Saturday, February 2, 2008
Saturday night
Good news!!!!! We met with the new doctor who is in charge of the ICU, who ordered the CT scan and he confirms the things we noticed. They took shawna off the morphine because it was keeping her reactions under wraps. There is a secondary swelling in the lower brain which was around the central cortex which endangered her vital functions. They have administered a special anti swelling drug for this which has alleviated some of that swelling. She is still in danger from this for another 3 days. We have noticed eyelid flutter and stonger hand squeezs in moments when the drug is wearing off. There is elevated heart beating which shows the body is aware of stress and she breathes above what the ventilator provides. This is what the doctor is looking for. She also has slight evidence of awareness of pain stimulants on her left arm. This has never been present before. The Doctor still cautions us that this is only on the level of reflexology and that she still has evidence of extensive brain damage. We still take this as positive evidence of God's grace in the life of our daughter. We are thankful for these mercies no matter how small. We are comforted also with the words of Romans 8:26,27. " In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will". May you all have a blessed sunday of worship and praise. Al and Deb
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23 comments:
To Shawna's family,
We also do not know Shawna personally
but we did meet her parents while we were both visiting Mrs. Bethlehem Sr.
at Ebenezer villa a long time ago.Our granchildren know her better.
Our hearts go out to you and she is included in our daily prayers as you all are.
I read somewhere:
Real prayer always does one of two things; It either frees us from the trouble we fear or else it gives us the strenght and courage to meet the trouble when it comes.
Best wishes, Jerry & Minnie Meyer.
Dear Al and Deb,
I just logged on to see your Saturday night posting and my heart lept when I read Shawna's positive reactions today. You are in my prayers continually and know that Shawna is in the hands of our Lord where everything is possible. Be well.
Your cousin Jennifer
That text is really beautiful.
My favourite text is,
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."
Hebrews 12:2a
I pray that you, the family and loved ones of Shawna, are able to fix your eyes on Jesus throughout this difficult time of waiting. The strength of faith you protray clearly shows God's grace surrouning you; as well as His comfort and Spirit.
I am continually keeping all of you and Shawna in my prayers.
Love Jodi Wieske
Dear Debbie and Allan,
WE are happy to hear a little positive news. You are always in our prayers and thoughts. What a blessing to have a heavenly Father who controls everything. We can imagine the highs and lows that you go through and we're thankful that you are being supported in so many ways. When we no longer have the flu or colds we will drop by to see you. Till then we are all in God's care. Love, Arthur and Betsy
What wonderful news! We rejoice with you and will continue petitioning our heavanly Father to continue to provide His care to Shawna and your family
Lots of Love
Marlene and Jack and family
It is wonderful to hear positive news! We continue to keep Shawna and all those around her in personal prayer at home and communal prayer at school. May God continue to give you the strength that only He can.
Wade and Leanne Van Bostelen
Dear Bethlehem and Hoeksma families
We rejoice with you in the positive news today about Shawna. We pray that you will continue to find your strength in the Lord. We are also very encouraged by your faith which is so evident in your writing and we thank the Lord for that. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Phil and Terri VanAndel
Joel, Meagan, Josh, Karina, Stephen
Dear Al, Deb, Darryl and families,
We log onto your blog many times during the day hoping for such news as we have read tonight. We rejoice with you in the positive report you received from the new ICU doctor.
We continue to pray for Shawna's healing and for strength for all of you.
May you, too, enjoy a Sunday blessing whether at Shawna's bedside or worshipping with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Arend and Willa Dale Smid
Dear Al,Debbie and family: We are thankful to hear some good news regarding Shawna's recovery.We continue to put you before God's throne and continue to plead for strength, and healing, as He alone is your help in times of trouble. Psalm 121
In Christian love: Ben & Anita
To all Shawna's loved ones,
Isn't our God great? I'm so glad that you have some good news and that you are showing such incredible strength and faith. This is what it's all about. I would like you to know that your testimony is such a blessing to our family and everyone I speak to. Our faith has deepened and once again we have been reminded that our life is but a breath. It just makes you realize just how dependant we are on God and how we are to live every minute for Him.
"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10
That`s our prayer for you all. We are confident that Gods name is being praised through your faithful example, and that we should all look forward to and long for His return even more fervently. May the Lord be with you all and continue to grant healing to Shawna.
Love in Him, Eric and Rhonda Jans and family
I know your pain, and I know your comfort. When we are weak, then we are strong!
prayin'
Dear Bethlehem and Hoeksema families:
Your blog is checked many times each day by our family and we are thankful with you for the positive news you have received today. We pray for the Lord's continued love and care for each of you.
May you have a blessed Sunday!
Tim and Elly Hutten and family
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him
Nahum 1:7
Dear Al, Deb, family and Darryl
What a blessing to see these wonderfull signs. We are happy to hear that things are going better. May God continue to guide you all in the coming days.
Have a blessed Sunday
Tom, Alice and family
That really is encouraging news! Shawna is in our thoughts and prayers, and although we have faith that things will work out well, its a great encouragement to this faith to see evidence of God's Grace.
best wishes
Hans, Kinga & Samuel
Calgary
Sunday Morning:
Dear Al and Deb and family:
How great our God is. He has given you new hope as you go into the Sunday. We rejoice with you, and pray for further healing.
God does answer our prayers, because of the Spirit who intercedes for us. And read on!!
: 37 -39: Nothing can separate us from the Love of God,which we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. All of you,Shawna in her hospital bed, You, walking the halls and waiting, and we at home praying are all so in the Father's hand, that we are all perfectly safe.
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
We wish you a very blessed Sunday.
love, Andy and Tina van Yken
Dear Al, Debbie, Family, Darryl, and his family:
We were almost afraid to check the blog last night and then relieved to find the good news. As you go through the days and weeks ahead, we'd like to leave this poem for you to remember.
Different Answers
They're almost unbelievable
some prayers answers
You sent so fast
they took my breath away
And made me laugh.
I thank you.
I thank You there were other times
it seemed
You've left me
way out
in the dark
alone
to wait....
Until You became
more important
than any anwser
I was looking for.
(Nancy Speigelberg from Fanfare)
Our prayers continue for Shawna's healing and for you and your families. Psalm 23
Our God is indeed an awesome God. Thank you so much for sharing this positive news about Shawna. As you are already well aware, the days in the ICU will have many ups and downs but we rejoice with you and are thankful that God has given you this positive step in her recovery. We continue to pray for you dearly and ask that our Lord will continue to bless you all and grant you much patience in the days ahead. When we try to make sense of such a tragedy like this we become at a loss for words or actions. God does have our lives in His plan and will guide and keep us through it all. We are thankful that we see the evidence of Gods care and peace through the blogs that you have posted. We remember you all before the throne of our Father. In Christian Love, Keith and Suzanne Wielink & family
Uncle Al & Aunt Debbie,
It's good to hear that Shawna is doing a bit better. It really shows that God answers our prayers, even when it dosnt seem that he answers them. He does answer our prayers, though, even when it takes some time, and I'm sure you can see that. I really hope things turn out well. Hope to see you sometime.
My prayers are with you all continually.
Love, Kristen Buist ♥
Dear Al and Deb and family,
We thank God for the encouragement that your postings give to us - they are a reminder of the faithfulness of our Lord and Saviour. You are constantly in our prayers, as is Shawna. Along with the apostle Paul we "pray that you may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.."
May you too have a blessed day of worship and praise.
Love, Pete and Caroline
Dear Al, Deb & family, Darryl, Bill & Jeannie & family,
Rejoicing with you and for you for the "baby steps" of healing given to Shawna so far.
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." Lam 3:22-23
Continued patience to all as another day unfolds, trusting in Him alone. Thoughts and prayers for you and yours.
Dennis & Marg & family
Al and Debbie & Family
We continue to pray for Shawna. May God grant the strength you need. May the communion of saints continue to uphold you. The power of prayer is amazing.
With love
Ralph & Jane Vis
Jaden Keegan & Ariel
bDear Al and Deb, and loved ones of Shawna,
We pray for you daily. May our faithful God continue to hold you in His almighty arms.
Love, The Evert Breukelman Family
Dear Al & Deb & Family, Darryl & Family,
We were so glad to read the good news on Shawna's progress!! Our family along with so many others read your update daily and we would like to thank you for keeping us all informed. Your are constantly in our thoughts and prayers and as you walk the halls of the General waiting for doctors and reports, please know that you are not alone, the Lord is constantly by your side giving you the strength needed.
Best wishes, Art & Cheryl Hopman & Family
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