Holding Hands

Two weeks ago today, Mike and I were able to walk outside and sit in the sun and he actually held my hand instead of pushing me away. He didn't speak much, but as we were walking outside, I asked him if he wanted to sit in the shade or the sun and he came out with "I want to sit in the sun!" All of his words come out loud and with force, as if it takes a lot of effort. That was about all he said, but the drive had made me sleepy and so we both enjoyed sitting quietly in the sun with our eyes closed for about 20 minutes. I had forgotten that I had put Mike on the schedule to have his hair cut that day, but after lunch the hair stylist came looking for us. Mike was having a calm day and cooperated well; therefore, received a good haircut. It was a good day.

Last week he didn't stop ommming until we were outside. He walks with the aid of a walker and was maneuvering better than previously. He was actually going around people and things on his own with minimal prompting. Again we walked to the outside deck and sat in the sun. As soon as we sat down he looked right at me and asked "Can you take me home!?" I'm sorry, no. You are improving, but still need to get better. Since he was having a good day, we called and he spoke with his Mom and our sons.

As we were going back to his room, he strongly maneuvered toward the barber shop room. Mr. Ommm was in full command and nothing I said or did made any difference. It is amazing how strong he still is. He actually got in the room and the stylist was about to call for assistance when I finally managed to get him turned around and out the door. Once on his hall, his favorite CNA told me that he spoke to her and asked for a drink of water a few days prior. Now that is new! At The Harbor I don't think he ever talked to the staff or asked for anything. Mr. B said Mike has spoken to him also, or said things out loud during the night. I really believe it is helpful to Mike being in a room with someone who talks to him and looks out for him. It might also be why Mike has spoken to the staff. I know he hears Mr. B. requesting things, so he is possibly mimicking what he has heard. Cognitively he is having moments of more clarity, so I think the new medication has had a positive effect.

Please keep Mr. B in your prayers. He is on oxygen 24/7 and is battling pneumonia right now. He has not looked well for the past couple of weeks. Today his breathing seemed better, but he was feeling down in the dumps.

It was a rough day for Mike today. Mr. Ommm was in constant control and Mike was quite antsy. He did some things today that really show he doesn't know what he is doing. We did walk a couple of times, but he only sat for about a minute outside before he popped up and walked again. No holding hands today. No words or sentences. Mr. B. said Mike had been like that the past 3 or 4 days.

For the past year and a half, I have led a Bible Study on the book of Acts. I learned so much from God's word and from my fellow study members. I listened to Dr. R. C. Sproul's sermon series on Acts as part of my preparation in which Dr. Sproul included an Epilogue. This past Sunday morning, we finished our study and then gathered together for supper Monday night and I shared the Epilogue from II Timothy 4 where Paul knows that he will soon be departing this life and entering his new life.

II Timothy 4:6 & 7

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, 

and the time has come for my departure. 

I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith."

Today I was reminded of what Dr. Sproul said regarding verse 7. Fight the good fight - As Christians we are not to be argumentative and quarrelsome, but we are to contend for the faith - the good fight. Like a boxer, to be a contender, you have to fight and win several fights before you are considered a contender. Mike and I have fought through several "fights" since his accident 6.5 years ago and we are still fighting. We are contenders. This is no 100 yard dash. This is a marathon. Our race is not finished yet, we must keep running. Slow, endurance running, keep going, don't give up, don't quit. There will be a finish line one day. Keep the faith. Like a soldier, fidelity to the General. A good soldier does not give up when the battle rages close upon him. Paul never changed his message even when beaten, ship-wrecked, imprisoned, chained. He stood strong for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the word of God in the midst of battle. Pleasing man was not his concern, pleasing and honoring and glorifying God was of utmost importance. May Mike and I keep that kind of faith til our last breaths. Standing strong as witnesses for Jesus, God's word, and our marriage even when we are in the midst of the hardships of emotional, physical and spiritual battle. 

It is a good fight. The Lord is always by our side and with Him we can persevere.