Update on My Daddy

"Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments" (Deut. 7:9 NASB)

Although the most recent posts, have been about J's and my wedding (and there will soon be pictures as well), I wanted to take the time to update you all on my father (and family).

1.  The Lord was very good in allowing my daddy to regain a measure of strength following his return home from rehab in June.  He was even strong enough to make two 12-hour car rides in July in order to attend T and C's wedding (which was moved up to July 6--before J's and my wedding). He even was able to sign as a witness on their marriage license!!!

2.  My dad was able to walk his daughter R (me) down the aisle at her marriage to J.  Just a month or so before the wedding, his ability to do so was dubious. We are all so thankful that the Lord gave him strength, not just to walk me down the aisle, but also that he was able to enjoy some measure of recovery, family time, and a little bit of independence again.

3.  We were told in June(?) after his stay in rehab. that the swelling in his brain had increased.  He had previously been taken off anti-inflammatory steroids due to severe muscle weakness.  Because of the brain swelling, my dad was put back on a low dose of anti-inflammatory steroids in June and did regain some strength and alertness (which, in God's providence, enabled him to go to my brother's wedding).

The doctor told us that, at some point, the steroid dosage would need to be increased again if the symptoms of swelling returned.  My dad did require an increase on Aug. 10 and has recently become weaker.  However, the steroids are necessary to keep the swelling down in his brain.

He has an MRI(?) scheduled for Tuesday, September 4 to see what is going on inside his brain.  Please pray for him and my family.

4.  My dad's left leg has been swollen since he had a blood clot in April.  The concern now is that there is an area that is weeping and threatening to become an open wound.  Please pray that the medications he is taking would be effective to reduce the swelling in his leg as well.

5.  My little brother t will, Lord willing, be moving into a new group home on Saturday.  The Lord has been very gracious and good in providing emergency care for him during this time, and we have all been praying that a good, permanent placement would open up for him.  This group home is with the same agency!  Although we are thankful for the Lord's answer to prayer, it is still an emotional time, especially for my parents, letting go of their youngest little boy (16).  Please pray that t would also adjust well to his new home and new school district.

6.  Pray for my mom--for wisdom and strength--as she is juggling work, care for my dad, care for her dad (who has Alzheimer's) a couple nights a week, and t's move.  My mom works nights and is trying to figure out care for my dad at night (since he is becoming weaker).  She also has more paperwork now due to t's move and new school.

7.  Some other family news, on a happy note, are that A and K moved into a new apartment of their own in August!!  This apartment is a huge answer to prayer for them.  They are much closer to church and A's school.  A also started nursing school this week.

8.  J and I are doing well.  We got the car registration and plates taken care of this month. :-)  Last Saturday, the church had a wonderful reception for us--a great time to get to know people.  Everyone was so generous and sweet.  We will update and include pictures soon, Lord willing!