Good morning all. Today will most likely be a day of reflection, as we celebrate life. A life given back to Shawna by our gracious Father. Yes the events of this day remain a vivid picture in our minds but we hold fast to the riches we were given during that time of need. We continue to be supported by the communion of saints and our family and friends to the effect that we truly know we belong to our faithful Saviour.
Some fantastic things have happened to Shawna in the past two weeks. Shawna enjoyed 9 full teaspoons of applesauce in one setting. Her tongue is starting to work better as she swished the applesauce around in her mouth and swallowed successfully. She agreed to each teaspoonfull and opened her mouth to receive it. This was a huge success and Shawna was very excited about it. Another important development was getting Shawna onto her facebook page. She was very excited as she began to read her messages on her wall and inbox. It takes a great deal of effort for everyone who assists her with this to make sure her wishes are followed.
Its been quite cold lately and as a result we have not been taking her out anywhere except appointments. She already went through a bout with stomach flu. With round the clock monitoring she pulled through that episode. On this Wednesday she has an appointment with the neurosurgeon Dr. Wells to see if anything needs to be done regarding the right ventrical enlargement in Shawnas brain. He may want another CT scan done as the last one is now two months old. At least we are started on a pathway to explore why her tone on the left side is so intense.
We've been trying new physio things with Shawna. One that she has been successful with is getting her to initiate rising from her chair or bed and sitting back down again. We bend her forward and give her our arms for her to pull herself to standing and then hold her shoulders as she breaks tone in her knees to sit. She has been getting faster and faster at this and it makes transferring her a lot easier. Another thing we did was have her on her stomach an try to have her in a crawling position. This was not very successful as Shawnas face was pressed into the mattress and she was not comfortable with that position. Later she (5 hrs later) she became sick from that exercise. We will have to wait for more equipment to facilitate this procedure. All in all we continue to receive many blessings from the hand of our Heavenly Father as we continue on the path he has chosen for us. Thanking you again for you prayers and support. Al, Deb, Shawna and family
7 comments:
Dear Shawna, Bethlehem Families and friends. One whole year has passed, and we have been able to se God's mighty hand at work, in Shawna, her family, and all who know and love her. God has shown us how blessed we are in belonging to Him, and through Him to the communion of saints. We pray that the Lord will grant full recovery for Shawna in due time. May He also give you as family and care givers all the love, patience and courage to go on each day, knowing that Father is in control.
With love from the van Ykens
Anniversaries are a time of reflection and giving thanks for God's grace and sustaining love. They are also a time to renew our sure hope and reliance on His continued care and mercy in our lives. How January 2008 impacted Shawna's and your family's life! But by the grace of God you are still together, and have all been a such a testimony of God's faithfulness. We continue to pray for you for the difficult days, and continue to thank God for all the large and small milestones achieved. Keep your eyes focussed heavenward, and your hearts fully reliant on God. May He grant you everything you need.
Al and Diane Bergsma
Dear Debby, Alan, Shawna and family.
It is one year ago that Shawna had the accident and after that your whole life changed. From all of you. And it is what you write, a day of reflection. Many things happened but the most important thing : you all trusted the Lord and you gave everything in His Hands and you allways prayed and thanked the Lord . " Praise Adonai ", that is a song that we send to you in a mail. May the Lord give you the strength and the patient to go on. We wish you all the best and we love you!!
oom Klaas
oom Jan + tante Menna
oom Albert + tante Joke
oom Henk + tante Marry
oom Age + tante Willy.
+ our children.
All of you and especially Shawna are often on our minds and you continue to be in our prayers. May you continue to receive strength, courage and trust in Him who remains faithful to His Covenant promises.
Tim and Elly and family
Continually in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you all the strength you need in the years to come
Robin Bosscher and Devon Hummel
When we stop to think about it, the fact that it has already been a year since Shawna's accident is hard to believe. We thank God that He has been your constant companion throughout the trials and tribulations of Shawna's recovery.
We pray that He will continue to give each of you all that you stand in need of and that He will continue to grant improvements - whether they be small or great.
You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Arend and Willa Dale
Dear Bethlehem family
Remembering you always in our prayers. Yesterday we remembered the anniversary of Shawna's accident. We know however it was no accident, but in God's plan for her, yours, and our life. We give thanks for the testimony of your faith we can witness.
In Christian love
Peter and Benita Boerema and family
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