Earlier this week Garren told us he doesn't like therapy. I can understand why. It's hard work. I told him he needs to look at it like football practice. Even though the coaches are hard on him, they are pushing him to help him get better. He said he feels like sometimes we expect him to do things he can't do. I explained again, that yes, it may feel like that. But we are pushing him to help him get stronger. This is the first time I have seen this kind of discouragement in Garren. It's hard.
Yesterday, someone graciously offered tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 after reading this blog, and hearing Garren's story. What a generous offer! But the more Nancy and I discussed it, we're just not sure it would be a great idea. We would be in the heat of the sun for a good 4 hours, then another four hours of dark after the sun sets. I explained this to Garren, that he would probably be uncomfortable most of the time. See, this is the harshness of his reality. He is so gracious and understanding. He said "Keep the tickets and take Kara." Then he broke down. Nancy and I did to. I put my arms around him and we hugged. These are the times I want to scream. I want to go somewhere and yell. I feel an anger deep within. I just want to make it all better! Now. I told him again: "We cannot give up, we have to fight through this. God brought this into our lives, and He has a greater purpose for it. It's hard on all of us, but we realize it's hardest on you, because it happened to you. Just don't give up."
We will continue to fight. We will prevail. We will do anything and everything in our power to get Garren the best help we can find.
Right now we are waiting on two very important phone calls. One from the speech therapist who will hopefully be able to administer the vital-stim that Garren so desperately needs to be able to learn to swallow again. The other is for a bed in rehab to open up. We did find out that there will be no beds available this week. So we will wait another week.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
15 comments:
Thanks for sharing...I was wondering how it is going...now that reality has set in....however, "reality" is not something new or strange to God...we must remember, Garren, that your God has a perfect plan for you...and that He loves you Garren...this trial that you are in does not discourage God, so don't let it discourage you...you have come so far...keep trusting your mom and dad...they are trusting in our God as well...you can do all things through Christ who gives to you the strength...not some things, but ALL....praying & loving, Sandy & Russ
Garren, I can only imagine the frustration you feel. I wish I could take this from you too! I know one of your mom's favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11. I cling to that not only for me and my family, but also for you! God is doing great things through you already and I can't wait to see the bigger picture one day. Do don't give up, cling to our hope in Christ! Love you guys, Mauri, Jeff, & kids
I just had knee replacement surgery May 3rd, I have to do physical therapy 2 - 3X's a week. I can identify a little more with Garren than before the surgery, as I have entered a tiny portion of his reality concerning rehab and how painful and hard it is to go through. Every time I knew the PT was coming I cried. I cried because I knew what was coming and I knew I just couldn't do it on my own, I needed the Lord's power to show up in my weakness, so that's how I pray, and the Lord has yet to fail me. I also know of the discouragement Garren feels, the devil throws his fiery darts when we are feeling our weakest, so now there is a fight with self and Satan. Do some stern self-talking Garren, don't give up, there is an end to this trial, when? I don't know, but this too shall pass. I will step up prayers for you all, such a heart-wrenching situaltion for the entire family and our hearts ache with you. Our God is a Stronghold, a Refuge, a Strong Tower, A shield about us, on and on, He will carry you through when you can't take another step.
Father God,
How we cry out on this family's behalf! You see their tears and know their pain, You do not turn Your eyes and ears from seeing and hearing it all. Please continue to shed Your grace and mercy on the Janes' family. Bring encouragers into their lives. After the initial hooplah they are left when a long road of reality and they cannot carry this burden alone. Remind Your people to carry a portion to make their load lighter. May they take Your yoke upon them, for Your yoke is easy and Your burden light when we are yoked together with the All-Mighty God. In Christ alone we pray, Amen.
Lochridge Family along with the Metrocrest Presbyterian Saints that are praying for you.
Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with you all. I know how hard life can be in general, without having to deal with things like what is going on in your lives now. Just remember our God is faithful and is by your side each breath of the way...he has promised never to leave or forsake us and we can rely on that like nothing else of this world. Love you all in Christ,
Janet & Max Haigler <><
Love and prayers for you, Garren! It hurts my heart to know you are discouraged. The young man I saw Monday evening is a fighter and I know the discouragement will pass and you will fight on. God is with you every moment along the path. I am praying for you and love you so much!
Pastor, we have not and will not stop praying. Thanks for your transparency.
Garren and family, thank you for allowing us to see the good days along with the tough days. We as a family continue to pray for you guys and now you have given us just one more thing to pray specifically about....thank you! We love and care about each and everyone of you and will continue to pray and lift you all up. The Grotophorst Family.
The DeMaio family continues to pray for you Garren and Janes family. Thanks for your honesty so that we continue to know how to pray for God to meet you where you are, as He always does.
Garren - today I speak for those who read but who don't write to you because they don't know what to say.... Please know you are loved, respected, prayed for, cared for by many many people around the world following your story. Your progress is amazing. You can do all things!!! To the Janes family - tears come to my eyes each time I read the updates.... we feel so helpless.... please reach out anytime - I am sure everyone will jump at the chance to help in anyway needed.... few know what to offer but many will stand and do stand by your sides, silently, daily, in prayer, and in ways not known yet.... Much love, the Owens family
You are reaching people hourly with your story and your honesty is inspiring. Garren, you are strong and you have the strength of Jesus to guide you along the way. What a wonderful family you have. We may never know in this lifetime why God has brought us to a particular point, but we know this, he chose you for a particular reason and I bet it is because of your strength and determination. Clear eyes and full hearts Garren!
1 Corinthians 2
1. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Let our faith reflect this word today and the impossible will become all possible in Jesus name because we serve a mighty God who will glorify himself through you Garren !
Garren, I know from football you are a competitor with a heart of a champion. Be strong, keep pushing and working. We can't wait to see what God will do with and through you.
Geoffrey, We continue to pray for your family and for Garren's complete healing. I know that so often we all quote Bible versus to you in hopes that you will find strength. I have learned to read Rm 5:3-5 in the quiet and difficult times in our lives. The health of a child is one of the most difficult things we can deal with. You and your family continue to be not just a light for CHRIST but you have all become more of a TORCH for CHRIST. Please know that in your difficulty you & your family are showing so many others how to live a life that CHRIST will one day say, "Well done good and faithful servant." We love you and continue to be on our knees for you. Mark, Cindy, Nyan, Dominic & Sophie Cianciosa
Good morning family...it is Friday...how are you doing, Garren? Just as the Steelers had to train to get them to the fine team that they are, so you must not give in and quit when you are frustrated....dreams are made from a lot of hard work...our body of believers "dream" is for you to be whole again...love & prayers, Sandy & Russ
Wow! What you are going through...patience and endurance are such understatements. Please know that there are people praying for healing for your son even up here in Canada still. We pray for you and feel for you. Wish we could do something more. God bless you.
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