Day 226 - January 26 - More tough times
First, a couple of photos now that we have gotten the boy moved into his new room. Hopefully this gives you an idea of how wonderful God's people have been to us in this project...
Yesterday and today have been exceedingly difficult for us. Yesterday, the stress was running so high that none of us could effectively communicate with the others, causing strife and frustration and anger. In particular, Cherié and I couldn't seem to speak a sentence to each other without biting each other's head off. It seems that the weekends are always much more stressful than the weekdays, and the only real difference is that I'm home. I don't know what to do about that, but I do know that Cherié and I desperately need your prayer support. Our marriage is under tremendous strain and we would greatly appreciate all the prayer support we can get. Cherié is without question the best friend I have in the world - yet we squabble over the stupidest things. Neither of us is rested, I throw a wrench into her routine when I'm home, and we exist in this situation in complete survival mode - no time or energy for anything else. Not exactly the most nurturing environment for relationships, and so I would plead with you to add Cherié and I to your prayer list.
On top of that, we had a really full day today with appointment after appointment. Some were good things, others were just things that had to be done, but Connor is tired out from his "long, boring day", as he put it. One of the things we accomplished today was to have an initial visit with a trainer who is going to be helping us with Connor. She's hopeful that the techniques she uses will have a good positive result in Connor, so we're looking forward to working with her.
We also had two interviews with people regarding night nursing - the first with some folks who evaluated Connor's condition and needs to see if the state will help pay for any nursing costs (my insurance won't pay anything in that regard), and the second with a gentleman who is interested in the position. We didn't get a sense of peace about either situation, and so we continue to need your prayer as we try to figure out what kind of nursing help, if any, we need. Cherié and I seem to be of differing minds on this issue, so we especially need God's grace and wisdom as we try to discern the right course of action.
I want to say thanks to each of you for all the praying you do for us - y'all are so faithful to continue with us this long. Like the song says, "I'd have thought by now that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away; stepped in and saved the day - but once again, I say "amen" and it's still raining". So I really, really appreciate your faithful journeying with us.
Eric
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 7:43 PM
16 Comments
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16 Comments:
Eric,
I will be praying for the two of you. We are most vulnerable and weak when we lack rest and special down or alone time together.
Also, for the help with care. May the Lord give you both a peace about the direction to go.
Comfort Father God and bless their home with sweet peace, rest, and healing. In the Precious name of Jesus.
Amen
Connor's room is awesome! Thanks for the photos. :)
Still praying, and will add these specific requests.
Amy
You can count on us to pray for your marriage during this difficult time. We've heard that these kinds of situations can be very tough on marriages, so we will really be lifting you up in prayer.
It would be wonderful, if somehow it could work out for the two of you to go away for a night or two and just focus on each other. We can pray for that too.
Praying without ceasing!
In Christ Alone!
Kim
I'm just getting caught up on the blog from last week and it's great to see and hear all that's happening. Even though I'm not on the blog as often as I'd like, God is continually bringing your family to my mind, and that always leads to a prayer. Holdfast, my friends.
I've been watching a Joni & Friends show that airs on TBN and it's really worth watching. It highlights people who have struggled with different things (many paralysis) and shows how faith in our Lord Jesus Christ makes all the difference in those struggles and gives hope. I would highly recommend them.
I hope to catch you at church one of these Sundays. I seem to miss seeing you all. Please, know that you're not forgotten and that each prayer request will be taken to the Almighty.
I'll be praying. It would be amazing if there wasn't any tension and stress with all that you're going through. I've always wondered why is it that when we're stressed we bite at the ones we love the most?
But praise be to Jesus. He has the power to conform us and give us the fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. I need to be constantly reminding myself of this. One thing for certain is that without rest it will be even more difficult. He made us to need rest! I'll be praying that you get that night nurse. What a blessing that would be.
Bless this marriage dear God which is built on your foundation of love and respect. Carry them through every day and let them go to sleep in your peace.
Please use this blog for any referrals for respite care. It is so important that you care for yourself so you can care for Connor.
There are many people who can refer you to excellent care givers...especially with paralysis. I have a neighbor I will call who has a disabled daughter. They make sure they get a way for 2 days twice a year to keep their liffe and marriage stable.
You WILL GET THROUGH THIS....He guarantees it.
In Love,
Kathleen
Morgan Hill
Eric,
I waited patiently for these pictures. Such a great room.
Connor,
You did a great job with the colors and decorating, I imagine it will be a huge sigh of relief for you once you can find someone you all feel comfortable with and you'll be snug as a bug in a rug in your room.
Family,
I stopped mid paragraph and just prayed/pleaded for the Lord to calm your hearts. I can imagine that any marriage any less strong than yours woul have crumbled, you are a great support to each other. Hold fast to the faith that we all share, to the knowing that He is always with us and that WE (your family, friends and community) are praying for you, loving you and care deeply for you.
As always,
Michawn
Eric have you seen the Christian movie "Fire Proof"? If not, you and your wife need to see it.
Love from Marge in Spring Creek, NV
praying for you guys!!!! i know you will make it through because you guys have JESUS walking beside you every step of the way!!!!!!love you all =)
Always praying!
WE UNDERSTAND AND ARE PRAYING! The word that comes to my mind is "grace"...in our struggles with 2 disablilites in our house we often say to all members, "We've got to give each other grace." I don't know if that helps but we will cry out on your behalf and WE LOVE YOU.
Kristie for the Robinsons
I have had this song on my ipod for a long time, and today it really spoke to me. I thought you might like the imagery too.... download the modern version by Jeremy Casella.
He put some beautiful music to it. The words were written in 1773 by the top hymn-writer in Wales.
God bless Connor & family!
Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
words: William Williams (1773)
music: Jeremy Casella
Guide Me O, Thou Great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak but thou art mighty
Hold me with thy powerful hand
Bread of heaven
Feed me now and evermore
Bread of heaven
Feed me now and evermore
Open now the crystal fountain
Whence the healing waters flow
Let the fiery cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through
Strong deliverer
Be thou still my strength and shield
Strong deliverer
Be thou still my strength and shield
When I tread the verge of Jordan
Bid my anxious fears subside
Death of death and hell's destruction
Land me safe on Canaan's side
Songs of praises
I will ever give to thee
Songs of praises
I will ever give to thee
Oh, to finally say goodbye
Bid my anxious fears, bid my anxious fears
Land me safe on Canaan's side
Bid my anxious fears, bid my anxious fears goodbye
Dear Williamson's,
Praying for help in finding the right caregivers and for your marriage. May God provide His perfect answers for you.
Thanks for the pictures. What a wonderful room!
The Zappa's
Gilroy
Awesome room Conner. You and your family are truelly blessed I keep yep you in my prayers eveyday.
Hi Williamsons~
What a blessing....Connors room looks great! Enjoy! Haven't commented in some time but yall continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Stand firm...as I know you are and focus, focus, focus...on the good things! Boy, are those words easier to say than to do...don't we all know that. But be encouraged!
I'm reminded of the little routine that the flight attendants preform before every flight. Specifically the part about putting the oxygen masks on yourself before you put one on your child...I encourage you Eric and Cherié to take care of yourselves and each other...it's hard to help our children when we are lacking "oxygen" ourselves.
So, don't beat yourself up or each other up too much when it gets overwhelming and too heavy...it is normal and to be expected.
Rise above the "normal" in Jesus name! By His grace and mercy.
God Bless You all!
The Shipe family
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