While I was getting Annie dressed today for school, I asked her to lift up one leg to put on a pair of pants (she did right away) then I asked her to lift up the other (she did right away), then I told her to sit up so I can put her shirt on (she did immediately). So, I know she understands what I say to her. This tells me that in the world of brain injury, she has "receptive" language, or the ability to understand what you say.
What she doesn't have yet is "expressive" language, or the ability to speak. These past two weeks we've seen remarkable progress in her ability to communicate with grunts and yells about what she wants, but no words yet. I know these grunts and yells are evidence of the neurons and axons and dendrites making connections again--especially since she can make sounds on command, which is more than she could do a month ago!
But--please keep praying for God to help her:
1. Say the words that are in her mind
2. Not have an aversion to food.
3. Use her arms and hands. Not have tactile defensiveness in her arms and hands.
4. Walk.
5. Have no seizures.
We continue to practice standing, walking, tasting food, drinking from a sippy cup, swinging and riding the bike. But we really need another boost from God--I am so impatient.
Jean
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. Psalm 27:7
7 comments:
((((Jean)))) (that is a cyberhug) :) Of course you are impatient!! I think that is very normal but yes, I will pray that God will give you peace to deal with it and give you more patience. What a super blessing that Annie is able to respond to your commands, understand, etc. Will pray for the speech and other requests!
Love to you all
Sue Powell
You are not impatient, Jean. Look where you were in January...this is September...
There has been SO much progress. And waiting is the hardest part, so we fill the waiting time with prayer, praise and thanksgiving for all that progress.
May you rest
May your anxiousness be replaced by peace
May you see Him in every moment, every step, every sound Annie utters.
May you see Him move, however slowly to we who wait impatiently
And yes, may He move swiftly.
Those who wait on the Lord
shall rise up on wings like eagles
they shall RUN and not grow weary
they shall WALK and not be faint.
Is. 40:31
Love,
T
Dear Lord,
Please, please please help Annie to:
1. Say the words that are in her mind
2. Not have an aversion to food.
3. Use her arms and hands. Not have tactile defensiveness in her arms and hands.
4. Walk.
5. Have no seizures.
I thank you for the loving, miraculous, comforting God that you are. May Your healing of Annie bring glory to Your name. Thank You for hearing our prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Phl 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
This is an often misquoted verse. It is NOT a verse suggesting that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to; nor is it a verse that promises deliverance from adversive issues in life.
The verse actually is in context with a passage acknowledging that God will see us through any circumstance that presents itself regardless of the hardship and pain - (easy for me to say).
The truth is, is that God IS bringing Annie and Jean and Bill and the brood through this struggle with faith, hope, and unfailing love. He is also bringing us - who are encouraged daily by Jean's honest, open, day-to-day explanations of Annie's progress - to a more mature understanding of His love for US:)
I think I prefer to lean on the truth of a few verses prior to the aforementioned verse:
Phl 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
I prefer to focus on Jean's acknowledgement of what He has already done in Annie's healing process; knowing that there is more to come when He decides it is time. I also know that it is our prayers that God desires.
At the beginning of this ordeal I really questioned God. More and more, though, I'm learning to lean on His promises of hope fulfilled.
Let's go back a couple of more verses and check out what Paul has to say;
Phl 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Phl 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Now THAT's encouraging!! ...Albeit hard to do at times:)
Lord - grant my sister the peace that passes understanding. Give to her the patience that eludes her momentarily. Love her and Bill and the brood as they deal with Annie's day-to-day needs. Most of all, thank You for loving Annie through all of this:)
Forgive us for weaknesses. Forgive us for our occasional doubt. Forgive us for not fully relying on You for EVERY need we face.
Thank you for allowing this trial into Your little girl's life. Thank you - even though we do not fully understand it. Thank you for Your word. And thank you for Your life; dragged through the streets, bloodied for my sin, hung on the cross; departed for an instant yet returned for eternity.
Lord, this life is but a vapor. Do with us all as you choose. Help us, though, to endure like Paul endured, whatever the circumstance, knowing that we CAN endure all things through YOU,,,
uncle jeff
amen
the word 'brood.'
n.
1. The young of certain animals, especially a group of young birds or fowl hatched at one time and cared for by the same mother.
2. The children in one family.
v.tr.
1. To sit on or hatch (eggs).
2. To protect (young) by or as if by covering with the wings.
v.intr.
1. To sit on or hatch eggs.
2. To hover envelopingly; loom.
3. To be deep in thought; meditate.
Good Morning Bloggers!
What wonderful thoughts and prayers to say AMEN to.....
Hope all have a great autumn day,
Marilyn
Yinz guys are such an encouragement. ;-)
Love,
Jean
Post a Comment