Today marks the 8th day at Madonna Rehab.
Yesterday afternoon, RuthAnne and I took Rachel outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. While talking, I told her of a story that I heard of a 14 year old girl who had been in an accident and could not walk and was told she would never be able to walk. After many people praying for her, one day this girl got up and walked totally healed. Even though Rachel can’t talk, she responded. She burst into tears. Now maybe one would think that telling her this story wouldn’t help her. Valid point. Except that the whole theme of being at Madonna is to set goals and achieve them. The combination of the prayers of the network of saints, the efforts of the rehab staff and therapists, and the diligence and belief of the patient all play a part in seeing Rachel meet her goal. From the beginning, every verbal prayer I have heard prayed for Rachel has been one of total healing~~~so, I told her this story.
To keep her from crying more, facing her I looked up and joked that Ryan was coming. She stopped crying and then I had to tell her that I was joking. She was laughing at my behavior technique. Then, to my surprise, I looked up and there was Ryan approaching her from behind and so I told Rachel, “Ryan IS coming.” Of course, she rolled her eyes........then he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead......his arrival was timely! (And surprised me!)
Today is another day and goodness....people here keep things moving.
Here is a list of today’s Joys:
Rachel was able to use the NuStep TRS4000 for 20 minutes....it is a stepping machine that she can use in the sitting position, which works her legs. Now keep in mind that she has a therapist and volunteer at her side to stable her and to keep her legs positioned on the peddles. She liked this machine!
--Optometrist evaluation-went very well. Rachel was able to differentiate a very small drawn stick object on a board 15 feet away. Her close up and distance focus is good. They will work on fine tuning her focus, it's almost perfect.
--She was able to stand with assistance today for 10 minutes (intervals of 1-2 min apiece) while standing with help she was able to reach up almost shoulder level with her left hand. Her right hand/arm needs prayers!
--She is able to sign the alphabet with her left hand! She struggles with some of the letters, but RuthAnne is able to decipher almost everything. Prayers are being answered for Rachel!
--Rachel's voice is getting stronger. She can say the sounds 'M', 'L' and 'W' with vowels attached to them. At the end of today's second session, she could say, "My name" in one breath. Tomorrow morning, the Speech Therapist will be giving her breakfast. Her first meal!!
Do we even begin to know and discover the possibilities of prayers? So, don’t just stand there, pray something! Not just for Rachel’s struggles, but for your struggles too....may you see the possibilities that prayer has in changing your life struggle into a prayer answered!!
I John 5:14, 15 says so plainly:
“And this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us: and if we know that He hears us,whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of Him.”
8 comments:
Hello, it's me again. I was thinking about what Crystal mentioned about including memories of Rachel in communications we send. That got me thinking and I realized that since Rachel was pretty much a little girl when I knew her and it's been so long ago that my memory has faded (about a lot of things, not just Rachel :), I didn't really have any specific memories of Rachel but I finally decided that what I remember most about Rachel is her very warmhearted smile. So I'm praying that God will use this experience to beautify her smile even more. I liked what Crystal said about prayer in "more notes from mom" today. Last year when I was dealing with cancer & chemo I prayed for those who were praying for me--that as they prayed they would be drawn into a much closer fellowship with God, even into a right relationship with Him if needed. So I will also pray that for all who are praying for Rachel. Along with the prayers I continue to pray for Rachel and all the rest of you who are with her, specifically for her right arm, speaking and walking.
Vicki Sherman
Rachel!
I just got on to check your blog page. I'm so thankful that your family keeps me updated. In just a few minutes the girls are comming up for Girls group. We are going to study Psalm 139 tonight. I wish you were here to tag-team with. I always loved teaching Bible study with you at the Mansion. I love you friend!
Rebekah
Dear Rachel,
I know that I don't know you personally, but I have worked with Julia at Summit a couple of years. My whole family and my Sunday School class have been praying for you since the beginning of all this. It is amazing to hear the progress that you have made so far and continue to make. You have a great family and an even greater God! May the Lord continue to bless you and give you strength to heal. Knock the socks off those doctors!
Love,
Rebekah Springer MI
dear Heavenly Father
Thank you so very much for Rachel's improvement, she was such a blessing in my life at the time i knew her. I would like to pray for her and ask for continued healing in her life. Thank you also that her family takes the time out of their busy day to keep us informed as to what is going on in her every day trials.
Amen.
Thank you so much for careing enough to create this blog. Rachel you are a blessing, you really are, I love you, and i also remember what a good cook you are. i loved your meals at the mansion lol. if i remember correctly you were the one who made those delicious biscuits and gravy, those were the best i have ever tasted, even better then the ones at bob evans!!!!! you are a special woman, loved by all who meet you.
love you lots in Christ
beth in ohio
Rachel
Justed wanted to let you know that you were in my prayers today. I remember at the Mansion you always said one phrase to me when i was filling frustrated or things were overbearing and i wanted to throw in the towel, "Lean into God's love, never pull away" I just want to remind you to Lean into God's Love, for it is His love that mends all hurts. Check back with the progress tomorrow.
Love,
Kerri Pollard
Hi Rachel-
It has been a little while since I wrote, but know that you are not forgotten! We are praying for you here in NC and check your blog everyday for updates. I think the support of your family and Ryan is incredible! I am waiting for you to get better to write down that chocolate chip cookie recipe again...I remember those were the best! I think after this is all over you may have to extend the guest list for the wedding! :) Just kidding! You are loved by so many, keep working hard!!
Amanda (Satterfield) Willis
Sweet Rachel, I have been following your progress daily and praying for you twice as much. I know God has a beautiful and wonderful plan for your life to bring you happiness and Him glory! I want to come see you soon in NE. Your loving and adoring you for your courage, Aunt Fran
God is good! Praise the Lord for continuing to work!
I think that is cool that Ryan showed up at that moment, doesn't that just encourage you to believe God is in control? He can bring Ryan to visit when it was said he was coming as a joke and He can heal just like He healed the girl that could walk! God is a good God, longing to be gracious to you! :)
Love,
Beth Cardoza
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