Sunday night, March 25th
Olivia and I were at Barnes and Noble yesterday to get Taylor a gift certificate for his birthday, and I saw the book that Bob Woodruff and his wife wrote, "In An Instant," so I bought it. If you recall, he is the ABC news anchor who sustained a head injury when a roadside bomb went off beside his humvee. In reading about their experience with traumatic brain injury, it's somehow encouraging to note that progress with any kind of brain injury is a slow, painstaking process. The agitation, disorientation, and confusion are all part of it.
What is also encouraging to me is remembering how far Annie has come in just 2 months--the initial seizure, coma, respirator, what seemed to be paralysis and blindness, etc. Today she is breathing on her own, standing with assistance, looking around at everyone, reading her Disney "Princess" book, and humming in response to our words to her. Being the impatient person that I am, though, that isn't enough!! I want her to TALK TO ME for crying out loud!!
Okay, calm down. After we got home from church today, we took a stroll around the neighborhood, organized the pile of medical paraphernalia in her bedroom, (and hid it in her closet), and practiced standing, sitting, and brushing her teeth. Tonight we'll do some water therapy...never thought you could call getting a bath "water therapy," did you?
The verses below from the book of James come to my mind alot--the whole idea of learning patience through these kinds of situations, and of course, in every area of our lives. I don't feel like I'm doing such a hot job being patient, but I thought you might appreciate that I have goals.
Thanks again for your prayers--we are so grateful for each prayer, and we know that God is answering them.
Jean
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:7-11