Update : April 1
April 1, 2008
On March 19, I wrote “Sometimes really good things do happen.” Well, sometimes difficult things happen, too, and, starting on Easter afternoon we’ve had the following: Kyle got sick, I got sick, the dog got an ear infection, the vacuum cleaner broke, and the kitchen pipes backed up . . . twice! None of it is too serious, but it is really tiring. I have not had the energy to write an update, plus I’ve mostly lost my voice, so I couldn’t even phone it in.
Dieter has continued with therapy, though two of the therapists have asked him to relax and enjoy his “assignments” more. They’ve warned him that pushing as hard as he is will not help him recover faster and may in fact slow his recovery, through discouragement, exhaustion, or injury. So, in different ways, both of us are needing to slow down. As I’ve asked before, please pray for us to know when to work and when to rest.
This year, Holy Week and Easter Sunday were unusual. Loss and grief mean something different to us now, as does the hope of resurrection. I dearly wished Dieter and I could talk with each other more fully about his reflections this year.
Yesterday was the 8 week mark of Dieter’s stroke. If I had forecasts or predictions from reliable sources about his recovery, I would share them, but I don’t. In the absence of such predictions, we work and wait and hope and pray.
April 1, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I have been reflecting on how much you both must yearn to freely and fully talk and talk…i pray for that day to come. I also pray that you will be able to relax into the arms of God whenever rest is needed. I am glad that you reside in a milder climate than here in the midwest. The long winter tends to encourage muscles to tighten up in defense against cold and more cold! Last evening we had a reprieve. Steady winds from the south brought in very soft, tender to the skin near sixty degree temps. My skin felt like I wish your soul will feel as you work at slowing down and trusting the process. And trusting God’s attentive Father ears and heart. May your hope in the unheard and unseen become fully heard and seen according to His limitless mercy and love. Lois
April 4, 2008 at 11:37 am
Still with you. Very much so.
April 5, 2008 at 12:50 pm
God Bless you this Saturday.
Healing prayers for you, Val. A renewal of energy, too.
Your eloquent words touch me deeply every time I read them. As I have said before, the updates keep us faithful to pray and give specifics.
May the days ahead fill you both with joy and peace and God’s Blessings.
April 5, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Val, we continue to pray for you all. My prayer is that Dieter can speak soon. I know that must be extremely challenging for you both.
Sounds like physical movement is getting a bit better. That must lift his spirits.
Blessings,
Andrea and Rex
April 7, 2008 at 10:30 am
Hi Val and Dieter,
We are still praying for you and you are continually in our minds and hearts.
Dan
April 7, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Zander family,
You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick
April 7, 2008 at 4:32 pm
We love you guys!
Leanne & Jimmy