A Hard Day's Night

Jon and Paul moving railroad ties for their mom's Blessed Mary Rose Garden


When I came across this picture, it reminded me that when we carry our crosses in life, while we may not be cognizant of it, Jesus is always there to help us. We are never alone in our trials or joys. Jesus waits for us to acknowledge His presence in all things.
Is 41:13
I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, "fear not, I will help you." We are told that God's hand is in all things. That truth has been shown to us in so many ways. When I read all the comments that have been posted, it proves that God's hand is mightier than all. The testiments of faith and the words of encouragement and love show that it is God's hand guiding this whole occurence. I sit in wonder at how beautiful the love of God is and how much MORE awesome it really is. My human brain cannot conceive of the enormity of what His love truly is in its fullness. But I have seen your love and what it has done for our family. In the book of Ecclesiastes, 4: 9-10, "Two are better than one; they get a good wage for their labor. If one falls, the other will lift up his companion. Woe to the solitary man! For if he should fall, he has no one to lift him up." You have all been a part of lifting Paul and EACH OTHER back up, which makes us all better disciples of the Lord - in a world so desparately in need of God's laborers.

So on to the news of how your prayers have lifted Paul to new heights!

First, we were told that Paul would hopefully have control over his bladder nearer the time he would come home. While this is a very personal topic, I will end it quickly by saying Paul kept tapping me with his foot as I stood at the end of his bed. I thought he was just being fidgety and so I held his foot still, while gently saying "it's okay Paul." Then I noticed he was using his hand to motion to me. So I asked him what was wrong. He started to point to the bathroom door. I asked him "do you want to use the rest room?" He pointed his finger at the door again, so I got a nurse and we took him to the restroom. The fact that his brain was able to make the connections is huge. He had to solve the problem without being able to speak or walk on his own. We were told that Paul was struggling with this task of making all the connections in accomplishing a task. He may see a tooth brush, know what it is used for, be able to pick it up, but not be able to make his hand do the actual brushing. There can be 3-4 different parts of accomplishing tasks and this will be an area he will need help. But he definitely made all the right connections to solve the issue of bathroom use - and about 4 weeks ahead of schedule. Big Smile!

Then, we were waiting for his dinner and my cell phone rang. It was his brother James, so I told Paul who it was. He motioned to give the phone to him, so I did and he placed it at his ear. I leaned close to the phone and told Jim that Paul was listening, to go ahead and say hello. Paul tried to talk to Jim, and while he didn't say actual words, Jim was able to hear his voice. Again when Geneva called, Paul held the phone and tried to talk to her. When James and Geneva said goodbye, Paul handed the phone back to me! He sat very still while he was on the phone, and did not fidget with anything, like he had been doing all day. He was very intent, which was terrific in itself. He had been very restless and was almost constantly moving his hands and legs.

Later, I was trying to get a CD to play in his portable CD player (I sadly admit, I didn't know how to use it) and he motioned for me to give it to him. He immediately turned it on and sat quietly while listening. He took the earphones off and handed them to me. The CD was still playing, so I listened to what song it was, and it was the one he and I both really like. He had wanted me to hear it!

All of this happened in about an hour and 1/2. I left the hospital last night crying as I drove away. I was so joyous in the great blessings that have been bestowed on us and in wonderment that God has been so loving - beyond anything I thought could happen. I am trying to find the quiet time each day to listen more closely to what God's will is in my life, because this continues to be a huge wake up call to me. This has not been a gentle nudge - as I told the family - God has really rattled our cage. WE NEED TO LISTEN TO HIM.

Today, join our family in prayers of thanksgiving for all that has been seen and heard.
"Alleluia, alleluia. Raise your voice and tell the Good News/ Behold, the Lord God comes with power."
His power is for everyone, so we also keep your personal intentions in our hearts and prayers daily.
Love,
Jon and Rebecca Fidero