Friday, June 1, 2007

quiet week

We didn't forget about you folks.

As we move into the final stages of Dan's rehab, things seem to be moving too fast. Did we forget to mention that Dan might be out of here by the 4th week of June?

So this week we met with a power chair rep. to fit Dan to his own power chair. So many things were discussed and many questions were asked. Front wheel drive vs. mid or rear drive. Driving control modules: mouth, voice, or head movements. Suspensions, power train, seats, and helper controls, protected ventilator storage units, etc. It is a 2-3 month process from order to delivery; 3-4 weeks each for
  1. insurance company negotiations,
  2. making of the base power unit ,
  3. the top chair and other control items.
Dan has a new suction device -a wound vac- hooked up to his back sore. "THAT SORE". We now feel that it has been the culprit for his everyday level 7 or 8 headaches , not to mention it's one nasty looking wound. This suction device has tubes that connect to a sponge and this works to vacuum away some residue and stimulate tissue growth. It seems to be working, but is another tube to watch out for when transferring him. We really can't go home until this sore is pretty much healed, so the end of June may be premature.

We are looking to make another break to a museum, and thought about trying bus transportation, but may not because of the vent. Dan's headaches have put a big damper on those activities and we can't go too far from here without proper staff.

Other things with Dan: we will be modifying a temporary room for Dan at our home; early stages of planning for a possible house building [although we run out to see every new "ranch lead"], and working through all of that tedious house related stuff -- more about "God's Home Makeover" later. There is that other big family event that is in full steam. 16 days...oh me!

I was reading I John to Dan recently, and these verses made me think of you folks.

I John 3:18 & 19
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other;
let us show the truth by our actions.

19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth,
so we will be confident when we stand before God.

Thanks to relief sitters who show us God's love. You are getting more familiar with the nitty gritty of Dans care; trach issues, cuff up/down , vent settings, suctioning, transferring, bagging, feedings, counseling, sleepless nights, and on and on. We could not do this by ourselves.

More love in action to all of you who pray for Dan and us, those who leave or send encouraging comments, house repairers, gardeners and cleaners, so many who are behind the scenes, helping with legal, financial and other items. Those also who help us financially. All of you show God's love each and every day. THANKS

14 comments:

Your big sister said...

I read those verses just now and INSTANTLY got tears in my eyes - you all have been Jesus to us over and over.

Anonymous said...

The past two days have been heavy ladden for me. I was so hoping you would have a new blog today...praying for you just seems to lighten my load. I know that makes no sense but it puts my life back into persective. What I think is more than I can deal with is a pebble to the bolders you are moving each day. We may never meet but Dan (and family) you have been God's gift to me. Thank you again for sharing your life with perfect stangers and allowing God to use you in ways you will never know. Praying for you in Northern Ohio.

Anonymous said...

You can't possibly know the impact that the testimony of your family is having on so many. To think of what you are going through, of what Dan is dealing with daily, every single minute, is truly overwhelming. We can have so many "words of advice or encouragement" and still have no idea what it is really like. I am sure our words often seem so cliche and redundant, especially to Dan. So we pray that our actions WILL be what shows our love to you. Oh that we would ALL dig a little deeper, with our time and our wallets, to help you out in this small, small way.

Anonymous said...

yo, Dan...i hope you can enjoy a chicago bus ride soon! i know you'll do better than my last CTA bus ride when i totally missed my stop...i am such a hick from Cedartucky!
hope you have a good day today...
wammer

Anonymous said...

Nice shot of Mike reading your blog comments.....was that set up? It looked a little fake.

Wish I could be there to help with some of the relief-sitting, etc. As gas goes up in price, a trip to Chi-town looks more and more unlikely.....but we'll see.

Love you, Scratch!!!

Anonymous said...

Captain Scratch!

I just want to remind you that we still pray for you at Puebla Christian School. School is over now, but we have you in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. You have been an AMAZING tool used by God to transform many lives.

Be Joyful in Hope
Patient in Affliction
Faithful in Prayer
Romans 12:12

remember "iWorship"

love you!

Anonymous said...

Hi Dan & Family - we are in Washington state. We heard about your accident from missionaries that we support, and we have been following your progress and praying from you since the accident. Our kids (ages 4, 6, & 7) often remind us to pray for you!

I want to share this passage from John 9:1-3 that made us think of you:

As he [Jesus] went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

We pray that the work of God might continue to be displayed in your life!!
~The Dean Family

Anonymous said...

Hey, Dan! Glad to see that your brother is using a Dell laptop--they rock ;)

Anyway, my family and I are praying for you and hoping hard that those headaches will leave you alone. We keep reading about all the awesome things you and your family are doing for each other. Keep it up, and God bless! Your nieces are adorable.

In Him,
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Dan,

I am in your Aunt Loretta's Sunday School Class in Montgomery, Alabama. The Sunday after your accident she told us about what happened and asked our class to pray for you and your family. I don't think there was a dry eye in class that day as we prayed for you. You and your family have been in my heart and in my prayers every day since then. I read the blog every day and am impressed and inspired by you and your family's strength and faith.

My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

God will continue to give you and your family the strength for each day.

Please know that you are prayed for by many people in Montgomery, Alabama.

Amanda Martin said...

Praying right now for a great night's sleep tonight and for there to be no headaches tomorrow. HE IS ABLE!

~Amanda
Zeph 3:17

Anonymous said...

dan-

we are all praying for you constantly. God has really been faithful and really answered our prayers for you. Hope all goes well with wheelchair and having patience with all the month processes

-unknown

a said...

danny bro! didnt know if you heard yet, but my 'rents and I should be visiting this saturday.. ok, so technically i'm up late and thats today... but hopefully see ya a little later!

Anonymous said...

Hey there!
While I check up on you almost daily, I haven't posted in a while - and wanted to let you know I was praying for you! You're on my mind quite frequently, and I'm so glad to hear all that God is doing. A verse from my devos this morning:
"For this reason, since the day [I] heard about you, [I] have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will though all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And [I] pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father...." Col 1

Set Free,
Amy

Anonymous said...

Thanks Dan and fam for keeping us posted. You continue to inspire and encourage us. We continue to pray for a miracle in body, soul and spirit. In His Care, The Basile Family