Update #119

On Friday night around 11:00 p.m., I got a message that one of my girls was on her way to the ER with a bloody nose and high fever. At 4:30 on Saturday morning, she was diagnosed with leukemia. It was frighteningly amazing how that turn of events brought rushing back every single feeling of those first few hours and days after Dave's accident and how much empathy and compassion I was able to have for her and her family as a result (try 2 Corinthians 1). At the same time, in the midst of a new trauma, it was incredible to be able to look at Dave and remember how far he has come since that first night. Trying to see the sunshine through the shadows...

Dave has had a good weekend. Jen was in town (sans family this time), so the four Heckels got to spend quite a bit of time together, including some quality time on the Wii. Although he has not been sleeping great (we found out last week that his sleeping med had been switched when he got to Drake and nobody ever mentioned it to us), he seems to be energetic and in good spirits. His wound vac started leaking this afternoon, so it will be changed tomorrow, but it still managed a full five days between changes.

Overall, more steps in the right direction. Continue praying for his back - it is still causing him quite a bit of pain - and his breathing, which is still preventing him from making more substantial progress in PT/OT. Also, if you think of it, please pray for my girl Liz and her family as they get ready to begin the long road of cancer treatment (for updates on Liz, go to http://glittergirlliz.blogspot.com/).

His Spirit, His will, His peace, His glory...