Update : 9pm
March 16, 2008
At our family dinners, we frequently tell each other “highlights and lowlights.” When it comes to how Dieter is doing, I’d like to tell you our highlight and lowlight of the past several days.
Our highlight was an appointment last Thursday at UCSF, a major research hospital in our area, for a second opinion as to Dieter’s current treatment and level of rehab. Both the medicines he is currently using and the program of speech therapy were confirmed. More importantly, the neurologist, who specializes in strokes, said that Dieter is doing amazingly well considering how recent his stroke was and how many medical setbacks he has had since then. She was very encouraging about the outlook for Dieter’s recovery. We also wanted a second opinion on options we’ll consider for preventing future strokes. It was harder for the doctor to say anything definite in this area, but she did confirm that, for the time being, our focus should be on Dieter’s rehab. That means working on speech therapy, therapy for Dieter’s hand, lots of physical exercise, good nutrition, rest, and stimulus for the brain in the form of learning new skills.
Our lowlight was trying to cope with Dieter’s frustrated desire to communicate. Our youngest son, Christopher, wrapped a musical today in which he played the lead. Our middle son, Conrad, is hearing from colleges that have accepted him for next year. Our oldest son, Kyle, is shouldering the responsibility for Dieter’s physical therapy and many of his doctors’ appointments. Can you imagine Dieter being so proud of each of his sons and unable to tell them so? It can be a real heartache.
To our friends at BayMarin: It was good to be with you briefly this morning, and, as I said, we do look forward to sharing our stories and hearing yours in the months to come.
March 17, 2008 at 5:47 am
Receiving a confirming second opinion re therapy options being utilized is such a vote of confidence. I, by faith, see God’s caring hand in this. I look at the photo from many years ago, taken in Colorado, and try to imagine what each of your boys, now young men, look like. How hard to not burst forth with celebratory praise as each of them lives out their potential in wonderful ways. Speaking those words into their unfolding lives, that is my prayer for you Dieter. May you remain in His Grip! Val, I still pull out a copy of the devotional you wrote for the lenten seaon while serving here at Axis. It blesses now just as it then. Thank you! Lois
March 17, 2008 at 3:56 pm
From Sunday with addendum on Monday:
This morning was the best! After 6 weeks, it was wonderful to see you on the stage again, Dieter, and to hear and feel the solidarity of your family.
As always, you spoke from your heart, Val, and expressed your feelings honestly and eloquently. What a wonderful gift your family gave us — thank you!
Even though Dieter is not able to express it in words at this point, I’m positive the boys know just how proud he is of each of them.
With love and continuous prayer,
Judi
March 18, 2008 at 8:54 am
Val, thank you for the loving update. Dieter is in such good hands. I am sorry that this is a time where frustration is high for Dieter, especially because he is such an amazing communicator. We will continue to pray that God heals him fully.
Congrats to the boys on all their great accomplishments.
My kids said to tell your boys hi!!
Hugs to the whole family
Rex, Andrea and the Minor clan
March 18, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Dear Dieter and Val,
How wonderful it is to hear about your sons. Each one sounds so gifted and unique, like their mom and dad. I can tell that you have done an outstanding job in raising boys into men!
I have fond memories of each one of your boys, but especially Kyle, as he used to play with Chet. Where has the time gone?
Both of you continue to be in my daily prayers. My heart aches for what you are going through, at the same time I rejoice with your victories.
You will never know this side of heaven how many people love you and are praying for you, even people who you have never met.
Love,
Mary Todd
March 18, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Dieter, Val,
Kirk Page here from NewSong back in the day. Yes the KPS Alarms kid… Now married for 12 years with two girls 7 and 10. Time flies.. I had been receiving emails through Colleen Evans/Duke Drager from the early in February. The news of your stroke Dieter shook my world as I know it has done so even more to all of you. I’ve been praying and fasting for the both of you, the boys and your extended family. But it’s not only I who has been praying… Currently I’m serving as an elder at Water of Life, Fontana in which I’ve been sending the email updates to the staff, elders and prayer team. Many have asked me how you are doing including your old time friend Pastor Dan Carroll. We still pray for you and even tonight my 7 year old Kylie prayed for “Pastor Dieter Zander” in her prayers. Our Love and Prayers go out to you for a full and very quick recovery. Jer. 29:11-13 is one of my favorate verses. May the God of ALL give you a hope and a future!
Much Love and appreciation for the impact you both made in my life while at NewSong.
March 18, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Val, and everyone. I’m constantly asked how Dieter is doing by so many people who have been touched by your family. Your whole family is admired by many. The strength there shines in this situation.