Since Thursday, Jacob has been stepping a bit everyday as he recovers from his surgery. Each day he has eaten a little more...each day he has needed less pain medication...each day he has worked with physical therapy and occupational therapy to prepare for home...and finally the day arrived that he asked for his DS game! It was in the hotel room, and I'm sure Daddy sprinted all the way there to get it for him! Donna has always given him time limits of how long he can play it, so I asked her if she allowed him play it as long as he wanted. She said yes but only until he returns home! What a wonderful mother she is to love enough to teach him discipline. Jacob has taken these steps like a cowboy, as I overheard a true cowboy from Tanglewood Church encourage him to do - "Cowboy-up" was the phrase of encouragement and THAT Jacob has certainly done! Wow! God has amazed us all with the amount of strength and stamina for the journey He has given to this precious boy.
Donna sent me a text message yesterday afternoon saying she was weary, teary and ready to come home. My heart hurts for my friend and the fact that, being two hours away, I was unable to sit down and cry with her. In the same way, I was unable to jump up and down with excitement with her when she heard the news this morning that Jacob is homeward bound! She sent a text message saying plans, at this point, are for discharge shortly after lunch. Please be in prayer that the ride home will be comfortable for Jacob as he learns to adjust to the halo. Well, actually as they all learn to adjust to the halo. Some adjustments will be necessary at home to make Jacob comfortable for the next month until the halo is removed. Pray for the family's safety and the days of the journey ahead.
The Rhodes family paced through the valley, climbed over a few hills, and now the mountaintop is just in sight! More steps and struggles are in store before they take the summit, but there is no doubt that our Lord and Savior will be leading them every trek of the way. May all glory and honor be given unto HIM!
Mosaic Me
Original artwork by Renee J. Moore. Image is not to be used without permission of owner.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Jacob's Journey: Steps of Healing
Further down the path they trod....Today, some things have come into focus a bit more concerning what to expect with Jacob's healing process. The initial report regarding the length of time he will wear the halo was misunderstood. The doctors told Jacob's parents this morning to expect about six weeks and a good portion of that time will be in a wheelchair. The bone graph was not taken from the bone bank. Instead they were able to use the portion of bone removed from his spine. So, God provided the way for his own bone to be used! How great is that?! (He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider!)
Plans are to move him from ICU to a regular room today and begin feeding him meals...one step at a time. (The ice chips, sprite and graham crackers held well yesterday.) The med drip has been removed, and he is now on oral meds for pain. However, when asked if he is in pain, he says, "No, but I don't feel good." The physical therapist are working with him now and making adjustments to the halo.
You know, "Boys will be boys," so they say...His Nana asked him which of his favorite toys would he like first as a gift, and he replied, "dinosaur." Granny asked if he wants deviled eggs, and he said, "yes." Dinosaurs and deviled eggs...life just doesn't get any better than that for boys! He still wants the hugs and prayers, according to mom and dad. What a precious gift God has given Ken and Donna! We anticipate the moment that he asks to play his DS game, which is his favorite thing to do. It is such an encouragment, moment by moment, to see a glimpse of Jacob peeping through the hardware. His precious smile will surface soon, for sure!
Please continue to pray for Jacob and his family...Especially for wisdom and insight regarding the care for Jacob on that beautiful day the doctors say he can go home. Accommodations will be necessary for a while until the halo is removed, so please remember that in your prayers.
Lord, we are thankful for your gracious presence and constant care. What an amazing Father you are to us! Thank you for the loving, caring parents you have given Jacob, and thank you for the gift of Jacob you have given them...and us. We ask your continued blessings on these precious lives as they continue the journey with you as their Guide.
Plans are to move him from ICU to a regular room today and begin feeding him meals...one step at a time. (The ice chips, sprite and graham crackers held well yesterday.) The med drip has been removed, and he is now on oral meds for pain. However, when asked if he is in pain, he says, "No, but I don't feel good." The physical therapist are working with him now and making adjustments to the halo.
You know, "Boys will be boys," so they say...His Nana asked him which of his favorite toys would he like first as a gift, and he replied, "dinosaur." Granny asked if he wants deviled eggs, and he said, "yes." Dinosaurs and deviled eggs...life just doesn't get any better than that for boys! He still wants the hugs and prayers, according to mom and dad. What a precious gift God has given Ken and Donna! We anticipate the moment that he asks to play his DS game, which is his favorite thing to do. It is such an encouragment, moment by moment, to see a glimpse of Jacob peeping through the hardware. His precious smile will surface soon, for sure!
Please continue to pray for Jacob and his family...Especially for wisdom and insight regarding the care for Jacob on that beautiful day the doctors say he can go home. Accommodations will be necessary for a while until the halo is removed, so please remember that in your prayers.
Lord, we are thankful for your gracious presence and constant care. What an amazing Father you are to us! Thank you for the loving, caring parents you have given Jacob, and thank you for the gift of Jacob you have given them...and us. We ask your continued blessings on these precious lives as they continue the journey with you as their Guide.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Jacob's Journey: Steps of Healing
It's those tiny steps we look for, isn't it? Jacob asked for crackers and all they could find were saltine crackers. Donna placed it in his mouth and he frowned then gave it back! Too, cute...at least we know Jacob still has his taste! Dad went on a mission all over Duke Hospital to find his favorite, Graham Crackers, and came back with a box full. Daddy, the hero!
This will be the first thing he has eaten other than ice chips and sprite. Let's pray he will be able to digest properly and all will go well. He's getting a roommate right now, so Donna and Ken had to leave his side. We finally convinced them to go to the cafeteria for some dinner. Now, if we can just twist Ken's arm to get some sleep! Donna rested in hotel for a couple of hours today, so she's got her wind for the moment.
Lord, may the wind of Your Holy Spirit continue to push them with strength for their steps!
This will be the first thing he has eaten other than ice chips and sprite. Let's pray he will be able to digest properly and all will go well. He's getting a roommate right now, so Donna and Ken had to leave his side. We finally convinced them to go to the cafeteria for some dinner. Now, if we can just twist Ken's arm to get some sleep! Donna rested in hotel for a couple of hours today, so she's got her wind for the moment.
Lord, may the wind of Your Holy Spirit continue to push them with strength for their steps!
Jacob's Journey: Steps of Healing
Jacob Rhodes was transported from the operation room to Pediatrics ICU at Duke Hospital last night at apprx 8:00pm. He was sedated good throughout the night and rested well with the occasional alertness to gesture for drink and pointing to the tubes. The procedure to intubate took two hours, so Medical Staff was prepared for the possibility of a challange with extubation. They called the team of fiber optic specialists, respiratory specialists, and anesthesiologist. After on a few moments, the nurse came to the hallway saying, "They're done. We even got a high five!" Praise the Lord! She said the team just stood by and watched as one removed it. I believe God had them to call the team to witness His Glory as HE removed it with such ease! Well, Glory to God!
Jacob does have a halo, and it will be necessary to have that for a couple of weeks. They expect to transfer him from ICU to a regular room tomorrow morning, if things continue to progress as they have so far. He has been able to eat some ice chips and sip some sprite. He is asking for hugs and prayers from Mom & Dad! He is just starting to say he does not feel well and has pushed the button for pain meds. Eventhough it is difficult to know he is experiencing the pains of the journey, we have grateful hearts that he is feeling this and responding appropriately! Again, Praise the Lord!
One more, of the many, God moment reflecting the favor of God the family has been experiencing. They had prepared to harvest bone from his hip to place in the back of his head. This was necessary to give the plate and rods something to attach to...BUT GOD...had enough in the bone bank that it was NOT necessary to touch his hip. Well, Glory to God, again!
Jacob still has a number of steps to complete healing, but we all know that God can make those steps strong and secure through HIS mercy, grace and love. Please continue to pray for strength for Jacob and the family as they continue on this journey.
Jacob does have a halo, and it will be necessary to have that for a couple of weeks. They expect to transfer him from ICU to a regular room tomorrow morning, if things continue to progress as they have so far. He has been able to eat some ice chips and sip some sprite. He is asking for hugs and prayers from Mom & Dad! He is just starting to say he does not feel well and has pushed the button for pain meds. Eventhough it is difficult to know he is experiencing the pains of the journey, we have grateful hearts that he is feeling this and responding appropriately! Again, Praise the Lord!
One more, of the many, God moment reflecting the favor of God the family has been experiencing. They had prepared to harvest bone from his hip to place in the back of his head. This was necessary to give the plate and rods something to attach to...BUT GOD...had enough in the bone bank that it was NOT necessary to touch his hip. Well, Glory to God, again!
Jacob still has a number of steps to complete healing, but we all know that God can make those steps strong and secure through HIS mercy, grace and love. Please continue to pray for strength for Jacob and the family as they continue on this journey.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Jacob's Journey
4:55pm - still waiting. The first part of the surgery has been completed, and they have started on the next part. The halo has been positioned and he is doing good...we still wait...to see the Miracles God has in store for this journey.
Jacob's Journey
It's 12:06pm...Jacob was taken back for surgery approximately 10:50am...we are waiting for them to come and inform us that the surgery has actually started. Waiting...one of the hardest parts of this journey. Jacob was nervous when we arrived at Duke's Childrens Hosptial this morning, but they gave him some "happy juice" to settle his nerves. Donna said he was snoring and relaxed when they took him to prep for surgery. Stay tuned for more of Jacob's journey...
Psalm 146:5 "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God,"
Thank you, Lord for being our hope as you take care of Jacob.
Please say a special prayer for his parents, Ken & Donna Rhodes, for the peace and patience during this wait. Estimated surgery time is 6-8 hours. For details regarding his surgery, visit reflectionsofjehovah.injesus.com and view October 16th's post: Ability within Disability.
Psalm 146:5 "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God,"
Thank you, Lord for being our hope as you take care of Jacob.
Please say a special prayer for his parents, Ken & Donna Rhodes, for the peace and patience during this wait. Estimated surgery time is 6-8 hours. For details regarding his surgery, visit reflectionsofjehovah.injesus.com and view October 16th's post: Ability within Disability.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Where does time go?
September 8th?!?! I can't believe that was the last time I posted here. I knew it had been a good while, but my, I had no idea. Since that time, I've had another awakening moment concerning time...a birthday. Wow...43. I know that is still young, believe me, yet I can barely believe that time has flown so fast. Where does the time go? What do we do with it?
Lately, I've felt the Holy Spirit nudge me about what I do with all the hours He grants me in a day. Unfortunately, I'm not very wise with handing it. I'm a horrible procrastinator...well, actually I'm a great procratinator but it is a horrible thing! I know, I know, join the club, right? But you know the Word, really does speak strongly against that and laziness (can you have one without the other?) in Proverbs specifically.
Proverbs 26:13-16 - "The lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!" As the door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly." I can't help but visualize that while the man is turning in his bed the lion is jumping through the window for his attack! Then, notice that he could starve to death with his food right there in his hand. Do you see how his eyes are blinded by the deceit of his own reasoning?
Proverbs 22:13 says, "The lazy man says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets." Ok, anyone notice an association between the laziness and the lion - Powerful & destructive? It seems to me the point is: with excuses there is no victory.
One more proverb..."The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare." (21:25-26) According to this, if we are to live righteously, then we should be giving unsparingly...give our time, our talents, our resources, our love, our mercy, our forgiveness to others, our forgiveness to self! (Hello, anyone catch that?) Giving forgiveness to ourselves for our shortcomings instead of condemning ourselves when we miss the mark. Recognize it, ask God's forgiveness if it is sin, forgive yourself, turn from it and move forward in the walk and works of faith and righteousness. When we refuse to work for what we desire, we lie down surrendering to death - deserting our dreams.
Making the best use of our time is certainly one way to combat the urge of laziness. Doing it now instead of later and doing away with excuses, justifications and rationalization will give us the productive life Jesus desires us to enjoy. However, we must keep balance in all that we do. We must never become so busy with our time that we neglect getting away to a solitude place with our Lord...up on a mountain side, in a boat, or even a garden. Jesus set the example for us to follow...take TIME to communicate with God.
Lately, I've felt the Holy Spirit nudge me about what I do with all the hours He grants me in a day. Unfortunately, I'm not very wise with handing it. I'm a horrible procrastinator...well, actually I'm a great procratinator but it is a horrible thing! I know, I know, join the club, right? But you know the Word, really does speak strongly against that and laziness (can you have one without the other?) in Proverbs specifically.
Proverbs 26:13-16 - "The lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!" As the door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly." I can't help but visualize that while the man is turning in his bed the lion is jumping through the window for his attack! Then, notice that he could starve to death with his food right there in his hand. Do you see how his eyes are blinded by the deceit of his own reasoning?
Proverbs 22:13 says, "The lazy man says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets." Ok, anyone notice an association between the laziness and the lion - Powerful & destructive? It seems to me the point is: with excuses there is no victory.
One more proverb..."The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare." (21:25-26) According to this, if we are to live righteously, then we should be giving unsparingly...give our time, our talents, our resources, our love, our mercy, our forgiveness to others, our forgiveness to self! (Hello, anyone catch that?) Giving forgiveness to ourselves for our shortcomings instead of condemning ourselves when we miss the mark. Recognize it, ask God's forgiveness if it is sin, forgive yourself, turn from it and move forward in the walk and works of faith and righteousness. When we refuse to work for what we desire, we lie down surrendering to death - deserting our dreams.
Making the best use of our time is certainly one way to combat the urge of laziness. Doing it now instead of later and doing away with excuses, justifications and rationalization will give us the productive life Jesus desires us to enjoy. However, we must keep balance in all that we do. We must never become so busy with our time that we neglect getting away to a solitude place with our Lord...up on a mountain side, in a boat, or even a garden. Jesus set the example for us to follow...take TIME to communicate with God.
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