Slow going, but at least we are going.

Thank you to all of you faithful prayer warriors who have kept lifting up my dad and my family these past several days. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is in control of this situation.

My dad has made remarkable strides cognitively over the past few days. Last night he had us all in hysterics. He was doing John Wayne impressions and singing Veggie Tales songs. He was on quite the comedic roll and while I know that he must have been as high as a kite, it was so nice to be able to laugh with my family again. He is so happy to be alive and I see God at work in him and in my parent's marriage and I am so thankful for that!

However, we are still having some pretty big obstacles to get over. He is unable to swallow and is very weak physically. He is on a feeding tube. We are not sure what is going on with his throat. He has had several tests done and is seeing a specialist. It is as if the muscle in his throat just sort of quit working and he is having to retrain it. Today he walked to the doorway of his room with a walker, and we praise the Lord for getting to watch his physical strength gradually return, but again we have a long way to go to reach "normal." So, it looks like he will stay in the hospital until Monday or Tuesday and then move to a nursing home for the next three or four months. An old family friend of ours is actually a nursing home inspector and was able to immediately make arrangements in a facility that we feel confident will provide excellent care. This is not the outcome that we were hoping for, but I feel so thankful that he is alive to recover! We will take it one day at a time and stand by his side no matter what. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Pray specifically for:
1. The muscles in his throat to regain strength and for him to be able to swallow.
2. His physical strength and endurance to return.
3. For him not to get pneumonia.
4. For his spirits to stay high.
5. That he will feel the presence of God at all times.
6. For my parent's marriage as they navigate these uncertain times together.
7. For complete healing and restoration by Christmas!

Thank you all for reading and continuing to pray. I cannot convey how blessed I have been personally by the outpouring of love. I am so rich because of the amazing people that God has placed in my life!

Isaiah 40:29 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."