Thursday, March 29, 2007

Mom Update - Firsts

Dan's first day at RIC was filled with firsts! The therapists were amazed at how willing he was to get started. They had never had a patient so motivated. Though seemingly simple tasks to us, Dan accomplished goals that are often weeks down the path for a patient with Dan's injury. He dressed in "real" clothes (after 18 days in a hospital gown), "ate" (well, drank broth through a straw!), sat in his wheelchair, asked to have a tour of the floor, went on a "field trip" to another floor, and joined a social setting, which is unheard of for a first week, let alone the first day! But . . .
Today was difficult. It seems that when Dan has a big accomplishment, the next day is often discouraging. Dan is becoming quite aware of his helplessness and is fearful of the ventilator, so he is not sleeping. He is exhausted. He is even fearful of trying to talk again because of the difference of air flow. He has had a lot of information thrown out these last two days and now has to process it all. He was so tired, he was hardly able to do any therapy. And of course, when Dan hurts, I hurt, so . . .
I hope you don't get tired of us telling you how much your encouragement means to us -- sometimes it is like new life to my soul. Thank you to all who have sent gifts -- I tried to keep up with handwritten thank-you's, but you have been too generous, and I am not able to. We are humbled by your kindness. May I say again, Thank you for your prayers. The Lord's mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
(OPE - Dan is ready for your visit!)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for these updates. It's really thrilling to hear the progress that Dan is making. Still, I'm sorry to hear that today hasn't been so good. I've been praying constantly for Dan and now I will add peace of mind (for ALL involved) to the list. I think about him a lot throughout the day and pray for him whenever I do. Also, any time there's a lull in my day's activity, or when I'm praying at meals, or as I go to sleep each night, I take that time to pray for him and your whole family as well. My family and friends are praying for him, too.
Rest in God's faithfulness. Cry out to Him in your pain and confusion. He loves you so much and will be your strength. I'm sure you've heard this lot, but remember Christ's call, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28)
With constant prayer,
Your sister in Christ

Anonymous said...

Bill & Debbie and the fam,
we are so much praying for you all every time the Lord brings you to mind (which is many, many times during the day). our hearts are broken with yours and rejoicing with yours also as the days bring ups and downs. we love you all so much and pray earnestly that the Lord would grant a miracle healing in Dan's life. We also pray that His power would be shown in your lives and that is answered daily! What a mighty example of Him that you are. We are so thankful for you giving us your time and updating this blog. We check it several times a day as we are praying. Hope we can get together with you soon for that CCF-----(hope you can remember what that is).

Anonymous said...

Ps 56:3-4
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

1 John 4:18-19
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Dan, we know your great love for your Saviour and we are praying without ceasing now that God will keep the temptor away from you and that you will rest in His great peace knowing that you are held in the palm of His Hand. Keep going Dan, the best is yet to come. Many prayers - love Gramma

Anonymous said...

Family,
I tried to post earlier but something happened. I will write more but I just wanted to let you guys know that I check your blog throughout the day and night. I so understand what you are experiencing..I have been there(except for you dear Dan but Alex does) I am up very late. It is 11:30 p.m. Ohio time and I will be up atleast until 1..but am available any time!!!! I know how much another human's voice sometimes in the middle of the night was so helpful to me. Struggles do not go away sometimes when the sun goes down.
Praying, believing,and thanking God for the healing that has been done and that we have yet to see with our eyes in Ohio.
Beth Malarkey 937-599-4348
Any family member

Anonymous said...

Proverbs 3:24 "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."

Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord , your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Please God let Dan have a full awareness of Your hand, holding him and comforting him so he will be able to sleep. Knowing it and feeling it are not always the same, please let him know it and feel it.

Thoughts and prayers for you all. Deb, my mother's heart goes out to you. You are an amazing example of God's grace.

Praying, Beth Bolander

Anonymous said...

"Abba,
I come before you tonight to lift up my brother-in-Christ, Dan. He needs Your peace and courage right now. Please wrap Your arms of love 'round him as he goes to sleep, reminding him of the fact that You don't sleep and are ever-watchful over him. ThankYou Jesus for the steps he's making so far - praise You! Keep his head up as he goes through the ups-and-downs of rehab. Draw his heart ever closer to Yours. Bless his family. Remind him he's still a witness even in the hospital. Remind him to take advantage of EVERY opportunity You have given him - even this one. Watch over my bro for me, I leave him at Your feet."

In His Grip,
-a sis

Anonymous said...

Amen to what Beth Bolander said about a Mother's heart going out to you Debbie, as mine has done the same for you and the family since my son is 3 years older. I once again put myself in your place and grieve and praise with you! So good to hear of the progress. "Never give up." I think of the movie, "Facing the Giants" If you haven't seen it you must rent it. What an encouragement and testimony of God's work in people's lives when we give all to Him. "With God, all things are possible."

Prayers from Seattle

TruthSeeker said...

Dan and Family,
I am so thankful for a blessed transition into rehab.
Dan, my brother Michael in Mexico City sends much love. I talked with him last night on the phone and he was so excited about the spiritual growth that he has experienced since camp. In addition to that, Michael is going out to the group of guys that hang out on our neighborhood corner and sharing Christ as Life. And Dan, the guys are listening! Last night, one of the "leaders" came to our house-church meeting and shared fellowship with the family. AMEN! The Lord has a grip on our neighborhood in Xochimilco!
I wanted to share that joy with you today, because you are a warrior for Christ.
Ok family, Bethany (my other Crino sister) and I would love to come and visit and pray over Dan. One of the college brothers in our fellowship here would like to come as well; the Lord has given us a heart for you guys, and we are close by.(North Park University). I have no idea if you are desirous of visitors right now, so let me know! We are flexible!
With much love,
Allison Crino

Anonymous said...

Hi Knudsen Family!

Just wanted you to know that we are constantly keeping all of you in prayer. We know all about the ups and downs of recoveries. Just remember that even if it's two steps forward, one step back...you're STILL making progress. Whatever our journey, just remember, God is our Creator and He can recreate anything anytime He chooses...and that He who began a good work in you ~ will be faithful to complete it. We don't know what that work will look like...only when we look back over our shoulder, when we are with HIM, will we be able to see just how beautiful that work is. The refiners fire is always painful, but the finest gold comes through the hottest fire. We're there with you in our hearts and are grateful that we are priveleged to love, laugh and even hurt with you. I'll pray specifically for God's Peace for you Dan, that in it you might find rest. It's so important to your recovery because the time you sleep...that deep REM sleep...is when your body is repairing itself. His arms are open...let yourself rest in them. He doesn't turn from you when you lay your head down...He holds you even closer. Sweet Dreams!!!

The Masseys

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys, We are so amazed by all the progress that Dan has made. I can understand him being tired after working so hard and making so much progress!! It sounded exhausting. What he is accomplishing is just so wonderful!!! You must be so very, very proud of how hard he is working. We will keep praying for God to continue to strengthen him through Christ. And, just so you know, we understand exactly what you mean that "when Dan hurts...you hurt" because ....when you hurt, we hurt! I agree with Gail, we are rejoicing with you when you rejoice and sad when you are sad. I know the very best thing we can be doing is praying for your family, and that I promise you, we are doing.

Love you all, Jeff & Kim

Sarah said...

Thanks for sharing and keeping us updated. I don't know Dan personally, but my roommate from CU was on the Mexico trip over spring break. It's now a daily routine to check your updates and continuously lift you all up to our Heavenly Father. I'm currently student teaching in Poland, so know that prayers are coming from around the world.