Praise the Lord! Today, we are giving BIG thanks for all that He has done. I am so happy to be able to tell you all that Loida’s surgery went very well. The biopsy on the limp nodes was negative and the surgeon was excited by the outcome of the surgery. Loida was able to come home that night and rested well under the circumstances. Please continue to pray for her speedy recovery and preparation for chemotherapy.
Well, we are now past the one year marker and to be honest, it feels great! I can honestly say that one year ago, we were ecstatic when Danny merely opened his eyes and now, see what the Lord has accomplished in one year’s time. Wednesday, August 16, 2006 was an odd day. We all had our private thoughts and emotions about that day. I took half the day off and spent it with Danny and Corbin. We went to dinner as a family and then to church. It seemed only logical to go to church to thank the Lord for what He has done. Pastor Hawkins spoke that night. It was ideal that he would be the one to speak as he was the first pastor at the hospital the year before and he came almost every day to visit and pray with Danny. Pastor Hawkins invited us up to the altar and the elders anointed and prayed for us. It was a powerful moment and I’m so thankful for the continued support from our church leaders and congregation.
I am looking forward to see what the Lord has in store for us this next year and have a renewed sense of hope to keep me afloat. I see glimpses of improvement every day in Danny and that gets me through the next day and encourages me to keep pressing on towards the goal.
Physically, Danny is improving little by little, but improvement is still improvement, right? I am so thankful and excited to share with you a blessing that has entered our lives. It truly is a small world.
A girlfriend from middle school and her husband, who happen to attend our church, are both licensed physical therapists. They are volunteering their time to work with Danny at home and in only two visits; I can see that their efforts have made a difference. Not only have they volunteered their time, but they have also worked diligently to purchase at a discount, build or receive free therapeutic equipment for Danny’s use at home. I see an improvement in Danny’s physical body, but I also see progress in his spirit and attitude. Danny looked forward to their visit last night commenting that he has fun with them. During the session, he told them he wanted to stand one more time before he took a break. Yes, did you see that word “stand?” With their assistance, Danny is able to stand putting weight on his left leg. It was thrilling to be able to look my husband in the eye and then to look up at him. We ate dinner after his workout and Danny prayed giving thanks specifically for his “friends.” It brought a smile to all our faces.
My dad has been here the last couple of weeks visiting and helping in whatever way he can. He has stayed with Danny several nights which is so helpful since I have this hacking cough that I can’t seem to shake. Yesterday, I was actually able to sleep past 8am! I almost didn’t know what to do with myself. Thank you, Dad for all your assistance! I love you!
Corbin is doing very well and is going to be a year old next month! I can’t believe that time has gone by so quickly. I have no idea what we’re going to do to celebrate except let him smash his face and hands in cake, but I’m sure we’ll come up with something fun. He is been a bit under the weather lately with a cough and an ear infection, but we’re hoping the antibiotics fix him up soon. He is quickly learning what the word “no” means and is not a big fan of hearing it. He loves his bath time and knows he is our joy. His smile will brighten your day, no matter how lousy it is. Danny’s face just glows when Corbin comes into the room and he now plays with him as much as he physically can. And, every night before we go to sleep, Danny prays and he never forgets to pray for Corbin, his “beautiful boy.”
Thank you again for traveling this way with us. I am encouraged today and am daily putting my faith in God, knowing that in Him ALL things are POSSIBLE!
Allison “standing tall” Diaz
If my problem was a Death Star, this article is a photon torpdeo.