It's been about a month since my father-in-law's brain aneurysm and stroke. You can read about it here.
It's been a month of extremes. Many lows and many disappointments. Many tears and many hugs. Difficult conversations and difficult decisions. Brad has flown to Salt Lake twice to comfort his mom, relieve some of the stress on his siblings who live there, go through paperwork, and visit with Greg. It's been emotional and hard on everyone.
Last Sunday, Brad arrived to the news that although Greg had been moved to an acute rehabilitation facility, his condition was not good enough for him to respond to or participate in the therapies they provide. Insurance only pays for three weeks in this facility, and if he couldn't do it, the time and money spent there would be wasted and irretrievable. This news was upsetting--what should they do?
That day, Greg received a priesthood blessing, and he slept for most of the day. Monday morning, when Brad and his mom arrived at the facility, Greg was awake. Over the course of two days, he recognized Brad for the first time. He passed a swallow test and ate real food. He put on his own socks. He walked up stairs. He remembered passwords on his computer and where he filed his 2014 taxes. He gave hugs and kisses and smiles and cracked a few jokes.
Little daily achievements that never before seemed so miraculous.
While the final outcome is still unsure, these small yet mighty miracles do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
This Thanksgiving, we have much to be thankful for.
It's been a month of extremes. Many lows and many disappointments. Many tears and many hugs. Difficult conversations and difficult decisions. Brad has flown to Salt Lake twice to comfort his mom, relieve some of the stress on his siblings who live there, go through paperwork, and visit with Greg. It's been emotional and hard on everyone.
Last Sunday, Brad arrived to the news that although Greg had been moved to an acute rehabilitation facility, his condition was not good enough for him to respond to or participate in the therapies they provide. Insurance only pays for three weeks in this facility, and if he couldn't do it, the time and money spent there would be wasted and irretrievable. This news was upsetting--what should they do?
That day, Greg received a priesthood blessing, and he slept for most of the day. Monday morning, when Brad and his mom arrived at the facility, Greg was awake. Over the course of two days, he recognized Brad for the first time. He passed a swallow test and ate real food. He put on his own socks. He walked up stairs. He remembered passwords on his computer and where he filed his 2014 taxes. He gave hugs and kisses and smiles and cracked a few jokes.
Little daily achievements that never before seemed so miraculous.
While the final outcome is still unsure, these small yet mighty miracles do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
This Thanksgiving, we have much to be thankful for.
This made me smile today.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted...your father in law has been on my mind and in my prayers. Whoever took this photo really captured something special....so much love in this picture. Lots to be thankful for indeed.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Jenny and family!