Nov 4 Update

Ongoing thanks for pressing in with us.

Dennis is doing his best to partner with the process and get out from Internal Medicine and into the Rehabilitation stage. There seems to be issues that arise both physically and emotionally that want to press back against his desires.

Medically there are complications because one thing aggravates another. For example, a few weeks ago, the needed ECG, aggravated the kidney injury. Needed tests are hindered and the delays because of staffing aggravate forward movement and markers of progress.

The recovery emotionally for Dennis is as important as the physical. I know that any of us awakening to his temporary reality would feel as he does. Unable to do anything for himself. The sense of being totally dependent on care givers and advocates when all of your life, you have been independent. It is as one of his Doctors said, " a suffering of its very own and not easily understood by others".

I will be frank. There are nights when Dennis is suffering. Calls to Abigail or I can do little to ease it with words. Both she and I are awakened either by the calls or with a sense of unease for him. In the wee hours last night, his nurse for the past three nights and I prayed. After some time of contending, Dennis said he could feel peace in the room.

I don’t want Dennis to suffer and I also don’t want Abigail getting any wearier than she already is. To that end, may I ask that any of you who feel inclined to pray with us and push back against ‘discouragement’ and ‘aggravation’? Just now both of those increase what I know to be truthful, the torment, Dennis is in.

He has spoken with both Rebecca and Ben and he says out loud, ‘how he is so hopeful for his future and that he will be healthier than he has ever been in his life’. I know this is his right of inheritance as a beloved child of God. If collectively, we can stand on guard against the two things that seem to want to do the most damage to him just now, I and my children would be most grateful.

All love