May Day, Pray Day

As we get close to May 10th, our next Pray Day, I wanted to share what has happened in the last month and also then, suggest specific prayer requests for us to focus on Thursday. However, in whatever way you want to participate, I ask that you pray, encourage, email, donate the way you feel lead.

April 10th, I felt two emotions; burdened and excited. I’m not sure how those two get cooked up together, but by the end of the day, I was worn slap out. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to do. How was I supposed to approach this day? I’m always burdened for my husband, for our family, etc. Isn’t every wife? But, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to rock my boat. I wanted to see God.

Now, I understand that we cannot manipulate God by our prayers. But, I really wanted Him to hear us.

Throughout this journey, there has always been evidence of God’s hand, but that doesn’t mean this gets better faster or that it makes it any easier.

It sucks.

However, improvement has been measured. Attitudes have changed, even if fleeting. Perspective has been adjusted and hope continues.

In the last month, here are some things that changed for the better:

· Danny took a remarkable step, several of them actually, and walked into choir practice at church (If you’re Friends with me on Facebook, you can see the video there.  I’m having trouble getting it posted to the 80FT Facebook page).  He has since walked into choir each week and we’re working up to walking into the sanctuary. I’m thinking it would be a great Mother’s Day gift!

· Danny has commented many times that he sees and feels progress. As I’ve mentioned here before, Danny can be his worst critic so to see any glimpse of self confidence is an improvement.

· Danny has made appointments for driving evaluations. Big gulp on my part.

· Danny was so moved by a sermon given by Dr. Raymond Culpepper, that we literally cried through the entire thing and Danny made every attempt to get Dr. Culpepper our calling card.

· It was re-evaluation time for benefit purposes and I’m so proud of Danny! If nothing else convinces you that you should never give up and never stop trying, these results should. I’ve indicated the initial evaluation from 2009 with an ARJO (Google it), not a rolling walker like his results from January and April 2012. Simply amazing! Go donate!

Timed Up n Go:
2009: 3 min, 3 sec
January 2012: 56 sec
5-2-2012: 46 sec

10 Meter Test:
2009: 92 sec
January 2012: 33 sec
5-2-2012: 25 sec

6 Minute Test (as far as he can go in that time frame):
2009: 83 ft.
January 2012: 260 ft.
5-2-2012: 295 ft.

This month, Danny has asked that we pray specifically for his left arm and right leg to continue to get stronger.

Most of Danny’s bodily injuries focused on his left side; broken left femur, all ribs broken, bleeding spleen, and so we can only assume that his left shoulder sustained some kind of damage that is making ambulation more difficult.

There was never any clean, cut diagnosis for the left arm so we’re left wondering if the damage is related to the brain injury or if there was some undiagnosed damage from the accident.

I will, however, say that in the hospital, there was sign hanging above Danny’s bed asking the nurses and assistants not to pull Danny’s arms to turn him in bed. Danny also had to wear a sling to keep the arm in the shoulder socket.

Nonetheless, whatever the issue is, God knows. It would make everything easier to do if Danny were to gain more mobility with his left arm and hand. As a mechanic and blue collar kind of guy, it’s difficult for Danny to do anything that requires fine motor skills. And, it’s difficult to dream of a future business in mechanics if you can’t use your left arm/hand.

The right leg is stubborn. Sometimes it does what Danny asks it to do and sometimes, it just gives out. Obviously, TWO stable legs are best for walking independently. I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be to want to move your body, to think about moving the muscles and there being no response, a weak response or an inconsistent response.

As I close, I have a special request of my own.

Before the accident, Danny could really sing. He had competed in winning choirs and ensembles. I remember not singing in church so I could listen to him worship. I remember being more in love with him when he worshiped the Lord than at any other time.

The initial tracheotomy was too low and caused damage to his vocal chords, so they had to put another one in higher. Danny also had to overcome a swallowing issue. Again, we are not sure if the damage was done by the trach or if it was damage to his body or if it originates in his brain, but God knows.

Danny wants to sing. He wants his voice back. He wants to worship unashamed of his voice. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for him to hear his old voice sing in his head, but the sound that comes out is not the same.

So, I ask that you would also pray specifically for Danny’s voice, the vocal chords, the breath control, etc so that he can sing, speak and worship with confidence.

I look forward to joining with the troops on Thursday, May 10th! Get In on 10!