The Latest

Dear All,

Overall, Daniel continues to progress well. The hole in his back continues to heal. It is less deep and skin has grown some on the edges of it. He usually has energy to get out some each day, even if it is going to another doctor appointment. He is still taking IV antibiotics 3 times a day which he administers himself. He did have an allergic reaction to one this last week so he had to change one and take a round of steroids. He has an appointment with the Infectious Diseases Doctor on Tuesday morning. Please pray for wisdom for this doctor on his continued treatment of Daniel's infection from the gunshot wound that created seepage from his intestines, causing infection.

Saturday Daniel saw his internist for the first time since he was discharged from the hospital. She was happy with his progress but stressed he needs to be entirely healed before he leaves for Seattle. His back wound has to be completely taken care of. For the first time, to stress how seriously the situation needs to be taken, she stated that some doctors weren't sure Daniel would survive when he first arrived in the US. (That caused me to sit in the corner with tears quietly coming down my cheeks. It was very sad and sobering yet made me grateful to God, too.) The wounds on his front from the gunshot, surgeries and various tubes are all healing nicely. It's the wound on his back that is open that is the concern. So even though all medical people involved are pleased with his progress, it is still a serious condition. There is no reason to assume there will be major problems but it would be foolish to be casual about it.

This weekend Daniel was especially blessed in two ways. He had 6 friends from ACU (most of them roommates of his for a year or more when he lived in a house with a bunch of guys) come to town to spend about 24 hours with him. Daniel and his "man friends" (as he calls them) did guy things like going to a guy movie, eating manly bar-b-que, and playing guy video games. Thank you Stephen, Curtis, Marcus, Mark, Phil and Bret for coming. I pray God will bless your generosity. Also, thank you wives for those of you who are married. Then also Jonathan was able to get a few days off work and arrived tonight from Lubbock and won't have to go home until Tuesday. So a mother has all three of her chicks here. Yea!

We have been very loved and encouraged by people. Daniel has received many cards and really good food. People have said many encouraging things to us. The love has been wonderful.

On the other hand, I have really prayed about sharing this next series of thoughts. Before you read the next paragraphs, know that we feel deeply loved and can't express how much we appreciate all the love and concern shown to us. Just today I had several people tell me they are still praying for Daniel and us. The prayers have been incredible. By that we are greatly encouraged and blessed. God has been gracious beyond our belief. Yet, I still want to share some thoughts that might be helpful to others and have humbled me when it comes to sharing my concerns for others in difficult situations. So here goes.

Sometimes its hard to know what to say to people. God has shown me in a small degree what people go through who deal with chronic illness. When people ask how Daniel is doing, I say he is "going the right direction". Of course with that I mean in my heart that his wound is healing, closing more all the time, he has more life in him and is seeming more himself. But I also think in my heart that my son almost died, has had three major surgeries, he has a hole in his back that is packed 3 times a week with special healing materials, and has to take antibiotics 3 times a day through a PIC line that is semi-permanently inserted in his arm where they also draw out blood regularly. One day a loving brother in Christ asked me how Daniel was doing. I barely got through saying "he's going the right direction" when the brother enthusiastically said "Great!" and abruptly walked off. Although I didn't respond outwardly, inwardly I thought, "There is nothing great about this! My son almost died!" Oh, I know God is great. And I know that is what this kind gentleman meant. But what we have been going through is not "Great!" Don't get me wrong. I did appreciate being asked about Daniel by this man. I deeply appreciate all the encouragement and love that has been shown. But relying on the Lord doesn't mean it doesn't hurt and that it is not difficult. It is emotionally a whippin' at times.

Again, don't get me wrong. I see God working every day. I have been especially aware the last few days that God orchestrated Sara Ann being home this summer after being away except for college breaks for the last 8 years. There are no accidents. We have really needed Sara Ann this summer. I don't know what we would have done without her in the hospital and since we have been home. She has been a great comfort to her brother. And she cooks great too!

In addition, I have continually prayed that we would never be the same again. I see God bringing that true in many wonderful ways. Spiritually I feel God's presence in ways that would be difficult to explain in an email. I understand more fully Paul's words in II Corinthians 4:6-9. " For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

Long-term illness or chronic illness or what ever you want to call it is not for wimps! (Do I hear some loud "Amen"s in the background??) For example, just this week Daniel has had a fever two different nights. This has not happened since he left the hospital on August 1. Should we be concerned or not? The doctor says it is ok. Daniel thinks it is just because he has gotten too tired at times from being up too much. You know it is hard to keep a 24-year-old down too much!

I am reminded of the old "can't go around it, can't go over it, gotta go through it" when it comes to what is happening. I am grateful for where we are and all is going the right direction. We have our son and we know others don't. I would be very ungrateful to not be aware of that every day and count each day as precious. The prognosis is "complete recovery expected". I know many who have cancer who don't know if their loved one will be here another season, much less many more years. But when I was on the phone with my mother today and she told me that my sweet Aunt Jill had prayed "God, please don't take another one" (family members know what that means) I had to shed a few tears.

So, please keep praying. Please know that God is working mightily and we are blessed. But please also be aware that anyone who has a loved one or is themselves going through a serious illness needs your continued love and support and concern. Do ask how they are doing but realize their answer may not say even half of what they are saying in their heart. Send them cards, share a word of encouragement, in general show your love.

We are still praying in faith for God's healing by September 1 (God does still do miracles) but also accept whatever his plan is for Daniel. As said before, "the Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord." We are enjoying sweet times with each other. It would certainly be fine to have him here more but would be great if he leaves too.

Overall, things truly are "going the right direction." Again, thank you for your love and concern. Pray for the healing of Daniel's wound. Pray for the infection to be completely gone. Pray for our emotional, physical, and spiritual strength. And pray that God will be glorified.

May God bless you and your family whatever your circumstances today. May He richly bless you in the days ahead. May you feel His presence. May others comfort you and care for you in exactly the ways you need it today.

Keep the prayers going. To God be the glory.

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


P.S. If you would like to see pictures of Daniel's stay in the hospital in Ecuador and here, you can look at his blog at http://toorestlessfortexas.blogspot.com/. I do warn you that the last picture is of his wound. So you may want to skip that one.