May 4, 2007

The brain is a mysterious thing

For weeks prior to Ian's return home, we saw very little response to anything that was happening around him and to any attempts at therapy. There would be the occasional spark of life, but nothing like we've seen since his return. His eyes are open more frequently, and he focuses more. He holds Larissa's hand and reaches for her neck occasionally to draw her close for a hug. Tonight he was cooperating in physical therapy with someone that just started with us yesterday; he'd ask Ian to move his arm, for example, and got the appropriate response.

The brain is a mysterious thing. Ian can recognize and respond to Larissa and to us, but he can't talk. He can give us a long blink in response to a question like, "are you uncomfortable?" But, he can't quite swallow completely yet. He looks like Ian and has some of the same mannerisms that are so Ian-like. But, I wonder where he is and what he's thinking and experiencing.

Lord, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. That becomes even more apparent when things don't work right in our bodies, and we don't know why. You are the One who designed Ian's body, and you are the One who knows exactly what's wrong and how to fix him. You know where he is, and I trust that he's in your hands. After all, where can he go from your Spirit? If Ian were to take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand would lead him, and your right hand shall hold him. For you formed his inward parts; you knitted him together in his mother's womb. I praise you for we are fearfully and wonderfully made. [see Ps 139].

Steve

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

its great to hear that Ian is starting to respond better to everyone around him..that is a great praise report! something funny...i was acctually cleaning my dorm room cause i'm moving back home tomorrow and i found a post-it note on my desk where all my praye post-its where i write prayer requests down and there was one that from a while back about praying for the addition on the house so that Ian could go home even though he was still in a coma. its so funny to look back and see how far GOd has brought Ian and your family....he's still in a coma but he's home which is awesome and amazing and its great to see the way that God has answered prayers for ur family and Ian. alrighty well just wanted to tell u all about that cool little discovery. praying for u all and that Ian will communicate with u soon. : ) God bless.

made to worship,
Rachael (Providence Church)
szewczre@notes.udayton.edu

Anonymous said...

It was wonderful to read that post. It is very encouraging to see how you and your family are trusting God through all this. I will be pray that Ian wakes up and that the Lord's will, will be done in Ian's life.

Moriah Freeman
Crossway Church of Lancaster

Anonymous said...

I couldn't settle my mind for devotions this am... it kept flipping all over the place; except where I wanted to be. God, I cried, where are you? I finally gave up and went on my way. While driving to my destination God brought his answer: "When I am afraid I will trust in you" (a song we sing in worship. And you know what, I am afraid, I am weary, and I didn't even realize it. I felt that way, but wouldn't even admit it to myself (if that makes sense!) But God knew. I wish I could say that I am no longer afraid, or weary, but that isn't really ture. So while acknowledging how I am feeling, I am going to keep humming..."while I am afraid, I will trust in you."

Mary, I found two of those enamle (?) basins today. You better take them off my hands!

Anonymous said...

In Bob Woodruff's book "In An Instant" there is a quote in the dedication "...Love is in the heart, not the head". This is quite profound in hope that we all may remember this.

God will bless