Mark & Lynn's visit

 Just received the following from my sister-in-law, Lynn.  Mark and Lynn drove 5.5 hours from Worthington, OH last Sunday to see Mike. They are Mike's brother and sister. Thanks so much, Lynn!  I'll post an update in the next couple of days.

We left early Sunday morning and drove through the beautiful mountains of West Virginia to go see Mike in Blacksburg. We got there at 11:15, and were greeted warmly by Mike just inside the entrance. He was ready to go. We heard quickly how he had walked over 5 miles the day before. He chuckled when we told him everyone would be getting in shape w/ him there. He was very content, cooperative, & caring during our visit.

We got to know Brittany, Mike's LST for the day. She drove Mike and we followed. We headed to Wendy's for lunch and after 2 kid frosty's & nice conversation, off to Duck Pond Drive, a landmark at Virginia Tech. We fed the ducks with our loaf of stale bread, walked & chatted. One thing we noticed is Mike getting all of the jokes & jabs with a smile and laughter. 

Next, was a trip to Big Lots. Had fun getting a calendar Mike wanted, Kleenex, a pillow for his chair, & a blanket. 

Overall, we thought the facility was clean & not like a hospital, more like a home. Mike is the highest functioning in Bldg. 1, there are 2 participants leaving Bldg. 2 in the coming week or so, please join us in praying that Mike can be moved to Bldg. 2 sooner than later. We stayed close to 3 hours and it was Mike who initiated the good-bye. He said how nice it was for us to visit. It is important to note that we did NOT hear Mike say anything like “get me out of here.” It appears He is comfortable there. Mike said a prayer for our travels and families before we left. It was a bittersweet goodbye.

On the back of the book, Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist..”Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken & something beautiful,  that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich when it contains a splinter of sadness.” This appears to me to be a lay version of a verse many are familiar with, but need to be reminded of… Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”