Happy First Day of Autumn!

Hey there!

I hope that you had a good weekend and that the new week has begun well for you.

My time in Folsom has been going well. My friends have been taking incredible care of me. My time at their home has been great for my recovery. I had good news last week - I began my outpatient  rehabilitation! It was just introduction stuff and meeting my therapists. They were very nice and encouraging. This rehab facility is in Roseville (not too far from Folsom - that is very nice). I have appointments this week for physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

This past weekend was nice in a number of ways: my friends, Debby and Veo, took me to Outback Steakhouse and a frozen yogurt place. There was golf on TV. And the Chicago Cubs baseball team guaranteed themselves a spot in the Major League baseball playoffs. Okay, that is pretty shallow, but it all did make for a nice weekend.

I've been able to see a number friends this last week. That has been really encouraging. Physically I'm feeling stronger; my leg is healing; and my memory is getting better. I'm looking forward to next week as my sister will be back for a visit. It has been so great to have here here.

Life isn't back to "normal" yet - the recovery is definitely a process, but I'm grateful for how encouraging and helpful people have been to me on this journey.

Take care, God bless, and have a great week.

Kathi

I want to take a moment to share how impressed I am with Kathi - her courage, faith and strength - in how she is handling this process. She is teaching me so much about God and his love and faithfulness. I know that if God had chosen to take Kathi home this summer, he would have still been a God of love and faithfulness, but I am blessed that he has healed her so well, and promises to continue in the healing process.

I was sitting in church last weekend enjoying worshipping God. We sang "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman, and even though I have sung that tune may times before, the words touched my heart. So, I share them with you . . .

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

Your perfect love is casting out fear.

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life,

I won't turn back, I know You are near.

And I will fear no evil,

For my God is with me,

And if my God is with me,

Whom then shall I fear, whom then shall I fear?

Oh, no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm.

Oh, no, You never let go in ev'ry high and ev'ry low.

Oh, no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on,

A glorious light beyond all compare.

And there will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes

We'll live to know You here on the earth.

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on,

And there will be an end to these troubles,

But until that day comes, still I will praise You, 

Still I will praise you.

Praising God with you this week - V

Having been "home" for a couple weeks now, I'm beginning to feel more comfortable. I think I was feeling a little overwhelmed at first. As well, let me make sure that you know that "home" is staying with my friends, Vickie, and her husband Steve.

Staying with Steve and Vickie has been a tremendous blessing. Their home is very comfortable and quiet. (Staying at the hospital  wasn't always quiet. Needless to say, I am sleeping very well.) I've been very well taken care of. Vickie is a great cook, but we've also enjoyed delicious meals that have been made for us by some of you.

My body is continuing to heal, though I have not begun rehabilitation yet. The good news is that I have an appointment this week at an outpatient facility located in the Sacramento-area city of Roseville. I'm also walking a lot better and my leg has been doing fine.  Please pray that will go well. Thank you.

The other area you can continue to pray for is my memory. It is getting better, but I still have a little ways to go. I'm remembering quite a bit, but still have some lapses (which I hear is normal.) Memory-wise I tend to forget the short term stuff and people's names, but it is getting better.

I'm very grateful for God's provision of you all in my life! The fact that you're praying for me is huge. Though it may not totally look like it, but God has done so much good: healing, encouragement, stamina, provision for needs. I'm very grateful. God has used many of you to meet my needs and answer our prayers. Thanks for being willing participants.

Take care and have a great week.

God's richest blessings, Kathi

Editor's Note: We are opening up visitation for Kathi at this time. If you would like to come by and chat with her, please contact Vickie at svdarcy@comcast.net. Some of the things to consider for visitation is keep it to no more that 30 minutes, talk in your "inside" voice," and only two people at a time. She is greatly encouraged by visiting with people and we will do everything we can to accommodate you!

Steve & Vickie

Words from Ms. Kathi Sturgeon - herself!

Hi family and friends!

I know you haven't heard from us in a little while, so here is your latest update on Kathi (me). Yes folks, I'm doing my own blog today.

It has been two weeks since being released from the hospital! Though I was treated well there, it sure was nice to leave. I am very grateful for my friends, Steve and Vickie! They have been taking very good care of me. They have a comfortable home, have encouraged me on this journey, and have fed me some great food. (That is a big "thank you" to many of you who have provided some wonderful meals.)

Even though I am doing quite well, I still have a ways to go on my recovery. I am feeling well physically and my injuries are healing nicely. I am posting a picture from the I.C.U. along with a picture from today. I think it is evidence of God's tremendous power and grace.

Before closing this note, I'd to share of few "thank yous":

First, I would like to thank and praise God for all He has done for me. I continue to hear stories of God's working things for good out of a bad situation. Romans 8:28 has been very evident. God has been healing me; He has been providing for me in a variety of areas,  He has been working in other people's lives, and He has been filling my mind and heart with peace.

Next I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other medical staff at Sutter Roseville TNICU and Mercy Hospital Rehabilitation Center for the incredible job they did while I was with them. And not just with me, but it was interesting to watch them care for the other patients on our floor. 

I would like to thank you for your prayers (God has been answering them!) Also for your words of encouragement and support. The emails, letters, and calls I have received had been tremendously encouraging. And there was more than once when the words were received by me at just the right time -- right when I needed them!

I would like to thank my sister, Theresa, and my brother, Jack. They have been a huge help, even though they live Washington state. They have been incredibly supportive in so many ways.

I love them so much! And my niece, Emma, was able to come down with Theresa and it was great to have her here, too.

Others that have been doing some great things: Steve and Vickie for their hospitality, care, taking care of me and their support. It has been huge! 

Thanks Debby for all you have done for me and my family! Your words of encouragement and acts of kindness have meant so much.

Thanks Veo for taking care of Spike (my cat) and checking on my place. 

Thanks to the staff at Lakeside Church (my place of employment) for all that you have done for me!

  

I know I'm probably forgetting someone, so please forgive me. But I'll just blame it tonight on the traumatic brain injury and thank you in another email.

God has reinforced to me during these couple of months that life is not to be lived alone. We really do need others (sometimes it is more evident then at other times.) Thank each of you for being a part of my life. 

I love you all and will check back in next week.

~ Kathi