Twists and Turns

Life is full of twists and turns. As I look back and reflect over the last couple of years, I think about the things that we have seen and experienced that I never could have dreamed were even possible, things that are just bizarre. Watching my only son go through a near death experience, come out of a coma, and begin the path of recovery from a brain injury. It's just bizarre! An unexpected twist on the path of life. 

Then to walk through the most stressful and heartbreaking church crisis I have ever been a part of. To see people turn on each other, watch people get hurt, watch pride pull people apart, and watch tremendous damage occur within the Bride of Christ - how bizarre! It all seems so surreal. Unbelievable. Who could have ever dreamed up the things that would have happened in the last couple of years?

The journey through these valleys has brought us to this point. Looking back down the path we see indescribable devastation. We also see unexpected highlights and blessings that we never would have experienced or appreciated had they not been surrounded by these circumstances. I helped Garren walk with his walker yesterday. We went 1/2 mile in about 45 minutes. Amazing progress! 

Looking forward into the fog, we beg God to give us a sense of what's next. We seek His face, asking for direction. But all we seem to get from Him is "just take another step." One more step. We trust His leading, but sometimes it's hard to take another step, not knowing where it will lead.

Our journey has been, and will continue to be full of twists and turns. We will never really know for sure what's next, no matter how well we think we have planned our journey. This is all another great reminder that God is in control, and we are not. God's plans are better than our plans. No matter what the next step of our journey brings our way, we can know that our God and Father already knows, and will lead us through it; all we have to do is trust Him and follow Him, each step of the way.

Happy Birthday Garren!

Last Tuesday was Garren's 16th birthday. So hard to believe! Garren continues to progress and get stronger. Our greatest prayer continues to be for him to swallow.

On Saturday Garren invited some friends over for a birthday party. It was so much fun to have these guys come and hang out. While they were here, the "blizzard" hit outside. Next thing we knew, they were all outside playing basketball in the snow! Several of them (including Garren) refusing to wear a coat!

O well, boys will be boys! They had a good time.

2 Years Ago Today...

2 years ago today our lives were traumatically rocked when Garren was rushed to the ER with a bleed in his brain. So much has happened. Garren has come such a long way. Here is a picture of him one year ago:

Here is what I wrote about that picture: "Here's Garren today. He can stand with the help of his crutches all by himself for about a minute or so. He did this for the first time this week!"
It's amazing to look back over even the past year and see the amazing progress that has been made. As I've mentioned before, when you are in the middle of it everyday, it can seem slow and agonizing. But looking back, we have so much to be thankful for.

Today Garren is able to walk for up to 45 minutes on the treadmill. We walk a minimum of 5 days a week. He has also started seeing a personal trainer 2 times a week. Garren is involved in the student group at church. He helps run production (lights) for the Sunday Morning middle school service, and he attends the high school service on Sunday evenings. He is doing very well in school, working on homework, and hanging out with friends. We are so proud of him.

Here's he is now:

We are very thankful and continue to give God the glory for all He has done for us over the last couple of years. We will continue to press on, praying daily for Garren to swallow and to walk on his own one day. Thank you for taking this journey with us, and for your prayers and encouragement.