"Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Waters will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert." Isaiah 35:6

Monday, February 28, 2011

Monday - day 55

Hello Everyone,
Thanks for checking in!  No real change in Miriams condition. She is scheduled to have placement of permanent ITC for Baclofen tomorrow. They have been giving her some oral Baclofen and this has controlled the neuro  storms. We pray the procedure goes well tomorrow.
Over the week-end, Miriam's best friend, Jenny, flew in from Taiwan and visited with Miriam and Alex. Her visit meant so much....thank you Jenny!
Meanwhile the therapy team continue to work on stimulating Miriam and we continue to pray for her to emerge from the coma, and to be able to follow commands.
Please pray for us, her family, as we wait to see God work.   Thank you!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wednesday - Day 50

The Baclofen was successful in helping prevent spasticity and stopping Neuro Storms. The temporary intrathecal catheter has been removed and now it is necessary to wait several days for complete healing before the permanent catheter is placed.As a result of no longer receiving the Baclofen, Miriam had further neuro storm this evening.  She remains busy with her PT OT and ST and opened her right eye during physical therapy today. Therapy continues to be focused on stimulation so Miriam will emerge from the coma. Please continue to pray she will awaken and be able to follow commands.

Hard to believe it has now been fifty days. We miss Miriams' cheerful smile and look forward to the time we can see it once more. We continue to trust The Lord for complete healing. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Sunday.......A Day of Rest

Hello Everyone!

Well, the good news is that since starting the Baclofen, Miriam has had three nights without any neuro storms! PTL! Her muscles are less tense and she just seems more relaxed. The medication is working and we truly thank God for that.  We talked to Alex this morning and even talked to Miriam via speaker phone....I told her how much she is loved and of all the folks who are praying for her. Please continue to pray for her to wake up.

Malachi 4:2   But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Miriams Busy Day

Miriams day was packed with activities. Alex arrived very early in her room and noticed her right eye was open. He also noticed strong grimacing while her trach was suctioned....this is a good sign.
Her casts were removed from her feet and then OT took her in the shower! More grimacing with the cold water!
They got her dressed and then Miriam had a session in her wheelchair. PT then came and recast her feet/ankles.
Around 12.30 p.m. the physicians placed an intrathecal catheter through which a continuous infusion of Baclofen will be administered. This medication helps control spasticity and helps stop Neuro Storms.
In the afternoon she had a session with ST.
Quite a busy day!
Pray for good results from the Baclofen and that she will emerge from the coma and be able to follow commands. Also pray for Alex to stay healthy and for wisdom.
We continue to trust in the healing power of our Almighty God.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Casting Crowns - Praise you in this storm





Five years ago about this time of the year, we learned that Jon would be sent to Afghanistan for a year and that we would be apart for a total of 14 months.  Eliana was just 3 months old at the time and we were reveling in our new role as parents and excited to watch her grow together.  God had other plans for us for that first year of Eliana's life and it couldn't have been more contrary to what we thought was "BEST."  About the time that Jon first received his orders a song came on the Christian radio stations sung by Casting Crowns.  The song was called "Praise You in This Storm."  As you listen to the song and read the lyrics you can understand how Jon and I really thought that God would reach down and save the day, but then He didn't and we had a choice to make.  Would we still believe that He was God in spite of what we were faced with?

I hope that this song is an encouragement to each of you today as you listen to it and read the words and think about the God that we serve.  May we be faithful to praise Him in this storm as we pray for Miriam.



Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, 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 
as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain, 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away. 

Chorus: 
And I'll praise you in this storm 
and I will lift my hands 
for You are who You are 
no matter where I am 
and every tear I've cried 
You hold in your hand 
You never left my side 
and though my heart is torn 
I will praise You in this storm 

I remember when I stumbled in the wind 
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again 
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on 
if I can't find You 
and as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away 

Chorus 

I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 
I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 

One Week Complete at Shepherd Center

Hi Folks,

Miriam has now been at Shepherd Center for a full week undergoing intense physical/occupational and speech therapy. She has casts on her lower legs/feet to prevent spasmodic positioning and every day they get her into her wheelchair for periods of time. Through all of this, Miriam remains comatose. She continues to have Neuro Storms, sometimes five times per day.

Alex, Mommy and cousin Debbie are there in Atlanta with Miriam, observing and learning and continually encouraging Miriam. It is so hard to wait patiently for The Lord to work, but we only see part of the picture, God has a whole plan in all of this and He is working all things together for good. We continue to put all our faith in The God of Creation, who loves us and is all-wise and all-knowing, and so much more. He is our everything and we trust in Him even though, right now, life hurts.

Your prayers are so much appreciated.....they are keeping us strong and we know God hears. Thank you!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Day 39 - Shepherd Center

Miriam had a session with PT today that went well. The therapist is amazing and continually talks to Miriam and encourages her. This evening as Alex and Doris prayed over Miriam, she turned her head towards Alex as soon as he touched her head. She has not done this before, yet she was not able to repeat it. Alex asks we pray specifically for consistency and reproductibility for each step of functional recovery.
For saturday, Miriam is scheduled for more PT and ST( Speech therapy)....Sunday is a day of rest!
Psalm 130:5    I will wait for The Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.