Update: April 7
April 7, 2008
Dieter had a follow-up cerebral angiogram today, and the news was not as we had hoped. We were hoping for a confirmation that all arteries are flowing well, and the damaged sections are healing. Instead, the angiogram revealed that one damaged section is not healing and is, in fact, slowing the flow of blood in Dieter’s brain. The doctor’s recommendation was to do another procedure similar to what was done on Feb. 4, in which another stent would be placed in Dieter’s artery.
I should know tomorrow how much time we have in which to make this decision. We have at least this week, as the doctor meets with colleagues on Friday morning in order to get other opinions. Please pray for us and this decision.
For several days, I’ve wanted to share with you the lyrics to my favorite of the many songs Dieter has written. It’s called “In All of My Living” and is based on several old Celtic prayers.
God, be in my head, in all of my thinking / God, be in my eyes, in all of my looking
God, be in my mouth, in all of my speaking / God, be in my life, in all of my living
God, be in my heart, in all my understanding / God, be in my hands, in all of my working
God, be in my legs, in all of my going / God, be in my life, in all of my living,
And God be at my end and in my departing.
These lyrics describe how Dieter wishes to live. But they have particular poignancy is we pray for his body, his health, and his recovery.
Thank you, Valerie
April 8, 2008 at 7:39 am
thanks for the update Val. We continue to pray for his recovery, and will be lifting up the doctors in prayer as they consider next steps.
We love you Zander family.
The Herring’s
April 8, 2008 at 8:23 am
Dieter, Val & Family:
I appreciate the update and am sorry the news was not what was hoped for. Thanks for the lyrics to Dieter’s song. It’s a good reminder to me that no matter what happens, our lives are in His hands and that ultimately He will restore all things. I will be praying for wisdom for you as you move forward with Dieter’s care.
In Him,
Scott
April 8, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I continue to be touched by all that you share; your vulnerability amidst all of this is more a blessing than you can know. Please know that you all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jen
April 8, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Thank you so much for sharing with us. We will continue to always pray for Dieter and for the decisions that you face.
Ken, Karen and family
April 9, 2008 at 4:26 am
I’m totally crying as I read these lyrics! WOW! Powerful stuff. Dieter has always been such a talented guy with an anointing from the Lord. He has freely shared his gifts with everyone!
Val~ you too have touched many with your gifts of truth, encouragement and wisdom. You’re an incredible team!
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel in my heart for the communication you continually provide. My family and I deeply love you Zanders and will continue to pray for you.
With God’s strength, it is evident you are courageous and wise!
Loving you and Sharing life with you from afar!
Chela Simpson (and Joe and our girls)
uramazing02@yahoo.com
April 9, 2008 at 5:23 am
Dearest Dieter and Val–We have not forgotten you in our prayers. We are visiting Chicago right now and memories with you guys are all over Willow for us. We hear Dieter’s voice still in our heads and miss worshipping with you. We pray for wisdom for everyone, for the blood in Dieter’s brain and for hope all around to flow freely. We pray for restoration. We send you soul hugs. I am writing your names on my hand in permanent marker right now. We love you, Kim for all of us
April 9, 2008 at 10:00 am
It’s just to poignant. Hard to know how to respond. Thank you for posting.
April 9, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Val, we continue to pray for you and Dieter. Thanks for posting these updates. We will be praying for the wisdom for the doctors and for you as you consider another stent. Please tell Dieter I said hello and that he is in my prayers.
Marty schoenleber
April 10, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Dearest Zander family -
My prayers continue to be with you as you go through the rehabilitation together, and as you make difficult decisions such as this one about further surgery. May you all be blessed with His strength, courage and wisdom!
Thanks, too, for sharing these lyrics, Val. They certainly are appropriate. Definitely much more quotable than those to “All I Want To Be Is A Video”. (That will only make sense if Dieter remembers writing that one)
- Jeff Kramer
April 14, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Zanders, From the time Dieter shared that song with Golden Gate, it has been lodged in my heart as a prayer. I can’t tell you how many hundreds of times over the years that I have sung it in the car by myself after dropping the kids off, inserting their names in the lyrics, letting them go as mother’s do. The song invites such beautiful surrender. In other times of sorrow and questioning, God brings it to mind as well, and it is rekindled as my prayer for you all now, especially Dieter. Give him our love and tell him what a gift that song is and has been to so many of us. - Lisa Kirchgestner
April 15, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Dear Val and Deiter,
I pray that you have now made the decision as how to proceed. I know with God’s Grace, Mercy and Wisdom the finest choice is there for you.
The song is one that I hope to be able to print. What inspired thoughts came through the wonderful writer.
You indeed are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Love, Dorothy