Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Talking with John takes a good deal of patience and perseverence on the part of him and the person with whom he is talking. At this time on the ventilator he cannot use his voice box as the air goes straight from his neck into his lungs. This means that although his lips form the words no sound comes out. Did you know that sounds as different as "f"' and "n" look pretty much the same when there is no sound to go along with the shape of the lips? We get on a roll for a while and can have quite a conversation but John has quite a vocabulary and doesn't just stick to one or two syllable words and it is easy to get lost. When nothing else works then we spell out words but even that doesn't always work as I don't always get the right letter. At that point I ask if it is in the first or second half of the alphabet and then run through the letters until he nods at the right one. Either that or he says "that's okay, it doesn't really matter". It is really hard if he is trying to tell a joke. However mostly we persevere and have good conversations and lots of laughs.
This reminds me so much of our Meica....do you remember she only had four sounds that she could make, but was a four year old girl with so much to say. I am often glad that God gave her a healthy dose of determination, as she would persevere long after I was ready to give up. This same determination to "do" and "be" and "keep up" serves her well as she accomplishes many a difficult task. God really does give us everything we need!! I have just had to learn to trust in this fact....sounds familiar,eh?
ReplyDeleteBible study was good last night.Susan took over for next time and I think Tom was very much releaved(?).I'm going back to Herondell B&B for the last time this month. Laverne your mom came yesterday and got some green tomatoes to make relish. We didn't see her because we went to Ingrid's house. We miss you a lot.Our prayers are with you always as you wrote we trust in God. Susan said yesterday I wonder when God reveals the lesson that we have to learn. God's blessings showered on all of you. Love Inge-Lore
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Salmon Arm! We have internet here and have been checking out your progress daily, John. Our hearts and prayers are with you John and Laverne as we enjoy our holiday visiting friends. We had a night of song Saturday night teaching new songs to our church friends out here. We had a piano, two guitars, and a chorus of about eight voices. It was great! We are one in Christ. There was a non-christian couple there who really enjoyed the music too.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you and plan to visit again when we come through Vancouver on the way to Victoria. Love Lee & Don
John, Laverne and Katie--As I read Tuesday's Post I was so vividly reminded of how God's lessons are so unique--and so personal--they are filled with "can do's" instead of "I can't's" because "can do's" are a result of searching out amazing alternatives--while relying totally on God's strength and faithfulness. I was in a car accident 8 years ago and incurred a permanent brain injury. Clinging to God and embracing a rock solid marriage, we do many, many things "differently" now. How I adored the way you described conversation with John! I have to put special noise blockers in my ears at times to help me interact better in group situations--slowly, and surely I am becoming more adept at reading lips--and when I can't quite understand--well, the result can be quite hilarious. We don't know you well, but you are a brother, sister, and little sister in the Lord--that's enough to bond us--we are lifting each one of you up to the Lord--His magnificent Presence surrounds you--individually, and together. Love in Christ, Kathie Pritchard
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