Nothing like warm cookies

Life has definitely been getting better the last couple weeks. Tonight, I celebrated absolutely nothing at all by making chocolate chip cookies. For some reason, I've been pining to make cookies lately. So I did. And they were good. And there was evening and morning, the 4th week of second year.

I also slept til 11:30 today. Because I could. It was wonderful. I rode my bike to school with Ted. I learned all about EKG's and catecholamines today in class! I listened to a lady talk about experiencing a heart attack at age 25 because of a genetic disorder, and while that doesn't sound particularly wonderful, she knew the Lord and spoke with love and truth and gentleness to a group notoriously skeptical and won their hearts. She admonished us that without wisdom and grace, our knowledge is nothing. I wanted to hug her. Then I ate some delicious Thai food on the Av. I went climbing at the UW rock gym with Ted and Josh and Melissa. And I made cookies. Did I mention they were delicious?

Why is life so good you might ask? Well, I guess because I've finally started pursuing God again. I've been pretty disagreeable with Him because of how He chose to do some things in my life last year, and I've finally come to the conclusion that being bitter only hurts me more. Life in the Spirit... there's just nothing like it. It's good to be moving that direction again.

So enjoy your day and give thanks to God for the ways He is blessing you in every moment.
And make chocolate chip cookies. Then, send them to me!

May I be so Bold... Yahoo!!

I am currently riding the bus having just left my HOUSE, which I am living in as people are known to do who are NO LONGER HOMELESS. Just thought I’d emphasize that. Praise God who provides and allows us to experience testing so that our endurance will grow. Although to be honest, I’ve had just about enough testing for one summer.

Here are the specifics on the house, cause everyone wants to know I’m sure. 2BR+ 1BA W/D D/W util inc big BY great neighborhood.

For those of you who are not fluent in Craigslist, that means 2 bedroom with an extra little room downstairs, washer, dryer and dishwaster, utilities included and a big backyard! All that for a mere $1400/month. Yikes. This is more rent than I have ever paid in my life times 1.5. But I’m grateful to have a place to call home. It even comes with old lady furniture (including beds). I made sure to replace as many decorations with weapons and outdoor gear as quickly as possible so as to not confuse any guests about my status as an old lady.

Not that I dislike old ladies. I’m actually rather fond of them and have even been related to a few in my day who were fine examples of human excellence.

One irony. I unpacked my stuff last night, including a watch that was still on Alaska time, so I am late for the med school a capella practice today. Bummer. I got a great night’s sleep though. In my own bed. In my own house.

Homelessness

I'm sitting in a coffee shop on Canal Street (which I highly recommend by the way) not out of choice, but out of desperation. Despite the fact that it is now 7pm, I have done nothing resembling productivity today. And I didn't plan anything because I had full intentions of studying diligently. The desperation part comes in when you start asking questions like: where else could I go to study? Nada. Homelessness is a nomadic disease devoid of direction and security.

All that after only 3 weeks. I hear some people live without a home for more than 3 weeks sometimes.

Of course, they're not scraping through medical school.

Then again, they don't have gracious friends who take them in.

I won't pretend that I have it nearly as bad as guys like "Guitar Man" who I enjoyed breakfast with today, but he seemed pretty content with life as he ate his sausage and cheese bagel sandwich.

The canal looks peaceful from here, a calming presense in this currently scattered mood.

The couple in the corner cuddles and steals kisses... obviously infatuated with each other and oblivious to the world quickly streaming by on all sides.

Who knew blogging could be so random and yet somehow therapeutic. This one was definitely more for me than for you.

With high hopes of healed homelessness hereafter,

Ross

Continued blogging affairs

After a conversation over wine with some dear friends/fellow travelers on this journey of medicine, I've decided to make an attempt at continued blogging. Thanks for the encouragement guys.

I'm still in search of a house, but hopeful. More and more places keep popping up that are closer to what I'm looking for. Kind of like women in my life. Huh.

In an attempt to more fully focus on God and prayer, I've given up food for a little while. I'm not sure how long this will last, but I'm predicting that I will have my first meal shortly after acquiring a new residence. Let's hope that comes sooner rather than later.

(saying this isn't to show how cool and spiritual I am, but more to encourage people to fast. I think it's underdone in our culture, and given the preoccupation many of us have with food [myself included], it strikes me as a good idea to remind ourselves who really controls our bodies. plus, lots of cool Bible people did it. like Jesus.)

Another random bit that excites: whilst wandering around Ravenna looking for a fax machine, I came across a retirement home. Brilliant!! Both close to my future residence (I hope) and the UW! One thing I really want to do here is get some good, old-fashioned dominoes going with good, old-fashioned people. It's really quite spectacular if you've never tried it. One of the activities I looked forward to attending back in my darker days of soul searching.

That's it for now... if anyone is still bothering to check this site, I hope you find my ponderings rewarding! I really enjoy writing them.

Ok. I'm really done.

For now.

Septemberly News on Daniel

Dear All,

What a magnificent week God gave us last week! Daniel had the usual 3 appointments for wound care but he also saw his Infectious Disease (ID) Doctor and his trauma Surgeon. Both were very pleased with his progress. Both moved his care to the next level - which I'll explain in a minute. Many things for which we praise God.

Dr. P (you couldn't pronounce his first and last name even if I spelled it out) is originally from India. When he was first asked to be the ID Doctor to treat Daniel's raging infections, he came in with a very professional, business attitude. You could tell he knew his stuff but he was quiet and we couldn't engage him. For example, we told him that Eddie, Sara Ann, Aunt Sara and I had been to India. Well, usually that starts a big conversation. People want to know what part of the country you visited and they tell you where they are from. And the conversation goes on from there. Well, Dr. P barely acknowledged we had said anything. He wasn't rude, just quiet. The Internist had told us he is quiet when he is worried. Well, on Tuesday morning of last week, he came in smiling, friendly and open to conversation. What a difference. Why the difference? He had a CT scan done the Friday before and it showed Daniel's infection was completely gone! As we conversed with him he stressed the seriousness of Daniel's condition when he arrived in the States but now was very positive and took Daniel off of IV drugs completely. No more spending 3-4 hours per day watching an IV drip for Daniel. So we no longer have a son who is an IV drug user! (ha!) Life is much more normal for Daniel. Thank you Lord. He just has to take oral antibiotics for 4 weeks as a precaution.

Then on Friday we went to see the surgeon. He is always friendly. He was happy with Daniel's progress. To stress how much healing Daniel had done and what the prognosis is he said that no matter what Daniel does the hole in his back is going to close. He can do any activity that he feels up to (and that a Wound VAC will allow). His sister has told him she wants a room painted!! Anyway, the trauma Surgeon discharged Daniel and said he didn't need to see him anymore. Praise be to God. So obviously Mom and Dad are grateful and doing better.

So, what about leaving the first week of September as Daniel had hoped? The hole is still there but not worrisome in the way it was. It is closing and there is skin growing around it. You can tell a big difference every time the nurses change the dressing (which is the only time you can see it). We are much encouraged by being able to see the dramatic healing God is doing. But it is still open. Also a further development. As of yesterday, Daniel was diagnosed with shingles. It is on his neck and scalp. A doctor told us that happens sometimes after someone has taken steroids. Daniel had steroids to counteract a rash from antibiotics a couple of weeks ago. So, obviously, God has plans for Daniel to stay around at least a little longer. Ok by us.

So, Daniel is on 5 different medications right now and has the Wound VAC (man purse) with him all the time. He began driving again on Saturday (he even drove me to the wound care visit on Monday, as it should be!). He said it took a minute for him to get the hang of driving - like staying in his own lane - but then it was normal after that. He has more energy in general. He is playing his guitar more. He is just doing more. For example, he drove to the park on Monday and walked for about 3 miles while it was still kind of cool. The only thing was the old ladies (like 40s and 50s he said- I gave him a hard time for that) were passing him. Sara Ann and I tell him we can still "take him" (down) at this point. But we know our days are numbered. And thankfully so. His strength is returning although the surgeon said it will be a year before he is completely back to normal strength.

Please continue to pray for his healing. The shingles are not very painful at this point but we understand they can be. So pray for freedom from pain. And while you are praying, praise God for your love and interest and support you have given the Stinsons in our time need. We certainly praise God for YOU!! The ordeal is almost over but the blessings from the outcome have not all been revealed yet. We look forward to that. God's blessings are new every morning. Without struggle, there is no growth.

Obviously Daniel will always have a testimony to give of God's love and care and how He spared his life. Pray that he will be used mightily by the Lord in His kingdom in the days, weeks and years ahead. How gracious our Lord is! When Daniel was only midway through his hospital stay in Ecuador and he was very foggy, I told him that 10 years from now if the conversation got slow or boring, he could just say something about the time he got shot in the stomach in Ecuador and that would get things going. My son who is usually sharp and with it looked at me and asked, "Why would I wait 10 years to talk about it?" Today he is clear headed and looking forward to God's continued working in his life -- if it is in Arlington Texas for a few more days or weeks or in Seattle or somewhere else after that. By this, we are much encouraged.

May God richly bless you today. May you see His hand on you. May you continually hear and respond to the Holy Spirit's prompting. And through that glorify the Lord and be blessed as well as be a blessing to others. May God lift you up today, no matter what your struggle.

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

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.

Healing Right Up

Dear All,

Daniel has been home from the hospital for over a week. Hard to believe. His health is getting better every day. We are thankful. For example, the hole in his back has shrunk. It is now 6 by 1.9 cm on the outside with a depth of 3.2 cm. Only two days before the depth had been 4.5 cm.

So what all is happening now? He has IV antibiotics 3 times a day. He still has his Wound VAC (we call it his "man purse") which he is able to plug in at night then go on battery all day. So he is mobile and has had several outings. He can't drive for 6 weeks after surgery (basically till Sept 1) so he is always chauffeured. He has 4-5 doctor/nurse appointments per week that Sara Ann and I divide up taking him to.

We have been blessed by meals (nothing nurtures like food!), phone calls, emails, cards and people contributing to his medical expenses. Daniel specifically said to tell everyone he is thankful for the prayers, cards, food and support. He said he has really been humbled by how people have come in to help him and his family. Every day he checks the mail, looking for cards. And he has certainly enjoyed eating after not being able to for weeks and weeks.

He has also had several visits by his peers. He has been greatly encouraged by that. Just today 3 young women that he went on a Spring Break Campaign with his sophomore year of college came to visit and laid hands on him and prayed over him before they left. He had not seen or talked to any of these young women in years. Praise God for servant hearts.

I have personally been amazed at how God is working in so many lives of so many we are getting to touch base with. God is working powerfully through people who are single, young married, middle aged or retired. Regardless of their walk in life, God has great plans and is using each life in His own unique way. Daniel and I have been talking about how God puts people at different places in life and then utilizes their unique abilities and circumstances in His kingdom. It is great to see the creativity of God and how He works mightily to have a relationship with His people. It reminds me of Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12 and how God has chosen each part of the body for the work He has for that person. Each may look different and have different functions, like the eye and ear, but each is designed to function as God has made them. May God work in your life mightily today whatever your station. May you feel His presence and the peace that passes understanding that comes only through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. May you be aware of being an ambassador for Jesus if you are working in an office, getting ready to go back to teach this fall, wading through lots of laundry and dirty diapers, or being limited in life by your aging body. May you remember that your generous, caring Heavenly Father loves you if you are struggling with your marriage, your health, your children, your finances, your lack of relationships or your mental or spiritual health.

What is Daniel's main prayer request? Daniel is fervently praying and ask others to pray that he will be healed by September 1st and be able to move to Seattle. What will that take? The Infectious Disease Doctor releasing him from taking the intravenous antibiotics. The wound on his back must be closed and no more need for wound care for that wound or the other various holes from surgery, gun shot, etc. And the Trauma Surgeon releasing him.

If you want to drop Daniel a card with a message, his address is 2801 S. Shady Lane, Arlington, Texas, 76001.

Again, we praise God for your interest, love and prayers. May the peace of Christ be with you.

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