Surgery for Daniel - Round Three

The latest email from the Stinsons:

Overall Daniel is doing ok, going the right direction in some ways. His brother and sister continue to take turns staying with him at night while Eddie and I go during the day and evening as much as we can. Daniel is comforted by our family's presence. But, despite strong, multiple antibiotics, Daniel does have infection that is not completely under control which is a big concern to the doctors.

So, Daniel is to have surgery tomorrow, Thursday, at Harris HEB at about 1pm. They will take out his right colon (they say he doesn't need it! - plus it has a stinkin' hole in it) and will deal with the infections that are still there in his back. We are thankful for Dr. Eliason, the trauma surgeon, who has taken great care to make the best decision by waiting to see how Daniel is doing, consulting multiple times with his partners, etc to make this decision. It is obviously a very well thought out decision on his part. Please pray for wisdom and skill for Dr. Eliason in this surgery as well as blessings in his life.

To me it is a relief to have a firm direction the Lord is taking us. Although in some ways his body is recovering and several things are a little better, the infection is still there and the hole is still there. For various reasons it is a big decision on whether to wait for the hole to heal more or to go ahead with the surgery. To the best of my knowledge and simple understanding, the infection trumps all and that is the reason for surgery now.

Of course, surgery is still surgery so we covet your prayers as well as your praise to God for His continued blessing on Daniel's life. This will be Daniel's third surgery since July 2 but hopefully his last. And at least this one is in the United States - yea! He will not be all healed after surgery but will still have months and months of recovery. But, as I have said, we are thankful to have our sweet son around and look forward to God's provision of sweet blessings in the months ahead. We know there will be many "iron sharpening iron" moments.

Please continue to pray for blessings on Eddie and I but also on Sara Ann and Jonathan as they minister so sweetly to their brother. You can imagine the things they are "getting" to do. Each is willing to put their lives on hold for their brother. Each is so attentive and loving. Willing to get him a drink, put covers on him, walk with him, read to him, etc. How blessed we are!

We also ask blessings on Dr. Hendrickson who has already given so much since we have been home. May God give her wisdom and blessing as she continues to guide Daniel's overall treatment as his Internist. She has been so comforting and available to us (thanks for taking our call at 9pm last night) and giving (when is the last time someone stopped by the store on the way to the hospital and got you blue Jello?). We are truly blessed. We praise you Lord.

Thanks for the continued care and love of each of you. We have had several sweet short visits that we greatly appreciate. And yummy food to provide physical strength and spiritual encouragement. We appreciate the emails. And we appreciate the prayers. May God bless you as you bless us.

Please pray for Daniel tomorrow afternoon especially. May God receive all glory and praise.

Love,
Eddie, Marilyn, Daniel, Sara Ann and Jonathan