June Update

It's hard to believe we are halfway through June!  I have too many things on my to do list!

I put a lot about Andrew in my May post, but I know many have asked about his upcoming surgery.  We will go to Duke on July 10, and his first surgery is July 11.  It is brain surgery to place electrodes in his brain for more testing.  It will be a very tough several days, I have been told many times, and we are starting to feel a little anxious and would appreciate prayers.  I got a new Bible study that I hope to start in the next day or so to combat what I am feeling!  I'll go to the Truth and get that encouragement and confidence that only comes from God.  They will not surgically remove the electrodes until July 18.  I still do not have an exact date when we will be home, but hopefully right after that.  Andrew will probably take about six weeks to recover - many different things can happen.  Then they will set his next surgery.  We appreciate those who know it's coming and have checked on him and us.

It's been another trying few weeks.  Our guest makes things different at home.  We appreciate the boys' help with all of that.  We pray every day to be able to figure out how to care with love and grace.  We are not sure what will be in the near future; but, for right now, everyone seems safe and secure.  Tonight has been tougher; but that seems to be the pattern, according to what I have read.

We lost a sweet friend today.  She was only 81.  Pete had visited with Jewel and Hobert twice recently, but I told him I would go the next time.  And now, I will see her next time in Heaven.  My last visit with her was at her home, and I could have sat there for hours more to listen to stories of their younger days.  We are praying for Hobert, such an example of a friend and husband to Jewel.  We will miss her sweet encouragement and timely cards in the mail.

Andrew had an appointment in Charlotte yesterday with Dr. Patel.  We got his "number" today, and it was 905.  Excellent.  It was under 190 when we started this journey with Dr. Patel about seven years ago - low enough for people to be in the hospital too sick to function.  We love Dr. Patel and his commitment to helping Andrew and others.  We were shocked to find out he had been in a terrible accident, since we last saw him.  In the last few months, he has been recovering from a 40 foot fall onto lava rock (harder than concrete) in Hawaii.  He did not hit his head, but he had a pelvic fracture and pretty much destroyed his right forearm.  He also had internal bleeding.  We are so thankful he is still here!

Thanks for praying for us.  Thanks for asking about Andrew.  We are anxious to get this next step behind us!