I will begin my post with a bible verse that has been huge component in my life lately.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that by the
power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in
hope." Romans 15:13
I have hope. I have never lost faith in God, who gives me hope and joy to live this life for Him. Just when I think I might be losing sight of what really matters, he pulls me up right where I need to be. Although my mother has been through such undeserving circumstances, I truly believe that we can find joy through this experience.
Because I have had an ABUNDANCE of feedback from my previous posts, the updates are high in demand. So, here you have it folks... an update. Sorry it only took me a month! I'm sure you all understand, since my life has been nothing less than a whirlwind. But still we push through it. My family and I have been extremely grateful to be able to witness the miraculous works of God in my mom's life. This week it is 8 weeks since "the accident" and WOW have we come a long way?!
Since my last post, Mama was still at LSU-Shreveport hospital and had woken up from a 5-day coma. Well, she has experienced leaps and bounds since then. She was moved to Ruston October 27th. And what a beautiful day that was. We were so very thrilled to have her "home" in good ole Ruston, LA. I remember driving away from the hospital thinking, anytime we return to LSU will be WAY to soon. The hours, tears, and coffee we have participated in that hospital were far too many to want to enjoy. Daddy and I drove away and the song "Remember When" by Alan Jackson (cheesy, i know) came on the radio. Tears were streaming down my face. Remembering the good times, and how far we have come in this situation overcame my heart with joy. Life is full of making memories and it hit me in that very moment to attempt to find absolute Joy in life God has so graciously granted us.
So we arrive in Ruston at LifeCare, and Mama gets settled in. The trip over wore her out and she remained very tired the rest of the day. The next two days were probably the most discouraged and sad I had felt thus far. Watching her make small improvements each day was very encouraging and then all of the sudden she regressed. She wasn't able to communicate with us. Although I still remained hopeful, it seemed as though she was giving up. I don't want to discredit her faith, because we had no way of knowing what she was thinking or feeling. But I was sad. very sad. After everything happened so fast, and witnessing such miraculous works, I was sure moving her to Ruston would be even better. I know that being sad is part of watching a parent hurt, but sad is kind of an understatement. My heart hurts. My heart hurts for her, because I can see her frustration when she tries to speak and nothing comes out. With the doctors prognosis, we were finally able to see progress again. And just like that we were back on track.
She remained at LifeCare for another few days, and she was then moved to Alpine in Ruston. Hold your horses, this isn't a nursing home. When I first heard that she was being moved to Alpine, I was like ummmmmm no Nursing home for my mama just yet! But we are pleasantly surprised with the wellness facility. Here she receives the necessary and close attention from the nursing staff, with very aggressive physical, occupational and speech therapy. All the nurses LOVE her. which is no surprise! They all talk about how sweet and blessed she is. Well of course we already know that, but it's nice to hear her caretakers have the same opinions. Not to mention Daddy makes sure they don't skip a beat, if you can believe that (ha!) They may be a little intimidated, but that's just the way it goes when Dr. Scriber's in the house! :)
Between Daddy, me, and my sisters, there is always someone there to visit with her so that she remains comfortable. She still isn't up for too many visitors, except for our extended family. Lord help us, Alpine has never seen so much traffic in the halls! But we wouldn't have it any other way.
SO Thanksgiving day was quite different this year to say the least. We were able to bring Mama HOME for the day. And what a great day it was! She was up and ready when Daddy went to pick her up, she was more than ready to see outside of the hospital walls. My entire family was at home to great her when she arrived. She was a little overwhelmed and not real sure how to react but she eventually livened up. Robin and I took her "shopping" in her closet and got her dressed up for the day. and that was a special moment. Daddy smoked the turkey, Robin and Stacy made the dressing and all the fixings, and I vastly enjoyed all of it!! (JUST kidding, I contributed with my corn casserole :)) so mama was able to enjoy her first real meal in 6 weeks. She was even able to enjoy a cup of afternoon coffee. That's how we know she is almost herself again. The woman loves her some coffee.
The next day was her birthday. This again was a very special day. My sisters and I organized a birthday party. It was the real deal complete with a cake, presents, decorations, and smiles. We were so thankful to be able to spend another birthday with her.
So here we are a week after thanksgiving and the hustle and bustle of Christmas has begun. It might be another unique holiday for us, but we are praying hard that she will be completely moved home by then. She is making immense progress in her therapy. Today, I witnessed her walk to the kitchen (95% on her own) and helped me make brownies to go with our afternoon coffee. considering she was in a coma 7 weeks ago, this is a BIG DEAL!! She remains the strongest person I know, and her abilities amaze me everyday. Praise the Good Lord!
And as for the rest of us, we are very proud of our mom. And whereas it is an extremely busy time of year between school, work, family, etc. we take the time to be there for her.
Daddy is still the most amazing man I know. He is so encouraging and loves, and I mean LOVES his wife! What a Godly example of what a marriage should be.
A special thanks to all of those who have prayed, sent cards and supported me and my family through this time. Cook Baptist Church, well they are just an awesome reminder of prayer warriors. The church body has always been there for my family, especially when Mama underwent her first battle with Cancer 24 years ago. THANK YOU CBC!!!
It doesn't stop here though, The Bridge Community Church has also been a tremendous channel of love and encouragement. We feel overwhelmed with just how caring and kind this church is. I have had many conversations with people, even those I do not know, who are praying for my mom. I just can't say thank you enough!
Also a big thanks to my Tech Family. You guys are AWESOME and I thank allllll of you for making my days at work just a little bit easier.
To ALL of our family and friends, you know who you are, and of course THANK YOU for always beings there. For some of you, this has been hard for you too because she is your friend, your sister in law, your aunt or whatever the case. I may be a bit selfish when it comes to sympathy, but even when I don't want to talk, or even when I just need a hug, I can count on you. God has placed each and everyone of you in my life and for that I am extremely grateful.
Once again, I am so sorry about my long blog posts. This is why I should blog more often!! I promise I will try to find the time to update more frequently.
In conclusion, This journey is far from over, but as I mentioned earlier, I have attempted to find joy through it all. By definition, Joy means a state of happiness. Happiness can be further defined several different ways, but we all know what makes us happy and how to respond to happiness. So my challenge to you is to find JOY in every step you take. The Joy of the LORD is my strength, and this my friends is my anthem. The Lord has given me the strength I didn't even know I had. And I am forever thankful to serve a God who continues to love me, help me, and hold my hand through this journey of life.
That's a wrap, folks! Until next time!
Much Love,
MaryBeth
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