, and so we stumbled through our day without any significant victories, nor any significant defeats.

One good note was that the boy was able to spend 25 minutes on the speaking valve today, up from five minutes the first try and 10 minutes yesterday. The physical therapist says that he is very advanced with his swallowing ability, which puts him ahead of that game, and they hope to fit a permanent voice valve in his trach in the next few days. Connor is pleased with that.

He also had some good moments with his sister and a good friend who dropped by unannounced just at the right time to lift his spirits, so that was a blessing. Additionally, God reminded us of His gracious provision with some surprising gifts from both people we know and people we don't - may God bless you all for your generosity and obedient willingness to be His hands and feet to us!

I want to add another prayer request to the list. In addition to, and secondary behind our requests for Connor's healing and provision, we are in need of a lawyer or paralegal who can help us with our insurance nightmare, with sorting out our options and paperwork, and in helping represent us to our insurance company to ensure Connor's care is maintained as long as he needs it. They would preferably be located somewhere around the Morgan Hill area, and I am hoping and praying for a follower of Christ with integrity. All lawyer jokes aside, I just want someone who will understand our particular needs and viewpoint. If anyone can give personal reference to someone like that, would you please contact me through the Contact page?

Finally, I wanted to tell you another "hey, look how wise my daughter is" story -

Tonight, the family was invited to dinner at a local home, and we were able to spend a couple of hours sitting around a real dining room table and enjoying a delicious meal and some much-needed relaxation. Unfortunately, two hours away from the hospital began to gnaw at me, and by the end of our time there I was neck deep in a battle to maintain my faith and hope against my fear and anxiety. Joélle (bless her heart!) saw me and asked "What's wrong, Poppa?" "I'm just thinking of the boy". "You shouldn't worry", she says. "It's already taken care of." I told her that I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water, and felt like I was always about to drown. She responded with "You don't need to worry like that - remember that God's already answered your prayers! You should be praising Him for His answers to your prayers!"

You know, she was right. When I got in the car to get back to the hospital, I popped in some praise songs and sang along, and by the time I got back to the boy, I was able to uplift him as well as a few of the folks we ran into in the halls. It was so good to focus not on the boy and our seemingly unending troubles, but rather on the glory of our Lord.

Well, I'm turning cross-eyed typing this, so I'd better get some sleep. I'll leave you with six final words -

God is good. All the time.