She was cranky, in general, when I arrived today, but in a sweet way, and always with a smile. When I would reach for her hands that are always scratching and picking, she would smile and say "You're mean." She must have told me four times that rehab was hard. Yes, it is. I explained that she was used to hard work, having trained for huge bike trips. She said, yes, but she had never done rehab before.
She discontinued her own NG tube in the middle of the night, (pulled it out herself) and the staff decided to give her a shot at eating pureed and thick fluids. So far, so good. She asked me why she couldn't have water and complained about "too many rules."
I share all this just to give you a glimpse of how she is doing cognitively. (Great!) She is very much the reflection of Christ, as she complains with grace and humor.
She was able to recall on her own today that she had been in an accident riding her bike. She is amazed that people are asking about her . . . and Rodger and Lynn Schmidt in Mozambique, she gave a huge smile to me when I told her of your prayers. In fact, everyone should know that we have read every card to her, and relayed the messages from the blogs.
Prayer requests: increasing strength and endurance for Kathi; continued tolerance to feedings; healing of her leg wound; wisdom for her doctors.
As I was leaving Kathi asked if we should make plans for lunch tomorrow. I explained that I wouldn't be there for lunch. She said ok, then said . . . "Shouldn't we make plans for lunch tomorrow?" I'll give her that one.
12 comments:
Kathi,
Repeat after me, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." Rehab IS tough, but you are tougher. Hang in there, girlie! The Bodacious Biking Babes (and Spike :) can't wait to welcome you back home!
Lori
Is there a new address where we can send a card? Or just forward it to Lakeside...Thanks!
Kathi,
It's been almost 2 years now since you and Rodger and Susan Mentink shared a cubicle at Lakeside. Can you believe it? You made quite an impression on us and we remember you in our prayers daily.
I remember going through the first hot season in Mozambique and thinking. "This is too hard and I don't want to do it anymore." One Christmas Eve it was 109 degrees with 90% humidity. Every physical task was a chore and I was miserable. I missed "home" I remember praying out to God each morning for strenth just to get through another day, not cry, and be nice to my family. :) I'm thinking Physical therapy must be more difficult than that. You must really miss your home and your bed too.
I am crying out to God for you each morning for strength. I am asking God for you to see that, through this trial, you will become a better and stronger version of yourself. You're amazing!!
Love,
Lynne Schmidt
Kathi --
I am so thankful to God that you are getting your wonderful sense of humor back. I am continually amazed by your progress. I can't imagine how hard rehab must be. I will pray that God gives you strength, stamina, and endurance for this difficult journey. You're are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I can't wait to visit you when you're up to it. Take care and stay strong!
Love,
AMY BRASIL
I am praising God that you are making connections in your brain! The Lord is healing you through all of this hard work. One step at a time. Remember to lean on Jesus! We are praying for strength and perseverance and endurance. We love you Kathi and miss you dearly!
Good morning Kathi! Once again, through your blog, you brought a big smile and laughter to my day. Thank you.
Your progress, sense of humor and overall disposition are praise worthy. You're amazing friend. May you continue to call on God for strength and perseverance.
I love you gal and think of you SO often! Tammi
Hi and thanks again for the updates. I would love to have an address to mail a letter to Kathi, but since I am in Oregon I am not sure where to send it. Can you help me? I really want Kathi to know how much I care and that I am praying for her each and everyday.
Please give her a BIG hug for me. THANKS! many blessings and prayers!
~Laurie
Hey Kathi,
Thanks be to God your humor is in tack...Remember a merry heart/laughter does good like a medicine! You have always been medicine for my soul. So here is a funny for you!
Three doctors are waiting in line to get into the pearly gates. St. Peter walks out and asks the first one, "What have you done to enter Heaven?" "I am a pediatrician and have brought thousands of the Lord's babies into the world." "Good enough to enter the gates," replied St. Peter and in he goes. The same question is asked of the second doctor. "I am a general practioner and go to Third World countries three times a year to cure the poor." St. Peter is impressed and allows him through the gates. The third doctor steps up in line and knowing the question, blurts out, "I am a director of a HMO."
St. Peter meditates on this for a while and then says, "Fine, you can enter Heaven...but only for 2 days."
Or how about this one:
A Minister was walking down the street when he came upon a group of about a dozen boys, all of them between 10 and 12 years of age.
The group had surrounded a dog. Concerned lest the boys were hurting the dog, he went over and asked "What are you doing with that dog?"
One of the boys replied, "This dog is just an old neighborhood stray. We all want him, but only one of us can take him home. So we've decided that whichever one of us can tell the biggest lie will get to keep the dog."
Of course, the reverend was taken aback. "You boys shouldn't be having a contest telling lies!" he exclaimed. He then launched into a ten minute sermon against lying, beginning, "Don't you boys know it's a sin to lie," and ending with, "Why, when I was your age, I never told a lie."
There was dead silence for about a minute. Just as the reverend was beginning to think he'd gotten through to them, the smallest boy gave a deep sigh and said, "All right, give him the dog."
Ok, that is enough for today. SMILE! You are loved!
~Laurie
Dear K4~
So, rehab is hard. Sorry to hear about that, but I know that you can do whatever they are asking of you. I pray each night that God will give you his strength to get through this phase of your healing. Rise up on those eagle's wings! Wellington, Giblets, Buff, Sarge, Patch, Sadie and new little Scout send you their furry love!
Thank you for postin these updates!!! I know I have said it several times before but it is so nice to be able to check in on Kathi! You (poster(s)) are a blessing!!!
Kathi! You are such an amazing and strong woman! Keep it up WOman!
Thanks so much for the updates on Kathi, I so appreciate hearing about the humor and light that she is bringing to the people around her.
Kathi, as always you so quietly and gently touch people around you. You are such a strong witness of God's incredible grace and His great healing power. I am so thankful for the way He is healing you. I know it's not fast enough and very hard for you to go through, but there are so many things that are being done "behind the scenes" :). I am confident that He has such great plans for you and that this will all be for good (even though it doesn't seem like it today).
I pray daily for your strength and perserverence. I am so thankful for you and can't wait to see your smiling face.
God Bless You!
Cindy D
Kathi,
One day at a time is what comes to my mind today!! If I could take any of the pain you are having to endure away I would do it in a minute my friend. You keep on fighting! Even when you think you can't Jesus will carry you..Each and every day will get better..One day at a time!!
God please fill Kathi with an abundance of strength and endurance as you continue to heal her mind and body!! I am so grateful for your grace and love. I ask for extra comfort and compassion to be poured out on our very special friend.....In Jesus mighty name I pray....
Keep fighting Kathi!!!
Love and Big Big Hugs, Lynn
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